Development Assistance
The following is an overview of the general development process in Schertz. This overview is intended to guide entrepreneurs and small business owners as they work with development professionals (i.e. architects, engineers, and contractors). The comprehensive set of regulations for development can be found in the Schertz Unified Development Code (UDC), which provides details on topics such as zoning, design guidelines, permitted uses, parking, landscaping, easements, signage, and more. City development staff are also available to answer specific questions.
The Schertz UDC, along with locally adopted building codes, ensures that each project is developed in accordance with city regulations and national building codes.
To better understand each step, view the expandable tabs to learn more.
Zoning is the regulatory power of cities to control the physical development and land uses for a property. Zoning is the process of dividing land into different uses (i.e. residential, commercial, industrial) or zones. Zoning districts are established in accordance with the City's Comprehensive Land Plan. For business owners zoning districts and regulations define lot sizes and setbacks, parking, landscaping, and which type of businesses may operate within each zone.
Platting is the process of mapping a property so that it can be sold, combined with another property, or developed. Often, platting involves splitting a large piece of land into smaller pieces called parcels. When a property is platted, roads, utility, and other easements are defined so that the property can receive the services it needs.
A Site Plan is a detailed map that conforms to the Schertz Comprehensive Land Use Plan, UDC, and other City regulations. The site plan identifies the legal property boundary and layout of the proposed site's improvements. In connection with the site plan, additional documents such as a tree survey, landscaping plan, exterior architectural elevations, traffic impact analysis, preliminary utility plans, preliminary stormwater management plan, and a utility confirmation letter are required to confirm that the proposed plan meets city regulations.
Development Permits are used by the City to authorize construction projects to proceed. Depending on the type of project, there may be multiple development permits. Permits are required prior to any construction. Examples include clearing and grading permits (required prior to any dirt work), public infrastructure construction permits (required before constructing roads, wastewater, waterlines, or any other public infrastructure), or building permits (required prior to the placement, construction, or alteration of a building or structure).
Permit Inspections are completed by certified city inspectors to ensure that the construction process is completed according to approved construction documents. Inspections help to ensure safety and quality for all construction projects. Additionally, city inspectors verify that contractors completing the work are licensed for their respective trades. Some inspections, such as life-fire inspections, occur not only during construction but also annually to ensure continued safety.
A Certificate of Occupancy is the confirmation that all work has been completed in accordance with approved plans and city regulations. The certificate of occupancy is issued by the Chief Building Official. The certificate of occupancy is required prior to the occupancy or commencement of business activities in Schertz.