A summary of changes to the accessory structure ordinances, found in Chapter 122 of Lake Dallas Municipal Code: 

Permitting: 

• Before construction or placement, the owner must obtain a Residential Building Permit (application found online or at City Hall) 
• Information on size and placement required. 
• Structures less than 120 square feet will not be charged a fee. 

Setbacks 

• Setbacks in residential areas have been altered from 3’ to 5’ for side and rear yards.  
• Structures still prohibited from being constructed or placed in front yard.  

Carports permissible in Manufactured Home District front yards 

• Structures must meet all building setbacks and requirements specified in Section 122-578(b) and 122-606(2).  

Height 

• The maximum allowable height for an accessory structure in a residentially-zoned district is now 15’. 
• Accessory dwellings may be up to 24’ in height.  

Maximum Lot Coverage 

• Maximum allowed lot coverage for the main and accessory structure is 30% of the rear yard per Section 122.743 (d) of the Lake Dallas Municipal Code.  

Compatibility  

• Accessory structures must be compatible with their main structure, specifically in regards to architectural requirements, including:  
  • Roof pitch 
  • Articulation 
  • Color  

Erosion Control (Section 42-31): 

• All private property owners, developers and builders are responsible for erosion that causes sediment to accumulate in streets, ditches or adjacent, downstream properties.  
  • This includes streets, alleys, bar ditches, culverts, drainageways or other private properties where sediment has accumulated deeper than one inch.  
• All private property owners are required to maintain all culverts, bar ditches and drainageways on the property free and clear of accumulations of trash, debris, sediments and other matter which may impede the flow of water through the culverts, bar ditches and drainageways (Section 42-36).  

For Builders & Contractors (Section 42-32):  

• Permanent erosion controls shall be installed at or near the end of a construction project when no further disturbance of the area will occur as a result of construction activity in order to permanently minimize soil loss. 
• Temporary erosion control methods shall be used to abate sediment runoff from construction sites and shall be used and maintained throughout the duration of construction activity. 

Help keep drains or ditches clear by: 

• Mowing grass regularly.
• Planting vegetation to help stabilize the bank.
• Creating a rain garden where water on your property pools to reduce runoff. 
• Maximizing vegetation use to prevent soil loss. 
• Installing temporary controls where vegetation has been removed to prevent soil erosion.  
• Harvesting rain water.  
• Not dumping pollutants into the drain.
• Diverting rainfall or stormwater runoff from construction sites. 

Permitting 

• A permit is required for all fences being built, altered, repaired or replaced in the City of Lake Dallas. 
• A permit can be found online, or picked up from City Hall.  
• A permit fee will be waived (Sec. 22-242) if:  
  • permit is related to partial replacement of an existing fence; 
  • fence is located on a single-family lot;  less than 50% of the entire length of the fence is being replaced (includes all sides); 
  • replacement fence is being installed in the same location as the old fence; 
  • no similar fee has been waived for fence repairs/replacement within 12 months. 

Maintenance (Sec. 22-243) 

• All fences must be maintained in a safe and aesthetically pleasing condition.  
• The building inspector may cause any fence to be reinspected.  

Height Restrictions / Materials  

• Fences shall not exceed 6 ft. in height in zones R-14000 and R-1-4000A, and 8 ft. in height in zones R-16000, R-1-7200 and R-1-10000 (Sec. 22-246). 
• Front yard fences shall not exceed 3 ft. in height, except chain link, which may not exceed 4 ft.  
• No front yard fences may be constructed of solid material.  
• Fences may only be constructed using wood, chain link, wrought iron, or PVC fence materials, except in cases where screening is required, than Chapter 122 ordinances will prevail.  Any owner of a swimming pool must fully enclose with a fence, wall or barrier no less than 4 ft. in height at all times (Sec. 22-252). 

Outdoor Burning Permits 

• Any outdoor burning first requires a burning permit, obtained through LCFD. 
• If a property meets all the requirements, then a burn permit can be applied for at: https://tinyurl.com/y3yvcdtb 
• Lastly, it must be a “burn day” as determined by the Denton Co. Fire Marshal. 
  • Once a permit has been obtained, visit: https://apps.dentoncounty.gov/Burn Control/ 

Fuel Storage – Section 22-98 

• No fuel, oil, gasoline or highly flammable fuel shall be stored within any structure for human habitation except in a manner approved by the fire marshal. 
• Fuels shall be stored in approved containers in accordance with the adopted Fire Code and State Law. 

Fireworks – Section 46-2 

• It is unlawful to sell fireworks within the City. 
• Discharging, manufacturing and storing fireworks within the City limits is prohibited. 
• City Council may grant event permits where fireworks will be approved and under the supervision of the Fire Marshal. 

Wildfire Safety Tips 

• A home within one mile of a natural area is in the ‘Ember Zone’. 
• Removal of weeds, brush, and other vegetation can reduce the risk of flying embers ignition.
• “Defensible Space’ is the required buffer between a structure and wildland area that slows or halts fire spread. 
  • Zone 1 extends 30 ft. from home or structure where all dead brush should be removed. 
  • Zone 2 extends 30-100 ft. from home or structure, where vegetation can be thinned to reduce fire spread, such as tree canopies. 
  • For more info., visit: https://tinyurl.com/yybl4rr9 

Home Safety Tips 

• The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports heating equipment as the leading cause of home fires. 
• Keep anything that can burn at least 3 ft. away from a heat source, which includes portable heaters, stoves, furnaces, and fireplaces. 
• Never use an oven to heat your home. 
• Ensure water heaters, stationary heaters, or central heaters are professionally installed and meet code requirements. 
• Make sure your fireplace has a protective screen to prevent embers from landing in the room. 
  • Ashes can be kept in a metal container but must be cool before doing so. 
  • Store container of ashes away from your home. 
• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. 
• View the NFPA’s full Safety Tip Sheet here:
  •  http://ow.ly/W1LuP

“Illicit discharge”- a discharge of other than stormwater 

No person may discharge the following into the MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System): 

• Grass and leaf clippings (do not blow into street), animal waste 
• Well water, ground water 
• Cooling water (includes contact and non-contact cooling water and treated and untreated cooling water) 
• Subsurface drainage, industrial wastewater 

“Illegal discharge”- a discharge of any substance prohibited from being discharged into the waters of the United States or State of Texas, or a tributary to those waters, by any federal or state law: 

• Direct discharge of pesticide or fertilizer 
• Pollutant or wastewater, other than stormwater or discharge not classified as an illicit discharge in City Code, that is prohibited from being discharged into publicly-owned treatment works 
• Solid waste, including animal wastes, ashes, construction/demolition materials, dirt, debris, floatable, garbage, heavy brush, etc. (full listing of prohibited solid waste found in City Code Section referenced in this fact sheet) 

Junk Vehicle: 

• Motor vehicle with expired license plate/inspection certification; AND 
• Wrecked, dismantled or partially dismantled or inoperable and has remained inoperable for 72 consecutive hours (if on public property), or 30 consecutive days (if on private property). 

A junk vehicle becomes a public nuisance if criteria above is met and can be seen any time from a public place or public right-of-way, specified in Section 102-331. 

Amenable defense:  

• Vehicle covered with a tarp or fabric that:  
• Is kept clean and in good condition 
• Is free of rips, tears, holes or excessive fading 
• Completely conceals vehicle 

Abandoned Vehicle: 

• Motor vehicle that is inoperable, more than five years old and has been left unattended on public property for more than 48 hours; 
• Or has remained on private property without consent of the owner for more than 48 hours; 
• Or has been left unattended on the right-of-way for more than 48 hours; 
• Or has been left unattended for more than 24 hours on the right-of-way of a public turnpike or controlled-access highway.                

Residential parking:  

• Parking must be on a hard-surfaced driveway or parking area, specified in Section 102-232. 
• Gravel parking permitted so long as area is bordered and kept clear of vegetation. 
  • Side yard parking must be enclosed by a 6 ft. screening fence and constructed to be obstructive from public view. 
  • Parking area must be less than 50% of the total front yard area. 
• This applies to both hard-surface and gravel parking areas.  
  • Vehicles may not block any sidewalk, or other public right-of-way, specified in Sections 102-190, 102-233. 
• This includes vehicles parked on a hard-surfaced driveway jutting into sidewalk space.  
  • Vehicles parked on the street must be parallel with the curb and facing the direction of traffic, Section 102-195. 
• Curbside wheels of the vehicle must be kept within 6 inches of the edge of the roadway or street, except in places with angled or designated parking lines.  

Commercial Parking  

• All parking areas must be paved with concrete or asphalt, Section 122-771. 
• Area must be maintained and kept free of holes, debris and vegetation.  
• Parking spaces must be located on the same lot as the main building(s). 
• No portion of the parking area, except necessary drives, may extend into a public street or alley. 

Litter (Section 86-1) 

• It is unlawful for any person to deposit, throw or scatter debris in any public street, park, sidewalk or private property. 
• All trash must be placed in approved receptacles.  

Unlawful Deposits (Section 86-32)  

• Placing garbage or trash upon any property within the City, except where authorized by law, is expressly prohibited and any act in violation of this section shall constitute a distinct and separate offense.  
• Disposing of trash in another person’s receptable without permission is prohibited (Section 86-38).  

Trash on Your Property: 

• Trash, junk or garbage not removed from any property, a right-of-way or easement is declared a nuisance and is prohibited unless placed in closed containers or has been placed for pickup by the City’s authorized waste contractor (Section 42-74). 
• Any person violating the above Ordinance may be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and fined up $2,000 (Section 42-76). 

How You Can Help Reduce Litter in Our City: 

• Only place trash in your dumpster or public trash receptacles.  
• Be sure to keep your dumpster’s lid closed at all times. 
• If transporting trash, or any other item, ensure all materials are properly tied down.  
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.  
• Remember: Don’t Mess with Texas

Manufactured home occupants within a manufactured home park shall maintain the home, home space, related facilities and equipment in good repair and sanitary conditions.  

Prior to moving into a manufactured home park, occupants shall submit the following for review:  

• Completed move-in permit application 
• Site plan detailing proposed lot situation with distances to adjacent structures 
• Verification of compliance to HUD-code criteria
• Verification of TX DMV moving permit  

Fire-resistant skirting with necessary equipment must be installed no later than 30 days after move-in. Occupant is responsible for contacting building inspections to confirm compliance.  

Manufactured home park owners-operators shall ensure occupants maintain home, home space, related facilities and equipment in good repair and sanitary conditions.  

Prior to moving into a manufactured home park, owners-operators shall submit the following for review:  

• Completed move-in permit 
• Site plan detailing proposed lot situation with distances to adjacent structures 
• Verification of compliance to HUD-code criteria 
• Verification of TX DMV moving permit  Fire-resistant skirting with necessary equipment must be installed no later than 30 days after move-in. Occupant is responsible for contacting building inspections to confirm compliance.  

All solicitors, or door-to-door sales professionals, are required to first submit a permit application for review. A few additional requirements must be met, which are outlined below:  

Who Needs a Solicitors Permit? 

• Anybody soliciting business or selling directly food, produce, pottery, art, wares, services, merchandise, photographs, newspapers or magazines. 
• A license is required for anyone soliciting business or selling the above items from a motor vehicle or trailer parked in a single location on private or public property, or door-to-door. Section 78-51. 

How Can One Apply for a Solicitors Permit?  

• Email permits@lakedallas.com, or call 940-497-2226 ext. 402. 

Additional Requirements 

• It is unlawful to make door-to-door solicitations before 9AM or after 6PM. Section 78-51. 
  All applications must be accompanied by a bond in the penal sum of $1,000 as surety authorizing business in the state.  
• Soliciting cannot be done toward customers at another place of business or public facility without first receiving permission from the owner or manager of said establishment. Section 78-83.  
  Soliciting cannot be done within 25 feet of an ATM, bank, self-service car wash, pay phone, fuel pump, or public transportation stop. Section 78-84.   

Fees

•  Set by the City of Lake Dallas’ Master Fee Schedule for either 30 days or 1 year from the date a license was issued. Section 78-56.
• Each person engaging in business is required to pay fees according to the City’s Master Fee Schedule.

Commercial:  

• Certificates of Occupancy  
  • Required for all businesses, and for businesses changing ownership/management. 
• Health Permit  
  • Required annually for all businesses selling food or beverages to customers.  
  • Also required for public pools and applicable special event vendors.  
• Mobile Food Vendor  
  • Signed private property permission and commissary health permit required. 
  • Route information and site plan required. 
• New Build (residential and commercial uses): 
  • Plot plan, building plan, foundation plan, drainage plan and energy code compliance reports are required.

Other Permits  

• Demolition 
  • Asbestos report and other requirements outlined in application.  
  • Plat required to be submitted.  
• Grading/Fill 
  • Permit is needed anytime dirt is added or removed, which may impact the flow of water. 
• Platting  
  • See checklist on permit application for required documents.  
• Right-of-Way Projects 
  • Permit needed to access and perform work in this zone, commonly used for utilities.   
• Signs 
  • Plot plan and profile with design required. 
  • See Section 80-12 for more permit application requirements and zoning information.  
• Temporary Signs 
  • May precede events 30 days prior and must be removed 5 days after.  
• Tree Removal 
  • Trees located on a property that is developed with an existing single-family or two-family that is the person’s residence are exempt from permitting requirements.  
  • Applies to “Protected Trees” as defined in Section 42-92.   With permit, trees can only be removed within the ‘buildable area’. 
  • See Section 42-86 for application requirements. 
• Zoning Change 
  • Owner or representative required to attend a Public Hearing.  
  • See permit application for list of requirements.  

Registration 

• Prior to starting work, all contractors are required to be registered with the City.  
• Homeowners conducting work for projects not requiring a trade license are exempt from registering if they are claiming a homestead exemption on that property.  

Residential:  

• Accessory Structure 
  • Buildings less than 120 sq. ft. will not be charged a fee. 
  • Setbacks and height requirements found in Sections 122-578(b) and 122-606(2). 
  • Plot plan, building plan and foundation plan (if any) required for structures greater than 120 sq. ft.  
• Driveways 
  • Site plan required. 
  • Per engineering standards, residential driveways are required to be a minimum width of 10ft.  
  • All work must be inspected and approved prior to backfill.  
• Fences  
  • A permit is required for all fences being built, altered, repaired or replaced in the City.  
  • A permit fee will be waived in several circumstances listed in Sec. 22-242.  
  • Height and other requirements can be found Sec. 22-246. 
  • Plot plan required.  
• Garage Sales 
  • A permit is required to conduct a Garage Sale. Residents are permitted to have two sales per calendar year.
• HVAC/Electrical/Plumbing/Trades  
  • A permit is required for any mechanical, electrical or plumbing work being done. 
  • Plans are not required except for irrigation projects.  
• Patios  
  • Plot plan and building plan required. 
  • Repairs can be made without a permit unless repairs are being made to a structural component, such as a roof support.  
• Pools  
  • Required for new builds/repairs/remodels. 
  • Required plans must show the proposed layout, mechanical plans, materials and additional items listed in Section 22-280. 
• Roofing 
  • A permit is required to replace roof shingles.
• Solar Panels 
  • Engineered plan required with structural certification of roof supporting the load.  

Property Depreciation – Section 22-68 

• All areas should be maintained in a way that does not cause adjacent properties in the immediate neighborhood to substantially depreciate in value. 
• Exterior property area shall be kept free of any objects or materials that have an adverse affect on neighbors by reducing the area’s desirability. 

Structural Requirements – Section 22-69 

• Includes both primary and accessory structures. 
• Accessory structures and fences must be kept in good condition as to not attract rodents or insects/vermin 
• Must be maintained in a good condition to not pose any health, accident or fire hazards. 
  • Decay-resistant materials must be applied to exterior surfaces to be made more weather-resistant. All exterior wood surfaces not already decay resistant should be periodically treated with a protective coating – Section 22-73. 

Exterior Stairs, Porches, Landings & Railings – Section 22- 71 

• Must be kept in good condition and structurally sound. 
• Railings are needed for any set of stairs and balconies. Porches and roofs will need railings where applicable. 
• Porches and stairs must be kept free of holes and cracks and capable to support weight loads. 
• Balustraded railings needed anywhere that presents a clear danger of accident or injury. Railings must be capable of supporting normally imposed loads. 

Weather/Water-tight Structures – Section 22-72 

• Every structure must be weather-tight and water-tight. 
• Exterior walls, roofs, chimneys, windows & door trims must be free of gaps that allow water to enter a structure, and cause undue heat loss. 
• All damaged materials must be repaired or replaced. 
• Any areas damaged or rotting from water should be removed/repaired and replaced with materials in conformity with the rest of the structure. 

External Decorative Features – Section 22-74 

• All cornices, entablatures, belt courses, corbels, terracotta trim, wall facings and similar decorative features must be maintained in a good and safe condition with proper anchorages. 

Chimneys – Section 22-75 

• Chimneys/smokestacks shall be structurally safe and in good repair. 
• All exposed surfaces (wood, metal, etc.) must be protected from the elements and against decay or rust by the application of a weather-coating material, such as paint or any other similar treatment. 
• Chimneys and all flue and vent attachments must be structurally sound and performing the function for which they were designed and are used, Section 22- 80. 
  • Chimneys, flues and other draft-producing equipment must be extended through the roof a minimum of 12 inches. 
  • All equipment must be safe, durable, smoketight and capable of withstanding the action of flue gases. 

Rubbish & Litter – Section 22-62 

• Yards must be kept free of any organic or inorganic material that might become a health, accident or fire hazard. 
• Disposal of rubbish and other waste by incineration shall be done in accordance with all regulations of the City. 
• Materials of a Flammable nature must be safely stored according to the fire code or be removed from the premises. 

City Council adopted a Public Parking Ordinance November 11, 2021 to better outline where and when residents can park on public property.  

Purpose and Intent  

• The purpose of the public parking ordinance is to provide a mechanism in which the City may designate City-owned property as public parking to increase availability of parking in certain areas.  

What is a Public Parking Lot? 

• Public parking lots include any land acquired or leased by the City for use as a parking lot and any other land of the City set aside for such use, either permanently or temporarily.  

New Regulations Include:  

• Trailers may not be occupied as a temporary residence on an overnight basis in any public parking lot in the City.
  • Exceptions include:  
    • Special authorization from City Council 
    • Special parking permit issued by the Chief of Police 
  • Trailers may not be occupied as a permanent residence on an overnight basis in any public parking lot in the City.  
  • No vehicle or trailer may be parked or located on any public parking lot in the City between the hours of 10:00PM and 5:00AM.  
    • Exceptions include:  
      • Parking in designated parking lots allowing for overnight parking 
      • Parking concurrent with special events and City functions.  
  • These restrictions are not deemed to prohibit the City from parking, operating, storing or utilizing a vehicle within the lots it owns or controls.  

Setback requirements for main structures/homes are outlined in the property’s respective zoning district (Chapter 122). For example:

• R-1-6000 Single Family Dwelling Districts require setbacks to be: 25ft. for front yard, 30ft. for rear yards and 5ft. for side yards, unless on a corner lot, then rear yard setback is 15ft.  
• Manufactured home front yard setbacks are a minimum of 10ft. from the nearest corner from the manufactured home or garage to the front line of the home space. 
  • 4ft. requirements for rear and side yards.  
  • 20ft. requirements between each manufactured home.  

Swimming Pools (Sec. 122-793) 

• Locations of pools in single family dwelling districts are subject to setback requirements and can be constructed no closer than:  
  • 5ft. from any building or structure located on the same lot, and;  
  • 3ft. from the side and rear lot lines, and; 
  • Shall not encroach upon any easement. 

Setbacks for accessory structures:  

• Setbacks in residential areas are 5ft. for side and rear yards (corner lots may vary).  
• Structures still prohibited from being constructed or placed in front yard.  
• Carports permissible in Manufactured Home District front yards 
  • Structures must meet all building setbacks and requirements specified in Section 122578(b) and 122-606(2).   
• All accessory structures shall be constructed in compliance with development regulations relating to its zoning district.

Why Is It Important to Display Street Numbers?  

• In addition to properly receiving mail, having your address affixed to your home or business provides first responders in the event of an emergency with the confirmation they need to effectively respond.  

Do I Need Address Numbers Displayed on My Home or Business?  

• Yes, all buildings, whether commercial or residential, need numbers attached within ten (10) feet of the main entrance and be visible from the street.  
• Sec. 90-35 

Do Street Numbers Painted on the Curb Meet this Requirement?  

• No, numbers painted on a curb may be helpful but addresses, at the very least, still need to be displayed per the requirements above.  

What Other Requirements Do I Need to Meet?  

• Simply choose numbers large enough to see (at least 3 inches in height) and of a contrasting color made of metal, wood or any other suitable outdoor material.  
• Sec. 90-36 

Republic Services  

• https://www.lakedallas.com/355/Trash-Services; 

Trash Cart Specifics (Sec. 86-33)  

• Lids must be closed at all times on trash carts. 
• Carts must be kept in good sanitary condition to prevent flies and other insects. 
• Carts must be placed curbside on the street for easy collection. 
  • Please place carts out between 6PM the evening before collection and 7AM on the day of collection.  
• If you need a new cart, please contact Republic Services.  

Brush & Bulk Items:  

• Foliage and branches can be set out but must be cut into lengths 4 ft. or less and bundled into piles less than 40 lbs. for easy collection.  
• Bulk trash items must be contained and also placed at the curb so long as they do not exceed 3 cubic yards.  ▪ Residents do not need to call ahead for this service.  
• Remember the 3 “Bs”: bagged, bundled, or boxed!  
• Residents can make 1 trip a month to the Camelot landfill, located at 580 Huffines Blvd. – The Colony, TX 75056.
• Household Hazardous Waste items cannot be disposed of through the City’s trash services. Please see information on Citywide Cleanup events, which offer collection bins for paints, cleaners and other chemicals.
  • http://lakedallas.com/528/Citywide-Cleanup 

Recycling Resources:  

• Have batteries, plastic shopping bags or plastic bottlecaps? We’ll take them! Drop them off at City Hall’s collection bins.  

“Protected Tree”- any tree as identified in Section 42-92 that has a DBH (diameter at breast height) of six (6) inches or greater and any tree of any species having a DBH of twelve (12) inches or greater.  

Exceptions to this section:  

• Trees located on a property that is developed with an existing single-family or two-family that is the person’s residence; and 
• Is less than ten (10) inches in diameter at the point on the truck 4.5 feet above the ground.   

Tree Removal 

• No person, directly or indirectly, shall cut down, destroy, remove or effectively destroy through damaging, any protected tree on any real property being developed or subdivided without first obtaining a permit.  
• If any protected trees are removed from any real property without authorization of a tree removal permit, or is a protected tree is injured because of failure to follow proper tree protection measures such that the tree dies or may be reasonably expected to die, the City may enact one of the following penalties: 
  • Fine of $100 per caliper in. of the protected tree removed payable to the City’s Reforestation Fund; or 
  • Replacement with new trees having total caliper inches equivalent to 2 times of that removed. Replacement trees shall be a minimum of 3 caliper inches at time of planting. Replacement trees shall be planted in locations as approved by the City Manager or authorized Designee. 
• With an approved permit, trees can only be removed from the buildable area. 

Tree Removal Permit Application 

• Applications will need to be accompanied by a tree survey showing the exact location, size (trunk diameter and height) and the common names of all trees to be removed. Permit application will also need to provide a reason for the removal of trees with 2 legible copies of the site plan showing the following: 
  • Locations of all existing or proposed structures, improvements and site uses, properly dimensioned and referenced to property lines, setbacks and yards. 
  • Existing and proposed site elevations, grades and major contours. 
  • Location of existing or proposed utility easements.  
  • The location of trees, on the site, to be removed or replaced.  
• Additional required documents listed out in Section 42-86 along with information on the review process.  

Tree Replacement  

• If it is necessary to remove trees outside the buildable area, the developer, shall be required to replace them with new trees having a total caliper width equivalent to the width of the tree(s) removed elsewhere within the site or lot. 
  • Replacement trees shall be a minimum of 3 caliper inches and 7 feet in height at the time of planting and selected from the list of approved replacement trees maintained by the City. 
  • If the tree dies within 1 year of planting, the developer or property owner shall be responsible for replacing the tree.  
  • Alternative compliance to planting replacement trees onsite may be recommended by the Tree Board. The developer or property owner responsible for tree removal may request to pay into the Tree Fund. 
  • More information on the Tree Board/Tree Fund can be found in Sections 42-82, 88.   

Tree Protection  

• The following procedures shall only apply to trees in which a permit is required should a removal be sought. 
• Prior to construction/land development, the developer shall clearly mark trees to be maintained and erect a protective barrier around such trees as follows:     
  • Protective fencing shall encircle the outer limits of the critical root zone of each protected tree on a construction site; 
  • Protective fencing shall be at least four (4) feet tall, clearly visible to all workers on site;  
  • Protective fencing shall remain in place and maintained for the duration of construction.  
• More information on Tree Protection can be found in Section 42-89.  

Exempt Trees  

• Trees in a hazardous or dangerous condition so as to endanger the public health, welfare or safety, and require immediate removal without delay may be removed without obtaining a written permit as required in this article upon authorization given by the Director of Development Services.  
• The City Council may waive or modify the provision of this article during a period of a local disaster as may be deemed necessary to remove trees damaged during a storm event or other local disaster. 
• Removal of trees from the inventory of a nursery relating to the sale of such trees is exempt from the terms and provisions of this article only in relation to those trees planted and growing on the premises of such nursery which are so planted and growing for the sale or intended sale to the general public in the ordinary course of the nursery's business.  
• Utility companies may remove trees which endanger public safety and welfare by interfering with utility service except where such trees are on owner occupied properties developed for one-family use.  
• Trees situated on developed residentially zoned properties are exempt from the provisions of this article.   

Public Trees  

• It is unlawful for any person to damage, remove, or cause the damage or removal of a tree on public property without written permission from the Director. 
• Adjacent Owner Responsibility. The owner of land adjacent to any City street or highway may plant and maintain trees in the adjacent parkway area. Property owners are responsible for the routine maintenance of trees and other landscaping in the adjacent parkway area.  No property owner shall allow a tree, or other plant growing on his or her property or within the adjacent parkway to obstruct or interfere with pedestrians or the view of drivers, thereby creating a hazard. 

Weed Growth – Section 110-31

• All property owners or occupants must maintain grass/weeds so they do not grow to a height greater than six inches.
  • This includes all vegetation not “regularly cultivated”.
• Any “objectionable or unsightly matter” must be removed from property.
• In areas zoned light industrial (M-1), or on properties greater than two acres, these requirements apply to areas within 200 feet from buildings or other properties zoned other than M-1.
  • For these specific properties, the remainder of the property may have grass or weeds up 12 inches in height.
• Weed growth left unchecked can be a public nuisance as it has the potential to harbor rodents/reptiles and presents a fire risk.

Landscaping Maintenance- Section 122-1226

• Property owners/occupants must maintain landscaping in a neat and orderly manner. This includes mowing, edging, pruning, watering, weeding and other maintenance activities.
• Landscaped areas must be kept free of trash/weeds.
• All plant materials must be maintained in healthy conditions, appropriate to the season. Dead plants shall be replaced.

How Can You Bring Your Property into Compliance?

• Cut back dense vegetation/weed growth
• Remove objectionable materials from property.
  • Have bulk trash? Call Republic Waste Services, 972-316-0789, or visit: https://www.republicservices.com/residents/bulk-waste