Zoning Verification Letter

What is a Zoning Verification Letter (ZVL)?

It is a written response to a request regarding the current land use and zoning for a specific property.

Why is it important?

ZVLs provide information to regulators, lenders, and attorneys about the uses permitted on a particular property, its development potential and compliance with current zoning ordinances. 

ZVLs for business permitting 

Also, some government agencies require a ZVL for certain businesses (e.g. microblading, tattooing, piercing, etc.) to prove that the proposed business is legally permitted in the proposed location.  If you request one of these letters please do not forget to include:

• Business activity
• Address of proposed business activity

ZVLs for real estate transactions

To request a ZVL please fill out the pdf form and e-mail to Planning Department staff.  Also, include the following:

• Address of property
• Requestor's contact information (name, phone, e-mail)
• If the letter is to be addressed to another party, that party's name and address
• If the letter is to be mailed/e-mailed to another party, that party's name and address/e-mail

There is a $50.00 dollar fee for this type of ZVL. Make checks payable to "City of Venus, TX" and send to: Attn: Zoning Verification, City of Venus Planning Department, 700 W US Highway 67, Venus, TX 76084. To pay with a credit card (Visa, Master Card, American Express) contact the Billing Department at utilitybilling@cityofvenus.org or call (972) 366-3348

Note: It is not possible to determine conclusively that a property is in conformance with current codes without a survey/inspection of the property in its current condition.

The ZVL includes the following information:

• Current zoning (base and overlay districts)
• Historic designation 
• Variances and/or Special Exceptions (if any)
• Whether the current use is permitted
• Zoning of adjacent properties 
• Current zoning violations (if any)

The ZVL does not include the following information, which may may obtained through an Open Records Request through the City Secretary

• Building permit information and Certificates of Occupancy
• Copies of as-built site plans
• Known current building code violations
• Known current fire code violations