What are the City codes?

City codes are local governing rules that City Council has adopted in order to ensure the quality of life for Arlington’s residents. Examples of codes include: Leash Law, Noise Ordinances, Building Codes, Zoning Ordinances, Junked Vehicle Codes, Home-Based Business, Fences, and Unclean Premises. Approval of codes requires an affirmative vote of a majority of all Council Members who are present and voting.

Code enforcement brochures are available regarding general guidelines, placement of trash, fire safety, and other issues. To receive this information, contact the Neighborhood Services Department at 817-459-6777 and they will either mail or fax the pamphlet to you.

Arlington’s City codes are available for a minimal charge at the City Secretary’s Office, located at 101 West Abram Street, 1st floor. Codes can be viewed at the Central Library, located at 101 East Abram Street.

Who do I call regarding inoperable vehicles parked in our neighborhood?

Parking a junked motor vehicle in public view is a violation of City ordinance. Failure to comply with a notice of violation results in a citation being issued.

A "junked" vehicle is one that is inoperative, partially dismantled or has expired license tags or safety stickers. Junked vehicles that are not abated in a timely manner may be towed and crushed.

To report a junked vehicle on private property, contact the Neighborhood Services Department at 817-459-6777. Report junked vehicles in the public way (street) to the Police Department at 817-459-5700.

Who do I call regarding overgrown yards in our neighborhood?

Property owners are not to allow grass or weeds to exceed 12 inches in height. Violators who fail to comply with a request to mow are subject to having their property mowed by a City-hired contractor. The owner of the lot will be billed for the City’s expenses plus a $100 administration fee.

To report a complaint, contact the Neighborhood Services at 817-459-6777. A receptionist will assist you in processing the complaint if you wish to file one, or you may leave a message on the Neighborhood Services voice mail with the following information: address of property, the specific complaint, your name, and phone number.

Who do I call about an abandoned building that is not secured?

Neighborhood Services is responsible for identifying and eliminating substandard and dangerous structures. The Uniform Fire Code requires that vacant buildings be secured against unauthorized entry. Code Enforcement works with owners to ensure vacant structures are maintained in a safe condition. Dangerous buildings must be rehabilitated or demolished by the owner.

Life-safety issues are typically inspected the same day. Non-life safety complaints are inspected within two days.

To report a complaint, contact Neighborhood Services at 817-459-6777. A receptionist will assist you in processing the complaint if you wish to file one. The following information will ensure the inspection of the correct property: address, the specific complaint, your name, and phone number.

Does the City of Arlington inspect apartments?

Yes, each year Neighborhood Services inspects each apartment complex in Arlington in an effort to maximize the safety of the occupants. The apartment complexes are assessed a per unit fee which generates the funding for the inspection program. Inspectors work to ensure that fire hazards, structural defects, and other violations are eliminated.

Tenants may contact Neighborhood Services to report lack of hot water, heat, air conditioning, electrical hazards, water leaks or non-functioning appliances. Test your smoke detector once per month and report any problems to Code Enforcement immediately if management fails to make corrections. Never remove the batteries from a smoke detector.

Inadequate swimming pool barriers are a common problem in apartment communities. If you see a gate that does not close and latch by itself or a problem with a fence surrounding the pool, please contact Neighborhood Services immediately. A child’s life may depend upon it.

To report a complaint, contact Neighborhood Services at 817-459-5979.

A receptionist will assist you in processing the complaint if you wish to file one. You may also leave a detailed message complaint 24 hours a day.

The following information will ensure the inspection of the correct property: address, the specific complaint, your name, and phone number.

Does the City of Arlington inspect extended-stay motels?

Yes, each year Neighborhood Services inspects all hotels and motels offering long-term residency, where more than 5% of their rooms are occupied by

the same resident for over 30 consecutive days. The extended-stay motels and hotels are assessed a per unit fee which generates the funding for the inspection program. Inspectors work to insure that fire hazards, structural defects, and other violations are eliminated.

Inadequate swimming pool barriers are a common problem in hotels and motels. If you see a gate that does not close and latch by itself or a problem with a fence surrounding the pool, please contact Neighborhood Services immediately. A child’s life may depend upon it.

In addition, tenants may contact Neighborhood Services to report lack of hot water, heat, air conditioning, electrical hazards, water leaks or non-functioning appliances. Test your smoke detector once per month and report any problems to Code Enforcement immediately if management fails to make corrections. Never remove the batteries from a smoke detector.

To report a complaint, contact the Neighborhood Services Department at 817-459-6777. A receptionist will assist you in processing the complaint if you wish to file one. You may also leave a detailed message complaint 24 hours a day. The following information will ensure the inspection of the correct property: address, the specific complaint, your name, and phone number.

How do I get the fence along the street repaired?

Zoning regulations require property owners to maintain their fences in a structurally sound condition. Neighborhood Services requires owners to repair, or replace fences identified in violation.

A fence with more than 10 percent of its pickets missing in any 8 foot section or any fence that is more than 15 degrees out of vertical alignment is considered a dilapidated structure and must be repaired. A structurally sound fence must stand on its own without bracing.

To report a complaint, contact Neighborhood Services at 817-459-5979. A receptionist will assist you in processing the complaint if you wish to file one. The following information will ensure the inspection of the correct property: address, the specific complaint, your name, and phone number.

What are the rules for putting up garage sale signs?

Garage sales may be conducted not more than twice per calendar year and are not to exceed three consecutive days. Permits are not required.

Signs cannot exceed 24" x 30" and shall not exceed three feet in height. Signs are allowed on the weekend between noon Friday and noon Monday. Additionally, signs shall not be closer than 40 feet to a street intersection; must be placed behind sidewalks; shall not be placed more than three miles from the subject property; shall not be placed within any street median; and, shall not be placed on utility poles or fixed objects. It is also the responsibility of the person placing the sign to remove the sign after the sale. Illegally placed signs in the right-of-way or median will be removed by City inspectors without notice. If a complaint results from a sign not being removed by the owner, he or she will be contacted by the City’s Neighborhood Services Department. Excessive complaints may result in a fine.

For more information contact Neighborhood Services at 817-459-6777. A receptionist will assist you in processing the complaint if you wish to file one. The following information will ensure the inspection of the correct property: address, the specific complaint, your name, and phone number.

What are the rules for displaying political signs?

Political signs are only allowed on private property, with the consent of the owner, and must be removed within 10 days after the election. Illegally placed signs in the right-of-way or median will be removed by City inspectors without notice.

For more information, contact Neighborhood Services at 817-459-6777. A receptionist will assist you in processing the complaint if you wish to file one. The following information will ensure the inspection of the correct property: address, the specific complaint, your name, and phone number.