2019-047 Development Certificates and Licenses InformationDate: March 8, 2019 Report No. 2019-047
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
On Feb. 26, Mayor Watts requested an informal staff report on the differences between a
Certificate of Occupancy, a Certificate of Zoning Compliance, and a Business License.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Development Services currently issues only Certificates of Occupancy. While the Certificate of
Occupancy additionally functions as a Business License and Certificate of Zoning Compliance,
staff would like to separate the zoning compliance and business license from the certificate of
occupancy through the upcoming Denton Development Code (DDC) update. This will provide
clarity in regard to permitting land use, buildings, and businesses.
DISCUSSION:
Currently a Certificate of Occupancy is required for all new buildings, new businesses, change in
use, change in business name, or change in ownership for a single space, tenant, or building
alike. Business licensing and zoning compliance are currently reviewed as part of the Certificate
of Occupancy application. Staff is working toward the formal separation of the Certificate of
Occupancy, Certificate of Zoning Compliance, and Business License functions. The certificate of
zoning compliance is included in the draft DDC, and the separation of the business license and
certificate of occupancy processes will be addressed with a future building code update.
The following are general descriptions of each type of certificate and license:
Certificate of Occupancy:
A certificate issued by the Building Official for the occupancy of a building or structure when it
is determined that the building or structure complies with the provisions of all applicable codes
of the City of Denton. It allows the City the ability to inspect for general life safety items of the
building or structure to be occupied. This includes minimum provisions for light, heat,
ventilation, sanitation, and egress.
Business License:
A business license is issued by the Building Official for the operation of a business to occupy a
building or space that has already obtained a certificate of occupancy and certificate of zoning
compliance when it is determined that the specific business use complies with the provisions of
all applicable building and zoning codes of the City of Denton. It also allows the City the ability
to inspect for general life safety items of the space to be occupied. This includes minimum
provisions for ventilation, sanitation, and egress specific to the occupancy classification of the
business that is to occupy the space. A new business license would be issued at the change of
ownership or use.
Date: March 8, 2019 Report No. 2019-047
Certificate of Zoning Compliance:
A certificate of zoning compliance is issued by the Planning Director for the use of the land. The
certificate of zoning compliance procedure provides a mechanism for the City to evaluate new
and/or changes in use of any land to meet applicable standards of the DDC. This will only apply
to non-residential uses and multifamily developments. A certificate of zoning compliance may
also be to determine zoning compliance. As we move towards implementing procedures for a
certificate of zoning compliance and business license, staff will develop a program that will
include a transition from current practice and an educational and marketing program to inform
the public of the new requirements.
STAFF CONTACT:
Ron Menguita
Principal Planner
(940) 349-8328
Ron.Menguita@cityofdenton.com
Amber Rodgers
Chief Plans Examiner
(940) 349-8934
Amber.Rodgers@Cityofdenton.com