County increases aesthetic standards

ELLIS COUNTY – The Ellis County Commissioners’ Court recently approved a series of amendments to its Outdoor Business Order.

The order was last updated in 2006.

The amendments will include overall higher aesthetic standards for outdoor businesses.

These standards could include fencing, landscaping, minimum masonry coverage for buildings, and signage.

The licensing process will also be made easier through the county’s Department of Development.

“Families who have lived on the same property for generations don’t want to be surrounded by new construction that diminishes the visual qualities of the home they worked so hard to build,” said Ellis County Judge Todd Little.

“Our residents deserve the high quality of life that comes with these enhanced development standards.”

According to a statement released, a major update made to the OBO is the new requirement building elevations be composed of a minimum of 75-percent masonry for any portion visible from a public road and the fences surrounding these structures must be composed of all engineered masonry wall with masonry columns.

Wooden, metal, or chain-link fences will no longer be allowed for new outdoor businesses.

Fire lanes will also now be required to be made of concrete.

Current properties not meeting the updated standards will be grandfathered.

According to Alberto Mares, Director of Planning & Development for Ellis County, some aspects of the previous Outdoor Business Order needed updating to reflect the authority given to counties under state law for this particular use.

“State law requires that developers present us with a valid TCEQ certificate,” Mares explained.

“In addition, we wanted to ensure a quality product for these types of uses from the beginning and wanted to include detailed plans for drainage, phasing, noise mitigation, and water & electric services.”

The amended Outdoor Business Order was approved unanimously by commissioners on Oct, 18 and went into effect immediately.

To view the updated Outdoor Business Order, visit https://www.ellispermits.com or contact the Ellis County Department of Development at (972) 825-5200.