Boarding Home Facility

Any home that qualifies as a Boarding Home Facility must have a City permit before it begins operating.

What Counts as a Boarding Home Facility?

Under Chapter 260 of the state Health and Safety Code, a Boarding Home Facility is a business that:

  • provides lodging, in one building or several, to three or more elderly residents or persons with disabilities who are not related to the owner by blood or marriage; and
  • offers services such as the ones below, while providing no personal care services:
    • Shared meals
    • Light housekeeping
    • Cooking and meal preparation
    • Transportation
    • Grocery shopping
    • Help managing money
    • Laundry
    • Help with residents taking their own medication

Who Is Exempt from the Boarding Home Ordinance?

The ordinance does not cover:

  • anyone required to be licensed by the state Health and Safety Code under Chapters 142, 242, 246, 247 or 252;
  • anyone that code exempts from licensing through Section 247.004(4), Section 242.003(3), or Section 142.003(a)(19) or (20);
  • hotels, as the state Tax Code defines them in Section 156.001;
  • retirement communities, as defined in Section 11.18 of the state Tax Code;
  • convents and monasteries;
  • child-care facilities, as defined in Section 42.002 of the Human Resources Code;
  • family violence shelters, as defined in Section 51.002 of the Human Resources Code;
  • fraternity and sorority houses and other dormitories tied to a college or university; and
  • any other person or facility that Chapter 260, as amended, exempts.

Application Process

Gather these documents before you apply:

  • Photo identification: a current copy of a government-issued photo ID for every owner, operator, employee and volunteer.
  • Personnel list: the name, role and contact details of each owner, operator, employee and volunteer connected to the home.
  • Business entity records: if the home is run by an LLC, corporation or other entity, proof that the entity is registered along with its formation papers, such as Articles of Incorporation.
  • Right to use the property: a current lease or rental agreement showing you may legally run a boarding home at the address, or, for owners, a property tax bill or an appraisal district statement.
  • Criminal history authorization: signed release forms allowing the City to request state and/or federal criminal history reports for every owner, operator, employee and volunteer.
  • Zoning verification letter: confirmation that the planned use of the property meets the City's Unified Development Code.
  • Failure-to-report affidavits: one from each owner, operator, employee and volunteer acknowledging the penalty for failing to report.

How Do I Apply?

The application packet includes the following forms:

  • State model standards for boarding homes
  • Operator acknowledgement form
  • Employee affidavit
  • Owner affidavit
  • Property owner authorization letter
  • Boarding Home Facility application
  • Criminal history check form (PDF)

Property Standards and Inspections

Model rules apply. The City has adopted the state model rules, as amended, and not following them is an offense.

Which inspections are required?

  • Inspections for the initial permit
  • An inspection each year at permit renewal
  • A yearly fire inspection
  • A yearly kitchen inspection

Inspectors may also check:

  • the outside of the building and the grounds around it; and
  • the inside of the building, when the owner, an occupant or the person in charge gives consent, or under a search warrant.

Will I know about an inspection ahead of time?

Permitting inspections and some follow-up visits may be scheduled in advance. Every other inspection is unannounced, so inspectors can see how the home runs on an ordinary day.

Permitting Resources

Fees

  • First-time permit application: $1,200
  • Yearly permit renewal: $800
  • Reinspection, when required: $75

Application and renewal fees are not refundable.

How long is a permit good for?

Each permit is valid for one year from the day it is issued. Renewal applications are due no later than 30 calendar days before the permit expires.

Can I transfer my permit?

No. If you relocate the home, open additional locations or sell the business to a new operator, a new permit is needed. Permits cannot be moved to another owner, operator or address.

Ordinance

  • Fredville Code of Ordinances, boarding home chapter (PDF)

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