The Zoning Condition Amendment or Release Application is the City of El Paso Planning and Inspections Department, Planning Division, form used to ask the City to amend or release a condition attached to a property's zoning. It is one of the El Paso zoning applications and is completed by the property owner, the applicant or a representative. On this page you can fill out the form online on FillingPDF and download or print the completed PDF; the form and its submittal checklist are published by the City of El Paso at its website.
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What is Zoning Condition Amendment or Release Application – El Paso, TX?
The Zoning Condition Amendment or Release Application is the City of El Paso, Texas, Planning and Inspections Department form on which a property owner or applicant asks to amend or release zoning conditions imposed on one to three parcels.
The form is issued by the Planning Division, 811 Texas Avenue, El Paso, TX 79901 (915-212-0088). It has five numbered sections: 1. Contact Information (property owners, applicants and representatives), 2. Parcel One Information, 3. Parcel Two Information, 4. Parcel Three Information and 5. Additional Information, where every owner of record prints a name and signs. A box marked "Office Use Only" is reserved for the City: case number, received date, application fee, City Plan Commission (CPC) review date and the staff member who accepted it.
The PDF is a package, not just one page. After the application it contains a list of required documentation, the City's rules for notifying recognized neighborhood associations, the rules for on-site posting of notice, a Submittal Verification Form and a Disclosure of Campaign Contributions and Donations Form.
The same package language covers rezoning and special permit applications, which are separate applications; this form is the one used for a zoning condition amendment or release. Submitting it does not mean the City has accepted it: the Department first reviews the application for accuracy and completeness.
Who needs to file Zoning Condition Amendment or Release Application – El Paso, TX?
Property owners in the City of El Paso who want a condition on their property's zoning amended or released, and applicants or representatives acting for them, use this application.
- Owners of record. Section 5 requires signatures from all owners of record for the subject property; if there are more owners than lines, attach additional signatures on a separate sheet of paper.
- Corporate owners. When the owner is a corporation, documentation on corporate letterhead must show that the person signing as owner is authorized to represent the corporation in this matter.
- Applicant and representative. The Submittal Verification Form is signed by the applicant and the representative. They must attend all scheduled meetings on the application, including the City Plan Commission and City Council public hearings.
- Anyone benefiting from a City Council agenda item. The Disclosure of Campaign Contributions and Donations Form applies to individuals or entities benefiting from a Council agenda item, which includes zoning.
The form covers up to three parcels; the sources do not describe a separate form for more.
When to file Zoning Condition Amendment or Release Application – El Paso, TX
File the application when you are ready to request an amendment or release of a zoning condition and have assembled the required documentation. The form sets no calendar deadline of its own; its timing rules concern the steps around it.
- Before submittal: notices must be sent to recognized neighborhood associations before the application goes to the Planning and Inspections Department, Planning Division.
- After the application is complete: the Department's review comes first, and the fee is paid once the application is deemed complete.
- On-site posting: where it applies, the sign must go up at least 15 days before the first public hearing at the City Plan Commission and stay until final City Council action; remove it no later than 10 days after final action.
- Before the Council agenda: a certified original city tax certificate is required for each parcel, and all taxes must be paid in full before the City Council holds its public hearing.
The CPC review date on the form is at 1:30 pm, City Hall Building, 300 N. Campbell.
Documents you need
- Zoning map sheet with the subject property outlined accurately in red ink; obtain it at the One Stop Shop, 811 Texas Avenue, or from the City's interactive zoning map.
- Generalized plot plan showing the general features or concept of development, lot lines with dimensions, the legal description and the streets with ingress and egress.
- Detailed description of the request: a narrative of the request and how the changes will continue to promote the health, safety, morals and general welfare of nearby properties and the City.
- Written sealed metes and bounds description with a survey map, only if the legal description covers portions of lots or blocks or no legal subdivision is recorded; stamped and signed by a professional engineer or registered land surveyor and dated within one year of submittal.
- Proof of ownership: a title company certificate, warranty deed or other legal document showing the applicant is the current owner.
- For a corporate owner: documentation on corporate letterhead that the person signing for the owner is authorized to represent the corporation.
- Proof of notices sent to recognized neighborhood associations: the notification letter plus a copy of an email, a certified mail receipt or an affidavit attesting hand delivery.
- Photograph of the on-site notice sign, digital or printed, for the Planning Division; the posting applies to the larger parcels described in the form.
- Copy of any special contracts or conditions imposed on the subject property.
- Submittal Verification Form, signed by the applicant and the representative.
- Disclosure of Campaign Contributions and Donations Form, signed and dated.
- Certified original city tax certificate for each parcel, required before the item is placed on the City Council agenda.
How to fill out Zoning Condition Amendment or Release Application – El Paso, TX
Complete the contact information
In Section 1, list the property owner(s), applicant(s) and representative(s), each with address, ZIP code and phone. Add an e-mail address and fax number.
Describe Parcel One
In Section 2, enter the property identification number, legal description, street address or location, REP district and acreage. Then give the present zoning and land use and the proposed zoning and land use.
Describe Parcels Two and Three
Use Sections 3 and 4 for additional parcels, with the same entries as Parcel One. Leave them blank if the application covers only one parcel.
Print owner names and sign
In Section 5, each owner of record prints a name and signs. Attach additional signatures on a separate sheet if there are more owners than lines.
Leave the office-use box blank
Do not fill in the case number, received date, application fee, CPC review date or accepted-by lines; the City completes them.
Prepare the supporting documents
Gather the items on the required documentation list: zoning map sheet, plot plan, narrative, survey if applicable, proof of ownership, notices proof and special contracts.
Complete the Submittal Verification Form
Print the applicant and representative names, sign and date. Check any additional applications in process for the property, such as rezoning, special permit or building permit.
Complete the campaign contributions disclosure
Enter your full name, business name, agenda item type and relevant department. Check the box saying you have not made contributions of an aggregate $500 or more, or list the council members and amounts; then sign and date.
Review and download the completed PDF
Check each section and signature, then download or print the completed PDF from FillingPDF and submit it with the documents as described under How to submit.
How to submit Zoning Condition Amendment or Release Application – El Paso, TX
The City requires all documents to be submitted electronically: log in at https://aca-prod.accela.com/ELPASO/Default.aspx. The fee is paid separately, after the Planning Department deems the application complete.
- Application and documents: upload the completed application and every item on the required-documentation list through the Accela portal above. A submitted application is not accepted for processing until the Department reviews it for accuracy and completeness.
- Fee: a nonrefundable application fee applies. Pay it online through the same portal, by phone at (915) 212-0104, or at the One Stop Shop, 811 Texas Avenue. The City will later bill you separately for public notice mailing and newspaper publication costs. The fee amount is not printed on the form; ask the Planning Division at (915) 212-0088.
- Tax certificate: certified city tax certificates are obtained at the City Tax Office, Wells Fargo Plaza, 221 N. Kansas, 3rd Floor, Suite 300.
- Zoning map sheets: available at the Planning and Inspections Department, One Stop Shop, 811 Texas Avenue, or on the interactive zoning map at https://gis.elpasotexas.gov/planning/.
For questions call (915) 212-0088 or visit http://www.elpasotexas.gov/planning-and-inspections. FillingPDF lets you fill out and download the PDF; submission follows the channels above.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving out a signature: Section 5 requires signatures from all owners of record, with extra signatures on a separate sheet if needed.
- Mailing neighborhood association notices after submitting the application; they must be sent before submittal to the Planning Division.
- Sending a notification letter that omits the street address, legal description, type of application, projected impact statement or the applicant's contact details.
- Submitting a metes and bounds description that is unsealed or dated more than one year before the application, when one is required.
- Providing no proof of notices, such as an email copy, certified mail receipt or hand-delivery affidavit.
- Building the on-site sign too small or without the Spanish caption: it needs minimum 8 feet by 4 feet, black bolded block lettering on a light green background.
- Failing to send the City a photograph of the posted signs, which postpones the application until one is received.
- Skipping the Disclosure of Campaign Contributions and Donations Form, which can violate the City's Ethics Code and lead to sanctions.
- Assuming the application is accepted on submittal: the Department must first deem it complete, and fees are nonrefundable.
- Not paying property taxes in full before the City Council public hearing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Zoning Condition Amendment or Release Application in El Paso?
It is the City of El Paso Planning and Inspections Department form used to ask the City to amend or release zoning conditions on a property. It covers up to three parcels and is followed by a documentation checklist, notice rules and two signed disclosure forms.
Can I fill out the El Paso zoning condition application online?
You can complete the PDF online on FillingPDF and download or print it. FillingPDF does not file it: the City requires documents to be submitted electronically through its Accela portal at https://aca-prod.accela.com/ELPASO/Default.aspx.
Where do I submit the zoning condition amendment or release application?
Submit it electronically by logging into https://aca-prod.accela.com/ELPASO/Default.aspx. The Planning Division is at 811 Texas Avenue, El Paso, TX 79901, and answers questions at (915) 212-0088.
Who has to sign the application?
All owners of record for the subject property sign Section 5, with extra signatures on a separate sheet if needed. The applicant and representative also sign the Submittal Verification Form. A corporate owner must show that its signer is authorized.
Is there a fee, and how do I pay it?
Yes, a nonrefundable application fee applies once the Planning Department deems the application complete. Pay through the Accela portal, by phone at (915) 212-0104 or at the One Stop Shop, 811 Texas Avenue. Ask the Planning Division at (915) 212-0088 for the amount.
Do I have to notify neighborhood associations?
Yes. Section 2.102 of the El Paso City Code requires notices to recognized neighborhood associations before you submit. Proof can be a copy of the letter with an email, a certified mail receipt or an affidavit of hand delivery.
When do I need to post a sign on the property?
On-site notice is required for the larger parcels the form describes, around one acre. Posting starts at least 15 days before the first City Plan Commission hearing and continues until final City Council action. Remove the sign within 10 days after final action.
Do I need to attend the hearings?
Yes. The Submittal Verification Form says the applicant or representative must attend all scheduled meetings, including the City Plan Commission and City Council hearings. If no one appears, the application may be postponed, heard without representation or dismissed.
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