Pre-Development Checklist

Starting a new project involves many moving pieces. To simplify the process, the City created a pre-development checklist to help applicants understand key requirements before submission. By outlining items such as zoning, site conditions, utilities, and required documents, the checklist helps identify issues early, reduce delays, and improve communication. It serves as a starting point to make the development process more straightforward and predictable.

A commercial property with numbers that correspond to the features outlined in the numbered list

*Layout depicted for illustrative purposes only

  1. Property Lines: Knowing the location of your property lines is important for the placement of the structure and identifying required setbacks. If exact property corners cannot be located, it may be necessary to perform a survey of the property. The City does not provide this service; surveys are performed by third-party surveyors.

  2. Plat: Development is permitted on a single platted lot. A new plat is required if the property contains multiple lots that need to be combined into one lot, or if it is one platted lot that will be sold as multiple lots before, during, or after construction. Plats may be required for other reasons, such as utility access. For more information on the platting process, visit Planning Services subdivision regulations.

  3. Building Permit: Inspection Services issues permits for all new construction and remodeling projects to ensure construction is in conformance with the adopted minimum building standard codes and amendments.

  4. Setback Requirements: Each zoning district has certain building setback requirements. Properties located on the corner of two public streets must provide a front building setback on both street frontages. There are also requirements for distances between multiple buildings on the same lot in some zoning districts. Setbacks can be discussed more thoroughly with Planning Services or Inspection Services at (254) 750-5612.

  5. Parking Requirements: Parking requirements differ based on the allowed use of the property. A table of off-street parking requirements for permitted and special uses can be found in Sec. 28-1021 of the Zoning Ordinance.

  6. Signs: Signs are permitted separately from building permits. Permanent and temporary signs are regulated based on the type, location (on or off premises, attached or detached), and zoning district. Only licensed sign contractors may obtain permits for and install permanent signs. Additional information can be found in Article VIII of Chapter 28 of the City's Code of Ordinances.

  7. Landscaping/Buffering: All newly constructed or expanded commercial structures must conform with the landscaping and buffering requirements found in the City's Zoning Ordinance.

  8. Stormwater: A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan may be needed, which ensures that construction activities comply with state or federal stormwater permits by implementing measures to reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff. To learn more, visit Stormwater.

  9. Health Permit: If food products are prepared or sold on the property, a health permit must be obtained from Environmental Health.

  10. Fire: There are certain requirements for Fire and Public Safety, including exterior points of entry being located within a certain distance of all-weather surfaces and fire hydrants, sprinkling requirements, aerial access, 26 feet wide fire lanes, etc. For more information, visit the Fire Department.

  11. Sanitation: There are certain requirements for sanitation or refuse, including access to dumpsters, screening, and access for service vehicles to enter and exit headfirst. For further details, visit the Solid Waste Department.

  12. Utilities/Right of Way: Any work in the City's right of way (ROW), including public access easements, such as a drive approach or sidewalk, requires a ROW permit from the Engineering Department.

  13. Moving into an Existing Storefront: When starting a new business and/or moving a business into a new space, a Certificate of Occupancy is needed for the new location. To receive a Certificate of Occupancy, go through a Commercial Check to ensure that the space is safe and compatible with the intended use.

Additional Planning Items to Consider

  • Zoning: Every piece of land inside the city limits is zoned for certain uses. Check with Planning Services to confirm the zoning and land use of your property. If the desired use is not permitted in the property's zoning district, apply for a zoning change to a different zoning district through Planning Services.

  • Special Use Permit: Certain uses require the approval of special use permits, which are obtained through Planning Services.

  • Special Zoning Overlay Districts: If the property falls within a designated Overlay District, it may be subject to additional design regulations that address the desired form of development and issues unique to the specific area. An overlay can include increased regulations or restrictions.

  • Variance: A variance is a special exception that may be granted by the Zoning Board of Adjustments. In order to grant a variance from an ordinance requirement, the Board must find that a hardship condition exists which is unique, necessary, not only a financial hardship, and was not created by the owner.

  • Floodplain/Floodway: Certain building restrictions apply to properties that are located within the floodplain or floodway. The Building Official and the Floodplain Administrator can make an official determination regarding the property's location in relation to the floodplain or floodway.

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