This is what you would use to see what zoning and/or past permits were pulled.  

There's a tree that can be removed without requiring a permit, and it probably has 2+ years before it grows large enough that we would need a permit.  

He says replacing the motor would cost about $700-900 and it's not certain that it'll fix the problem, Installing new one would be like $4K with permits etc....The furnace currently installed is:Borg WarnerModel# UK8060-21Serial# 3398 m4It's probably an original heater from 1978 when the duplex was built.

Depending on the extent of bathroom rehab and the concrete driveway, you may also need to pull permits which are additional costs and depending on the lender, be required to have a licensed contractor do/sign the work.Best of luck.

2)  Who handled city permits/ codes compliance/ ect..?

In general, a city won't issue a certificate of occupancy if there are outstanding issues (violations, open permits, whatever else).

Talk to the municipality that would issue a permit.

It's on a lagoon, which may need some serious work in 2019 when the permit is up.  

If you are doing any work that requires permits, electrical, plumbing or roofing then yes, you will have to use a licensed Contractor. 

HCAD is responsible for listing improvements(buildings & structures) on a property; however due to the size of the county some additions aren't picked up until a couple of years later and sometimes longer especially if the owner didn't pull proper permits.