HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The City of Houston is bringing in an outside contractor to help with permitting, plan reviews, inspections, and code enforcement as officials say growing workloads have overwhelmed existing resources.

Houston City Council unanimously approved an agreement Tuesday allowing SAFEbuilt Texas LLC to provide on-demand services for Houston Public Works.

The agreement gives the city spending authority of up to $20. 4 million over five years.