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Aubrey City Zoning Code

§ 6-B

SPECIFIC USE PERMITS. 1

A. 
SPECIFIC USE PERMIT REGULATIONS AND PROCESS.
(1) 
Compatible and Orderly Development.
A Specific Use Permit (SUP) may be granted to allow compatible and orderly development which may be suitable only in certain locations and zoning districts if developed in a specific way or only for a limited period of time.
(2) 
Zoning District Compliance.
Only those uses listed in the district regulations of the Zoning Ordinance may be granted a Specific Use permit. A Specific Use permit shall be effective from the date of approval until the specific use is modified. For example: a Specific Use permit may be issued for a snow-cone stand in retail zoning district regulations, for which the permit shall be effective from the date of approval until the snow-cone stand is removed from the property, the terms of which shall be described with the approval letter issued on the effective date by the Director of Planning.
(3) 
Submittal Requirements.
Specific Use permit applications to be submitted for review shall be submitted in accordance with Section 5 of the City's Zoning Ordinance, Subsection Q Site Plans.
(4) 
Application Processing.
Specific Use permits shall be brought to the Planning and Zoning Commission for their recommendation to the City Council, which is the final authority for Specific Use permits. In each case, a public hearing and notice of said public hearing to all property owners within 200 feet of the subject property must be conducted, as detailed in Section 28, Amendments, of the Zoning Ordinance.
(5) 
Specific Use Permit Standards.
When considering applications for a Specific Use Permit, the Planning and Zoning Commission in making its rendering its recommendation, or the City Council in rendering its decision, on the application, shall, on the basis of the application, and other information submitted, evaluate the impact of the specific use on, and the compatibility of the use with, surrounding properties and neighborhoods to ensure the appropriateness of the use at a particular location. The Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council shall specifically consider the extent to which:
(a) 
Comprehensive Plan Consistency.
The proposed use at the specified location is consistent with the goals, objectives and policies contained in the adopted Comprehensive Plan;
(b) 
Zoning District Consistency.
The proposed use is consistent with the general purpose and intent of the applicable zoning district regulations;
(c) 
Supplemental Standards.
The proposed use meets all supplemental standards specifically applicable to the use as set forth in this chapter;
(d) 
Character and Integrity.
The proposed use is compatible with and preserves the character and integrity of adjacent development and neighborhoods and, as required by the particular circumstances.
(6) 
A certificate of occupancy shall not be issued until the final inspection shows that the project has been completed in accordance with the approved Conditional Use permit.
(7) 
Maintenance of the property in conformance with the approved Specific Use permit shall thereafter be a condition of a valid certificate of occupancy. Failure to maintain the property in conformance with an approved Specific Use permit shall be a violation of this Section.
B. 
SPECIFIC USE PERMITS REQUIRED FOR CERTAIN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES SALES.
(1) 
Definitions.
(a) 
Alcoholic Beverage.
Alcohol, or any beverage containing more than one-half (1/2) of one percent of alcohol by volume, which is capable of use for beverage purposes, either alone or when diluted.
(b) 
Bar or Tavern.
An establishment principally for the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises that derives seventy-five percent (75%) or more of its gross revenue on a quarterly (three-month) basis from the sale or service of alcoholic beverages, as defined in the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, for on-premises consumption. If an establishment is located in a hotel or motel, the gross revenues of the particular establishment, rather than the gross revenues of the entire hotel or motel, will be used in calculating the percentage of revenues derived from the sale or service of alcoholic beverages.
(c) 
Liquor Store or Package Store.
A facility for the sale of beer, wine, and/or liquor not for on-premises consumption that derives seventy-five percent (75%) or more of its gross revenue from the on-premises sale of beer, wine, and/or liquor.
(d) 
Private Club.
An establishment providing social and dining facilities, as well as alcoholic beverage service, to an association of persons united for a common goal, and otherwise falling within the definition of, and permitted under the provisions of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, as the same may be hereafter amended, and as it pertains to the operation of private clubs.
(e) 
Winery.
A wine-making facility that either ferments juices from grapes and/or other fruit, blends wines, or manufactures, bottles, labels, and packages wine, and/or performs any other activity authorized by Chapter 16, Winery Permit, of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code[,] as amended.
(f) 
Winery/Brewery/Distillery.
A manufacturing plant designed to distill alcoholic spirits such as wine, beer, ale, or liquor. No on-premises individual sales of alcoholic beverages are allowed.
(2) 
Permits Required for Alcohol Sales.
Before any certification from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) or other documentation of approval is signed by any City representative, such certificate or documentation shall be submitted to the Planning and Zoning coordinator to ensure:
(a) 
That the application complies with all provisions of this and all applicable ordinances, including applicable distance requirements;
(b) 
That a Specific Use Permit (SUP) application is officially submitted with the payment of applicable fees;
(c) 
That proof is submitted that a representative of TABC has approved the submittal of an application for license; and
(d) 
That the Chief of Police or Director of Public Safety has reviewed the SUP application.
(e) 
Following the recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission and approval of the SUP application by the City Council, a license or permit shall be issued to the applicant to be used at a specific address, in a specific zoning district, for specific types of alcohol sales, as described in the application for a Specific Use Permit. Said license shall be subject to a City fee, as described in Section 6(C)(2) [Subsection 6-AB.(7)]. A certificate of occupancy for the business shall be submitted, reviewed, and approved prior to commencement of sales.
(3) 
Fees established for Alcohol Sales.
The fee for issuing a license or permit to operate, conduct, and maintain a business establishment selling alcoholic beverages in the City shall be in conformance with Aubrey Code of Ordinances, Appendix A, Fee Schedule and Chapter 4, Business Regulations, Article 4.02, Alcoholic Beverages.
(4) 
Zoning Compliance Required.
No permit shall be granted under the terms of this section unless the location at which the business is sought to be established and maintained is an allowed use under the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of the City as of or after the effective date thereof.
(5) 
Alcohol Sales for Package Stores, Bars or Taverns, or Distilleries in Certain Zoning Districts.
(a) 
Package Store.
A facility for the sale of beer, wine, and/or liquor not for on-premises consumption that derives seventy-five percent (75%) or more of its gross revenue from the on-premises sale of beer, wine, and/or liquor may be allowed in the General Retail (GR), Shopping Center (SC), and Commercial (C) zoning districts with the application for a Specific Use Permit. Planned Development Districts (PD) with nonresidential uses may be allowed through a SUP. In addition, a package or liquor store shall not have walk-up window access and shall not have drive-through or drive-up access. A liquor (package) store shall be located in one of the following:
(i) 
In premises where two or more businesses are located within a single building (such as a "strip center"), the portion of the building that sells alcoholic beverages shall be coordinated with the rest of the building in terms of exterior materials, roof shape and materials, window size and number, entrances, and in all ways shall be compatible with the building setbacks, orientation, and relationship of building style to the other businesses within and near the structure and to the street. Signage should also be sized and contextually similar to the other business signs within the center.
(ii) 
In a stand-alone structure that shall have a minimum building square footage of 20,000 square feet.
(b) 
Bars or Taverns with Alcoholic Beverage Sales.
A bar or tavern is defined as a business where the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption is the primary source of income. Such bar or tavern serving alcoholic beverages may be allowed in the General Retail (GR), Shopping Center (SC), Commercial (C), and Planned Development Districts (PD) (with nonresidential uses) zoning districts with the application for a Specific Use Permit shall be subject to the following regulations and processes described in (5)(b)(i) through (xiii) [sic], above, with the exception that a bar or tavern shall not be located closer than three hundred (300) feet to any property used exclusively for religious or educational purposes. The method of measurement shall be in accordance with TABC rules allowing the vertical distance to count toward separation. A hotel shall not be considered a residential use for the purpose of this section. A bar or tavern shall be inspected and shall comply with all applicable local regulations, including but not limited to building codes, fire codes, plumbing codes, electrical codes and ordinances. Bars or taverns shall be regulated by Article 4.02 Alcoholic Beverages, Division 1, Generally, Section 4.02.009 Distance requirements applicable to certain establishments with high sales of alcoholic beverages, Section 10(b) [Subsection B.(9)(b)] and with the measurement method described in Section 10(c) [Subsection B.(9)(c)].
(c) 
Distillery.
A distillery may be allowed in the General Retail (GR), Shopping Center (SC), Commercial (C) Industrial (IND), and Planned Development District (PD) (with nonresidential uses) zoning districts with the application for a Specific Use Permit. Distance requirements applicable to certain establishments with high sales of alcoholic beverages, Section 10(b) and with the measurement method described in Section 10(c).
(6) 
Specific Use Permit (SUP) Process for Alcohol Sales.
(a) 
SUP Required.
Except as specifically provided herein, no persons shall manufacture, sell, offer for sale, distribute, or engage in any other activity for which a permit or license is required by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code within the City without first obtaining a Specific Use Permit to do so from the City. All of the provisions of the Specific Use Permit procedure shall apply as per the City's Code of Ordinances, Chapter 14, Exhibit 14A, Zoning Ordinance, as amended. In the event of a conflict between the general regulations governing Specific Use Permits and the provisions contained in this section, the provisions of this section shall control.
(b) 
SUP Application.
In order for a person to engage in the sale of alcoholic beverages, a formal application for a SUP shall be filed with the planning and planning and zoning coordinator with the appropriate fee established by the City. The Planning & Zoning coordinator shall process the application by submitting it to the Planning & Zoning Commission for their review and recommendation to the City Council for approval or disapproval. The City Council will consider and approve or disapprove the granting of a SUP for the sale of alcoholic beverages.
(c) 
SUP Process.
All SUP applications shall be considered by the Planning & Zoning Commission which shall make a recommendation on such application to the City Council. The City Council shall make the final decision on all SUP applications. Public hearings on the SUP application shall be required for both the Commission and the Council. Written notices of those hearings shall be sent to City of Aubrey landowners within 200 feet of the subject property, and notice shall be published in the local newspaper as outlined in the Chapter 14, Zoning, Exhibit 14A, Zoning Ordinance, Section 28, Amendments, as amended.
(d) 
Site Plan/Floor Plan Required.
The applicant shall submit a Site Plan/Floor Plan as part of the SUP application process in accordance with the City's Zoning, Chapter 14, Exhibit 14A, Zoning Ordinance, [Section 5] Subsection Q, Site Plans.
(7) 
Criteria for Approval of SUP.
The following general conditions apply to all Specific Use Permits (SUP) allowing the sale of any alcoholic beverages:
(a) 
The applicant must design and operate the establishment forwhich an SUP is sought in such a manner that the proposed use or actual use of the premises shall not substantially increase traffic congestion or create overcrowding in the establishment or in the immediately surrounding area.
(b) 
The applicant must comply with applicable licensing and permit provisions of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, as amended from the date of the issuance of the SUP by the City Council.
(c) 
As required, the applicant shall bear the burden of showing that the establishment does not exceed the limitation on gross receipts from the sales of alcoholic beverages applicable to its license and SUP. The applicant shall maintain accounting records of the sources of its gross revenue and allow the City to inspect such records during reasonable business hours[.]
(d) 
The applicant shall, at all times, provide an adequate number of employees for security purposes to adequately control the establishment premises to prevent incidents of drunkenness, disorderly conduct and raucous behavior. The applicant shall consult with the chief of police/director of public safety who shall act in an advisory capacity to determine the number of qualified employees necessary to meet his/her obligation hereunder.
(e) 
The establishment shall provide adequate parking spaces to accommodate its employees and patrons. Provided however, the number of parking spaces shall never be less than those required for similar uses in that zoning district where the establishment is located.
(f) 
The applicant shall operate the establishment in such a manner as to prevent excessive noise, dirt, litter, and odors in the establishment and in the surrounding area and operate the establishment in such a manner as to minimize disturbance to surrounding property owners and in compliance with all applicable City ordinances and state laws.
(g) 
Unless specified as a condition of approval by the City Council for an SUP, a Specific Use Permit issued for any alcoholic beverage sales under this section shall automatically expire upon a change in use of the property, change of ownership to the property, and/or business, and/or upon the revocation, termination, or expiration of the certificate of occupancy.
(h) 
All Specific Use permits issued under this section shall be further conditioned that the same may be discontinued if the use for which the SUP was granted ceases to be operated at the permitted location for a minimum period of six (6) continuous months, or as otherwise provided for the revocation of SUPs, as outlined in the comprehensive zoning ordinance, as amended.
(i) 
It is unlawful for any person to sell, offer for sale, or deliver any beer, wine, or liquor, except within those hours as prescribed in the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, as amended, including but not limited to Chapter 105 of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, as amended.
(8) 
Criteria for Denial of SUP.
The City Council may deny an SUP if it affirmatively determines that the issuance of such SUP:
(a) 
The use is incompatible with the surrounding uses or property; or
(b) 
The use is detrimental or offensive to the neighborhood or contrary to the health, safety, and general welfare of the City and its inhabitants; or
(c) 
The use is found to be in noncompliance with any City ordinances, including without limitation failure to comply with any one (1) or more of the provisions of this section.
(9) 
Distance Requirements.
(a) 
High Volume Sales.
High volume sales include package or liquor stores, bars or taverns, wineries, and distilleries. An establishment that derives seventy-five percent (75%) or more of the establishment's gross revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premise[s] consumption may not be located within 1,000 feet of a public school, private school, church, day care center or child care facility, as those terms are described by TABC. Alcohol sales for on-site consumption in an establishment defined as a "bar or tavern" shall not be located within 1,000 feet of another like business. Alcohol sales for off-premises consumption in an establishment defined as a "liquor or package store" shall not be located within 2,000 feet of another like business.
(b) 
Measurement.
The method of measurement of such distances shall be in accordance with the terms of this section and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, as amended. The measurement of the distance between the place of business and the establishment selling alcohol shall be as follows:
(i) 
Public or private school, day care or childcare facility: measured from the closest property line to property line, across intersections. When the alcohol sales are located on or above the fifth floor of a multistory building, the direct line shall be from the closest property line of the school or facility to the base of the multistory building and vertically up to the floor of the business conducting alcohol sales.
(ii) 
Church, place of worship, or public hospital: measured from the primary front door of the church or hospital to the property line, along street lines, across intersections, to the front door of the business conducting alcohol sales.
(c) 
Exception to Distance Requirements.
Pursuant to Section 11 of Ord. 484-12, adopted on November 20, 2012, the City Council may allow variances to the distance requirement regulations in Section 9(a) and 9(b) [Subsection B.(9)(a) and B.(9)(b)] of this Ordinance if the City Council determines that enforcement of the distance requirements in a particular instance is not in the best interest of the public, constitutes waste or inefficient use of land or other resources, creates an undue hardship on an applicant for a license or permit, does not serve its intended purpose, is not effective or necessary, or for any other reason the City Council, after consideration of the health, safety, and welfare of the public and the equities of the situation, determines that a variance is in the best interest of the community.
(d) 
Upon recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission, the City Council may allow an exception upon proof by the applicant that he/she meets the following criteria:
(i) 
Documented approval from surrounding property owners within the distance requirements for which the exception is sought;
(ii) 
Proof of preliminary approval from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission;
(iii) 
A determination by Council that the enforcement of the regulations in a particular instance is not in the best interest of the public; and
(iv) 
After consideration of the health, safety, and welfare of the public and the equities of such regulation, the Council determines that the exception is in the best interest of the community.
(10) 
Special Events.
Alcoholic beverage sales shall be permitted for special events as adopted in Chapter 4, Business Regulations, Article 2, Alcoholic Beverages, City of Aubrey Code of Ordinances.
(11) 
Sale, Consumption, and Possession of Alcoholic Beverages on public property.
(a) 
It shall be unlawful for any person to consume or possess any alcoholic beverage on:
(i) 
Any public street or alley in the City;
(ii) 
Any public place adjacent to any street or alley in the City;
(iii) 
Any city-owned or controlled park, including any reserved area within any park, playground, recreation center, cemetery, or any other area devoted to active or passive recreation, including all planted medians, pedestrian or bikeways, all parking lots servicing parks and public areas, landscaped parkways, triangles, and traffic islands maintained by the City;
(iv) 
Any public athletic field and all parking lots servicing such athletic fields; and
(v) 
Any public street, public alley, or public sidewalk within one thousand (1,000) feet of the property line of a facility that is a public or private school, including a parochial school, that provides all or any part of pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade in the buildings or on the grounds of any public school.
(b) 
Special Events.
The sale of beer and/or wine shall be permitted for Special Events sponsored or organized by the City of Aubrey or to which the City of Aubrey is a partner with another organization, and which is held upon public property per the City of Aubrey Code of Ordinances, Article 4.02 Alcoholic Beverages.
(12) 
Establishments Selling Alcoholic Beverages in Existence Prior to this Ordinance.
(a) 
Establishments selling alcoholic beverages in existence prior to this ordinance being adopted are deemed to have not met the Specific Use Permit requirement.
(b) 
Existing establishments selling alcoholic beverages shall apply for a Specific Use Permit three (3) months prior to the TABC permit annual renewal.
USE CHART:
P = Permitted
S = Specific Use Permit
C = Conditional Use Permit
Permit Blank = not permitted
ALCOHOL BEVERAGE SALES
ZONING DISTRICT
GR
SC
C
IND
PD*
USE
Convenience Store Sales of Beer and Wine
C
C
C
C
C
Grocery Store Sales of Beer and Wine
C
C
C
C
Bar or Tavern
S
S
S
S
Restaurant Serving Mixed Beverages
C
C
C
C
Restaurant Serving Beer and Wine
C
C
C
C
Winery
C
C
C
C
C
Brewpub
C
C
C
C
C
Winery/Brewery/Distillery
S
S
S
S
S
Winery/Brewery Retail Sales
C
C
C
C
C
Liquor Store or Package Store
S
S
S
S
Private Club
S
S
S
S
*Applies only to nonresidential portions of Planned Developments.
(Ordinance 905-25 adopted 5/22/2025)
[1]
Editor's Note: Former section 6 pertaining to conditional uses and specific use permits, was amended and replaced with similar provisions by Ordinance 905-25 adopted 5/22/2025. Prior to the replacement, this section derived from the following: Ordinance 135-87 adopted 4/14/87; Ordinance 415-09 adopted 3/24/09; Ordinance 474-12 adopted 8/21/12; Ordinance 497-13 adopted 3/19/13; Ordinance 548-14 adopted 12/16/14; Ordinance 852-24 adopted 6/27/2024; Ordinance 904-25 adopted 5/22/2025.