2005S39-REVISION ARTICLE XVI
ORDINANCE NO.
~5' - c:; -3 CJ
AN ORDINANCE
BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ,
TEXAS AMENDING THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT
CODE (UDq ORDINANCE 96-S-28 BY REVISING
ARTICLE XVI (ADMINISTRATIVE), SECTIONS 3.4 AND
SECTION 5.4. PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND
PROVIDING A REPEALING CLAUSE.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS;
SECTION I
"THAT, UDC Ordinance No. 96-S-28 of the City of Schertz, Texas is hereby amended to delete
Article XVI (Administrative), Section 3.4 and Section 5.4, as per attached."
SECTION II
THAT this Ordinance shall be effective from and after its final passage and any publication
required by the City of Schertz.
\
SECTION III
THAT all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this Ordinance are hereby repealed.
Approved on first reading the 02-;,.,d. day of aD ~ ,2005.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED the / ~ 'fL day of ~
ATTEST:
~~~~~
City ecr ary, ity of SChertz, Texas
(SEAL OF THE CITY)
,2005.
ARTICLE XVI ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
PAGE
SECTION 1 Initiation of Application.......................... .XVI-184
SECTION 2 Submittal and Acceptance....... .... ........ ........ .XVI-184
SECTION 3 Authority to Initiate a Request. .......... ........ .XVI-184
SECTION 4 Application Withdrawal...... ..................... ...XVI-185
SECTION 5 Procedures for Zoning Change....................... .XVI-185
SECTION 6 Public Hearing - Planning and Zoning Commission... ..XVI-187
SECTION 7 Public Hearing - City Council.... ................. ..XVI-189
SECTION 8 Board of Adjustment................................ .XVI-191
SECTION 9 Building Permits and Plan Requirements.... ........ ..XVI-195
SECTION 10 Certificate of Occupancy and Compliance... ........ ..XVI-196
SECTION 11 Procedures for Certificate of Occupancy........ .... .XVI-197
SECTION 12 Horne Occupation.................................... .XVI-197
SECTION 13 Home Occupation Permit..............................XVI-199
SECTION 14 Sexually Oriented Business........... ....... ....... .XVI-20l
xviii
ARTICLE XVI - ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
SECTION 1 - INITIATION OF APPLICATION
All platting, zoning and site plan requests to be
considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission and
matters to be considered by the Board of Adjustments
shall be initiated by filing an application with the
City Planning Department. The application required by
this Section shall be on forms supplied by the City of
Schertz and shall be available in the City Planning
Department. All requests for building permits shall be
initiated by the filing of an application with the City
Inspector.
SECTION 2 - SUBMITTAL AND ACCEPTANCE
No application shall be processed until such application
is complete and the fee established in this Code or the
Code of Ordinances of the City of Schertz for processing
the application has been paid.
XVI 3.1
SECTION 3 - AUTHORITY TO INITIATE A REQUEST
XVI 3.2
XVI 3.3
All platting, zoning and site plan requests must be
initiated by the owner of the affected property or
his/her authorized representative who files the required
application and pays the appropriate fee for the
request, or the City Council may direct the City Manager
to initiate such request on behalf of the City.
Amendments to this Code may be initiated by the
Planning and Zoning Commission or the City Council
directing the City Manger to request the Planning and
Zoning Commission to consider and make recommendation.
The City Manager on his own initiative may request the
Planning and Zoning Commission consider an amendment.
Matters to be considered by the Board of Adjustments
may be initiated by the owner of the affected property
or their authorized representative or any aggrieved
party who files the required application and pays the
appropriate fee, or by any person aggrieved by an
administrative officer with authority over any matter
appealable to the Board of Adjustments per Section 8 of
this Article, or by an officer, department or
appropriate board of the City.
-184-
This page amended 7/05
XVI 4.1
SECTION 4 - APPLICATION WITHDRAWAL
XVI 4.2
XVI 4.3
Any request for withdrawal of an application must be
submitted in writing to the Director of Planning or
designee, or Chief Building Official or designee,
whichever is applicable.
Once an application for platting, zoning or site plan
request to be considered by the Planning and Zoning
Commission and/or City Councilor a matter going before
the Board of Adjustments has been published in a
newspaper or notifications of public hearing, if any,
have been mailed, such request for withdrawal must be
placed on the public hearing agenda and acted upon by
the applicable body.
Application fees are not refundable except in cases in
which the Planning Coordinator signee determines that an
application was accepted in error, or the fee paid
exceeded the amount due under the provision of this Code
or the Code of Ordinances of the City of Schertz in
which case the amount of the overpayment may be refunded
to the applicant.
XVI 5.1
SECTION 5 - PROCEDURES FOR ZONING CHANGE
XVI 5.2
Filing of Application:
All petitions for zoning changes,special use permits or
amendments to the Zoning Map shall be in writing, signed
and filed with the City Planning Coordinator for
presentation to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Contents of Petition:
All petitions for amendments to this Code shall contain
at least the following:
A. The petitioner's name, address and interest in the
petition, as well as the name, address and interest
of every person having a legal or an equitable
interest in the land covered by the petition.
B. The nature and effect of the proposed amendment.
C. A fully dimensioned map showing the following will
be provided:
(1) A location map and drawing of the land which
would be affected by the proposed amendment;
(2 )
( 3)
(4 )
A legal description of such land;
The present zoning classification
The zoning classification of
zoning districts; and,
of the land;
all abutting
(5) All public
and private
-185-
rights-of-way
and
XVI 5.3
7105
easements bounding and
consideration.
intersecting the land under
D. If the proposed amendment would require a change in the Zoning
Map, the names and addresses of the owners of all land within the
area to be changed by the proposed amendment.
E. The alleged error in this Code, is any, which would be corrected by
the proposed amendment together with a detailed explanation of
such error in the Code.
F. The changed or changing conditions, if any, in the area or in the
municipality generally, that make the proposed amendment
reasonably necessary.
G. Evidence that the petition is in accordance with the Comprehensive
Plan.
H. All other circumstances, factors and reasons which applicant offers
in support of the proposed amendment.
Time Limitations:
If a petition for rezoning is denied by the City Councilor the Planning and
Zoning Commission, another petition for reclassification of the same
property or any portion thereof in the same zoning classification shall not
be filed within six months from the date of denial.
-186-
This page amended
sECTION 6 - PUBLIC HEARING - PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
XVI 6.2
XVI 6.3
XVI 6 . 4
XVI
6.5
The Planning and Zoning Commission shall
public hearing and make recommendations to
Council on the following matters:
conduct a
the City
A. Text amendments to the Unified Development Code
(UDe) ;
B.
Zoning changes
reclassification
and Specific Use
and map amendments, including
of the zoning designations on land
Permits;
C. Amendments to the Comprehensive Plan; and,
D. Replats, when such public hearing is required by the
provisions of Local Government Code Section 212.
Notice of Public Hearing Before the Planning and Zoning
Commission
Whenever a public hearing is held regarding a zoning
change, map amendment and/or Specific Use permit,
written notice of such public hearing shall be placed in
the United States mail by the City Planning Department
not later than ten (10) calendar days before the date of
the public hearing and addressed to:
A. The applicant and owners of the property involved
in the request as shown on the currently adopted tax
rolls of the City of Schertz; and,
B. The owners as shown on the currently adopted tax
roll of the City of Schertz of any and all
property located within two hundred (200') feet of
the subject property, exclusive of public
right-of-way as prescribed in the Local Government
Code Section 212.
In addition to Section 6.2, further notice of a public
hearing regarding a zoning change, map amendment or
Specific Use Permit shall be advertised in a newspaper
of general circulation in the City no later than ten
(10) days prior to the date of the public hearing.
Whenever a public hearing is held regarding a text
amendment to the Unified Development Code (UDC), notice
of said public hearing shall be advertised in a
newspaper of general circulation in the City no later
than ten (10) calendar days prior to the date of the
public hearing.
Whenever
required
Section
with the
212.
a public hearing is held regarding a replat, as
by the provisions of Land Governments Code
212, notice shall be advertised in accordance
provisions of Local Government Code Section
XVI 6.6 Public Hearing Postponement, Recess and Continuation
-187-
XVI 6.7
XVI 6.8
A.
A public hearing for which notice has been given may be postponed
by announcing the postponement at or after the time and place the
hearing is scheduled to begin.
B.
A public hearing may be recessed and continued any time after the
hearing has commenced.
c.
If a postponement or continuance of a public hearing is
rescheduled to a specific date and time no later than 60 days from
the first or most recent hearing, the announcement of the
postponement of the continuance at the public hearing in which the
application has been postponed or continued by the Planning and
Zoning Commission shall be sufficient notice and no additional
notice is required.
D.
Postponed or continued public hearings shall be presumed to be
held in the same location, unless a different location for the hearing
is announced at the time of the postponement or continuance.
E.
In the event that any request or amendment being considered by
the Planning and Zoning Commission, whether or not a public
hearing is involved, is continued at the request of the applicant
more than one (1) time, an additional fee shall be required as
established.
Conduct of Public Hearinq:
Subject to the chairman's inherent authority to conduct the
meetings of the Planning and Zoning Commission, the public
hearing shall generally be conducted as follows:
A. Report by the Planning Coordinator designee;
B. Presentation by the applicant;
C. Testimony by parties supporting the application;
D. Testimony by parties in opposition to the application;
E. Rebuttal by the applicant;
F. Closure of the public hearing.
Commission Review Criteria
Upon the closure of the public hearing, the Planning and Zoning
Commission shall make a recommendation to the City Council on
the subject application. Recommendations to the City Council will
be based upon the following criteria;
A.
The requested change is in keeping with the Comprehensive Plan
adopted by the City Council;
-188-
Revised 7.98
XVI 6.9
B.
There has been environmental and/or economical changes which I
warrants a change since its original zoning;
C.
Granting of the request would not create an incompatible use
different from the surrounding property, or show favor to the
property under consideration for rezoning (Spot Zoning); and,
D.
There is an error in the original zoning of the property for which a
change is requested.
Commission Recommendations
A. The Planning and Zoning Commission may recommend that the I
request or amendment be approved or disapproved; or
B. That the request or amendment be approved or enacted as
modified to a more restrictive classification or subject to appropriated
conditions as permitted by law; or
C. The Planning Department shall forward the report and the
Commission's recommendation on all proposed applications and
amendments to the City Council unless otherwise provided in this
Code.
SECTION 7 - PUBLIC HEARING - CITY COUNCIL
XVI 7.1
XVI 7.2
XVI 7.3
The City Council shall conduct a public hearing and make determination
on the following matters:
A. Text amendments to the Unified Development Code (UDC);
B. Zoning Changes and map amendments including reclassification of
the zoning designations on land and Specific Use Permits; and,
C. Amendments to the Comprehensive Plan.
Notice of Public Hearinq Before the Citv Council
When a public hearing is held regarding one of the subjects mentioned in
subparagraph XVI 7.1, a notice of the time and place of such hearing shall
be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Schertz at
the time the notice of the Planning and Zoning's public hearing is
published. The notification to property owners of the time and place of the
Planning and Zoning Commission's public hearing will also contain the
time and place of the public hearing by the City Council.
Conduct of Public Hearinq
Subject to the Mayor's inherent authority to conduct the meetings of the
City Council, the public hearing shall generally be conducted as follows:
-189-
Revised 7~98
XVI 7.4
A.
Report by the City Manager or designee of the recommendation of I
the Planning and Zoning Commission;
B.
C.
Presentation by the applicant;
Testimony by parties supporting the application;
D.
Testimony by parties in opposition to the application;
E.
Rebuttal by the applicant;
F.
Closure of the public hearing.
Citv Council Approval or Denial
Following the closure of the public hearing, the City Council may take the
following actions:
A. The City Council may approve the request or amendment either as
requested, or in the form of a more restrictive district, and subject to
such appropriate conditions as are allowed by law. Such approval
of any request for a text amendment to the Unified Development
Code or a zoning change and map amendment shall be granted
only if the Council determines that the request or amendment is
consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and the purposes of the
Unified Development Code. In the event the request or amendment
concerns a text amendment to the Unified Development Code or a
zoning change and map amendment, the Council shall amend the
Unified Development Code or the official Zoning Map, whichever is
applicable.
B. The City Council shall be at liberty to either approve application as
submitted, approve with additional changes made at the councils'
discretion, or reject the application, changes or modifications
recommended by the Council shall be part of the amendment to the
UDC changing the zoning classification.
C. A proposal to rezone a tract or parcel of land which has been
previously rejected by the City Council may be resubmitted within
six months if there is an actual change in conditions relating to
zoning principles of the tract or parcel of land or the property
surrounding it. In that event, the applicant must submit to the
Planning Coordinator, in writing, a resume describing such changed
conditions. The Planning Coordinator shall investigate the property
or cause such an investigation to be made and shall report to the
Planning and Zoning Commission whether or not such changed
conditions exist. Upon hearing said report, the Planning and
Zoning Commission shall either grant or deny the request to re-file
the proposal for rezoning.
-190-
Revised 7-98
XVI 7.5
SECTION 8-
XVI 8.1
D.
If the City Council does not pass an amendment to the UDC
approving the requested amendment supplement or change, an
application for a Specific Use Permit, or change in a zoned district,
the disapproved application shall not again be considered until after
the expiration of six (6) months from the date when the proposed
amendment, supplement or change was disapproved. The request
may be reconsidered prior to the completion of the six (6) months.
It must be shown that a substantial change in conditions have taken
place in the vicinity at the property to be rezoned. The procedures
for resubmitting the application for rezoning shall be the same as if
the applicant has never filed a previous application for a zoning
change.
Protest of Proposed Chanae in Zonina
Property owners, adjacent to and within a radius of two hundred
(200') feet of a property for which a change in zoning is being
considered, have the right to file a written protest against the
request. The land area of this two hundred (200') feet radius
includes streets, alleys and other public right-of-way.
Whenever such written protest is signed by the owners of twenty
(20%) percent or more of the area of the lots or land included in
such zoning change, or of the lots or land immediately adjoining the
same and within the above mentioned two hundred (200') feet
radius, such change in zoning shall not become effective except by
a favorable vote of three-fourths (3/4) of all members of the City
Council.
For purposes of determining representation on said written protest,
the written protest of anyone owner of land owned by two or more
persons shall be presumed to be the protest of all owners.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
Creation and Purpose
A Board of Adjustment (BOA) is created pursuant to Section
8.02 of the City Charter for the following purposes:
A. To hear and decide appeals when error is alleged in any
order, requirement, decision or determination made by an
administrative official in enforcement of the zoning and
building code.
B. To hear and decide Special Exceptions to the terms of the
Code in appropriate cases and subject to appropriate
conditions and safeguards. Special Exceptions must be
consistent with the general purpose and intent of the Code
and in accordance with any applicable rules contained in the
Code.
-191-
Revised 7-98
XVI 8.2
XVI 8.3
C. To authorize on appeal, variances from terms of the Code that will
not be contrary to the public interest, when because of special
conditions a literal enforcement of the Code will result in
unnecessary hardship, so the spirit of the Code will be observed
and substantial justice done.
D. Additional duties may be assigned by the City Council as deemed
necessary in pursuit of the spirit and intent of the Code.
Membership and Appointment
A. The BOA shall consist of five (5) members who shall be appointed
by City Council. Each member of the BOA shall be appointed for a
term of two (2) years. All cases before the BOA must be heard by a
minimum of four members. The concurring vote of at least 75% of
the members is required to reverse administrative decisions, grant
Special Exceptions, authorize variances and take any other action
authorized by this Ordinance.
B. The City Council may remove members of the BOA from office for
cause which may include three (3) consecutive unexcused
absences from regularly called meetings, on a written charge after
a public hearing. A vacancy on the BOA shall be filled by
appointment by the City Council for the unexpired term.
C. The BOA members shall elect a Chairman, Vice-Chairman,
Secretary and other officers they deem necessary. Upon notification
by the BOA Secretary of an appeal forwarded from the Planning
and Zoning Commission, the Chairman, or in the absence of the
Chairman, the Vice-Chairman, will schedule a public hearing to
hear and act upon the appeal.
D. Other than the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, who shall be
members of the BOA, the Secretary and such other officers as the
BOA deems necessary may be selected either from the BOA's
membership or from Staff representatives assigned to the BOA by
the City Manager of Schertz to work with the BOA.
E. The BOA shall establish rules and keep minutes in accordance with
applicable law.
F. Copies of all actions by the BOA will be sent to the City Council for
information purposes.
Jurisdiction
When in its judgment, the public convenience and welfare will be
substantially served and the appropriate use of neighboring property will
not be substantially or
-192-
Revised 7-98
permanently injured, the BOA may, in specific cases
after public notice and public hearing, and subject to
appropriate conditions and safeguards, authorize and
shall have the power to grant the following Special
Exceptions to the regulations herein established in
granting such exceptions and regulations. The BOA shall
not permit, within any district, a use that is not
permitted in that district (as defined in the Code) and
the district regulations set forth in this Code. The
BOA shall not permit any variations or exception if the
applicant has contributed to the cause of the
unnecessary hardship of which he complains, to the
authority and power.
XVI 8.4
The Board of Adjustment may allow the following:
A. The reconstruction of a building occupied by a
non-conforming use, provided such reconstruction
does not prevent the eventual return of such
property to a conforming use.
B. Modifications of yard, open space, parking lot area
or lot width regulations as may be necessary to
secure appropriate development of a parcel of land.
C. Require the discontinuance of non-conforming uses of
land (not primary structures), under any plan
whereby the full value of any improvement can be
amortized within a reasonable number of years,
taking into consideration the general character of
the neighborhood and the necessity for all property
to conform to the regulations of this Code.
D. Reduce required off-street parking if it can be
shown that the required minimum as herein
established will not at any time be necessary
because of the character of the proposed uses and a
probable limited quantity of employees, clients,
customers or tenants.
E. Decide appeals where it is alleged there is error in
the order, requirement, decision or determination
made by the Building Official in the enforcement of
this Code.
XVI 8.5
Application for Special Exception
All applications for Special Exception shall be by
appeal to the BOA and must state the grounds for the
appeal. Appeals to the BOA may be initiated by the
owner or authorized representative of the affected
property or any person aggrieved by any officer,
department or board of the City affected by any decision
related to land use. Such appeals shall be forwarded
first to the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) for
review. Appeals will be reviewed by the P&Z during the
next regularly scheduled P&Z meeting following which the
P&Z shall forward the recommendation, including full
written justification either for or against the request,
-193-
XVI 8.6
XVI 8.7
XVI 8.8
XVI 8.9
to the BOA. Upon receipt of the P&Z recommendation, the
BOA Secretary will schedule a public hearing for the
purpose of the appeal as provided by the rules of the
BOA. The BOA Secretary will transmit to the Board all
papers constituting the record on which the action
appealed from was taken.
Stay of Proceedings
An appeal shall stay all proceedings in the matter
appealed, unless the Officer from whom the appeal is
taken has certified to the BOA that a stay would, in his
opinion, cause imminent peril of life or property.
Hearings of Appeals
The BOA shall fix a reasonable time for the hearing of
an appeal and shall give written notice to the parties
of interest. In addition, at least fifteen days advance
notice shall be given by publication at least once in
the official publication of the City stating the time
and place of such hearing, the parties appealing such
matter, and the lot description of the land which the
matter concerns. The BOA shall mail notices of such
hearings to the petitioner and owners of property lying
within two hundred (200') feet of any point of land on
which a variation is desired and to all other persons
deemed by the Board to be affected thereby. Such owners
and persons shall be determined according to the current
tax rolls of the City.
In exercising its powers, the BOA may reverse or affirm
wholly or partly, or may modify the order, requirement,
decision or determination appealed, and may make such
order, requirement, decision or determination as ought
to be made, and to that end shall have all the powers of
the officer from whom the appeal is taken. The
concurring vote of four members of the BOA shall be
necessary to decide in favor of an applicant on any
matter upon which the BOA is required to pass upon under
this Code other than an appeal.
Court Appeal
Any person or persons, jointly or severally aggrieved by
any decision of the BOA or any taxpayer, or any officer,
department, board or bureau of the City may present to a
court of record as provided by law a petition, duly
verified, setting forth that such decision is illegal,
in whole or in part, specifying the grounds of the
illegality. Such petition shall be presented to the
court within ten (10) days after the filing of the
decision in the office of the BOA.
Writ of Certiorari
Upon the presentation of such petition, the court may
allow a writ of certiorari directed to the BOA to review
such decision of the BOA and shall prescribe therein the
time within which a return thereto must be made and
served, which shall not be less than ten (10) days and
-194-
XVI 8.10
XVI 8.11
XVI 8.12
may be extended by the Court. The allowance of the writ
shall not stay proceedings upon the decision appealed
from, but the court may, on application, on notice to
the BOA, and on due cause shown, grant a restraining
order.
Return of Certified Copies
The BOA shall not be required to return the original
papers acted upon by it, but it shall be sufficient to
return certified or sworn copies thereof or of such
portions thereof as may be called for by such writ. The
returned copies shall concisely set forth such other
facts as may be pertinent and materials to show the
grounds of the decision appealed from and shall be
certified. If upon the hearing it shall appear to the
court that testimony is necessary for the proper
disposition of the matter, the court shall take
evidence, appoint a referee to take such evidence as it
may direct and report the same to the court with his/her
findings of fact and conclusions of law, which shall
constitute a part of the proceedings upon which the
determination of the court shall be made. The court may
reverse, wholly or partly, or may modify the decision
brought up for review. Cause shall not be allowed
against the BOA unless it shall appear to the court that
it acted with gross negligence, or in bad faith, or with
malice in making the decision appealed from. All issues
in any proceedings under this Article shall have
preference over all other civil actions and proceedings.
Fees (See Schedule of Fees)
Disqualification from Voting
A member of the BOA shall disqualify himself or herself
from voting whenever he or she finds the following
conditions exist:
A. a personal or monetary interest relevant to the
appeal before the BOA;
B. he or she will be directly affected by the decision
of the BOA; or,
C. whenever any applicant, or their agent, has sought
to influence the vote of the member on the
application, other than in the public hearing.
XVI 9.1
SECTION 9 - BUILDING PERMIT AND PLAN REQUIREMENTS
be in conformance with
A.
Building permits shall
current building codes.
B. All dimensions shown on these plans relating to
the location and size of the lot to be built upon shall
be based on a subdivision plat and the lot shall be
staked out on the ground before construction is started.
-195-
XVI 9.2
Effect Upon Existing Permits, Agreements and Rights
A. Existing Permits and Private Agreements:
This UDe is not intended to abrogate or annul:
(1 )
Any permits issued before the
of this Code; or,
effective date
(2)
Any easement, covenant or any
agreement more restrictive
provisions of this Code.
other private
than the
B. Preserving Rights in Pending Litigation and
Violations Under Existing Code:
By the passage of this Code, no presently illegal
use shall be deemed to have been legalized unless
specifically such use falls within a use district
where the actual use is a conforming use.
Otherwise, such uses shall remain non-conforming
where recognized, or an illegal use as the case may
be. It is further the intent and declared purpose
of this Code that no offense committed, and no
liability, penalty or forfeiture, either civil or
criminal, shall be discharged or affected by the
adoption of this Code; but prosecutions and suits
for such offenses, liabilities, penalties or
forfeiture, either civil or criminal, shall be
discharged or affected by the adoption of this Code;
but prosecutions and suits for such offenses,
liabilities, penalties or forfeitures, may be
instituted or causes presently pending be proceeded
within all aspects as if such prior Ordinance has
not been repealed.
XVI 10.1
SECTION 10 - CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY AND COMPLIANCE
XVI 10.2
Certificates of Occupancy shall be required for:
A. Occupancy and use of a building hereafter
erected or structurally altered by more than 50%.
B. Change in use of an existing building to a use of
a different classification.
C. Occupancy and use of vacant land.
D. Change in the use of land to a use of a different
classification.
E. Any change in the use of a non-conforming use.
No such occupancy, use, or change of use shall
place until a Certificate of Occupancy therefore
been issued by the Building Official.
take
has
Certificates of Occupancy for Non-Conforming Uses
-196-
A Certificate of Occupancy shall be required for all
lawful non-conforming uses of land or buildings
created by adoption of this Code. Application for
such Certificate of Occupancy for a non-conforming use
shall be filed with the Building Official by the owner
or leasee of the building or land occupied by such
non-conforming use within one year of the effective
date of this Code. It shall be the duty of the
Building Official to issue a Certificate of Occupancy
for a lawful non-conforming use, or refusal of the
Building Official to issue a Certificate of Occupancy
for such non-conforming use shall be evidence that
said non-conforming use was either illegal or did not
lawfully exist at the effective date of this Code.
SECTION 11 - PROCEDURE FOR CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
A. Written application for a Certificate of Occupancy
for a new building or for an existing building
which has been altered shall be made at the same
time as the application for the building permit
for such building. Said Certificate shall be
issued within three (3) days of notification of
completion of construction or alteration. Written
application for a Certificate of Occupancy for the
use of vacant land, or for a change in the use of
land for a building, or for a change in
non-conforming use, as herein provided, shall be
made to Building Official; if the proposed use is
in conformity with the provisions of this Code,
the Certificate of Occupancy therefore shall be
issued.
B. Every Certificate of Occupancy shall state that
the building or the proposed use of a building or
land complies with all the provisions of law. A
record of all Certificates of Occupancy shall be
kept on file in the office of the Building
Official or his agent.
SECTION 12 - HOME OCCUPATIONS
XVI 12.1
Purpose and Intent
A. Protect residential areas from adverse impact of
activities associated with home occupations.
B. Permit residents of the community a broad choice
in the use of their homes as a place of livelihood
and the production or supplementing of personal
and family income.
C. Establish criteria and development standards for
home occupations conducted in dwelling units.
XVI 12.2
Definitions
A.
Horne Occupation
Any business or commercial
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activity that
conducted from
residential use.
is conducted or petitioned to
property that is zoned
be
for
B. Home Occupation Permit - a permit issued for a
home occupation that is authorized by this Section.
XVI 12.3 Home Occupations - Required Conditions
A.
The area set aside for home
exceed twenty (20%) percent
area of such residence.
occupations shall not
of the total floor
B.
No interior
permitted
regulations
or exterior business sign shall be
unless authorized by the sign
for residential districts.
C. No mechanical equipment is used except of a type
that is similar in character to that normally used
for purely domestics or household, mechanical
equipment as for hobby purposes in conjunction
with the home occupation.
D. On the premises, retail sales shall be prohibited
except for the retail sales of products as goods
produced as fabricated on the premises as a result
of the home occupation.
E. Only members of the immediate family permanently
residing on the premises shall be employed in the
home occupation.
F.
In no case
public at
later than
shall a home occupation be open to the
times earlier than 8:00 a.m. and no
10:00 p.m.
G. No more than one home occupation shall be
permitted within any single dwelling unit.
H. A home occupation shall be carried on wholly
within the principal building. No home occupation
or any storage of goods, materials, or products
connected with a home occupation shall be allowed
in accessory buildings or garages, attached or
detached, excluding paints that may be used in the
home occupation.
I.
There shall be no exterior indication
occupation or variation from the
character of the principal building.
of the home
residential
J. There shall be no exterior storage of materials to
be used in conjunction with a home occupation.
K. A home occupation shall produce no offensive
noise, vibration, smoke, electrical interferences,
dust, odors, or heat detectable beyond the
property limits or beyond the walls of the
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dwelling unit. The judgment of the City of
Schertz Inspector shall be considered decisive and
final in this matter unless formally appealed to
the Board of Adjustments within thirty (30) days
of the City of Schertz Inspector's written
determination.
L. All home occupations may be subject to periodic
inspections.
XVI 13.1
XVI SECTION 13 - HOME OCCUPATION PERMIT
XVI 13.2
XVI 13.3
Purpose
To establish a method to allow the City of Schertz to
regulate and control non-residential activities and
maintain a record of the types and numbers of home
occupations in the City.
Permit Required
Each resident within the City of Schertz that has, or
shall have, an authorized home occupation, is required
to have a Home Occupation Permit.
Application for Home Occupation Permit
A. Applicant shall apply to the City Inspector for a
Horne Occupation Permit.
B.
The City Inspector may
home occupation meets
established in Subsection
permit if the
requirements
Article.
issue
all
12.3,
the
the
this
C. The City Manager is authorized to make the
determination and grant approval for the permit on
those applications the City Inspector believes do
not meet the requirements in Subsection 12.3, this
Article.
D.
Those applications disapproved by the
will be forwarded to the Planning
Commission for determination.
City Manager
and Zoning
E. The Board of Adjustment will be the final judgment
Appeals must be submitted to the Board of
Adjustments and Appeals within thirty (30) days of
the Planning and Zoning Commission's disapproval.
F. All home occupation applications considered by the
Planning and Zoning Commission will require the
presence of the applicant at the meeting when said
application is reviewed.
XVI 13.4.1
SECTION XVI 13.4
Supporting Documents
Signed Statement
One type of supporting evidence that may be submitted
to the Planning and Zoning Commission for their
consideration is a signed statement by each property
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XVI 13.4.2
XVI 13.4.3
XVI 13.5
XVI 13.6
XVI 13.7
owner up to within two hundred (200') feet of the
property on which the home occupation is to occur,
stating that said property owner has no objection to
the existence of the proposed home occupation. An
example of such a statement is as follows:
"I (name)
advised by
request to
Permit for
occupation)
Occupation
reflected in
the property owner at (address) have been
(name of home occupation applicant) of his
the City of Schertz for a Home Occupation
the purpose of conducting (type of home
and I have no objection to the Home
Permit being granted for the purpose
this statement.
Signature of neighboring property owner and date."
Statement from Property Owner
An applicant who is renting the property on which
home occupation permit is requested will obtain
written statement from the owner of the property.
owner will state that he/she has no objection to
home occupation on the property.
a
a
The
the
Persons with Demonstrated Physical Handicaps
Persons with physical handicaps may be permitted
special consideration. The applicant may request
waiver of a portion or all of one or more of the
requirements for a home occupation.
Granting of Exception
It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to
submit sufficient evidence to justify the granting of
an exception to any of the requirements in Subsection
12.3, this Article.
The Planning and Zoning Commission's responsibility
shall be as follows:
A. Review applications and supporting documents and
hear applicant's comments.
B. Notify applicant within five (5) days, in writing,
of the disapproval and reason(s) thereof.
C. Advise applicant of his/her rights to appeal the
decision to the Board of Adjustment within thirty
(30) days.
Conditions Applicable to Home Occupation Permits
A. Validation: A home occupation remains valid for a
period of one (1) year.
B. Renewal:
Permits shall be renewed annually.
c.
Inspection: The City Inspector{s) are
to periodically, at least annually,
premises to ensure full compliance
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authorized
enter the
with these
requirements.
D. Termination: When a home occupation is found in
non-compliance with the requirements outlined in
Section 4, the permit will be terminated
immediately.
E. Renewal of Terminated Permits: Procedures
outlined in this Section for the issuance of a
permit will be followed.
XVI 14.1
XVI SECTION 14 - SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESS
XVI 14.2
XVI 14.3
XVI 14.3.1
Purpose and Intent
A.
Regulate sexually oriented
health, safety and general
of the City.
business to promote the
welfare of the citizens
B.
Establish reasonable and
prevent the concentration
businesses within the City.
uniform regulations to
of sexually oriented
C.
Not to impose a limitation
content of any communication
sexually oriented material.
or restriction on the
materials, including
D.
Not to restrict or deny access
sexually oriented material protected
Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
by adults to
by the First
E.
Not to deny access to distributors or
of sexually oriented entertainment
intended market.
exhibitors
to their
Definition
Sexually Oriented Business means an adult arcade,
adult bookstore, adult video store, adult cabaret,
adult motel, adult motion picture theater, adult
theater, escort agency, massage parlor, nude model
studio or love parlor or other commercial enterprises
the primary business of which is the offering of a
service or the selling, renting, or exhibiting of
devices or any other items intended to provide sexual
stimulation or sexual gratification to the customer.
Location
Restrictions
A sexually
within 1,000
of Location
oriented business
feet of:
will not
be
operated
A. a church;
B. a public or private school;
C.
a boundary of
the current
district as defined on
the City Secretary's
a residential
Zoning Map in
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XVI 14.3.2
XVI 14.3.3
XVI 14.3.4
office;
D. a public park adjacent to a residential district;
E.
the property
residential use
line of a
as defined in
lot
this
devoted
Code; or,
to
a
F. another sexually oriented business already in
existence or the site of another sexually oriented
business for which a building or occupancy permit
has been applied for.
Number of Businesses per Building/Structure
No more .,than one (1) sexually oriented business
shall be operated, maintained or established in the
same building, structure or portion thereof.
Distances from Buildings/Structures
Distances from building structures or objects listed
in paragraph 14.3.1 above shall be made in a straight
line, without regard to intervening structures or
objects, from the nearest portion of the building or
structure used as part of the premises where a
sexually oriented business is conducted, to the
nearest property line of the premises of a church, or
public or private school, or to the nearest boundary
of an affected public park, residential district or
residential lot.
License Required
Each sexually oriented business must be licensed to
operate as outlined in Schertz Code of Ordinances,
Section 15 1/2.
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