Phase I of Gov. Abbott’s plan to gradually reopen businesses in Texas begins May 1. It permits all retail establishments to open and restaurants to offer dine-in services but only with a maximum of 25% of the establishment’s total occupancy.
More information about the latest executive orders and the Phase 1 plan are available on the state of Texas website. In addition to the occupancy requirement, businesses must continue to adhere to minimum standard health protocols.
The total occupancy of your establishment is listed on your Certificate of Occupancy (CO) issued to your business by the City of The Colony. Maximum occupancies vary among establishments and are determined by a number of factors outlined in the building and fire codes adopted by the city. As an example, if the total occupancy of an establishment is 200 occupants, then the 25% maximum allowed can be calculated as: 200 x 0.25 = 50 occupants.
It should be noted that outdoor patios are factored in to the 25% maximum of an establishment and are not calculated separately. For example, if your 25% max is 50 occupants, that would be the total allowed in and outside the establishment at one time.
You may also have a certificate issued by The Colony’s Fire Marshal’s Office that lists the maximum occupancy of a particular space within your establishment, i.e. conference room, dining hall, etc. The formula above can be used to determine the 25% maximum capacity of a particular space.
If you are unable to locate your Certificate of Occupancy or are unsure of your establishment’s maximum occupancy, please contact The Colony Fire Marshal’s Office by email or by calling 972-624-2323/972-624-2326 for assistance.
Lastly, under the Plan, the following establishments must still remain closed:
- Bars;
- Gyms;
- Public swimming pools;
- Interactive entertainment venues such as bowling alleys and video arcades;
- Massage establishments;
- Tattoo and Piercing studios, and;
- Cosmetology salons.