Richardson
Research summary, not legal advice. Check Zoning Atlas for special permits and planned development districts on each parcel.[2]
Telecom Corridor / office & retail pads
Richardson targets office lunch and commuter traffic. Base districts include C-M (Commercial), O-M (Office), LR-M (Local Retail), and numerous PD districts with custom use tables.[3]
- Restaurant with food and beverage permit — listed use in CO application materials; confirm in Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance use table for parcel district[4][3]
- Restaurant with drive-thru or curb service — may require Special Permit per Article XXII-A Special permit[4][3]
- Restaurant without drive-thru — generally more straightforward in C-M and LR-M districts[4]
- The Lone Volt counter-service without drive-through aligns with non-drive-thru restaurant classification[4]
- Alcoholic beverages — special permit may apply depending on district and proximity standards[4]
Permits & process
| Step | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Zoning | Interactive Zoning Atlas + CZO use tables[2][3] | Special permits shown on atlas with ordinance PDFs[2] |
| 2. Certificate of Occupancy | Required for new business or tenant/use change[4] | Development Services — zoning, site, building, fire review[4] |
| 3. Food Service Permit | Richardson Health Department[1] | Annual; nontransferable on ownership change[1] |
| 4. Plan review | $300 one-time (new/remodel)[1] | Paid with health permit application[1] |
| 5. Permit fee (annual) | $250 (0–2,000 sq ft) · $350 (2,001–7,500 sq ft)[1] | The Lone Volt likely $250 tier |
| 6. Grease trap fee | +$50 if grease trap installed[1] | Confirm necessity for beverage-only prep |
| 7. Change of ownership | +$175 one-time[1] | New permit required[1] |
| 8. Sign permit | Sign Control ordinance[4] | Separate from health permit |
Richardson-specific considerations
- Office lunch daypart: Peak 11 AM–2 PM — zoning less restrictive than hours; lease and landlord rules may limit extended operation in office parks
- Express Permitting: Qualifying small commercial projects get 3-business-day guaranteed plan review — ask Development Services if The Lone Volt finish-out qualifies[4]
- Telecom Corridor aesthetics: Some PDs impose design standards on signage and facades[2][3]
- Home food prep not allowed except Texas Cottage Food Law — all prep must be in permitted commercial space[1]
References
Inline [n] markers above link to these sources. Accessed September 2026.
- [1]Richardson Food Service PermitFees by sq ft ($250–$450); plan review $300; grease trap $50; change of ownership $175.
- [2]Richardson Interactive Zoning AtlasBase zoning, special permits, PD ordinance PDFs.
- [3]Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO)C-M, O-M, LR-M districts; Art. XXII-A Special Permits.
- [4]Certificate of Occupancy Application (PDF)Restaurant use types; drive-thru special permit; express permitting note.