COMPLIANCE PROCESS - Public Education

The Code Enforcement Department seeks to educate our citizenry regarding code enforcement issues, encourage civic pride, and obtain compliance with Town ordinances.

Code Enforcement seeks compliance with Town ordinances pertaining to maintenance, sanitation, rehabilitation, conservation, and safety of existing residential and commercial properties, such as: high weeds and grass, junked vehicles, cars parked in yards, etc…

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What is Code Compliance?
Code compliance is an effort to help keep Trophy Club safe and clean by investigating complaints and inspecting properties within the Town to enforce Town ordinances related to nuisances and zoning violations. The most common Code violations include high grass and weeds, trash and rubbish accumulation, placing refuse out too soon for collection, junked vehicles, parking on grass, and living or sleeping in recreational vehicles parked on residential lots. The Town is authorized to pursue criminal and civil remedies to abate nuisances within Trophy Club.

Why is Code Enforcement Important?
Concerned citizens who take good care of their property and notify the Town of Code Violations help:

• Protect the safety and welfare of our citizenry,
• Maintain or increase property values,
• Reduce vandalism,
• Prevent fires, and
• Bolster maintenance and continued development in the Town.

How do I Report a Violation?
Report violations to the Code Enforcement office at 682-831-4659 or click here to make a report online. It is especially helpful to provide an exact description of the complaint (such as "junked vehicle parked in front yard") and the complete address of the property in which the violation occurred. If the complete address is unknown, please provide the block number and street name. Reports may be made anonymously.

What Can You Do To Help Reduce Illegal Dumping?
If you witness ANY illegal dumping in progress, please call 972-434-5500 / Non-emergency police dispatch.

To report dumped garbage; i.e., construction materials, bulky items, etc., please call Code Enforcement at 682-831-4659 or click here to file a report online.

Notice of Violation
In almost all circumstances, our Inspector's first course of action is to educate the resident or property owner, because in many cases, the citizen is not aware that a code violation has occurred. A written or verbal notice, explaining what the violation is and why it needs to be corrected is given to the citizen. Up to 95% of our citizenry comply with Town ordinances after being notified about a violation. However, when an individual continues to violate a Town ordinance, a citation or ticket may be issued.

In the event that a written or verbal notice does not encourage the citizen to correct the violation, a citation may be issued to gain compliance. Citations are issued as a last resort and are easily avoided through responsible action.

Warning Notice
The Warning Notice serves as a written or verbal notice that explains exactly what the violation is and why it needs to be corrected. After a warning has been issued, code inspectors will give violators a reasonable amount of time to correct the violations. Inspectors routinely follow up to check the progress at the property where the violation exists. If, after ample time has been given to correct the violation, the violation still exists, the inspector may issue a citation in an attempt to gain compliance.

COMMON VIOLATIONS

Fences
Zoning regulations require property owners to maintain their fences in a sound condition. Code Enforcement requires owners to remove, repair, or replace fences that have been identified as a code violation. (Removal of a fence is not an option where a pool barrier fence is involved or when zoning regulations specifically requires a fence.)

A fence is considered dilapidated if it is missing or contains rotten planks and out-of-plumb by more than one inch per foot. New fences that face the street require a permit from Permitting. The posts and rails of a new fence must not be exposed to an adjacent street; in other words, the smooth side of a fence must face an adjacent public street.

Junked/Wrecked Vehicles
It shall be unlawful for any person to allow a vehicle, which is incapable of being lawfully operated upon public right-of-ways, is wrecked, dismantled or discarded, to remain in view from a public street on the premises for more than thirty (30) days.

Unsightly Yard
It shall be unlawful for any person to allow trash and debris, household trash, rubble or rubbish, or any unsightly objects to remain on the property.

Tall Grass/Weeds
Property owners are not to allow grass or weeds to exceed twelve inches (12") in height. Property owners and tenants are responsible for keeping their lawns mowed to the edge of the roadway. Only one notification per year will be made. Those in violation who fail to comply with a request to mow are subject to having their property mowed by a Town-hired contractor. The owner of the lot will be billed for the Town's expenses plus the administration fee. If the bill is not paid, interest-bearing liens are placed on the property.

High grass contributes to blight conditions, and can draw mice and snakes as well as creating a nuisance. It may also lead to a higher incidence of grass fires.

Signs
Signs are regulated. Please contact the permitting department or call 682-831-4680 for more information.

Violators will be given a verbal or written notice of the violation and a reasonable amount of time to bring the issue into compliance. Failure to comply may result in a citation.

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