Colleyville, Texas City Hall
Building Inspection Department FAQs
Frequently asked questions about the Building Inspection Department and its procedures.

Q.  What is a Certificate of Occupancy?

A.  A Certificate of Occupancy (C/O) is required by the building code to operate a commercial business in Colleyville.  When a commercial structure is in compliance with all building and fire codes and the proposed business use is allowed by the zoning regulations, the building official is authorized to sign and issue a Certificate of Occupancy.

The Certificate of Occupancy must be posted in a prominent place on the premises and shall not be removed except by the building official.   A new Certificate of Occupancy is required when ownership changes or a new business occupies the premises.

Q.  When is a Certificate of Occupancy required?

A.  The Land Development Code requires a Certificate of Occupancy prior to the occupancy or use of any vacant land or building, or when there is a change in the occupancy of a building.  A C/O is also required upon completion of any new structure or when there is an ownership change or business name change.

Q.  What is required to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy?

A.  A retail business is required to provide a copy of the Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit when applying for the Certificate of Occupancy.  As a condition of receiving a Colleyville Certificate of Occupancy, the business address on the Sales and Use Tax Permit is required to show “Colleyville, Texas 76034” under the business trade name and location address of the permit.

Q.  Where can a Texas Sales Tax and Use Permit be obtained?

A   Texas sales and use tax permit may be obtained at the following office:

     Comptroller of Public Accounts
     4040 Fossil Creek Blvd Suite 100
     Fort Worth TX 76137
     Phone: 817.847.6201
     FAX: 817.847.8821

The information required for a sales tax permit includes your name, address, social security number and type of business. 

Q.  If I serve food, will I also need a health department inspection?

A.  Businesses that plan to serve food or beverages require approval of a health permit from the Tarrant County Public Health Department.  Their telephone number is 817.321.4960.

Q.  What inspections are required?

A.  Typically, the type of inspection will vary from business to business according to the nature of the proposed use and activity in the building.  However, following is a list of the most frequently encountered areas of non-compliance found during the Certificate of Occupancy inspection:
  • Building must be unlocked at the time of inspection.  It is not required that someone is present as long as access to the space is available.
  • Address number, including suite numbers, must be posted on the front and back of building.  Address numbers must be posted on electric meter and gas meter.
  • All required exit doors must be able to be opened without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort from the egress side.
  • Appropriate exit signs must be in place and up to code.
  • No open electrical wiring is allowed.  All junction boxes, outlets and switches must have covers in place.  Breaker panels must be labeled and contain circuit breakers or blanks in each breaker position.
  • Area around equipment and electrical panels must be kept clear for a distance of 36 inches.
  • Parking lots must contain the number of spaces required by the Land Development Code including at least one van-accessible disabled space and wheelchair curb ramp.  It must have a handicapped sign 60 inches above grade in front of parking space. The entrance of the business must be wheelchair accessible.
  • All plumbing drain openings without an approved P-trap must be plugged or capped in a permanent condition.
  • Restaurants require a Type I hood with automatic fire extinguishing system and must be inspected before final C/O.
  • Sprinkler heads are not to be painted, obstructed, or used for support of any decorative material.  An 18-inch clearance must be maintained between any storage and an automatic sprinkler head.
  • Fire lanes must be clearly striped: 6-inch red strip with 4-inch letters “No Parking Fire Lane," as approved by the Fire Department.
Q.  How long does it take to get a Certificate of Occupancy?

A.  The building inspector will review your floor plans to determine compliance with all building, fire, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, health, ADA and zoning codes.

The time it takes to complete the plan review process varies with each application.  The process normally takes from three to 10 days, depending upon the complexity of the review and the extent of the proposed building modifications.

Q.  Are there special regulations to serve or sell alcoholic beverages?

A.  The serving or selling of alcoholic beverages in Colleyville requires approval of a Special Use Permit by the City Council.  Please contact the Colleyville Community Development Department at 817.503.1050, if there are questions regarding on-premises and off-premises consumption or distance requirements from churches and schools.

Q.  Do I have to register as a contractor with the city of Colleyville?

A.  The City of Colleyville does require registration.  Please contact the Building Inspection Department at 817.503.1030 for questions regarding requirements for registering as a contractor.

Q.  What codes has the City of Colleyville adopted?

A.  The City of Colleyville has adopted the 2003 International Codes, which include the International Residential Code, International Building Code, International Plumbing Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Mechanical Code, International Energy Conservation Code, and International Fire Code. In addition, the 2002 National Electrical Code is the adopted electrical code.
 

©2006 City of Colleyville, Texas
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