In Fredville, no land, building, structure or suite may be used or occupied, and no existing use or occupancy classification may be changed, until Building Inspections issues a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). Single-family homes are the exception and do not need one.
The owner, the owner's agent or a representative of the business or occupant must submit the CO application. A separate application is needed for every suite, unit, structure or building that has its own electrical service, even when one owner or business manages all of them. Apartment communities may need separate applications for each building, office or service.
Step 1. Prepare your application
- The location address, with the unit or suite number if there is one.
- Information about the business and how it will operate. You will answer the Land Use Questions (PDF) while submitting through the city's online permitting portal.
- A floor plan with dimensions for the space you will occupy, showing how each area will be used and how many square feet it covers. A hand-drawn plan is acceptable if it is easy to read.
- Proof of trash service. Every business must keep solid waste service, so submit the Solid Waste Verification Form, which goes to Health and Environment.
- A health permit, if your business involves preparing, selling, storing or serving food, child care, chemical storage or similar activities.
- Auto-related businesses (ARB) must comply with the city's ARB ordinance and obtain an ARB permit. The permit carries a $30 application fee, paid to Health and Environment by phone at (555) 010-1261 or at City Hall in person, plus a $175 annual fee. The ARB permit packet (PDF) explains the process.
- Note: unlisted equipment has its own installation requirements (PDF); review them before you apply.
Step 2. Apply online
Certificate of Occupancy applications must be filed through Fredville's online permitting portal. New users need a valid email address to register, which takes about five minutes.
Processing typically takes around three business days, not counting the time needed for inspections.
Step 3. Departmental review
- Planning Department: checks zoning to confirm the proposed use is allowed at the location. Zoning questions go to (555) 010-8724.
- Building Inspections: reviews whether the proposed use suits the building, structure or suite under the adopted Building Code. Questions go to (555) 010-2235.
- Health and Environment: reviews the proposed use for health and environmental compliance, for example food preparation, sales, storage or service, child care or chemical storage. Questions go to (555) 010-1261.
Help by phone or in person
If you would like help with your online application, visit Building Inspections in the Development Services area of Fredville City Hall, 100 Civic Center Drive, Fredville, TX 75999, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or call (555) 010-2235.
Fees
You will apply and pay through the city's online permitting portal. The fee is billed after all required departments have reviewed the application.
| Type of CO | Fee |
|---|---|
| New occupant or change of use | $120.00 |
| Business name change only (same owner and use) | $35.00 |
| Ownership change only (same business name and use) | $35.00 |
| Clean and show (vacant space, no occupant) | $35.00 |
Step 4. Inspections
- Building and structural: scheduled by city staff once reviews are finished and the invoice is paid. See the General Compliance Inspection Checklist (PDF). Questions go to (555) 010-2235.
- Basic fire: done at the same visit as the building inspection; see the Fire Basic Inspection Checklist (PDF). Questions go to (555) 010-2235.
- Environmental quality: after paying any fees, contact staff to book this inspection if your use requires it. Questions go to (555) 010-1261.
Depending on the occupancy and use, other departments may also need to inspect:
- Fire technical: checks compliance with the adopted fire code. Questions go to (555) 010-4148.
- Code Compliance: needed for every convenience store and ARB business. Questions go to (555) 010-2786.
- Housing and Neighborhood Services: needed for multifamily properties. Questions go to (555) 010-5402.
- Engineering: required for new construction that needed a public works permit. Questions go to (555) 010-1365.
Note: If the CO is tied to new construction, a remodel or an addition, follow the Permit Close-out Process (PDF) and then apply for the CO as described above.
Step 5. After inspections
When every required inspection has passed, the city sends an electrical release to the electric utility and issues your Certificate of Occupancy.
Open an account with an electricity provider no more than 28 days after the inspection; otherwise the electrical release becomes void.
It is a violation of city ordinance to operate a business unless its Certificate of Occupancy is posted on site.
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