City Regulations on Opening A Shop

[anson89]

A local high end/tuner/performance shop for A LOT high end clients around the Houston area has agreed to lease out 1400 sq ft space for me.



A few things I'm worried about. The building was built in the 1930s, so I'm assuming it's "grandfather" property.



1. Do I need to install some water reclamation or sand trap system? This is a very expensive option, $30k. Unless, I register as a paint correction facility and not a Car Wash facility?



2. From what I heard, because it's a grandfather facility, I don't need to install any of these water reclamation or sand trap systems?

 

[DaGonz]

Do not sign a lease until you do the following:

The first thing you should do is contact the community's city/town clerk building department to see what permits are required.



Second stop @ City Hall is the Department of Public Works water and sewer division and Conservation Commission to see what the stormwater/wastewater regulations are.



The third is the building department's division of code enofrcement to see if any changes affect the conforming use of the building.



The fourth is the Fire Department to see if they hve any requirements for fire alarm/sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers.



The fifth contact you should make is to an insurance agent to find out the cost of coverage for the business. Do not assume that the insurance of the person you are renting from will cover any of your losses in the event of a fire, theft, flood, earthquake, hurricane, etc.