City of Colleyville - Certificate of Occupancy

Certificate of Occupancy

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.

What is a certificate of occupancy?

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

When is a C/O required

The Zoning regulations require a Certificate of Occupancy prior to the occupancy 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, except for single family dwellings or when there is an ownership change or business name change.

Use and occupancy

Colleyville is divided into several zoning districts and each zoning district allows certain types of business activities. Please contact the Colleyville Planning and Zoning Office for a copy of the Land Use Tables if there are any questions regarding whether a proposed use is allowed at a particular location.

The Colleyville building code may place further restrictions on a proposed use or require special construction techniques where a hazardous use is proposed to provide separation from an adjacent use.

The issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy shall not be construed as an approval of a violation of the provisions of the building code or other City ordinances of the jurisdiction.

What is required to obtain a c/o?

A retail business is required to provide a copy of the Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit at time of 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 section of the permit.

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.

What do I need to apply for a C/O?

Application for a Certificate of Occupancy may be filed with the Building Official at the Building Permit Office located at City Hall. The following items are required for submittal of an application for a Certificate of Occupancy.

A completed and signed Certificate of Occupancy application.
Two sets of floor plans of the building or lease space, fully dimensioned, indicating all exit doors, windows, walls, and the intended use of each room
Original Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit
Payment of the Certificate of Occupancy fee - $47.00

How long does it take to obtain a c/o?

The Plans Examiner 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, but the process normally can take from three days to three weeks depending upon the complexity of the review and the extent of the proposed building modifications.

Typically, a view on retail lease space can be completed within five days. Plan reviews are done in the order received by the City.

Inspections

The following is a list of most frequently encountered areas of non-compliance during the Certificate of Occupancy inspection. This in no way constitutes a complete list.

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 open without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort from the egress side.
Appropriate exit sign must be in place and to code.
No open electrical wiring is allowed. All junction boxes, outlets and switches must have covers in place. Break 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.
One lease space may have one electrical service except under very special conditions. If two lease spaces are being combined, it is likely that the electrical services will have to be combined. An electrical permit is required to combine electrical services.
Parking lots must contain an adequate number of spaces including at least one van accessible disabled space and wheelchair curb ramp. Must have handicap sign 60-inches above grade in front of parking space. The entrance of the business must be wheelchair accessible.
All plumbing must meet the plumbing code.
All plumbing drain openings without an approved P-trap must be plugged or capped in a permanent condition.
No copper gas connections are allowed. All gas connectors must be AGA approved.
Restaurants must submit plans to the Tarrant County Public Health Department and be approved.
Restaurants require 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 lane must be clearly stripped: 6-inch red strip with 4-inch letters “No Parking Fire Lane”.

Call to request the C/O inspection

When the building is ready for use, call the Inspection Recorder at (817) 503-1035 to request the final C/O inspection. Be sure to call in the inspection request before 8:00 a.m. within 24-hours of your request for inspection. Any call received after 8:00 a.m. will be made the following day.

Leave the following information on the recorder:
Your name
A C/O inspection is requested
Address of your business
Name of the business

If you desire to schedule a specific time for your inspection, you must make arrangements with the Building Official by callling (817) 503-1030 between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.

Special note for restaurants

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) 871-

Important Phone Numbers

Economic Development Manager (817) 503-1060
Inspection Recorder (817) 503-1035
Building Official (817) 503-1030
Building Inspection FAX (817) 503-1039
Zoning Office (817) 503-1050
Public Health Department (817) 871-7510

Sunday, May 18, 2008