Rights Determination

Process

The Rights Determination process allows an applicant to complete a project under the rules that were in place when the project was originally initiated. Rights are established for a project based on the first permit in a series of permits that are required for the project and require the applicant to demonstrate progress on the project every five years.

The process is optional and allows an applicant the ability to request the recognition of acquired statutory rights for an established project. Development Services performs the review of Rights Determination requests.

The review typically includes:

• validating the underlying permit
• ensuring consistency of the project
• ensuring progress toward completion
• meeting duration (permit activity at least every five years)

The review and final consideration of an application is done administratively in accordance with Unified Development Code Section 35-712 and Chapter 245 of the Texas Local Government Code. Appeals are considered by Planning Commission and City Council. Rights for a project will expire in accordance with the Unified Development Code.

Former Names

Rights Determinations were formerly known as:

• Vested Rights Permits (VRP)
• Development Rights Permit (DRP)