Boarding Home Facility Inspection Program

A Boarding Home Facility is a residential business that:

Offers lodging for three or more elderly individuals or persons with disabilities who are not related to the owner by blood or marriage and provides a variety of services, such as:

• Community meals
• Light housework
• Meal preparation
• Transportation
• Grocery shopping
• Money management
• Laundry services

• Assistance with self-administration of medication

Boarding Home Facilities provide a residential environment for persons who may not need the structure or staffing of a medical institution but do need support that they would not have if they were living alone. 

The following facilities may be exempt from this ordinance, based on state code definitions or licensing requirements:

• Home and Community Support Services licensed by the State
• Convalescent and Nursing Homes and related institutions licensed by the State
• Continuing Care Facilities licensed by the State
• Assisted Living Facilities licensed by the State
• Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability licensed by the State
• Certain Home Health, Hospice, or Personal Assistance Services funded and monitored by the State
• Well-recognized Religious Establishments that provide care exclusively through prayer or spiritual means for healing
• Certain Facilities Funded and Monitored by MHMR of Tarrant County
• A Hotel
• A Retirement Community
• A Monastery or Convent
• A Childcare Facility
• A Family Violence Shelter
• A Fraternity or Sorority House, or other dormitories associated with institutions of higher education

Boarding homes are often referred to by other names, including Group Homes, Community Homes, or Residential Homes. They may also be considered a form of Assisted Living Facility (ALFs) or a Residential Facility for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (ICFs/IID).

What information do I need? 

• Photo ID: A legible copy of a state or federal government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license) for the owner, operator, applicant, emergency contact, and each employee/volunteer.
• Business Documents: A copy of documents establishing the business if it’s a legal entity, including the ID of a high managerial agent.
• Personal Information List: A list of names, street addresses, mailing addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers for the owner, operator, applicant, emergency contact, and each employee/volunteer. Addresses may not be the boarding home’s address unless the person resides full-time at the facility.
  
• Rental Property Authorization: If rented, a property rental letter from the owner authorizing the use of the property as a boarding home facility, acknowledging city requirements.
  
• Tax Payment Evidence: Proof of payment for any ad valorem taxes, fees, fines, and penalties related to the property.
  
• Criminal History Authorization: Completed forms to allow the City to obtain criminal history reports for the owner, operator, and employees/volunteers.

How do I apply?

ArlingtonPermits.com

1. Once logged in, select APPLY to submit your application and pay fees
2. The application and supporting documents will be reviewed for completeness and acceptability.
3. Once the application is approved, an inspection of your facility will be scheduled.
4. Upon successful completion of the inspection, your permit will be issued.

Are there other required inspections?

Yes. In addition to health and sanitation inspections, the following inspections are required:

• Annual Fire Inspection from the City of Arlington Fire Department
• Annual Alarm System Inspection by state licensed fire alarm company
• Gas pipe pressure test once every three years by the local gas company or a licensed plumber
• Annual inspection and maintenance of fire extinguishers by personnel licensed or certified to perform these duties
• Annual inspection of liquified petroleum gas systems by an inspector certified by the Texas Railroad Commission
• HVAC/furnace cleaned and certified annually by a licensed HVAC technician
• Annual cleaning and inspection of all wood burning fireplaces 

For information about scheduling a fire inspection, contact Fire Prevention at 817-459-5539.

Properties must be maintained in compliance with all other city ordinances.  

What are the fees?

• Initial Boarding Home Facility Application Fee:  $500
• Initial Boarding Home Facility Inspection Fee:  $1,500
• Annual Boarding Home Facility Inspection for Renewal Fee:  $1,200
• Additional Building Fee on the property used as a Boarding Home Facility:  $50
• If needed, Boarding Home Facility Reinspection Fee:  $200
• Reinstatement Fee, if the Renewal Fee is not paid prior to permit expiration:  $125
• Service Fee for any revisions to an existing permit:  $25

How often does my permit need to be renewed?

A permit to operate a boarding home facility expires one year from the date of issuance. A renewal invoice will be sent to you one month before your permit’s expiration. 

If I move my boarding home facility to a different property or add more properties, will my permit transfer?

No. Permits are location and operation specific, so they are not transferrable.  Each property must obtain its own permit. 

If I sell my boarding home facility to another operator, who intends to continue running the boarding home facility, will that permit transfer?

No. As permits are location and operation specific, this pertains to who is responsible for the permitted operation, so a new owner would require a new permit. The existing permit would not be transferrable.

Where can I find the requirements for the construction, maintenance, and operation of a Boarding Home Facility?

Article IV of the Boarding Home Facility Ordinance(PDF, 10MB)

What kind of health and sanitation inspections are done of Boarding Home Facilities?

Permitting Inspections, Routine Inspections, Follow-Up Inspections, and Complaint Inspections are all conducted by the city. 

Are Boarding Home Facility Inspections announced or unannounced?

Permitting Inspections and certain types of Follow-up Inspections may be announced or scheduled.  All other types of inspections are unannounced.  Unannounced inspections allow the inspectors to observe the Boarding Home Facility in the normal mode of operation. 

How should I prepare for an inspection? 

Owners, Operators, and staff should familiarize themselves with the Boarding Home Facility Ordinance.  Establishing operational policies, maintaining managerial oversights, training staff, keeping well organized records, and carrying out daily self-checks are all ways to be prepared for inspections.  

Wellness information for people with disabilities and/or elderly individuals.

City of Arlington Boarding Home Ordinance

Helpful Checklist - Coming Soon!

Wellness Resources