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Celina City Zoning Code

ARTICLE 14

01 ADMINISTRATION 1

§ 14.01.101 Title and purpose.

(a) 
Title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the City of Celina’s “zoning ordinance.”
(b) 
Purpose.
(1) 
The zoning regulations and districts as herein established have been made in accordance with an adopted comprehensive plan for the purpose of promoting the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare, and protecting and preserving places and areas of historical, cultural, or architectural importance and significance within the city. Given that the City of Celina is an area that has been designated with historical, cultural, and architectural importance and significance, the provisions herein apply.
(2) 
The regulations herein are intended to lessen the congestion in the streets; to secure safety from fire, panic and other dangers; to ensure adequate light and air; to prevent the overcrowding of land and thus avoid undue concentration of population; and to facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water, wastewater treatment, schools, parks, and other public requirements. The regulations have been made with reasonable consideration, among other things, for the character of each zoning district and its particular suitability for the uses specified; and with a view to conserving the value of buildings and natural attributes, and to encourage the most appropriate use of land throughout the city.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19)

§ 14.01.102 Authority.

This zoning chapter is adopted under the authority of Texas Local Government Code ch. 211, which is hereby made a part of this chapter.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19)

§ 14.01.103 Jurisdiction and application.

(a) 
The provisions of this chapter apply to the use and development of all land within the incorporated limits of the city.
(b) 
No buildings or structures, including signs and temporary structures, are allowed to be constructed within the City of Celina unless all applicable permits have been approved by the appropriate department and/or the governing body responsible for approving such permit.
(c) 
No building or structure is allowed to be constructed within the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) of the City of Celina unless sufficient water pressure is available to support fire suppression systems, as may be required by the city or county fire code.
(d) 
No person or entity shall erect, construct, alter, rehab, enlarge, or cause to happen, or proceed or continue with the erection or construction of any building or structure within the city in a manner that does not comply with this chapter.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19)

§ 14.01.104 Compliance required.

(a) 
Compliance hereafter.
All land, buildings, structures, or appurtenances thereon located within the city which are occupied, used, constructed, erected, removed, placed, demolished, or converted after the effective date of this chapter shall be occupied, used, erected, altered, removed, placed, demolished, or converted in conformance with the zoning regulations prescribed for the zoning district in which such land or building is located, as hereinafter provided, or such shall be subject to penalties provided in section 14.01.111, penalties and enforcement of this chapter. All of the standards and regulations prescribed herein shall be considered as the base requirement unless explicitly stated otherwise.
(b) 
Conflicts with other regulations.
No uses shall be allowed that are prohibited by state or federal law or that operate in excess of state or federal environmental, pollution or performance standards as determined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Texas Air Control Board (TACB), Texas State Department of Health (TSDH), Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), or any other applicable state or federal agency, as the case may be.
(c) 
Restrictiveness.
Where the regulations imposed herein are either more restrictive or less restrictive than comparable conditions imposed by any other provision of any other applicable law, ordinance, resolution, rule or regulation of any kind, the regulations that are more restrictive and impose higher standards are the requirements that shall govern, unless otherwise determined by the director.
(d) 
Abrogation.
The provisions of these regulations are not intended to abrogate any easement, covenant, or other private agreement, provided that where the requirements of these regulations are more restrictive or impose higher standards or regulations than such easement, covenant, or other private agreement, the requirements of these regulations shall govern.
(e) 
Cumulative effect.
The provisions of these regulations are cumulative and additional limitations upon all other laws and ordinances heretofore passed or which may be passed hereafter governing any subject matter set forth in the provisions of these regulations.
(f) 
Error correction.
In the event that any property or zoning district set forth on the zoning district map as provided in section 14.01.107, official zoning district map of this ordinance is misnamed, designated incorrectly, the boundaries are incorrect or the property is omitted, in part or in whole, the zoning district map may be amended administratively by the director.
(g) 
Director authority to interpret the zoning ordinance.
The provisions of this chapter shall be administered by the director of development services or his designee, who shall have the authority to make judgments regarding the interpretation of the regulations of the zoning ordinance that are deemed to meet the intent of the chapter (see section 14.01.204, development services director, for more information regarding interpretation and decision-making).
(h) 
Setbacks, yards, and open spaces.
No lot upon which a building has been erected shall later be so reduced in area that the setbacks, yards, and/or open spaces shall be smaller than those required by this chapter, nor shall a part of a yard or other open space required by this chapter for any building or lot be included as a part of a yard or other open space similarly required for another building or lot.
(i) 
Applications in relation to zoning.
No plat applicable to land that is located within the city limits must be submitted for approval until the area contained within the plat has been zoned for the proposed use of the property.
(j) 
Existing uses.
All existing uses that may be nonconforming after the effective date of this chapter must comply with section 14.03.602, nonconforming uses.
(k) 
Establishment of legal nonconforming status.
For purposes of interpretation of this section, any uses, structures and/or lots which in whole or part are not in conformance with current zoning standards shall be considered as follows:
(1) 
Legal nonconforming.
Defined as those uses, structures, or lots that in whole or part are not in conformance with current zoning standards, but were legally established at a prior date at which time they were in conformance with applicable standards. Such uses, structures, or lots may be maintained or potentially altered subject to the provisions of section 14.03.602, nonconforming uses.
(2) 
Illegal status.
Those uses, structures, or lots which in whole or part are not in conformance with current zoning standards and were not in conformance with applicable standards at the time of their inception shall not be considered nonconforming, but shall be considered illegal uses, structures, or lots and shall not be approved for any alteration or expansion, and must undertake necessary remedial measures to reach conformance with current standards, or be discontinued.
(3) 
Time of adoption.
Any use, platted lot, and/or structure is a lawful use at the time of the adoption of any amendment to this ordinance but by such amendment is placed in a district wherein such use, platted lot, and/or structure is not otherwise permitted shall be deemed legal nonconforming.
(4) 
Annexation.
If a use, platted lot and/or structure was in existence at the time of annexation to the city and has since been in regular and continuous use shall be deemed legal nonconforming.
(l) 
Burden of demonstrating nonconformance.
The burden of establishing that any nonconformity is a legal nonconformity as defined in this subsection shall be borne by the owner or proponent of such nonconformity.
(m) 
Characteristic of the land.
Zoning is considered to be a characteristic of the land rather than a characteristic of the landowner. Zoning cannot be bought nor sold separate from the land and its improvements.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19)

§ 14.01.105 Document rules of construction.

The language set forth in these regulations shall be interpreted in accordance with the following rules of construction:
(1) 
Number.
The singular number includes the plural and the plural the singular.
(2) 
Tense.
The present tense includes the past and future tenses and the future the present.
(3) 
Mandatory and permissive language.
The words “shall” and “must” are mandatory while the words “may” and “should” are permissive (i.e. optional).
(4) 
Gender terms.
The masculine gender includes the feminine and neuter.
(5) 
Parentheses.
Any word appearing in parentheses directly after a word herein defined shall be construed in the same sense as the first word.
(6) 
Conflicts.
If there is an expressed conflict:
(A) 
The text of this ordinance controls over the charts or any other graphic display in this ordinance;
(B) 
The use regulations control over the district regulations in this ordinance; and
(C) 
The director shall make the final determination to resolve any conflict.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19)

§ 14.01.106 Zoning districts established.

The following zoning districts are established and are applied to property with the city as set forth on the official zoning district map.
Article 14.01, Table 1 Zoning Districts
SF-E
Single-family residential estate district
SF-R
Single-family residential detached district
SF-A
Single-family residential attached district
SF-M
Single-family residential manufactured home district
MF-1
Multifamily garden style district
MF-2
Multifamily urban edge district
MF-3
Multifamily urban living district
CF
Community facilities district
C
Commercial, office, and retail district
I
Industrial district
AG
Agricultural district
MU
Mixed-use district
PD
Planned development district
PRO
Preston Road Overlay District
DNTO
Dallas North Tollway Overlay District
CCO
Collin County Outer Loop Overlay District
OT
Old town district
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19)

§ 14.01.107 Official zoning district map.

(a) 
Division into zoning districts.
The city is hereby divided into zones, or districts, and the boundaries of zoning districts set out herein are delineated upon the zoning district map of the city, which may also be cited as the “zoning map,” said map being adopted as a part of this chapter as fully as if the same were set forth herein in detail. The official zoning district map shall be maintained by the city and published online.
(b) 
Zoning map changes/amendments.
Any changes or amendments made to the zoning district boundaries shall be made on the zoning district map promptly after the amendment has been approved by the city council.
(c) 
Errors in the zoning district map.
Any administrative or drawing error on the official zoning district map may be corrected by the director.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19)

§ 14.01.108 Zoning district boundaries.

(a) 
Boundary delineations.
The zoning district boundary lines shown on the state or federal are usually along streets, alleys, property lines, or extensions thereof. Where uncertainty exists as to the boundaries of districts as shown on the zoning district map, the following rules shall apply:
(1) 
Centerlines.
Boundaries indicated as approximately following the centerlines of streets, highways, railroads, or alleys shall be construed to follow such centerlines. However, zoning exhibits shall show the zoning only to the edge of property.
(2) 
Platted lot lines.
Boundaries indicated as approximately following lot lines shall be construed as following such lot lines.
(3) 
City limits.
Boundaries indicated as approximately following city limits shall be construed as following city limits.
(4) 
Riverbank lines.
Boundaries indicated as following riverbank lines shall be construed to follow such riverbank lines and in the event of change in the riverbank line shall be construed as moving with the actual riverbank line; boundaries indicated as approximately following the centerlines of streams, rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water shall be construed to follow such centerlines.
(5) 
Natural features.
Boundaries indicated as parallel to or extensions of feature indicated in subsections (1) through (4) of this section shall be so construed. Distances not specifically indicated on the official zoning map shall be determined by the scale of the map.
(6) 
Vacated public way.
Whenever any street, alley, or other public way is vacated by an official action of the city council, the adjacent zoning district designation shall be assigned to the centerline of the abandoned right-of-way.
(7) 
Boundary as a condition of zoning approval.
The zoning classification applied to a tract of land adjacent to a street shall extend to the centerline of the street, unless as a condition of zoning approval, it is stated that the zoning classification shall not apply to the street.
(8) 
Interpretation.
Where physical or cultural features existing on the ground are at variance with those shown on the official zoning map or in other circumstances not covered by subsections (1) through (7) of this section, the director shall interpret the district boundaries.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19)

§ 14.01.109 Fees.

(a) 
The city council shall establish a schedule of fees, charges, and expenses, and a collection procedure for building permits, certificates of zoning compliance, appeals, and other matters pertaining to this chapter. The master fee schedule shall be publicly available and may be altered or amended only by the city council.
(b) 
No permit, certificate, special exception, or variance shall be issued unless or until such costs, charges, fees, or expenses have been paid in full, nor shall any action be taken on proceedings before the board of adjustment unless or until preliminary charges and fees have been paid in full.
(c) 
The city incurs the costs whether or not an applicant is successful in the request for a change in zoning. Therefore, the fee is not refundable to an applicant in the event a change in zoning or other plan is not approved.
(d) 
If the applicant for a permit has not paid all amounts then due and outstanding to the city (other than amounts for ad valorem taxes) directly related to any project, including, without limitation, the payment of any amounts secured by liens filed against any property by the city and fines owed by the owner, the city shall not issue any permit of any kind until the liens, fines, or fees against the applicant are paid in full, including any interest owed to the city.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19)

§ 14.01.110 Severability and repealer.

(a) 
Severability.
Should any section or provision of this chapter be declared by the courts to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the ordinance as a whole, or any part thereof, other than the part so declared to be unconstitutional or invalid.
(b) 
Repealer.
All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with any of the provisions of this chapter are hereby repealed insofar as the same are in conflict with the provisions hereof.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19)

§ 14.01.111 Penalties and enforcement.

(a) 
Violation of the provisions of this chapter or failure to comply with any of its requirements shall constitute a misdemeanor. Any person who violates this chapter or fails to comply with any of its requirements shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined a sum not to exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000.00). Each day such violation continues shall be considered a separate offense.
(b) 
The owner or tenant of any building, structure, premises, or part thereof, and any architect, banker, attorney, engineer, builder, contractor, agent, or other person who commits, participates in, assists in, or maintains such violation may each be found guilty of a separate offense and suffer the penalties herein provided.
(c) 
Nothing herein contained shall prevent the city from taking such other lawful action as is necessary to prevent or remedy any violation.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19)

§ 14.01.112 Effective date.

This ordinance shall become effective after its passage and publication as required by state law and the city charter.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19)

§ 14.01.113 Definitions and interpretation.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning. If a word used within the zoning ordinance is not hereby defined, the normal interpretation of the director shall suffice in determining its meaning.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19)

§ 14.01.114 Land use definitions.

Agricultural use, commercial.
A tract of land for which the primary purpose is the growing of farm products, vegetables, fruit, trees, or grain for wholesale or retail distribution, and may include facilities to process, store, wrap, and ship such items for market for commercial gain. An office or residence may be sited on the tract, but its use is secondary to the raising, growing, production, and distribution of the product or products for which the farm or ranch is engaged.
Agricultural use, private.
An area of land for which the growing of farm products, vegetables, fruit, trees, and grain and for the raising thereon of poultry or farm animals such as horses, chicken, cattle, goats, and sheep is a secondary or incidental use to the residence. This definition excludes the commercial feeding of offal or garbage to swine or other animals and excludes any type of agriculture or husbandry specifically prohibited by ordinance or law. This definition also excludes any corporate farm or production facility, professional ranch, stable, garden, or orchard, as defined above.
Airport, heliport, or landing field.
A facility designed for the landing and take-off of fixed wing or rotary aircraft usually equipped with hangars, facilities for refueling and repair, and various accommodations for pilots and passengers. (See section 14.03.301(1), airport/helipad/heliport for regulations)
Alcohol sales.
All of the following land uses with the sale (both on-premises and off-premises) and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages. All businesses and entities must adhere to the requirements of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, as it exists or may be amended and any local option elections. See section 14.03.401, permanent land uses with specific conditions prior to issuance of a building permit, alcohol sales for additional regulations.
(1) 
Alcoholic beverage sales.
Any establishment, place of business, or person engaged in the selling of alcoholic beverages, as defined in the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, as amended, to the general public for off-premises personal or household consumption.
(2) 
Bar.
Any establishment that derives seventy-five (75) percent or more of its gross revenue on a quarterly basis from the sale or service of alcoholic beverages, as defined in the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, as amended, for on-premises consumption.
(3) 
Brewery.
An establishment holding a "brewer's license" or a "brewer's self distribution license" issued by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission in accordance with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, as amended.
(4) 
Brewpub.
An establishment holding a "brewpub license" issued by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission in accordance with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, as amended, permitting the license holder to manufacture, brew, bottle, can, package, and label malt liquor, ale and beer; sell or offer without charge, on the premises of the brewpub, to ultimate consumers for consumption on or off those premises, malt liquor, ale or beer produced by the license holder, in or from a lawful container, to the extent the sales or offers are allowed under the license holder’s other permits or licenses; which license holder must also hold with another TABC permit or license authorizing on-premises consumption. Total production of malt liquor, ale and beer cannot exceed 10,000 barrels for each licensed brewpub.
(5) 
Distillery.
An establishment holding a "distiller's and rectifiers permit" issued by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission in accordance with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, as amended.
(6) 
Winery.
An establishment holding a "winery permit" issued by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission in accordance with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, as amended.
Alternative energy systems.
(1) 
Solar devices and systems.
A solar panel or device is a structure that is intended to capture the light from the sun and transfer that energy to electricity for general use. (See section 14.03.401(2), alternative energy source - Solar for regulations)
(2) 
Wind energy conversion system (WECS).
Any mechanical device, such as a wind charger, windmill, or wind turbine, which is designed to extract kinetic energy from the wind and converts or stores it for practical use or a form of usable energy. (see section 14.03.401(3), alternative energy source - wind for regulations)
Alternative financial services.
A check cashing business, payday advance or loan business, money transfer business, or car title loan business. (See section 14.03.301(3), alternative financial services for regulations)
(1) 
Bank, savings and loan or credit union.
An establishment, open to the public, for the deposit, custody, loan, exchange or issue of money, the extension of credit, and/or facilitating the transmission of funds and that is typically licensed by the appropriate state or federal agency as a bank, savings and loan association, or credit union. This includes businesses’ activities listed under SIC codes 60 and 61, but excludes check cashing businesses, payday advance/loan businesses and car title loan businesses.
(2) 
Car title and loan services.
An establishment that makes small consumer loans that leverage the equity value of a car or other vehicle as collateral where the title to such vehicle is owned free and clear by the loan applicant and any existing liens on the car or vehicle cancel the application. The loan terms are often for 30 days and failure to repay the loan or make interest payments to extend the loan allows the lender to take possession of the car or vehicle. This excludes state or federally chartered banks, savings and loan associations or credit unions engaged primarily in the business of making longer term loans and which make loans that leverage the total equity value of a car or vehicle as collateral.
(3) 
Check cashing business.
An establishment that provides to the customer an amount of money that is equal to the face of the check or the amount specified in the written authorization for an electronic transfer of money, less any fee charged for the transaction, and where there is an agreement not to cash the check or execute an electronic transfer of money for a specified period of time, the business of cashing checks, warrants, drafts, money orders, or other commercial paper serving the same purpose for compensation by any person or entity other than a retail seller engaged primarily in the business of selling consumer goods, including consumables to retail buyers, that cashes checks or money orders or issues money orders or money transfers for a minimum flat fee as a service that is incidental to its main purpose or business. This definition excludes a state or federally chartered bank, savings and loan association or credit union, grocery store or gas station, so long as the gas station does not handle more than 100 such transactions within any calendar month.
(4) 
Payday advance or loan business.
An establishment that makes small consumer loans, usually backed by postdated check or authorization to make an electronic debt against an existing financial account, where the check or debit is held for an agreed-upon term, or until an applicant’s next payday, and then cashed unless the customer repays the loan to reclaim such person’s check.
Alternative retail services.
Any shop or store that sells items or services that may be considered to be not in the best interest of the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare. (See section 14.03.301(4), alternate retail services for regulations)
(1) 
Body art studio.
A business establishment whose primary service includes providing tattooing and/or body piercing. Tattooing shall mean the placing of designs, letters, figures, symbols or other marks upon or under the skin of any person, using ink or other substances that result in the permanent coloration of the skin by means of the use of needles or other instruments designed to contact or puncture the skin. Body piercing shall mean the creation of an opening in an individual’s body, other than ear piercing, to insert jewelry or other decoration. This definition does not include secondary uses that are subordinate to the primary land use, nor does it include micro-blading or permanent make-up for cosmetic purposes, such as eyelids, eyebrows, or lips.
(2) 
Cannabidiol shop (CBD shop).
A business establishment for which more than fifty percent (50%) of sales are derived from the retail sale of products related to or derived from CBD oil (cannabidiol) or hemp. This includes, but is not limited to, oils, vitamins, supplements, food, personal care, and garments.
(3) 
Cigar shop.
A business establishment in which cigars are bought, stored, and/or consumed.
(4) 
Head shop.
A business establishment that sells paraphernalia that supports the ingestion, inhalation, or consumption of illegal drug products.
(5) 
Hookah shop.
A business establishment that sells devices designed for the on-site consumption of tobacco, cigarette, and nicotine-enriched products that may induce an altered state.
(6) 
Smoke shop.
A business establishment that sells tobacco or electronic cigarette/vaping products and their associated paraphernalia other than cigars.
Amenity center.
A recreational facility, including, but not limited to, clubhouse, swimming pool, play area, operated for the exclusive use of private residents or neighborhood groups and their guests, and not the general public.
Animal shelter.
A public or private facility for the enclosure of animals, especially stray, abandoned or unlicensed pets, with the intention of animal adoption.
Arcade.
An establishment or public area containing mechanical or electronic games of chance, such as pinball, skeeball, or video games that are appropriate to be played by a customer of any age for a fee or token. See also “commercial amusement, indoor.”
Assembly uses, churches and houses of worship.
A building or structure for the gathering together of persons for purposes religious functions, including but not limited to churches, synagogues, and mosques. For the purpose of this zoning ordinance, Bible study and other similar educational or day care activities that occur in a person’s primary residence shall be excluded from this definition.
Assembly uses, other.
A building or structure for the gathering together of persons for purposes of civic, social, or educational functions, including but not limited to event centers, convention centers, fraternal lodges, Elks, Masons, labor unions, and other meeting places of like-minded people for a particular function.
Athletic stadium or field.
A field and/or structure owned and operated by the city and/or a local independent school district used for sporting events with associated spectator seating. The stadium may include other accessory buildings such as offices, food service or catering facility, and dressing rooms/showers.
Automated teller machine (ATM), off-site.
An unmanned, freestanding structure that performs banking financial functions at a location that may be separate from the controlling financial institution.
Automobile uses.
For the purposes of this ordinance, the word “automobile” shall encompass autos, pick-up or “light load” trucks, passenger vans, or any other vehicle that is self-propelled, other than boats and motorcycles.
(1) 
Automobile repair, major.
A building or portion thereof whose principal use is for the repair, servicing, equipping, or maintenance of motor vehicles or motor vehicle components, including engines, radiators, starters, transmissions, brakes, tires and wheels, seats and similar components that may require overnight outdoor storage of vehicles awaiting or under repair, if screened in compliance with all applicable regulations. General repair or reconditioning of engines, air-conditioning systems, and transmissions for automobiles; wrecker or towing service with on-site storage of vehicles; collision services including body, frame, or fender straightening or repair; customizing; painting; vehicle steam cleaning; tire retreading; insurance estimations with on-site storage; undercoating and rust proofing, and other similar uses.
(2) 
Automobile repair, minor.
A daytime retail operation wherein the sale, installation, and/or inspection of tires, batteries, brakes, and other related minor parts or accessories is carried on; specifically intended to exclude major automotive repair and overnight outdoor storage of vehicles awaiting or under repair.
(3) 
Automobile sales, accessories only.
A retail shop that sells parts or accessories for vehicles that does not include installation of said parts.
(4) 
Automobile sales, new.
Retail sales or leasing of new automobiles, light load vehicles, or boats and may include used automobile sales, repair, and storage as a secondary use within this definition.
(5) 
Automobile sales, used.
Retail sales or offering for sale of used vehicles.
(6) 
Automobile and RV storage.
The storage on a lot or tract of operable motor vehicles for holding such vehicles for sale, distribution, or storage.
(7) 
Automobile parking garage.
A multi-level structure designed for the parking or storage of vehicles.
(8) 
Automobile parking lot.
An off-street, ground level area paved in accordance with the city parking lot standards, for the short- or long-term storage of motor vehicles.
(9) 
Automobile wash, full service.
A facility where a customer may have vehicles washed in exchange for financial remuneration. This definition generally includes detailing of the vehicle and may include other services, such as leather or upholstery cleaning.
(10) 
Automobile wash, secondary use.
A facility for the washing of motor vehicles, including a self-service operation, operated in conjunction with another primary use, such as a fueling station or convenience store.
(11) 
Automobile wash, self service.
A facility, typically coin operated, used by the customer to wash automobiles and other vehicles.
Bank, savings and loan, or credit union.
An establishment for the custody, loan, exchange, or issue of money, the extension of credit, or facilitating the transmission of funds and not to be considered the same as “alternate financial services.”
Batch plant, medium duration.
A non-permanent manufacturing facility for the on-site production of concrete (including asphalt or similar material) during construction of a project longer than 6-months in duration, and which is removed when the project is completed. Medium duration plants also include any plants that do not meet the definition of permanent or temporary plants, but are often in association with road or other large projects.
Batch plant, permanent.
A permanent manufacturing facility for the on-site production of concrete (including asphalt or similar material) and includes the storage of those elements that make up concrete and asphalt.
Batch plant, temporary.
A temporary manufacturing facility for the on-site production of concrete (including asphalt or similar material) during construction of a project shorter than 6-months in duration, and which is removed when the project is completed.
Building material and hardware sales, major.
An establishment for the sale of materials customarily used in the construction of buildings and other structures, including outside storage or display of materials or merchandise and may include the rental of construction tools, vehicles, or heavy equipment.
Building material and hardware sales, minor.
An establishment for the sale of materials customarily used in the construction of buildings and other structures, without any outside storage or display of materials or merchandise.
Campground or RV park.
Any area that is designed for occupancy by transients using tents, mobile trailers, or recreational vehicles for temporary sleeping purposes. A tract of land on which two (2) or more campsites are located, established, or maintained as temporary living quarters for recreation, education or vacation purposes.
Caretaker’s or guard’s residence.
A residence located on premises with a main nonresidential use and occupied only by a caretaker or guard, and his/her family, employed on the premises.
Carnival or circus.
A traveling show or exhibition, sometimes housed in tents that has no permanent structure or installation and may include restaurants and retail shops incidental to the use.
Catering, commissary.
A facility that is the home-base for restaurant-equipped vehicles that serve as mobile food vendors. The commissary also is also used for the storage and partial production of food items that are delivered to customers by the mobile food vendor away from the commissary location itself.
Catering, sales and service.
A business that offers food and drink for consumption elsewhere.
Cemetery.
A cemetery is a place designed for the burial of the dead.
Child care.
The following land uses refer to childcare uses and are subject to the regulations of the State of Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). For the purposes of this zoning ordinance, “child care” also includes adult day care.
(1) 
Child care center, primary use.
A facility that is licensed to care for children at a location other than the permit holder’s primary residence and includes pre-school educational centers, such as Montessori or other educational childcare.
(2) 
Child care center, secondary use.
A place designed for the care of children belonging to employees and/or patrons of the primary use, whether it be commercial, religious, or not-for-profit. The center or space shall be completely contained within the primary use, such as a fitness center, office complex, or other facility that provides childcare for its employees or patrons.
(3) 
Child care center, in-home.
The provision of regular childcare within the permit holder’s home.
Church.
See “assembly uses.”
Clinic, animal (no outside runs).
An animal medical facility designed for immediate and short term care (i.e. not requiring the animal to be boarded or kept within the facility overnight), for diagnosis and treatment of household pets including, but not limited to, dogs, cats, and birds.
Clinic, animal (with outside runs).
A facility for diagnosis, treatment, or hospitalization of household pets including, but not limited to, dogs, cats, birds, and horses.
Clinic, emergency care facility.
A public or private, profit or nonprofit facility for the reception and treatment of outpatients who are physically or mentally ill, injured, handicapped, or otherwise in need of diagnosis, treatment, and care.
Clinic, medical lab.
Offices for one or more physicians, surgeons, or dentists engaged in conduct the testing of blood and other tissue samples for the purpose of diagnosis of diseases or creating medical-related devices/equipment.
Collection site.
A collection site is a weatherproof structure, including, but not limited to, an empty semi-trailer container, that is manned at specific hours for the collection of used items.
College, university, or trade school.
An institution established for educational purposes offering courses for study beyond the secondary education level, including trade schools and commercial schools offering training or instruction in a trade, art, or occupation.
Commercial amusement, indoor.
A facility providing for indoor recreational activities, services, amusements, and instruction, usually for an admission fee. Uses may include, but are not limited to, bowling alleys, ice or roller-skating rinks, bingo parlors, amusement arcades, or practice areas.
Commercial amusement, outdoor.
A facility providing for outdoor recreational activities, services, amusements, and instruction for an admission fee, including, but not limited to, batting cages, miniature golf, go-kart tracks, and carnivals.
Communications antenna.
An instrument or device designed for transmitting or receiving any portion of the radio, microwave, or electromagnetic spectrum. (See sections 14.03.301(5), communications antenna towers - residential and 14.03.401(4), communications antenna towers - non-residential for regulations)
Communications antenna support structure.
Any tower, mast, pole, tripod, box frame, or other structure utilized for the purpose of transmission, retransmission, and/or reception of electromagnetic, radio, television, or microwave signals and used for commercial broadcasting or telecommunication purposes. This definition shall also include a satellite dish exceeding twelve (12) feet in diameter and a microwave-transmitting tower. All radiating equipment must comply with Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), and all other applicable State and Federal regulatory agency requirements and guidelines for human safety, as they exist or may be amended. Definition includes ancillary ground equipment.
Construction yard, field office, temporary.
A building, structure, or storage/assembly yard used in conjunction with a development project for housing temporary supervisory or administrative functions related to development, construction, or the sale of real estate properties within the development and subject to removal at completion of construction. A facility used for the temporary office and material storage in connection with a project under construction or remodel. (See section 14.03.501(2), construction yard and field office, temporary for regulations)
Donation bin/collection site.
An unmanned, freestanding structure that is designed to receive certain goods that include, but are not limited to, recycling items, clothing and household items, library books and donations, that may be located outside of or separate from the primary structure. (see section 14.03.401(5), donation bins/collection sites for regulations)
Dwelling.
Any building or portion thereof, which is designed or used as living quarters for one or more families, including single-family and multifamily buildings, but not including motels, inns, or hotels.
(1) 
Dwelling, accessory unit.
A second dwelling unit on certain single-family lots that is a secondary use to the primary home.
(2) 
Dwelling, boardinghouse or rooming house.
A building other than a hotel where lodging and/or meals are provided for compensation.
(3) 
Dwelling, duplex.
A building containing two (2) single-family dwelling units on a single platted lot that are totally separated from each other by an unpierced firewall from basement to roof. A detached building arranged, intended or designed for occupancy by two families. Currently classified as “single-family attached.”
(4) 
Dwelling, factory-built home.
Any manufactured single-family mobile home constructed prior to June 15, 1976. (See also dwelling, HUD-code manufactured home)
(5) 
Dwelling, HUD-code manufactured home.
A HUD-code compliant single-family structure constructed after June 15, 1976, designed for long-term residential use that is constructed elsewhere and is moved from the factory or sales location to its permanent site. (See also dwelling, factory-built home)
(6) 
Dwelling, live-work.
A dwelling unit that contains, to a limited extent, a separate commercial component with residential quarters above or behind the commercial use.
(7) 
Dwelling, mobile home.
Any manufactured single-family mobile home constructed prior to June 15, 1976. (see section 14.03.401(9), manufactured home replacement for replacement regulations.)
(8) 
Dwelling, model home.
A single-family dwelling in a developing subdivision located on a legal lot of record that is limited to temporary use as a sales office for the subdivision and to provide an example of the dwellings which have been built or which are proposed to be built in the same subdivision. (see section 14.03.501(3), model home, temporary for regulations)
(9) 
Dwelling, multifamily.
Any building or portion thereof, which is designed, built, rented, leased, or let to be occupied as three or more dwelling units or apartments or which is occupied as a home or place of residence by three or more families living in independent dwelling units. Though residential in use, it is considered a commercial development in regards to and application of development standards and regulations. A building containing three (3) or more dwelling units on a single lot or tract designed to be occupied by three (3) or more families living independent of one another.
(10) 
Dwelling, patio home.
A dwelling on a separate lot with open space setbacks on at least three sides. Currently classified as “single-family attached.”
(11) 
Dwelling, single-family, attached (i.e. townhome, patio home).
A structure containing three (3) or more dwelling units with each unit designed for occupancy by one household and each unit attached by a common firewall.
(12) 
Dwelling, single-family, detached.
A building containing one (1) dwelling unit, not attached to any other dwelling by any means and is surrounded by open space or yards. A dwelling designed and constructed for occupancy by one family and located on a lot or separate building tract and have no physical connection to a building located on any other separate lot or tract.
Dwelling, senior living.
The following definitions relate to those residences and businesses that are designed to provide housing for adults primarily over the age of 55.
(1) 
Dwelling, senior living, independent living.
A single-family home, either attached or detached, or a multifamily facility in which adults generally over the age of 55 live in relative independence.
(2) 
Dwelling, senior living, assisted living facility.
A private facility that provides care for chronically ill, aged, or disabled persons who need health supervision and related care not including hospital care. Such facility is designed for older adults who need some assistance with daily living, including but not limited to the production and serving of meals, assistance with shopping, management of medications, and personal grooming. Typically, the resident occupies a room or suite of rooms and eats the majority of meals communally.
(3) 
Dwelling, senior living, advanced care.
A facility that provides advanced nursing care, memory care, dementia care, hospice care, or any level of care that clearly exceeds those provided in an “assisted living” facility.
Electrical power generating plant.
All equipment, fixtures, and property operated or maintained in connection with the production of electricity and transmission of electricity produced.
Electrical substation.
A location for transforming electricity prior to the distribution of electricity to individual customers.
Entertainment venue.
A location in which concerts, rodeos, sports events, or other large-scale entertainment types can be housed (e.g. auditorium, arena, natatorium, football stadium, etc.)
Fairgrounds/exhibition area.
An area that may include structures for the exhibition of, rodeos, conventions, and similar special events.
Farmers market.
An area containing individual vendors who offer fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, edible seeds, nuts, live plants, flowers, and honey for sale. This definition does include the sale of meat, fish, poultry, eggs, refrigerated dairy products, or home canned or packaged items when the proper health rules and regulations are followed and/or health permit obtained.
Funeral home/mortuary.
A place for the storage of human bodies prior to their burial, or a building used for the preparation of the deceased for burial and the display of the deceased and ceremonies connected therewith before burial, but does not allow the cremation of human remains.
Funeral home/mortuary with crematorium.
A place for the storage of human bodies prior to their burial or cremation, or a building used for the preparation of the deceased for burial or cremation, where cremation occurs within the building, with or without space for ceremonies connected therewith before burial or cremation.
Gas pumps/fuel sales.
A retail fuel sales facility selling fuel for motor vehicles including, but not limited to, automobiles, motorcycles, buses, or recreational vehicles with no ancillary services such as vehicle service, vehicle repair, or sale of items other than fuel. The fueling or gasoline station may be attended or automated.
Golf, tennis, or country club (private).
An area containing a golf course, polo facilities, tennis facilities, and a clubhouse and available only to private members; such a club may contain adjunct facilities such as private club, dining room, swimming pool, retail sales, and similar recreational or service facilities.
greenhouse or nursery, retail.
A facility for the outside display of plants offered for sale and may include an indoor component.
Greenhouse or nursery, wholesale.
A large-scale facility or farm used for the growing of plants, trees, shrubs, flowers, or other natural products for the wholesale market and may include an indoor component.
Group home.
The following land uses relate to the overall category of “group home” where several unrelated individuals live together in a single-family residence or multifamily facility, is licensed by the state, and is designed to provide resident services to individuals who are physically handicapped, mentally ill, mentally retarded, or developmentally disabled. For the purposes of this section, mental illness and developmental disability shall not include illegal use of or addiction to a controlled substance or other criminal behavior.
(1) 
Foster family home.
Per the definition of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) or as amended by the DFPS, a foster family home is a residence whereby designated foster parents are licensed to provide long-term care for children.
(2) 
Group home.
An adult and/or child care facility, licensed by the state, designed to provide resident services to individuals who are physically handicapped, mentally retarded, or developmentally disabled, but does not provide services to individuals with psychiatric, addiction, substance abuse or who exhibit criminal behavior.
(3) 
Group home, senior assisted living.
A facility located in a private residential home designed for older adults who need or desire moderate assistance with daily living, including but not limited to the production of meals, assistance with shopping, management of medications, and personal grooming.
(4) 
Halfway house.
A residential facility providing shelter, supervision and residential rehabilitative services for persons who have been inmates of any county, state or federal correctional institution and released and require a group setting to facilitate the transition to a functional member of society.
Gun or archery range, indoor.
Any indoor facility open to the public and occupying all or a portion of a building where firearms are discharged or arrows are shot for either testing or recreation purposes. Such business shall be constructed to limit noise by installing adequate acoustic barriers.
Gunsmith.
A retail establishment for the sale and service of firearms and related items.
Gymnastics/dance studio/martial arts studio.
A building or portion of a building used as a place of work for a gymnast, dancer, or martial artist or for instructional classes in gymnastics, dance, martial arts, or similar activity.
Health/fitness center.
A facility that promotes physical fitness, weight control, exercise, and personal improvement that may also include massage or swimming.
Heavy machinery sales, service, and storage.
A retail or wholesale facility that sells, services, and stores heavy machinery such as farm equipment, construction vehicles or equipment, dredging equipment, paving equipment, etc.
Helipad.
A place, typically on the roof of a hospital or a small ground area, where helicopters may land and take off, but without any service or fueling capabilities. (See section 14.03.301(1), airport/helipad/heliport regulations for regulations)
Home occupation.
An occupation, which is secondary to the primary use of a dwelling as a residence, conducted on residential premises by the occupant of the residence. Home occupations shall be subject to the conditions set forth in section 14.03.401(6), home occupation regulations. Any activity carried out for personal gain in a dwelling unit by a resident of the premises, which occupation is secondary to the residential purpose of the premises.
Hospital.
An institution or place where sick or injured patients are provided medical or surgical care.
Hotel.
The following land uses refer to a building or group of buildings designed as a temporary abiding place where customary services are provided for a fee.
(1) 
Hotel, bed and breakfast.
An owner-occupied private home that offers lodging for paying guests not to exceed one week in duration, and which serves breakfast to these guests and which contains one or more guest bedrooms. (See section 14.03.401(7), hotel regulations, bed and breakfast/short term rentals for regulations)
(2) 
Hotel, extended stay (also called “residence hotel”).
A building or group of buildings used as a temporary dwelling place for individuals in exchange for financial consideration where customary hotel services such as linen, housekeeping service, and telephone access are provided. Residence hotel room units are designed to be suitable for long-term occupancy, with financial consideration typically being calculated on a weekly and/or monthly basis. Typical residence hotel attributes include, but are not limited to, kitchen facilities, and external doorways into room units. (See section 14.03.301(6), hotel regulations, extended stay for regulations)
(3) 
Hotel, full-service.
A full service hotel is defined as a top tier hotel in terms of amenities and service provided to its clientele. (See section 14.03.401(8), hotel regulations, full-service for regulations)
(4) 
Hotel, limited service.
A limited service hotel provides travelers an economical choice with fewer amenities than a full service hotel. (See section 14.03.301(7), hotel regulations, limited service for regulations)
(5) 
Hotel, short-term rentals.
An owner-occupied home or unit that is listed on a web-based service for the temporary rental of the entire home/unit or certain rooms within the home/unit. (See section 14.03.401(7), hotel regulations, bed and breakfast/short term rentals for regulations)
(6) 
Motel.
A facility offering short-term overnight lodging accommodations on a daily rate to the general public and defined as having direct access to individual guest rooms from the parking area or outside balconies.
Household appliance service and repair.
A retail establishment where household appliances are serviced and repaired on site. May also include sales of household appliances.
Kennel, indoor.
A fully air-conditioned establishment where domesticated animals are housed, groomed, bred, boarded, trained, or sold for commercial purposes that does not include outside pens or runs.
Kennel, outdoor.
A fully air-conditioned establishment where domesticated animals are housed, groomed, bred, boarded, trained, or sold for commercial purposes that includes outdoor pens or runs.
Lab, equipment manufacturing.
A facility that produces or assembles equipment.
Lab, scientific or research (non-hazardous).
A facility that conducts research in order to promote the general base of knowledge or to create new or improved products.
Landfill.
A place where trash and garbage may be taken to be worked into the earth for recycling or decomposition.
Laundry/dry cleaning.
The following definitions relate to the cleaning of garments, fabrics, rugs, uniforms, draperies or other similar items by persons other than the owner.
(1) 
Laundry/dry cleaning, commercial.
An industrial plant for cleaning garments, fabrics, rugs, uniforms, draperies or other similar items on a commercial or bulk basis.
(2) 
Laundry/dry cleaning, pickup station.
A facility that only receives and dispenses laundry and dry cleaning that has been processed in bulk by a commercial laundry or dry cleaning facility located elsewhere.
(3) 
Laundry/dry cleaning, self-service.
A facility for washing and/or dry cleaning garments and similar items where typically the customer supervises and handles the cleaning of his/her garments and items, such as a laundromat, but located at a separate facility for a fee.
(4) 
Laundry/dry cleaning, small custom shop.
A retail establishment for the cleaning of individual garments, fabrics, rugs, draperies or other similar items on the premises, which may include minor garment repair.
Machine/welding shop.
A facility in which materials are processed by machining, cutting, grinding, welding, etc.
Manufactured/mobile home display and sales.
The offering for sale, storage, or display of trailers, HUD-Code manufactured homes, or mobile homes on a parcel of land but excluding the use of such facilities as dwellings either on a temporary or permanent basis.
Manufacturing and industrial uses, heavy.
A facility that involves assembly and fabrication activities with the use of machines, tools, and labor to make items for use or sale and typically requires access to major highways and/or other means of transporting goods such as railroad lines. May also include warehousing, research and development, wholesaling operations with relatively infrequent customer or client visits, and may include related office and shipping areas. Heavy industry involves one or more characteristics such as large and heavy products; large and heavy equipment and facilities (such as heavy equipment, large machine tools, and spacious buildings); or complex and numerous processes. The labor for heavy industry is generally highly skilled. Examples of heavy industry include, but are not limited to, steel manufacturing, automotive assembly, machine tool design and construction, boat or aircraft manufacturing, and power plants.
Manufacturing and industrial uses, high risk.
Any manufacturing or industrial use which is determined to be of special health or safety hazard due to excessive and/or toxic fumes, smoke, gas, dust, odors, noise, vibration, or danger from fire, explosion, or radiation and involves materials meeting the “degree of hazard-4” criteria of the International Fire Code in quantities deemed to be hazardous by the fire chief.
Manufacturing and industrial uses, light.
A facility that involves assembly and fabrication activities and the use of machines, tools, and labor to make items for use or sale. May also include warehousing, research and development, and wholesaling operations with relatively infrequent customer or client visits, and may include related office and shipping areas. Light Industry is often assembly-based and is typically consumer-oriented (i.e., most light industrial products are sold to retail stores or end users rather than as intermediate parts for use by other industries). Light industry will have fewer environmental impact than those associated with heavy industry. Light industry may employ lower skilled employees with only moderate training and often employ large numbers of people. Light industries require a relatively low amount of raw materials, space for assembly, and power. Examples of light industry include, but are not limited to, plastic items, clothing, shoes, foods, beverages, personal care products, home care products, cosmetics, drugs, furniture, consumer electronics, and home appliances.
Mausoleum.
A mausoleum is a building with places for the entombment of the dead that may or may not be above ground.
Media studio.
A facility where the production, editing, storage, and/or transmittal of audio/visual media occurs, including, but not limited to, a TV studio, a radio studio, and a production or editing facility.
Mini-warehouse/self storage.
A building containing separate, individual self-storage units for rent or lease. The conduct of sales, business, or any activity other than storage shall be prohibited within any individual storage unit.
Mobile food vendor, temporary.
Any person or person who operates and sells food from a stationary cart or trailer mounted on a chassis, for a period of fifteen (15) calendar days or more per year. Stationary mobile food vendors include, but are not limited to, sno-cone stands, hot-dog carts, and ice-cream carts. Any similar facility that operates for fourteen (14) calendar days or less shall be considered a “temporary food establishment” as defined by the city health ordinance, as it exists or may be amended. (See section 14.03.501(7), seasonal sale regulations)
Motorcycle sales and service.
A facility that sells, leases, and services motorcycles, usually defined as two-wheeled, self-propelled vehicle having one or two saddles or seats, and may have a sidecar attached. For purposes of this chapter, motorbikes, motor scooters, mopeds and similar vehicles are classified as motorcycles.
Municipal uses operated by the City of Celina.
Any structure, park, open space, or roadway owned and/or operated by the City of Celina, including but not limited to city hall, police stations, fire stations, service centers, sanitation plats, libraries, recreation centers, parks, and roadways.
Museum/art gallery.
A building serving as a repository for a collection of natural, scientific, artistic, or literary objects of interest, and designed to be used for viewing, with or without an admission charge, and which may include as an accessory use the sale of goods.
Office, administrative, medical, or professional.
A building used for the provision of executive, management, or administrative services. Typical uses include, but are not limited to, administrative offices and services including real estate, property management, investment, medical, architect, engineer, travel, secretarial services, accounting organizations and associations, and vehicle rental office without on-site storage of fleet vehicles.
Office, with showroom.
A building that primarily consists of sales offices and sample display areas for products and/or services delivered or performed off-premises. Catalog and telephone sales facilities are appropriate. Incidental retail sales of products associated with the primary products and/or services are included in this definition. Warehousing facilities shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total floor area. This definition does not include contractor’s shop and storage yard.
Office, with warehouse, distribution center.
A building primarily devoted to storage, warehousing, and distribution of goods, merchandise, supplies, and equipment. Accessory uses may include retail and wholesale sales areas, sales offices, and display areas for products sold and distributed from the storage and warehousing areas. Also referred to as “flex space.”
Open storage and display, permanent.
A secondary land use providing outdoor storage or display of commodities, materials, goods, equipment, vehicles, or merchandise in its normal day-to-day business activities. This definition excludes new and used sale or lease of automobiles, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, boats, or other watercrafts. This definition does not include temporary outside merchandise display, such as a sidewalk sale or “under eave” storage and display. (See section 14.03.301(8), open storage regulations, permanent or ongoing)
Park or playground.
An open recreation facility or park owned and operated by a public agency such as the municipal park department or school board and available to the general public.
Personal service.
A shop, such as tailoring, shoe repair, barbershop, therapeutic massage facility, beauty shop, health studio, spa/salon, or travel consultant that provides a service, but not necessarily a product, to the customer.
Portable building sales.
A retail establishment that sells portable buildings meant to be used as accessory uses only and not for habitation, but not including manufactured homes.
Printing service uses.
The following definitions relate to the various businesses that reproduce, copy, or print items on paper or other materials for sale.
(1) 
Printing, major industrial plant.
An establishment specializing in long-run printing operations including, but not limited to, book, magazine, and newspaper publishing using engraving, die cutting, lithography, and thermography processes.
(2) 
Printing, minor retail shop.
An establishment specializing in short-run operations to produce newsletters, flyers, resumes, maps, construction documents and plans, and similar materials using photocopying, duplicating, and blue printing processes. This definition shall include mailing and shipping services, but excludes the on-site storage of heavy load fleet vehicles.
Recycling center.
A facility which allows only the collection and separation of materials such as aluminum, copper, brass, other metals, glass, paper, cardboard and plastics for transportation to an off-site facility for processing and remanufacturing into new products. All separation and collection containers will be self-contained, transportable and screened from public view either by a fence/wall or by being located completely within a building or other structure. No stock piling or staging of collected materials is allowed on site.
Regional mall.
A one or multi-storied structure containing shops either with an air-conditioned court and walkways (such as Stonebriar Mall or the Galleria Mall) or with outdoor walkable areas (such as Fire Wheel Center and Fairview Town Center) designed to serve a regional clientele.
Research and development center.
A facility for research including laboratories, experimental equipment, and operations involving compounding or testing of materials or equipment as well as data centers and call centers. Any facility that is determined by the health, fire, and/or building official to be a hazard or nuisance to adjacent property or the community at large, due to the possible emission of excessive smoke, noise, gas, fumes, dust, odor, or vibration, or the danger of fire, explosion, or radiation is excluded from this definition.
Restaurant.
A building or portion of a building where food is served for consumption, and where provisions may be made for serving food on the premises or elsewhere.
(1) 
Restaurant, dine-in.
An eating establishment where food and drink are prepared, served, and consumed by the general public primarily within an indoor dining area and may provide additional outdoor seating and also may include alcoholic beverage service.
(2) 
Restaurant, drive-in and drive-thru.
An eating establishment where food or drink is primarily served to customers in temporarily parked motor vehicles or via a drive-thru lane to customers who will be consuming the food off-premises. These restaurants may also include indoor dining and outdoor seating areas.
(3) 
Restaurant, pick-up or delivery only.
An establishment preparing food to the general public in which the food, once prepared, is either picked up for consumption off premises, or is delivered to the end user by the restaurant staff with little or no on-site dining.
Salvage yard, junk yard, or wrecking yard.
Any lot upon which four or more motor vehicles of any kind which are incapable of being operated due to condition or a lack of license or have been placed for the purpose of obtaining parts for recycling or resale.
School.
The following definitions relate to educational facilities, whether publicly or privately funded, for various ages and educational levels.
(1) 
School, private.
A privately funded institution that provides educational services comparable to that provided by public schools, receives no funding from any governmental agency, and charges fees to its attendees. This definition also includes schools under the sponsorship of and funding by a religious agency (e.g. parochial schools or private church schools) that provide educational services generally equivalent to public schools. This definition excludes trade and commercial schools for higher education or post-high school skill training.
(2) 
School, public.
An educational institution regulated by the state which is operated by an independent school district and having a curriculum including kindergarten, elementary, and secondary education, but not including private, business, commercial, trade, or craft schools. This definition also includes charter schools, which are an alternative to the public school system but also funded by the state and charges reduced fees or no admission fees to its attendees.
Sewage pump station.
A facility for transporting sewer including pumps, piping, valves, and controls.
Sewage treatment plant.
A facility that treats sewage so that it may be returned to the natural water supply without negative effects. Water from a sewage treatment plant is considered “gray water” and is suitable for irrigation but not consumption.
Sexually-oriented businesses.
Sexually oriented establishments and businesses as defined in chapter 4, business regulations, article 4.06, sexually-oriented businesses, as they exist or may be amended. Sexually-oriented uses include, but are not limited to, adult bookstores, adult video stores, adult theaters, adult cabarets, sexual encounter centers, and nude modeling centers. (See also section 14.03.301(11), sexually-oriented business regulations and the aforementioned city ordinances)
Stable, commercial.
A stable used for the rental of stall space or for the sale or rental of horses or mules; such a stable shall meet all provisions and requirements of the zoning district in which it is constructed. (See also “agricultural use, commercial”)
Stable, private.
An area used solely for the owner’s private purposes for the keeping of horses, mules or ponies that are not kept for remuneration, hire or sale. (See also “agricultural use, private”)
Store.
The following definitions relate to the various entities that sell items to the public:
(1) 
Store, big box.
A retail establishment with a primary tenant that comprises more than 50,000 square feet, such as Target or Walmart.
(2) 
Store, convenience.
A retail establishment providing for the sale of a limited assortment food items, nonprescription drugs, small household items, snacks, and gifts. Gasoline and diesel fuel may also be offered for sale as a secondary use.
(3) 
Store, general retail.
A retail establishment offering merchandise for retail sale.
(4) 
Store, grocery.
A retail establishment that displays and sells consumable goods and sundries and may include secondary uses such as a pharmacy, photo shop, banking service, delicatessen, bakery, and/or prepared foods.
(5) 
Store, pawn shop.
A shop that lends money in exchange for personal property as security deposited with it or pledged to it. This definition includes the sale of such securities after repossession and the sale of merchandise generally found in retail stores.
(6) 
Store, secondary use.
Secondary retail uses are incidental businesses located within an office, big box store, hotel, or employment center and such uses include barbershop or beauty shop, smoke shop, candy counter, restaurant, pharmacy, or other incidental activity secondary to the primary office, hotel, or employment occupancy.
(7) 
Store, shopping center.
A group of retail, service, commercial, and restaurant establishments planned, constructed, and managed as a single entity and also known as a “strip center” or “in line retail.”
(8) 
Store, tire dealer, with open display.
A retail establishment engaged in the sale or installation of tires for vehicles, with open storage.
(9) 
Store, tire dealer, without open display.
A retail establishment engaged in the sale or installation of tires for vehicles, but without open storage.
Telephone exchange facility.
A building in which telecommunications routing takes place.
Theater, drive-in.
An outdoor facility arranged so that patrons can view the screen and receive the sound in the privacy of their vehicles, or while seated outside.
Theater, indoor.
A facility for showing motion pictures to an audience inside an enclosed structure.
Transit center/bus terminal.
Passenger terminal or loading facilities for franchised private or publicly owned transit system.
Truck terminal.
An area where trucks used to transport goods are stored or parked between trips.
Truck/trailer/heavy equipment/RV/bus repair.
An establishment providing major and minor automobile repair services to heavy load vehicles defined as self-propelled vehicles having a manufacturer’s recommended gross vehicle weight (GVW) of greater than 11,000 pounds, such as large recreational vehicles, tractor trailers, buses, and other similar vehicles. Such vehicle repair may occur within a structure or outside the structure due to the size of the vehicles.
Truck, trailer, heavy equipment, RV, boat, and bus sales, leasing and repair.
A facility which sells or leases vehicles having a manufacturer’s recommended gross vehicle weight (GVW) of greater than 11,000 pounds, such as large recreational vehicles, tractor trailers, buses, and other similar vehicles. The term “truck” shall be construed to mean “heavy load vehicle” unless specifically stated otherwise. The sales and leasing facility includes outdoor storage and display of the vehicles listed. “Light load trucks” are defined as “autos” for the purpose of the zoning ordinance.
Utility distribution/transmission line.
Facilities, including subsidiary stations, that serve to distribute, transmit, transform, or reduce the pressure of gas, water, or electric current, including, but not limited to, electrical transmission lines, gas transmission lines, and metering stations.
Vending kiosk, commercial.
An unmanned, freestanding structure that dispenses goods for remuneration that may include, but are not limited to, water, ice, entertainment videos or CDs, newspapers, and drinks, that may be located outside of or separate from the primary structure (see section 14.03.401(11), vending kiosk regulations).
Vending kiosk, not-for-profit.
An unmanned structure that provides a product. The fee for establishing such product may be reduced or waived (see section 14.03.401(11), vending kiosk regulations).
Warehouse.
A large facility used primarily for the storage of goods and may include an office incidental to the primary use.
Water treatment plant.
A facility for the purifying, storage, and distribution of city water including a system of reservoirs, channels, and mains.
Wholesale and distribution center.
An establishment engaged in the receipt, storage, and distribution of goods, products, cargo, and materials to retailers, wholesalers, agents, brokers, or to industrial, commercial, institutional, or professional business users and may include an office incidental to the primary use.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19; Ordinance 2022-116 adopted 10/11/2022; Ordinance 2024-74 adopted 8/13/2024)

§ 14.01.115 Zoning ordinance definitions.

Access lane, major.
Any privately owned on-site drive or lane intended to access the primary entrance to land parcels and parking areas, and which accommodates autos or pedestrians. Such major access lanes may serve as fire lanes and are the primary means of access to a shopping center. Such lanes will likely intersect a major roadway at a median break, subject to the director’s approval.
Access lane, minor.
Any privately owned on-site drive or lane intended for internal access to land parcels and parking areas, and which accommodates autos or pedestrians.
Accessory structure.
Any structure, either attached or detached from the main building, the use of which is incidental to that of the main structure and located on the same lot. Accessory structures include, but are not limited to, patio covers, arbors, gazebos, cabanas, outdoor kitchens, recreational fire enclosures, trellis, and structures/sheds or the like. A permit is required for many accessory structures. (See section 14.03.201 accessory uses, general information and regulations and section 14.03.202 accessory uses, specific accessory structures, respectively, for regulations)
Accessory structure, agricultural use.
A structure located on an active farm, ranch, or orchard in which livestock, feed, equipment, vehicles, or accessories necessary for the running of the business are kept, including but not limited to, barns, silos, sheds, and exercise pavilions.
Accessory use.
Defined as any land use or building that by its nature is not the primary use of the tract of land upon which it is located. For example, a garage is secondary to the residence. In commercial districts, an accessory use is that which occupies less than fifty percent (50%) of the square footage of the main building. (see sections 14.03.201 and 14.03.202 for regulations)
Acts of nature.
An extraordinary interruption by a natural cause (such as a flood or earthquake) of the usual course of events that experience, prescience, or care cannot reasonably foresee or prevent.
Administrative official.
An officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of this chapter, and a duly authorized representative.
Advertising sign or structure.
Any cloth, card, paper, metal, glass, wooden, plastic, plaster, or stone sign or other sign, device, or structure of any character whatsoever, including a statuary or place for outdoor advertising purposes on the ground or any tree, wall, bush, rock, post, fence, building, or structure. The term “placed” shall include erecting, constructing, posting, painting, printing, tacking, mailing, gluing, sticking, carving, or otherwise fastening, affixing, or making visible in any manner whatsoever that is visible. Neither directional, warning nor other signs posted by public officials in the course of their public duties shall be construed as an “advertising sign” for the purpose of this ordinance. See sign ordinance for further details.
Alley.
A minor drive that is used primarily for vehicular access to the rear or side of properties otherwise facing on a street.
Applicant.
Any person or entity that submits to the city an application for a permit required by the city for a project. To be qualified as an applicant under this ordinance, the person or entity must have sufficient legal authority or proprietary interests in the land to commence and maintain proceedings under this ordinance. The term shall be restricted to include only the property owner(s), or a duly authorized agent or representative of the property owner.
Application for a permit.
Any document filed with the city that clearly indicates that the applicant is seeking consideration for a permit, the type of permit sought, and which provides the city with fair notice of the project, and when used in this zoning ordinance, shall include a plan for development of real property or a plan for development; but excluding applications to establish or amend a zoning district, including but not limited to a request to establish or amend a planned development district or to receive or amend a specific use permit.
Automobile.
For the purposes of this ordinance, an “automobile” is defined as a self-propelled mechanical or electrical vehicle designed for legal use on streets, highways, or waterways for the conveyance of goods and people, including, but not limited to, passenger cars, trucks, buses, and boats, but excludes motorcycles and motor scooters.
Barn.
A structure intended for storage of products, equipment and supplies related to the production of livestock and farming. (See section 14.03.202(2), barns and farm accessory structure regulations)
Basement.
A story or portion of a building located primarily below the natural grade line of the property.
Bay.
A large opening in a wall or building, whether with or without bay doors, which is designed to allow vehicle access. Also referred to as docks or internal loading spaces.
Bay door.
An oversized door, typically with roll-up or swing-type doors, commonly used in conjunction with docks, bays, and loading spaces.
Block.
An area enclosed by streets and occupied by or intended for buildings.
Block face.
The portion of a block adjacent to the street.
Block length.
The length of the block face between two street intersections.
Buildable area.
The allowable area available to construct a building or structure after complying with the city’s applicable set back and maximum lot coverage requirements.
Building.
For the purpose of this ordinance, a “building” is a structure built for the support, shelter, and enclosure of persons, animals, chattels or movable property of any kind.
(a) 
Building ends.
Those sides of a rectilinear building having the lesser dimensions. As used herein for the building spacing regulations for multifamily dwelling, a “building end” shall be interpreted as being the more narrow side of a building regardless of whether it fronts upon a street, faces the rear of the lot, or is adjacent to the side lot line or another building.
(b) 
Building height.
The vertical distance between the mean ground level of that portion of the lot covered by the building to the mean roof line of a structure.
(c) 
Building line.
A line parallel or approximately parallel to the street line at a specific distance there from, marking the minimum distance from the street line that a building may be erected.
(d) 
Building site.
A single tract of land located within a single block, which (at time of filing for a building permit) is designed by its owner or developer as a tract to be used, developed, or built upon as a unit, under single ownership or control. It shall front upon a street or approved place. A building site may be subsequently subdivided into two or more building sites, and a number of building sites may be combined into one building site, subject to the provisions of this chapter and subdivision ordinance.
(e) 
Building, main.
A building in which the principal use of the lot on which it is situated is conducted. In a residential district, any dwelling shall be deemed to be a main building on the lot on which it is situated.
Building official.
The building inspector or administrative official charged with responsibility for issuing permits and enforcing the zoning ordinance and building code.
Build-to line.
A line parallel or approximately parallel to the street line at a specific distance there from, marking the maximum distance from the street line that a building may be erected - generally used in form-based zoning districts.
Candlepower.
The quantity of light required to illuminate a surface one (1) foot distance from a light source to the intensity of one (1) footcandle.
Carport.
A structure open on a minimum of three sides designed or used to shelter vehicles. Also called “covered parking area.”
Cellar.
See “basement.”
Certificate of occupancy or compliance.
An official certificate issued by the city through the enforcing official which indicated conformance with or approved conditional waiver from the zoning regulations and authorized legal use of the premises for which it is issued.
City.
References to the “city” shall mean the City of Celina, Texas.
City council.
The governing body of the City of Celina, Texas.
Comprehensive plan.
The long-range policy adopted by the city council which govern the future development of the city and which consist of various components governing specific geographic areas as well as functions and services provided by the city.
Court.
An open, unoccupied space, bounded on more than two sides by the walls of a building. An inner court is an open space entirely surrounded by the exterior walls of a building. An outer court is a court having one side open to a street, alley, yard or other permanent open space.
Decibel.
A unit of measurement of sound pressure.
Development.
Any manmade change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to, buildings and/or other structures, paving, drainage, utilities, storage, and agricultural activities.
Disability or handicap.
With respect to an individual:
*
A physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such person’s major life activities,
*
A record of having such an impairment, or
*
Being regarded as having such an impairment, but such term does not include the illegal use of or addiction to a controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act - 21 U.S.C. 802).
Director.
The director of development services for the city or his designee.
District.
A geographical area of the city for which the regulations governing the area, height, or use of buildings are uniform for each type and class of structure.
Drive-thru.
A vehicle drive aisle that is designed for the customer to order food at a window or screen and pick up the order at an exterior window of the retail/restaurant establishment. No through traffic is permitted to use the drive-thru aisle.
Drive-thru, escape lane.
A vehicle drive aisle adjacent to the drive-thru lane that allows the driver of the vehicle to exit the drive-thru lane.
Easement.
A grant of one or more of the property rights by the property owner to and/or for the use by the public, a corporation or another person or entity.
Enclosed building.
A structure that has a floor and roof and is surrounded by outside walls.
(a) 
Fence.
For the purpose of this ordinance, a fence is any physical structure or series of trees/bushes meant to separate one property from another.
(b) 
Fence, ornamental.
Ornamental fencing is generally constructed of wrought iron, tubular steel, or similar materials and designed to allow for partial visibility from one side of the fence to the other. Ornamental fences may have solid masonry foundations, columns, or similar features. Chainlink fences are not included in this definition.
(c) 
Fence, residential.
A physical barrier separating residential properties. (See section 14.04.302, residential fences)
Fence, screening wall.
Screening walls are defined as being constructed of solid masonry with masonry columns. (See section 14.04.301, screening for regulations)
Fire lane.
A fire apparatus access road according to the International Fire Code.
Floodplain.
Any property within the limits as delineated by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of the 100-year floodplain or as amended by an engineering flood study of the ultimate developed conditions prior to any reclamation.
Floor area.
The total square feet of floor space within the interior dimensions of a building including each floor level, generally considered “air conditioned space,” but excluding cellars, carports, or garages.
Floor area ratio (FAR).
An indicated ratio between the number of square feet of total floor area in the main building on a lot and the total square footage of land in the lot; it is the number resulting from dividing the main building floor area by the lot area.
Footcandle.
A unit of illumination produced on a surface, all points of which are one (1) foot from a uniform point source of one (1) candle. When metric units are used, lux is the unit of light quantity. One (1) lux equals one (1) lumen per square meter of area. One (1) footcandle equals 10.76 lux.
Frequency.
The number of times per second a vibration or sound wave oscillates.
Glare.
Direct light emitted from a light source, which is sufficient to cause annoyance, discomfort, or temporary loss of visual performance and visibility (see section 14.04.608 [sic], glare for more information).
Grade.
*
For buildings having walls adjoining only one street, “grade” is defined as the elevation of the sidewalk at the center of the wall adjoining the street.
*
For buildings having walls adjoining more than one street, “grade” is defined as the average of the elevations of the sidewalks at the center of all walls adjoining the street.
*
For buildings having no wall adjoining the street, “grade” is defined as the average level of the finished surface of the ground adjacent to the exterior wall of the building.
*
Where no sidewalk has been constructed, the building inspector shall establish such sidewalk grade or its equivalent for the purpose of these regulations.
Gross floor area.
The gross floor space of an apartment house shall be measured by taking the outside dimension of the apartment building at each floor level, excluding, however, the floor area of basements or attics not used for residential purposes.
Height of yard or court.
The vertical distance from the lowest level of such yard or court to the highest of any boundary wall.
Infill development.
The development of structures on vacant lots within developed areas which can utilize existing infrastructure.
Junk.
The term “junk” shall mean all worn out, worthless, or discarded material, including but not limited to any of the following materials, or parts of said materials or any combination thereof: new or used iron, steel or nonferrous metallic scrap, brass or waste materials; used and/or inoperative household appliances, household electrical or plumbing fixtures, floor coverings and/or window coverings not currently in use; used lumber, brick, cement block, wire, tubing, and pipe, tubs, drums, barrels, and/or roofing material not currently in use; air conditioning and heating equipment not currently in use; used vehicle components and parts not currently in use; used furniture other than that designed for outdoor use or that which would normally be considered as antique furniture; used and/or inoperative residential lawn care equipment and machinery not currently in use; used pallets, windows or doors not currently in use; new or used sheet metal, structural steel and/or chain not currently in use; used and/or inoperable vending machines, radios and/or televisions, or other electronic devices not currently in use; and any other type of used and/or inoperable machinery or equipment not currently in use.
Landfill.
A tract of land used for the burial of farm, residential, institutional, industrial, or commercial waste that is not hazardous, medical, or radioactive.
Landscape architect.
A person who holds a license to practice landscape architecture in the State of Texas.
Landscaping.
Natural materials such as, but not limited to, grass, groundcovers, shrubs, vines, hedges, trees, and non-living durable material commonly used in landscaping, such as rocks, pebbles, sand, walls, or fences.
Loading space.
An off-street space or berth used for the delivery and loading or unloading of vehicles.
Lot.
A parcel of land occupied or to be occupied by one building or group of buildings or uses customarily incident thereto, including such open spaces as are required under this chapter, and having its principal frontage upon a public street or an access drive. The following definitions relate to lots dimensions and setbacks.
(a) 
Lot coverage.
The percentage of the total area of a lot occupied by the base (first story or floor) of buildings located on the lot. Structures shall include main structures and accessory structures with or without a permeable roof. The lot coverage percentage does not include uncovered patios, drives, walkways, swimming pools, or swimming pool decks.
(b) 
Lot depth.
The mean horizontal distance from the front street line to the rear line. If a lot is an irregular shape, it shall be the horizontal distance between the center of the front and the center of the rear lot lines.
(c) 
Lot of record.
A lot that has been recorded in the office of the county clerk on a plat or through deed records.
(d) 
Lot width.
The horizontal distance between side lines, measured at the front building line, as established by the zoning district.
(e) 
Lot line.
The lines bounding a lot as defined herein.
(1) 
Lot line, front.
The line, defined by zoning district, behind which any structure must be placed from the front property line.
(2) 
Lot line, rear.
The line, defined by zoning district, behind which any structure must be placed from the rear property line.
(3) 
Lot line, side.
The line, defined by zoning district, behind which any structure must be placed from the side property line.
(f) 
Lot, area.
The square footage or acreage of a lot shall be the net area of the lot and shall not include portions of public street or alley rights-of-way.
(g) 
Lot, corner.
A lot abutting upon two or more streets at their intersection. A corner lot shall be deemed to front on that street on which it has its least dimension, unless otherwise specified by the building inspector.
(h) 
Lot, flag or panhandle.
A lot having access to a street by means of a parcel of land having a depth greater than its frontage, and having a width less than the minimum required lot width, but not less than twenty-five (25) feet. The maximum distance of the area less than the required width from the front property line shall be 110 feet.
(i) 
Lot, interior.
A lot whose side lines do not abut upon any street.
(j) 
Lot, key.
A corner lot that is so designed that the lots located directly behind it face the side street of the corner lot and are not separated by an alley shall be considered a key lot.
(k) 
Lot, reverse corner.
A corner lot abutting upon two intersecting streets where the rear lot line of one lot is also the side lot line of an adjoining lot.
(l) 
Lot, through.
An interior lot having frontage on two streets.
Mews street.
A grassy, landscaped area on which houses or housing units may face in lieu of facing a paved street. (See the subdivision ordinance for more information.)
Mobile food vendor, food truck.
Any person who operates and sells food from a motorized vehicle capable of moving from place to place during the course of the day and may include some preparation of food or drink for sale.
Nonconforming use.
A building, structure, or use of land lawfully occupied as of the effective date of this chapter or amendments thereto, but which does not conform to the use regulations of the district in which it is situated. (see article 14.02, part five, [article 14.03, part six] new and nonconforming uses for regulations)
Nonresidential.
Property zoned or used for other than residential purposes. For the purposes of this ordinance, multifamily developments are considered to be “non-residential” land uses.
Occupancy.
The use or intended use of the land or buildings by proprietors or tenants.
Octave band.
A portion of the audible sound spectrum. An octave band analyzer divides the audible sound spectrum into eight octave bands.
Odor threshold.
The concentration of odorous matter in the atmosphere necessary to be perceptible to the olfactory nerve of a normal person. Determination of the odor threshold is prescribed by A.S.T.M.D. 1391-57, Standard Method for Measuring Odor in Atmosphere.
Open space.
Area included in any side, rear, or front yard or any unoccupied space on the lot that is open and unobstructed to the sky except for the ordinary projection of cornices, eaves, or porches, but generally excludes paved areas such as drives, sidewalks, and parking lots.
Open space, usable.
The portion of the designated open space that is designed and intended to be used for outdoor living and/or recreation. Usable open space would exclude land within a floodplain designation, land that is too steep for normal recreation, landscape buffers along roadways, detention and retention ponds, and other open areas that are unsuitable for active enjoyment.
Outside merchandise display, temporary.
A temporary display of merchandise for sale outside of a building. (See section 14.03.501(4), open storage regulations, temporary)
Outside storage and display, temporary, under eave display.
The temporary display of merchandise for sale located immediately outside the main entrance to the building and generally in the area that is adjacent to the building and between the building and the walkway/entrance. Items include, but are not limited to, firewood, plants, pumpkins, shopping carts, and other items. (See section 14.03.501(5), open storage regulations, under eave display)
Parking space.
An area of not less than 180 square feet (measuring approximately 9 X 20 feet), surfaced with concrete, enclosed or unenclosed, together with a driveway connecting the parking space with a street or alley permitting free ingress and egress.
Parking structure.
A multi-storied building whose primary purpose is the parking of vehicles.
Particulate matter.
Finely divided solid or liquid matter, other than water, which may be released into the atmosphere.
Permit.
A license, certificate, approval, registration, consent, permit, contract, or other agreement for the construction or provision of service from a utility owned, operated, or controlled by the city, or other form of authorization required by law, rule, regulation, order, or ordinance, which has been approved by the city, that a person or entity must obtain to perform an action or initiate, continue, or complete a project for which the permit is sought, and for which the application for the permit or information required to be submitted for consideration provides fair notice of the project to the city. Notwithstanding, an ordinance establishing or changing a zoning district, including but not limited to an ordinance establishing or amending a planned development district or specific use permit, is not considered a permit under this definition.
Photometric plan.
A point-by-point plan depicting the intensity, type, height of support structure, and location of lighting on the property.
Planned development district.
A planned development district generally integrates several land uses such as industrial parks or industrial districts, offices, commercial or service centers, shopping centers, residential developments of multiple or mixed housing, including attached single-family dwellings, or any appropriate combination of uses which may be planned, developed, or operated or integral land use units either by a single owner or a combination of owners under one set of development standards or guidelines that have been approved by the city council.
Planning and zoning commission.
The agency whose members are appointed by the city council as an advisory body to Council and which is authorized to recommend changes in the zoning ordinance and is authorized to decide matters relating to platting.
Plat.
A plan for land subdivision creating building lots or tracts and showing all essential dimensions and other information essential to comply with the subdivision standards of the city and subject to approval by the planning and zoning commission or staff, as required by state law.
Premises.
Land together with any buildings or structures occupying it.
Primary use.
The principal or predominant use of any lot or building.
Private franchised utility, other than listed.
A nonpublic utility requiring special facilities in residential areas or on public property such as heating, cooling, or communications not customarily provided by the municipality or the normal franchised utilities. Railroad track and right-of-way, but not including railroad stations, sidings, team tracks, loading facilities, dockyards, or maintenance areas.
Private street development.
A development of two (2) or more lots sharing private gated vehicular access ways that are not dedicated to the public and are not publicly maintained. Private streets and alleys may be established only under the terms of both the subdivision ordinance and the zoning ordinance, sections 14.03.301(9), private street development regulations - existing subdivisions and 14.03.301(10), private street development regulations - new subdivisions. The term “private street” shall include alleys within the designated subdivision.
Riparian buffer.
An area of permanent vegetation adjacent to a water course and actively managed to maintain the integrity of stream channels to reduce the impact of upland sources by trapping, filtering, and converting pollutants and supplying food, cover, and thermal protection to fish and other wildlife.
Riparian corridor.
An ecosystem that includes three (3) major components: stream channel, floodplain, and transitional upland fringe.
Room.
A building or portion of a building which is arranged, occupied, or intended to be occupied as living or sleeping quarters, but not including toilet or cooking facilities.
Seasonal sales.
Temporary display and sale of cut holiday trees with incidental sales of holiday decorations and firewood; or the temporary display and sale of pumpkins with the incidental sale of fall decorations; or the temporary display and sale of firewood with incidental sale of firewood accessories.
Screening.
Screening is defined as a solid barrier of permanent material of sufficient height and density so that the objects being screened are not visible from any point on the lot line when viewed from ground level.
Secondary use.
A use included in a building or on a lot that is incidental to the primary use and occupies less than fifty percent (50%) of the primary use.
Shopping cart.
A shopping cart is a metal or plastic conveyance meant to move goods from the store to a vehicle. The carts are owned by the store and not to be taken off premises. (See section 14.03.501(4), open storage regulations, temporary and 14.03.501(5), open storage regulations, under eave display for regulations)
Sign.
Any device, including its structure and component parts, which conveys commercial messages for visual communication or advertising that is used for the purpose of attracting attention of the public, but not including any lawful display of merchandise. Signs are governed by article 3.07 of the Code of Ordinances.
Site plan.
A detailed set of plans including such things as building footprints, parking, landscaping, photometrics, and building elevations.
Smoke.
The visible discharge of particulate matter from chimney, vent, exhaust, or combustion process. (See section 14.04.603 [sic], smoke and particulate matter for regulations)
Sno-cone establishment.
A structure for the temporary sale of sno-cones and similar pre-packaged food items. (See section 14.03.501(7), seasonal sales regulations)
Special exception.
A special exception may be made to the regulations of the zoning ordinance if the board of adjustment finds that the use or exception, if controlled as to number, area, or location would promote the public health, safety, welfare, morals, order, comfort, convenience, appearance, prosperity, or general welfare. (See section 14.01.202(e), authority to grant special exceptions, for regulations)
Story.
That part of a building included between the surface of one floor and the surface of the floor next above, or if there is no floor above, that part of the building which is above the surface of the highest floor thereof. A top story attic is a half-story when the main line of the eaves is not above the middle of the interior height of such story. The first story is the highest story having its interior floor surface not more than four (4) feet above the curb level established or mean street grade or average ground level, as mentioned in “height of buildings” of this section. The standard height for a story is eleven (11) feet, six (6) inches.
Story, half.
A single room within a dwelling unit above the second floor. A half-story will occupy no less than two-thirds (2/3) of the area under the roof, and shall have non-operating opaque windows for facades that face adjacent properties. Transparent windows may face the front yard. A half-story containing independent apartment, living quarters, or bedroom shall be counted as a full story.
Street line.
The dividing line between the street and the abutting property.
Street.
A roadway that affords principal means of access to property abutting thereon.
(a) 
Street, private.
A thoroughfare which affords access to property abutting thereon for residents of that property and service vehicles only via controlled gate access. The land on which the street is constructed is owned by a homeowners association and the street is maintained by that entity.
(b) 
Street, public.
A thoroughfare which affords principal means of access to property abutting thereon. The land on which the street is constructed is owned by a governmental entity and the street is maintained by that entity.
Streetscape.
The urban element that establishes the major part of the public realm. The streetscape is composed of thoroughfares (travel lanes for vehicles and bicycles, parking lanes for cars, and sidewalks or paths for pedestrians) as well as the visible private frontages (building facades and elevations, porches, yards, fences, awnings, etc.), and the amenities of the public frontages (street trees and plantings, benches, streetlights, etc.).
Structure.
Anything constructed or erected which requires location on the ground or attached to something having a location on the ground, including but not limited to advertising, signs, billboards, and poster panels but exclusive of customary fences or boundary or retaining walls.
Structural alterations.
Any change in the supporting members of a building, such as bearing walls, columns, beams, or girders.
Temporary building.
An industrialized or modular building or structure without a permanent foundation shall be considered a temporary building. Membrane structures shall not be considered a temporary building.
Thoroughfare.
See “street.”
Toxic and noxious matter.
Any solid, liquid, or gaseous matter which is present in sufficient quantities to endanger health, safety or comfort of persons in the vicinity or which may cause injury or damage to property. (See section 14.04.606 [sic], toxic and noxious matter for regulations)
Tri-partite design.
The technique of dividing the architectural elements of a building into three (3) horizontal planes, with a distinctive base, middle, and top. The top plane is typically smaller in size and considered an architectural accent feature.
Unipole.
A wireless transmission facility that has one freestanding vertical structure, fixed into the ground and/or attached to a foundation with no guy wires, containing one or more antennas and associated equipment, no larger than seventy-two (72) inches in diameter at any given point, with no externally mounted or visible racks antennas, that tapers from the ground to the sky.
Unsustainable structure.
Any building that does not meet the City of Celina Architectural Design Standards, Fire, or Building Code.
Urban mixed use.
A development or portion of a development that includes a mixture of residential and nonresidential uses in a configuration where a majority of the buildings are two or more stories tall and pedestrian oriented.
Variance.
An adjustment in the application of the specific regulations of the zoning ordinance or subdivision ordinance to a particular parcel of property which, because of special conditions or circumstances of hardship peculiar to the particular parcel, is necessary to prevent the property from being deprived of rights and privileges enjoyed by other parcels in the same vicinity and zoning district. Only the board of adjustment may grant a variance. (See section 14.01.202(e), authority to grant variances for regulations)
Vehicle.
Any motorized car, truck, or van designed to transport people and/or goods.
Vehicle, heavy load.
Any motorized car, truck, or van that exceeds 11,000 pounds in weight.
Vested rights.
The specific land use rights that are granted upon receipt of certain applications (see section 14.01.310, vested rights for regulations)
Vibration.
A periodic displacement of the earth measured in inches (related to sound). (See section 14.04.607 [sic], vibration for regulations)
Water reservoir or well.
An artesian well or artificial underground reservoir where water is collected and kept in quantity for use by a water system.
Wing wall.
A solid, constructed extension of a building, without a roof, that may be used to screen outdoor placed equipment.
Yard.
An open space at grade between a building and the adjoining lot lines, unoccupied and unobstructed by any portion of a structure from the ground upward, except as otherwise provided. In measuring a yard for the purpose of determining the width of a side yard, the depth of a front yard or the depth of a rear year, the smallest horizontal distance between the lot line and the main building shall be used.
(a) 
Yard, front.
The space across the full width of the lot contained between the front property line of the lot and any portion of the main building.
(b) 
Yard, rear.
The space between the rear lot line and the rear line of the main building and the side lot lines.
(c) 
Yard, side.
The space between the building and the side line of the lot and extending from the front yard to the required minimum rear yard.
(d) 
Yard, size.
The space between the main building and the adjacent side line of the lot, and extending entirely from the front yard to the rear yard thereof.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19)

§ 14.01.201 Planning and Zoning Commission.

(a) 
Authority, duties, and responsibilities.
In addition to any authority granted to the Planning and Zoning Commission (Commission) by the Texas Local Government Code, ch. 212 and ordinances of the City, the Commission shall have the following powers and duties under the provisions of these regulations:
(1) 
To make recommendations to the City Council concerning adoption, modification, and implementation of the following:
(A) 
Comprehensive Plan and supporting studies;
(B) 
Zoning Ordinance Amendments, including Specific Use Permits (SUPs);
(C) 
Subdivision Ordinance Amendments;
(D) 
Land use portions of any Pre-Annexation Development Agreements;
(E) 
Master Thoroughfare Plan;
(F) 
Matters relating to civic improvements, including but not limited to, public utilities and traffic regulations;
(G) 
Sign Ordinance Appeals and Meritorious Exceptions;
(H) 
Any other long-range planning activities of the City; and
(I) 
To act as the Tree Board and decide any issue that may come before that board.
(2) 
To approve or disapprove all plats pursuant to the terms of Texas Local Government Code, ch. 212 and the Subdivision Ordinance (chapter 10), except those that may be administratively approved.
(3) 
The Commission shall act as the City's designated Capital Improvements Program (CIP) Advisory Committee. Ad hoc voting members may be added, as necessary, to meet state requirements when acting as this Committee, per State Law. The duties of the CIP Advisory Committee are listed in section 395.058 of the Texas Local Government Code, as it exists or may be amended.
(4) 
To keep informed regarding City planning "best practices" and formulate studies for the improvement of any plans of or for the City with a view to the present and future movement of traffic, the convenience, health, recreation, safety, general welfare, and any other future needs of the City.
(5) 
Staff should provide Commission members with periodic workshops regarding the subject of planning, zoning, comprehensive plans, open meetings, or other subjects of benefit to the members and the functioning of the Commission.
(b) 
Composition of commission and terms of service.
The Planning and Zoning Commission shall be composed of seven (7) regular members.
(1) 
Section 1.04.022, "Terms and Term Limits," of this Code of Ordinances shall apply to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
(2) 
Newly appointed members shall be installed at the first regular Commission following their appointment.
(3) 
Members of the Commission may not hold any elective office of the State of Texas or any other political subdivision thereof during their terms.
(c) 
Meetings and procedures.
Meetings of the Planning and Zoning Commission may be held as often as necessary to conduct the business of the Commission. The Commission shall adopt its own rules of procedure and keep records of its proceedings consistent with the provisions of this section and the requirements of law. All meetings and hearings of the Commission shall be open to the public in accordance with applicable law and shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures set forth in these regulations and rules of procedure adopted by the Commission. Any action calling for a formal vote shall take place only at a public meeting. Executive sessions shall not be open to the public and shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures consistent with the laws of the State of Texas.
(1) 
Quorum.
Four (4) members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
(2) 
Chairman's duties.
The Chairman shall preside over meetings. If a question regarding procedures arises, Robert's Rules of Order, most recently revised, shall apply.
(3) 
Vice-Chair's duties.
The Vice-Chair shall assist the Chairman in directing the affairs of the Planning and Zoning Commission. In the absence of the Chairman, the Vice-Chair shall assume the duties of the Chairman. Should the Chairman and the Vice- Chair both be absent, the remaining Commissioners shall elect a Chairman Pro Tem to serve at the meeting.
(4) 
Motions.
A motion may be made by any member other than the presiding officer (i.e., the Chairman or the member acting as Chairman).
(5) 
Voting.
Approval of all matters and motions before the Commission shall require the affirmative vote of a majority of all members of the Commission present and voting, unless otherwise provided by law or the adopted by rules of procedure.
(6) 
Minutes.
The Director shall maintain minutes of its proceedings.
(7) 
Voluntary disqualification for conflict of interest.
A member shall recuse himself from voting whenever he finds that he has a personal or monetary interest in the property under review, or that he will be directly affected by the decision of the Commission or the subsequent decision by the City Council on that case, in compliance with State law.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19; Ordinance 2025-69 adopted 8/12/2025)

§ 14.01.202 Board of Adjustment.

(a) 
Authority, duties, and responsibilities.
In addition to any authority granted to the Board of Adjustment by the Texas Local Government Code, ch. 212, and ordinances of the City, the Board of Adjustment shall have the following powers and duties under the provisions of these regulations:
(1) 
To make decisions on the following:
(A) 
To hear and decide upon an appeal where it is alleged there is error in an order, requirement, decision, or determination made by the Director in the enforcement of this Chapter.
(B) 
To hear and decide upon special exceptions to the terms of the adopted regulations when the Board is authorized to make such decisions; and to grant special exceptions with such conditions and safeguards as are appropriate under this Chapter, or to deny special exceptions when not in harmony with the purpose and intent of this Chapter (See subsection (e), below).
(C) 
To hear and decide upon variances or modifications of the height, yard, area, coverage, and parking regulations as the Board of Adjustment is specifically authorized to pass on pursuant to the terms of this Chapter and the Subdivision Ordinance (See subsection (f), below).
(D) 
To act as the Building Standards Board and decide any issue that may come before that board.
(b) 
Composition of the Board of Adjustment and terms of service.
(1) 
The Board of Adjustment shall consist of five (5) members and two (2) alternates who shall be appointed by the City Council. Two (2) of the members shall be appointed in one (1) year and the remaining three (3) members shall be appointed in the following year, with terms expiring or being extended in the year the term ends.
(2) 
Each member of the Board of Adjustment shall be a resident citizen and qualified voter of the City, at the time of his appointment. A member or alternate member who ceases to reside within the City limits during his term of office must immediately forfeit his office.
(3) 
The term of office for all members shall be two (2) years. All vacancies on the Board of Adjustment shall be filled by the City Council.
(4) 
A member may not serve more than three (3) full terms.
(5) 
Members of the Board of Adjustment may be removed by the City Council in accordance with chapter 211 of the Texas Local Government Code.
(6) 
To the extent it does not conflict with this subsection (b), section 1.04.022, "Terms and Term Limits," of this Code of Ordinances shall apply to the Board of Adjustment.
(c) 
Meetings and procedures.
All meetings and hearings of the Board of Adjustment shall be open to the public in accordance with applicable law and shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures set forth in these regulations and rules of procedure adopted by the Board of Adjustment. Any action calling for a formal vote shall take place only at a public meeting. Executive sessions shall not be open to the public and shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures consistent with the laws of the State of Texas.
(1) 
Quorum.
Four (4) members of the Board of Adjustment shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
(2) 
Chairman's duties.
The Chairman shall preside over meetings. If a question regarding procedures arises, Robert's Rules of Order, most recently revised, shall apply.
(3) 
Vice-Chair's duties.
The Vice-Chair shall assist the Chairman in directing the affairs of the Board. In the absence of the Chairman, the Vice-Chair shall assume the duties of the Chairman. Should the Chairman and the Vice-Chair both be absent, the remaining Board of Adjustment members shall elect a Chairman Pro Tem to serve at the meeting.
(4) 
Motions.
A motion may be made by any member other than the presiding officer (i.e., the Chairman or the member acting as Chairman).
(5) 
Voting.
Approval of all matters and motions before the Board of Adjustment shall require the affirmative vote of no less than four (4) members of the Board.
(6) 
Minutes.
The Director shall maintain minutes of its proceedings.
(7) 
Voluntary disqualification for conflict of interest.
A member shall recuse himself from voting whenever he finds that he has a personal or monetary interest in the property under review, or that he will be directly affected by the decision of the Board of Adjustment on that case, in compliance with State law.
(d) 
Appeal of director's decision.
In exercising its powers, the Board of Adjustment may, in conformance with State law, reverse or affirm, wholly or partly, or may modify the order, requirements, decision, or determination appealed from and make such order, requirement, decision, or determination, in the Board of Adjustment's opinion, as ought to be made and shall have all the powers of the officer from whom the appeal is sought.
(1) 
Appeals to the Board of Adjustment concerning interpretation or administration of this ordinance may be taken by any person aggrieved or by any officer, department, or board of the City affected by any decision of the Director. Such appeals shall be taken within a reasonable time, not to exceed ten (10) days after the decision has been rendered by the Director by filing with the said official a notice of appeal, specifying the grounds thereof. The Director shall forthwith transmit to the Board of Adjustment all papers constituting the record upon which the action to be appealed was taken.
(2) 
The Director shall fix a reasonable time for the hearing of the appeal, give public notice thereof as well as due notice to the parties in interest. At the hearing, any party for or against the appeal may appeal in person or by agent or attorney.
(3) 
An appeal stays all proceedings in furtherance of the action appealed from, unless the Director from whom the appeal is taken certifies to the Board of Adjustment after the notice of appeal is filed with him, that, by reason of facts stated in the certificate, a stay would, in his opinion, cause imminent peril to life and property. In such case, proceedings shall not be stayed other than by a restraining order which may be granted by the Board of Adjustment or by a court of record, on notice to the Director from whom the appeal is taken and on due cause shown.
(e) 
Authority to grant special exceptions.
(1) 
A special exception shall not be granted by the Board of Adjustment unless and until:
(A) 
Written application for a special exception is submitted indicating the section of the Code of Ordinances under which the special exception is sought and stating the grounds on which it is requested;
(B) 
Notice must be given at least fifteen (15) days in advance of the public hearing. The owner of the property for which special exception is sought or his agent shall be notified by mail. Notice of such hearings must be posted on the property for which the special exception is sought, at City Hall, and notice must be provided in one other public place, such as a newspaper, at least fifteen (15) days prior to the public hearing;
(C) 
A public hearing shall be held. Any party may appear in person or by agent or attorney;
(D) 
The Board of Adjustment is empowered under the section to grant, deny, or modify the special exception request, so long as the granting of the special exception will not adversely affect the public interest.
(2) 
In granting any special exception, the Board of Adjustment may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards in conformity with this Chapter. Violation of such conditions and safeguards, when made a part of the terms under which the special exception is granted, shall be deemed a violation of this Chapter and the penalties set forth in section 14.01.111, Penalties and Enforcement shall apply. The Board shall prescribe a time limit within which the action for which the special exception is required shall begin or be completed, or both. Failure to begin or complete, or both, such action within the time limit set shall void the special exception, without necessity of further action by the Board of Adjustment.
(f) 
Authority to grant variances.
(1) 
The Board of Adjustment is authorized to grant variances from the terms of this Chapter and the Subdivision Ordinance so long as the variance will not be contrary to the public interest and where, owing to special conditions, a literal enforcement of the provisions of these Chapters would result in unnecessary hardship so that the spirit of these Chapters are observed and substantial justice is achieved. A variance from the terms of this Chapter or the Subdivision Ordinance shall not be granted by the Board of Adjustment unless and until a written application for a variance is submitted demonstrating that all of the following conditions have been met:
(A) 
That special conditions and circumstances exist which are peculiar to the land, structure, or building involved and which are not applicable to other lands, structures, or buildings in the same district or area;
(B) 
That a literal interpretation of the provisions of this Chapter or the Subdivision Ordinance would deprive the applicant of rights commonly enjoyed by other properties in the same district or area under the terms of this Chapter or the Subdivision Ordinance;
(C) 
That the special conditions and circumstances did not result from the actions of the applicant; and
(D) 
That granting the variance requested will not confer on the applicant any special privilege that is denied by this Chapter or the Subdivision Ordinance to other lands, structures, or buildings in the same district or area.
(2) 
Nonconforming use of neighboring lands, structures, or buildings in the same district, and permitted use of lands, structures, or buildings in other districts shall not be considered grounds for the issuance of a variance.
(3) 
Notice of public hearing shall be published and/or sent a minimum of ten (10) days prior to the public hearing;
(4) 
A public hearing shall be held. Any party may appear in person, or by agent or attorney;
(5) 
The Board of Adjustment shall make findings that all of the requirements of this section have been met by the applicant for a variance;
(6) 
The Board of Adjustment shall further make a finding that the reasons set forth in the application justify the granting of the variance and that the variance is the minimum variance that will make possible the reasonable use of the land, building, or structure;
(7) 
The Board of Adjustment shall further make a finding that the granting of the variance will be in harmony with the general purpose and intent of this Chapter or the Subdivision Ordinance and will not be injurious to the neighborhood or otherwise detrimental to the public welfare.
(8) 
In granting any variance, the Board of Adjustment may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards in conformity with this Chapter. Violation of such conditions and safeguards, when made a part of the terms under which the variance is granted, shall be deemed a violation of this Chapter or the Subdivision Ordinance and the penalties set forth in section 14.01.111, Penalties and Enforcement shall apply.
(9) 
Under no circumstances shall the Board of Adjustment grant a variance to allow a use not permissible under the terms of this Chapter in the district involved or any use expressly or by implication prohibited by the terms of this Chapter in said district.
(10) 
Each decision by the Board of Adjustment in granting a variance is considered on a case-by-case basis and does not establish precedence.
(g) 
Appeals resulting from Board of Adjustment action.
Any persons, jointly or severally, aggrieved by a decision of the Board of Adjustment under this section, or any taxpayer or any officer, department, or board of the municipality may file in a District Court or court of competent jurisdiction a petition, setting forth that such decision is in error, in whole or in part, and specifying the grounds of the error, in compliance with State law.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19; Ordinance 2025-69 adopted 8/12/2025)

§ 14.01.203 Historic Preservation Commission.

The Historic Preservation Commission is consolidated under the Downtown Commission as prescribed in section 14.01.204.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19; Ordinance 2025-69 adopted 8/12/2025)

§ 14.01.204 Downtown Commission.

(a) 
Authorities, duties, and responsibilities:
Hereby is created the Downtown Commission. The powers of the Downtown Commission shall include the authority to do the following:
(1) 
Review any long-range planning activities of the downtown.
(2) 
Recommend policies pertaining to the downtown to City Council.
(b) 
The Downtown Commission shall act as the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) in all its capacities, the Main Street Advisory Board in all its capacities, and perform the above-stated duties as it pertains to this Code.
(c) 
Membership:
The Commission shall meet the requirements of and be governed by section 1.04.022, "Terms and Term Limits," of this Code of Ordinances. The Commission shall be composed of nine rotating members who can be:
(1) 
Celina residents;
(2) 
Downtown stakeholders; or
(3) 
Local design professionals.
(Ordinance 2025-69 adopted 8/12/2025)

§ 14.01.205 Director of Development Services.

(a) 
Administration and enforcement.
The Director of Development Services ("Director") shall administer and enforce this Chapter. If the Director shall find that any of the provisions of this Chapter are being violated, he shall notify in writing the person responsible for such violations, indicating the nature of the violation, and ordering the action necessary to correct it. He shall order discontinuance of illegal use of land, buildings, or structures, or of additions, alterations, or structural changes thereto; discontinuance of any illegal work being done; or shall take any other action authorized by this Chapter to ensure compliance with or to prevent violation of its provisions.
(b) 
Director or designee.
The Director may designate appropriate staff members to assist and guide decision making for those items that require staff approval.
(c) 
Director authority to interpret the zoning ordinance.
The Director of Development Services shall have the authority to make judgements regarding the interpretation of the regulations of the Zoning Ordinance that are deemed to meet the intent of the Chapter, including any minor modifications or waivers, and to make necessary interpretations or decisions that are not contrary to the stated goals and intent of the Chapter. Any deviations or waivers that are deemed by the Director to have major importance or that may be contrary to the stated goals and intent of the Chapter shall be processed as described in Article I, Part Three, Procedures.
(d) 
Approval of plans.
Building permits or certificates of occupancy issued on the basis of plans and applications approved by the Director authorize only the use, arrangement, and construction set forth in such approved plans and applications, and no other use, arrangement, or construction. Use, arrangement, construction, or variance with that authorized shall be deemed violation of this Chapter, and punishable as provided by Section 14.01.111, Penalties and Enforcement, hereof.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19; Ordinance 2025-69 adopted 8/12/2025)

§ 14.01.301 Zoning upon annexation.

(a) 
Home rule authority.
The city may, from time to time, alter its boundaries by annexing or disannexing territory in any size or shape desired in any manner provided by State law.
(b) 
Concurrent annexation and permanent zoning.
All property in the process of annexation into the city shall be concurrently considered for a permanent zoning classification. The planning and zoning commission shall be advised by city staff regarding a proposed annexation, and it shall hold a public hearing regarding the requested zoning classification prior to the city council’s final annexation and zoning consideration. The planning and zoning commission shall make a recommendation to the city council so that the city council may act on the matter of annexation and permanent zoning at the same meeting. Should the city council fail to act on the permanent zoning immediately following the annexation of the property into the city, the temporary zoning classification of AG, Agricultural shall automatically be assigned.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19)

§ 14.01.302 Creation of a building site.

(a) 
Legal, buildable site.
No permit for construction of a building or buildings upon any property within the city shall be issued until a building site, building tract, or building lot has been created in compliance with one of the following conditions:
(1) 
The property is within the boundaries of an approved plat, is located within the city limits of the City of Celina, and has been permanently zoned by the city council.
(2) 
The property is outside the city limits of the City of Celina but within its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) and platted according to the City of Celina subdivision regulations, unless stated otherwise in an approved facilities or development agreement.
(3) 
No building or structure is allowed to be constructed within the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) of the City of Celina unless sufficient water pressure is available to support fire suppression systems, as required by the applicable city or county fire code.
(4) 
The property is all or part of a concept plan adopted as part of the regulations of an approved planned development district and the associated plat that shows all utility and drainage easements, necessary streets and other public improvements, and has been approved by the planning and zoning commission. The final plat shall be filed subsequent to the construction and dedication of the required easements, alleys, and streets by the developer, and inspection and acceptance of same by the city.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19)

§ 14.01.303 Zoning change process (i.e. changes to the official zoning map).

(a) 
Purpose.
From time-to-time, property owners may propose changes in zoning for a tract of land. The process by which such change is accomplished is outlined below. If approved, said zoning change will cause the zoning map of the city to be amended accordingly.
(b) 
Authority.
(1) 
Property owners.
Any person, entity, or corporation having a legal or equitable ownership interest in any real property may apply to the city council for an amendment to the official zoning map or the regulations relating to a specific tract of land located within the city.
(2) 
City of Celina.
The city may, from time to time, amend or change by ordinance the boundaries of the various zoning districts or the use and development regulations relating to a specific property in accordance with the manner provided by state law.
(c) 
Procedure and approval.
(1) 
Compliance with comprehensive plan and future land use map (FLUP).
Before taking action on any proposed amendment or change, Staff shall determine if the proposed amendment is consistent with the goals of the comprehensive plan and include that finding in the staff report.
(2) 
Comprehensive plan and zoning amendment considered concurrently.
A comprehensive plan or future land use plan (FLUP) amendment and a zoning change may be requested together, noticed together, and be considered at the same planning and zoning commission meeting and subsequent city council meeting. If processed together there will not be an additional application fee. However, if a comprehensive plan amendment is requested separately from a zoning request, an application fee is required to be paid. The amount shall be equal to the zoning application fee schedule, as shown in the master fee schedule.
(3) 
Notification prior to the planning and zoning commission public hearing.
The commission must hold a public hearing on any application for any zoning change prior to making its recommendations to the city council. The following State-mandated regulations must be met before the public hearing may be convened:
(A) 
Written notice of all public hearings on a proposed zoning change coming before the commission, including an amendment or change to the use and development regulations governing a specific tract of land, must be sent to all owners of real property lying within the corporate city limits that are located within 200 feet of the subject property. Notice must be given a minimum of ten (10) days prior to the date set for the public hearing by mailing such notice, properly addressed and postage-paid, to each taxpayer as the ownership appears on the last approved county tax roll.
(B) 
Public notification signs posted, stating that a zoning change is requested, shall be erected on the subject property a minimum of ten (10) days prior to the planning and zoning commission public hearing and shall remain in place until after the city council public hearing.
(C) 
Notice of the public hearing must be posted in a publicly accessible place at city hall a minimum of seventy-two (72) hours prior to the commission hearing.
(D) 
For any residential or multifamily zoning change, a written notice of the proposed change must be mailed to the affected school district at least ten (10) days prior to the planning and zoning commission hearing.
(4) 
Commission recommendation.
The city council shall not take action on a proposed zoning amendment without a recommendation from the planning and zoning commission.
(5) 
Notification prior to the city council public hearing and decision.
A public hearing must be held by the city council before adopting any proposed zoning change or development regulation change relating to a specific tract of land. The following state-mandated regulations must be met before the public hearing may be convened:
(A) 
Notice of the city council public hearing must be given by publication in the official newspaper of the City of Celina stating the time and place of such hearing, a minimum of fifteen (15) days prior to the hearing.
(B) 
Public notification signs posted, stating that a zoning change is requested, shall be erected on the subject property a minimum of fifteen (15) days prior to the city council hearing.
(C) 
Notice of the city council public hearing must be posted in a publicly accessible place at city hall a minimum of seventy-two (72) hours prior to the hearing.
(6) 
Written protest procedures.
If a written protest against said zoning change is submitted in accordance with state law, staff will present the protest petition and its validity to the planning and zoning commission and the city council as part of the staff report. The written protest shall be considered “valid” only if signed by the owners of twenty percent (20%) or more of either the area of the lots or land covered by the proposed change within the corporate city limits or the area of the lots or land immediately adjoining the area covered by the proposed change and extending 200 feet from that area within the corporate city limits.
(7) 
Valid written protest vote.
If a valid written protest is submitted to the director, the requested zoning change shall not become effective except by the favorable vote of three-fourths (3/4) of all the members of the city council.
(d) 
Public notification signage.
(1) 
Any person, firm, or corporation requesting a change in zoning from one zoning classification to another zoning classification on a specific site or other amendments to the use and development regulations governing such property shall erect and maintain a sign or signs upon said property.
(2) 
Such signs shall be placed on the subject property by the development services staff, in compliance with subsection (c)(3)(B) and subsection (c)(5)(B), above and a fee for this service shall be charged to the applicant, per the master fee schedule.
(3) 
It shall be unlawful for anyone to remove, destroy, deface, or obstruct the view of a required sign that gives notice that a zoning hearing has been requested.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19)

§ 14.01.304 Text amendment process.

(a) 
Purpose.
The text of the zoning ordinance may be changed from time-to-time due to changes in market forces, new materials, or new best practices for issues relating to zoning. This section describes the process by which the zoning ordinance text may be changed.
(b) 
Authority.
Text amendments to the provisions of this zoning ordinance may only be initiated by the city.
(c) 
Procedure and approval.
(1) 
Planning and zoning commission public hearing.
The commission shall hold a public hearing on any text amendment prior to making its recommendation to the city council. In compliance with State law, the city shall provide notification of the proposed change in the official newspaper of the City of Celina stating the time and place of such hearing, a minimum of fifteen (15) days prior to the hearing.
(2) 
Planning and zoning commission recommendation.
The city council shall not take action on a proposed zoning text amendment without a recommendation from the planning and zoning commission.
(3) 
City council public hearing.
A public hearing shall be held by the city council shall follow the same procedure detailed in section 14.01.303(c)(5), city council notification and approval before adopting any proposed text amendment.
(4) 
City council approval.
The city council may, from time to time, amend, supplement, or change by Ordinance this zoning ordinance as provided by state law.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19)

§ 14.01.305 Concept plan approval.

(a) 
Purpose.
The purpose of a concept plan is to promote safe, efficient, and harmonious use of land through application of city-adopted design standards and guidelines; protect and enhance the city’s environmental and aesthetic quality; ensure adequate public facilities to serve development; prevent or mitigate adverse development impacts on the natural environment; aid the evaluation and coordination of land subdivision; and promote the public health, safety, and welfare.
(b) 
Applicability.
A concept plan shall be included in all planned development districts and specific use permits.
(c) 
Concept plan format and submission requirements.
The concept plan submission shall be comprised of the items set forth in the concept plan checklist (available online) and any additional information/materials, such as plans, maps, or exhibits as deemed necessary by the director in order to ensure that the planned development or SUP request is legible, able to be understood, and that the applicable regulations have been met.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19)

§ 14.01.306 Site plan approval.

(a) 
Purpose.
The purpose of a site plan is to promote safe, efficient, and harmonious use of land through application of City-adopted design standards and guidelines; protect and enhance the City's environmental and aesthetic quality; ensure adequate public facilities to serve development; prevent or mitigate adverse development impacts on the natural environment; aid the evaluation and coordination of land subdivision; and promote the public health, safety, and welfare.
(b) 
Applicability.
Site plan review is required for non-residential development, multi-family development having four (4) or more dwelling units, mobile home parks, parking lot development (reconstruction and reconfiguration), non-public agricultural buildings, and residential accessory structures, and as otherwise required by the Director. Site plan approval is required prior to issuance of a building permit in order to ensure compliance with all provisions of the Zoning Ordinance, the Comprehensive Plan, the Thoroughfare Plan, and other applicable ordinances of the City of Celina.
(c) 
Procedure and approval.
Site plans are administratively approved by the Director.
(1) 
Site plan approval is revocable if it is determined that the conditions of the approval have not been met or if the plan contains or is based upon incorrect, fraudulent, or misrepresented information.
(2) 
Site plans expire one year after approval if an associated building permit application has not been submitted, reviewed, and approved. The Director may extend the approval up to two (2) additional years for cause.
(3) 
Staff shall consider the approval, disapproval, or conditional approval of a site plan application solely on the basis of any regulations, ordinances, rules, expiration dates, or other properly adopted requirements in effect at the time.
(4) 
Site plan approval for property within existing PDs (or comparable special zoning) which contain conflicting approval standards and/or processes shall be governed by the standards and/or processes contained herein.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19; Ordinance 2025-69 adopted 8/12/2025)

§ 14.01.307 Conditional approvals.

(a) 
Purpose.
The purpose of a conditional approval is to allow certain land uses so long as the application meets specific stated requirements or conditions. If the applicant cannot or will not meet the conditions listed, then the director may choose to bring the requested item before the planning and zoning commission and the city council through the specific use permit (SUP) process.
(b) 
Applicability.
Land uses subject to specific conditions for approval are marked in the schedule of uses with a “C.” Explanatory notes are set forth in section 14.03.401, permanent land uses that require conditional approval and section 14.03.501, temporary land uses that require conditional approval.
(c) 
Criteria for approval.
Building permits shall be processed once the applicant has shown that the stated conditions for approval has been met.
(d) 
Procedure and approval.
Conditional approvals are administratively approved by the director of development services.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19)

§ 14.01.308 Specific use permit (SUP) approvals.

(a) 
Purpose.
A specific use permit is a permanent zoning change and as such, the city council has considerable discretion on approving, denying, or modifying such a request. The purpose of an SUP is to add or modify specific land use rights to those already granted within a zoning district. Approvals shall consider the intensity of the proposed use within the context of the proposed location for compatibility, traffic generated, noise, and other issues determined by the director to be pertinent to the case. Since zoning “runs with the land” and not the proposed use, thoughtful consideration should be exercised in approving an SUP since it will remain as part of the official zoning map even should the use for which the SUP was sought has ceased operation.
(b) 
Applicability.
Land uses subject to approval of a specific use permit are marked in the schedule of uses with a “S.” Explanatory notes are set forth in section 14.03.301, permanent land uses that require SUP approval.
(c) 
Procedure and approval.
(1) 
Planning and zoning commission public hearing.
The commission must hold a public hearing on any SUP application prior to making its recommendations and report to the city council. The public noticing must follow the same procedure detailed in section 14.01.303(c)(3), zoning change process, procedure and approval.
(2) 
Commission recommendation.
The city council shall not take action on a proposed specific use permit request without a recommendation from the planning and zoning commission.
(3) 
City council public hearing.
A public hearing must be held by the city council shall follow the same procedure detailed in section 14.01.303(c)(5), zoning change process, procedure and approval before approving any SUP.
(4) 
City council approval.
The city council is authorized to approve, deny, or modify specific use permit requests.
(5) 
City council discretion.
The city council may impose such additional development standards and safeguards important to the welfare and protection of adjacent property from noise, vibration, dust, dirt, smoke, fumes, odor, gas, explosion, glare, offensive view, or other undesirable or hazardous conditions.
(d) 
Official zoning map.
All SUPs approved in accordance with the provisions of this chapter in its original form or as hereafter amended shall be referenced on the zoning map as such.
(e) 
Expiration or reversal of specific use permits.
(1) 
A specific use permit shall expire if required city permits for development are not obtained and construction, if applicable, has not commenced within twenty-four (24) months from date of approval.
(2) 
A specific use permit may be revoked or modified, after notice to the property owner and a hearing before the city council, for either of the following reasons:
(A) 
The SUP was obtained by fraud or deception; or
(B) 
That one or more of the conditions imposed by the SUP has not been met or has been violated.
(3) 
Should a specific use permit expire or be reversed, the zoning map shall be amended to reflect this change.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19)

§ 14.01.309 Platting.

(a) 
Property within the city limits.
The city shall not approve any plat of any subdivision within the city limits of the city until the area covered by the proposed plat shall have been permanently zoned by the city council.
(b) 
Plat delay pending annexation.
The city shall not approve any plat of any subdivision within any area where a petition for annexation or a recommendation for annexation to the city is pending before the city council unless and until such annexation shall have been approved by the city council.
(c) 
Regulations for property within city limit and ETJ.
All plats in the city limits or the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) must comply with the City of Celina Subdivision regulations, unless stated otherwise in an approved facilities or development agreement.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19)

§ 14.01.310 Vested rights.

(a) 
Purpose, applicability, and effect.
(1) 
Purpose.
The purpose of a vested rights petition is to determine whether one or more standards of this chapter should not be applied to a development application by operation of State law, or whether certain permits are subject to expiration.
(2) 
Applicability.
A vested rights petition may be filed for an application, permit, plan or plat, or any development application authorized under this chapter, filed in accordance with Texas statutes. A vested rights petition may not be filed with a petition for a text amendment, a zoning map amendment, or any other request for a legislative decision by the city council. A vested rights petition also may be filed prior to expiration of certain permits pursuant to subsection (b) below of this section.
(3) 
Effect.
Upon granting of a vested rights petition in whole or in part, the responsible official (subsection (d) below) shall process the development application and the director of development services shall decide the application in accordance with the standards specified in the relief order based on prior ordinance requirements or development standards, or extend the permit otherwise subject to application pursuant to subsection (b), below.
(b) 
Expiration for projects began on or after October 8, 2019.
(1) 
Two-year permit expiration.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, for any development permit authorized by this chapter for which an expiration date is established and which is submitted for filing on or after October 8, 2019, the expiration date shall be two years following the date of approval of the permit. Exception: The holder of the permit files a petition before October 8, 2019 for a vested rights determination pursuant to this subsection, alleging that progress has been made toward completion of the project for which the application subject to expiration was filed. If a vested rights petition is filed according to the timeframes of this section, the city manager shall determine the expiration date of the permit in deciding the petition.
(2) 
Five-year application/project expiration.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, for any development permit authorized by this chapter which is submitted for filing on or after October 8, 2019, and which has expired under subsection (b)(1) above of this section, all previously approved development applications for the same land also shall expire no later than five years from the date of filing of the first application for the project for which the expired application was filed, if the filing of an application for or approval of the expired permit was required to avoid expiration for the previously approved permit or permits, unless the holder of such permits files a petition before such date for a vested rights determination pursuant to this section alleging that progress has been made toward completion of the project for which the applications subject to expiration were filed. If a vested rights petition is filed according to the timeframes of this section, the city manager shall determine the expiration date of the previously approved permits in deciding the petition.
(c) 
Petition requirements.
(1) 
Who may petition.
A vested rights petition may be filed by a property owner or the owner’s authorized agent with any development application or by the holder of a permit subject to expiration pursuant to subsection (b) above.
(2) 
Form of petition.
The vested rights petition shall allege that the petitioner has a vested right for some or all of the land subject to the development application under any applicable Texas law that requires the city to review and decide the application under standards in effect prior to the effective date of the currently applicable standards. The petition shall include the following information and documents:
(A) 
A narrative description of the grounds for the petition;
(B) 
A copy of each approved or pending development application that is the basis for the contention that the city may not apply current standards to the development application that is the subject of the petition;
(C) 
The date of submittal of the application for the permit, or of a development plan pursuant to which the permit was subsequently filed, if different from the official filing date;
(D) 
The actual start date the project for which the application for the permit was submitted;
(E) 
Identification of all standards otherwise applicable to the development application from which relief is sought;
(F) 
Identification of any current standards which petitioner agrees can be applied to the development application at issue;
(G) 
A narrative description of how the application of current standards affects proposed use of the land, landscaping or tree preservation, open space, or park dedication, lot size, lot dimensions, lot coverage or building size shown on the development application for which the petition is filed;
(H) 
A copy of any prior vested rights determination involving the same land; and
(I) 
Where the petitioner alleges that a permit subject to expiration under subsection (b), above, of this section should not be terminated, a description of the events constituting progress toward completion of the project for which the permit subject to expiration was approved.
(d) 
Timing for filing petition.
A vested rights petition must be filed with a development application for which a vested right is claimed, except that the petition may be filed before the date of expiration of any permit when filed pursuant to subsection (b), above. Where more than one application is authorized to be filed by this chapter, the petition may be filed simultaneously for each application.
(e) 
Procedure and approval.
(1) 
Responsible official.
The responsible official for processing the development application in conjunction with a vested rights petition is the director of development services. The director shall promptly forward a copy of the vested rights petition, along with his recommendation, to the city manager and city attorney for their review.
(2) 
Decision by city manager.
The city manager is the final decision-maker on all vested rights petitions. A request must be accompanied by a waiver of the time for decision-making on the application imposed under this section pending decision by the city manager on the vested rights petition, which shall stay further proceedings on the application. Upon receipt of the request, the director of development services or his designee shall prepare a recommendation and forward the matter to the city manager for decision, who shall decide the petition within thirty (30) calendar days following the petitioner’s request.
(3) 
Appeals.
Appeals to the city manager’s decision shall be brought to the board of adjustment. Appeals to the decision made by the board of adjustment may be brought to the district or county court, as stipulated by state law.
(f) 
Criteria for approval.
(1) 
Factors.
The city manager shall decide the vested rights petition based upon the following factors:
(A) 
The nature and extent of prior development applications filed for the land subject to the petition;
(B) 
Whether any prior vested rights determinations have been made with respect to the property subject to the petition;
(C) 
Whether any prior approved applications for the property have expired or have been terminated in accordance with law;
(D) 
Whether current standards adopted after commencement of the project affect proposed use of the land, landscaping or tree preservation, open space, or park dedication, lot size, lot dimensions, lot coverage or building size based upon the proposed development application;
(E) 
Whether any statutory exception applies to the standards in the current zoning ordinance from which the applicant seeks relief;
(F) 
Whether any prior approved applications relied upon by the petitioner have expired;
(G) 
Any other provisions that are applicable under state law.
(2) 
Conditions.
If the claim of vested rights under a petition is based upon a pending application subject to standards that have been superseded by current standards under this chapter, the decision-maker may condition any relief granted on the petition on the approval of the application under such prior standards.
(g) 
Application for permits following final decision on the vested rights petition.
Following the city manager’s decision on the vested rights petition, the property owner shall revise the development application or permit to conform to the final decision. The decision-maker on the development application shall consider any application revised under this article in accordance with the procedures for deciding the initial application under this chapter and in conformity with the relief granted on the petition. If the relief granted on the vested rights petition is consistent with the development application on file, no revisions are necessary. If proceedings have been stayed on the development application pending referral of the vested rights petition, proceedings on the application shall resume after the city manager’s decision on the vested rights petition.
(h) 
Action on petition and order.
(1) 
Action on the petition.
The city manager’s decision on the vested rights petition may take any of the following actions:
(A) 
Deny the relief requested in the petition, and direct that the development application shall be reviewed and decided under currently applicable standards;
(B) 
Grant the relief requested in the petition, and direct that the development application shall be reviewed and decided in accordance with the standards contained in identified prior regulations; or
(C) 
Grant the relief requested in part, and direct that certain identified current standards shall be applied to the development application, while standards contained in identified prior regulations also shall be applied; or
(D) 
For petitions filed pursuant to subsection (b) above of this section, specify the expiration date or the conditions of expiration for the permit(s).
(2) 
Order on the petition.
The city manager’s report and each decision on the vested rights petition shall be memorialized in an order identifying the following:
(A) 
The nature of the relief granted, if any;
(B) 
The approved or filed development applications upon which relief is premised under the petition;
(C) 
Development standards which shall apply to the development application for which relief is sought;
(D) 
Prior standards which shall apply to the development application for which relief is sought, including any procedural standards;
(E) 
The statutory exception or other grounds upon which relief is denied in whole or in part on the petition;
(F) 
To the extent feasible, subordinate development applications that are subject to the same relief granted on the petition; and
(G) 
For petitions filed pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, the date of expiration of the permit or permits.
(i) 
Expiration and extension.
(1) 
Expiration.
Relief granted on a vested rights petition shall expire on occurrence of one of the following events:
(A) 
The petitioner or property owner fails to submit a required revised development application consistent with the relief granted through the vested rights decision within forty-five (45) days of the final decision on the petition;
(B) 
The development application for which relief was granted on the vested rights petition is denied under the criteria made applicable through the relief granted on the petition; or
(C) 
The development application for which relief was granted on the vested rights petition expires.
(2) 
Extension.
Extension of the date of expiration for the development application for which relief was granted on a vested rights petition shall result in extension of the relief granted on petition for a like period.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19)

§ 14.01.311 Building permits and certificates of occupancy.

(a) 
Building permits.
(1) 
Applicability.
No building or other structure shall be erected, moved, added to, or structurally altered without a permit therefore issued by the city’s building official authorized to issue the same. No building permit shall be issued except in conformity with the provisions of this chapter and all applicable building codes of the city.
(2) 
City and ETJ.
Building permits are required within the city limits and on all property within the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) that was platted through the city.
(3) 
Site plan required.
No building permit shall be issued for the construction of a building or buildings upon any tract or plot unless the tract is a platted lot of record and the structure has been reviewed and approved through the site plan process, unless otherwise declared eligible by the director or the city’s building official.
(4) 
Approval.
Building permits are approved by the city’s building official following review and approval of applicable department staff.
(b) 
Certificate of occupancy.
(1) 
Applicability.
It shall be unlawful to use or occupy or permit the use or occupancy of any building or premises, or both, or part thereof hereafter created, erected, changed, converted, or wholly or partly altered or enlarged in its use or structure until a certificates of occupancy shall have been issued by the building official stating that the proposed use of the building or land conforms to the requirements of this chapter.
(2) 
Non-conforming structures.
No nonconforming structure or use shall be maintained, renewed, changed, or extended until a certificates of occupancy shall have been issued by the building official.
(3) 
Conformance with zoning ordinance.
No permit for the erection, alteration, moving, or repair of any building shall be issued until an application has been made for a certificates of occupancy and the CO shall be issued in conformity with the provisions of this chapter upon completion of the work.
(4) 
Approval.
Certificates of occupancy and temporary certificates of occupancy are approved by the city’s building official following review and approval of applicable department staff.
(5) 
Temporary approval.
A temporary certificate of occupancy may be issued by the director for a period not exceeding six (6) months during alterations or partial occupancy of a building pending its completion, provided that such temporary certificate may require such conditions and safeguards as will protect the safety of the occupants and the public.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19)

§ 14.01.312 Certificates of appropriateness (CA).

(a) 
Any change to a property or structure, or the addition, expansion, or removal of a structure, within the Downtown Code district (DTC) requires a Certificate of Appropriateness (CA) in accordance with this chapter. The Certificate of Appropriateness shall be included as part of the required building permit review approved by staff, as prescribed in the Downtown Code approved on May 11, 2021. A Certificate of Appropriateness may also be required for work not otherwise requiring a building permit.
(b) 
The City Council may designate individual buildings and structures within the DTC as either contributing or noncontributing, upon recommendation of the Downtown Commission. The City Council may exempt, except as otherwise provided herein, noncontributing properties from the Certificate of Appropriateness review process and from complying with the DTC district design guidelines.
(1) 
Allowing noncontributing properties to be exempt from a Certificate of Appropriateness does not exempt the requirement for a Certificate of Appropriateness for new construction that is to replace a noncontributing property (building or structure) or new construction on a vacant lot.
(2) 
The City Council may require noncontributing properties undergoing exterior facade remodeling to be visually and architecturally similar to contributing buildings.
(Ordinance 2025-69 adopted 8/12/2025)