Codes
The Farmers Branch Code Enforcement Division's role is to educate the public and ensure compliance with the City's codes. The City's Code of Ordinances contains all of the City's laws and regulations. Code Enforcement monitors compliance with several chapters in the Code of Ordinances, including:
- Chapter 26: Business
- Chapter 56: Property Maintenance
- Chapter 62: Signs
- Chapter 66: Solid Waste
- Chapter 94: Zoning
View the tabs below to learn more about the core regulations in these codes or visit the City's Municode page to see the entire Code of Ordinances.
- Grass, Weeds and Trees
- Trash and Debris
- Outside Storage
- Parking
- Fences
- Inoperable and Junk Vehicles
- Graffiti
- Min Property Standards
- Vacant Buildings
- View Obstructions
- On-Demand Storage Containers
- Signs
- Grass, Weeds and Trees
- Trash and Debris
- Outside Storage
- Parking
- Fences
- Inoperable and Junk Vehicles
- Graffiti
- Min Property Standards
- Vacant Buildings
- View Obstructions
- On-Demand Storage Containers
- Signs
Grass, Weeds and Trees
Below is a brief summary of the regulations on this topic, but this list is not all-inclusive. For more information, consult the Code of Ordinances or email the Code Enforcement Division.
- Grass and weeds cannot be more than eight inches tall.
- Exception: Properties holding a valid agricultural exemption from Dallas County may have grass taller than eight inches (up to a maximum of 48") for cropping purposes if they meet all the requirements established by the Property Maintenance Code.
- Any vegetation that is potentially hazardous to persons or property must be removed, including dead and dying trees.
- Tree stumps located in the front yard of premises shall be cut or ground no higher than six inches above grade level.
- Vegetation cannot encroach on, over or beyond sidewalks or curbs. Tree limbs and other vegetation must be maintained at the following heights to allow safe clearance:
- Not lower than seven feet over a sidewalk
- Not lower than fourteen feet over a public street, public alley or public easement
- Sidewalks, streets and alleys shall remain free of dirt, soil and other debris.
- Landscaping shall be watered sufficiently to keep vegetation alive.
- Unimproved easements must be maintained by adjacent property owners.
For more information on the City's vegetation regulations, consult Chapter 56 Article V.
Trash and Debris
Below is a brief summary of the regulations on this topic, but this list is not all-inclusive. For more information, consult the Code of Ordinances or contact the Code Enforcement Division.
- Trash and debris include, but are not limited to, carrion, filth, garbage, junk, refuse, dumping, and/or impure or unwholesome matter. These terms are more specifically defined in Chapter 56, Article II of the Property Maintenance Code.
- Failing to remove trash and debris from any property, including easements and adjacent rights-of-way, is prohibited.
- Maintaining a property in a manner that is likely to attract insects, rodents, vermin or other pests is prohibited.
For more information on the City's trash and debris regulations, consult Chapter 56 Article IV.
Outside Storage
Below is a brief summary of the regulations on this topic, but this list is not all-inclusive. For more information, consult the Code of Ordinances or contact the Code Enforcement Division.
- Storing objects outside in public view is prohibited. However, a number of exceptions exist for items typically stored outside such as:
- Outdoor furniture
- Trash and recycling carts
- Statues, birdbaths, fountains and other outdoor decorations
- Firewood
- Basketball hoops set back 15 feet from the property line when not in use
- Flower pots with visible, living plant life
- On-demand storage containers, also known as PODS, with a valid permit
- Toys that are not broken and cannot collect water
For the complete list of exceptions and more information on outside storage, consult Chapter 56 Article VI.
Parking
Below is a brief summary of the regulations on this topic, but this list is not all-inclusive. For more information, consult the Code of Ordinances or contact the Code Enforcement Division.
- The Police Department addresses most parking violations on public streets. To report a parking violation on a public street, contact the Police Department at 972-484-3620.
It is unlawful to park in any of the following ways:
- On dirt, grass or any other unapproved material
- On a curb, traffic-calming device or other public improvement
- On or over a public sidewalk
- In a manner that obstructs a view
Additional Parking Regulations:
- Wheel stops must be placed in front of trailers on residential properties
- No more than five vehicles are allowed in public view on any residential lot
- Covering a vehicle with a tarp is prohibited. All vehicle covers must be fitted covers designed for that vehicle
For more information on parking regulations consult Chapter 56 Article VII.
Fences
Below is a brief summary of the regulations on this topic, but this list is not all-inclusive. For more information, consult the Code of Ordinances or contact the Code Enforcement Division.
- Fences must be maintained in good, sound condition at all times without any missing, broken, loose, bent or removed parts. This includes pickets, panels, posts, hinges, handles, locks, fastenings and all other fence elements.
- Fence repairs must be of the same material, size, shape, color and design as the existing fence.
- Fences must maintain an adequate level of weatherproofing such as paint or stain.
For more information on fence maintenance requirements consult Chapter 56 Article VIII.
Inoperable and Junk Vehicles
Below is a brief summary of the regulations on this topic, but this list is not all-inclusive. For more information, consult the Code of Ordinances or contact the Code Enforcement Division.
Please be advised that vehicles with out-of-date registration or inspection stickers are not considered junk or inoperable. Likewise, vehicles that haven't moved for an extended period of time are also not considered junk or inoperable.
- For a vehicle to be considered junk or inoperable it must show signs that it cannot function properly. This includes but is not limited to, flat tires, a dead battery or leaking fluids. Vehicles that are wrecked, dismantled or partially dismantled are also considered inoperable.
- If a vehicle is believed to be inoperable, a Code Enforcement Officer can request the owner demonstrate the vehicle's operability. If the owner fails to do so, the vehicle is considered inoperable automatically.
- Vehicles that are considered junked can be removed from private property by the City in accordance with procedures established by law.
- Report junk and inoperable vehicles on private or public property to the Code Enforcement Division using the FBTX Connect App.
- The Police Department addresses vehicles that have been stored on the street without moving for more than 48 hours. You can report these vehicles by calling 972-484-3620.
For more information on junk and inoperable vehicles, consult Chapter 56 Article IX.
Graffiti
Below is a brief summary of the regulations on this topic, but this list is not all-inclusive. For more information, consult the Code of Ordinances or contact the Code Enforcement Division.
- Graffiti is prohibited in the City of Farmers Branch.
- The Code Enforcement Division oversees the Graffiti Abatement Program. If graffiti appears at your home or business, the City will address the graffiti at no cost to you.
- To authorize the City to remove or paint over graffiti on your property, fill out the Graffiti Removal Permission Slip and return it to the Code Enforcement Division. You can email the form to us or fax it to 972-919-2544. Be sure to complete the entire form – incomplete forms cannot be accepted.
- Please be advised that the City will determine the best way to address the graffiti. We cannot guarantee color matches if we need to paint over graffiti.
To learn more about the City's graffiti regulations, consult Chapter 56 Article X.
Minimum Property Standards
Minimum Property Standards (MPS) regulations pertain to the general maintenance of structures (interior and exterior) and the premises on which they are located, including vacant properties. Topics like roofs, walls, floors, ceilings, chimneys, windows and doors are all covered in the MPS section as well as topics like appliances, heating and air conditioning, plumbing, and electricity. Below is a helpful list of topics covered in this extensive article.
View Chapter 56 Article XI: Minimum Property Standards
"The owner of any property, premises, structure, building, improvement, attachment, appurtenance or any other object within the city limits is in violation of this article for failing to comply with any one or more minimum standards set forth in this article."
Section 56-121: Exterior Premises
- Private sidewalks, walkways, steps, driveways, parking lots and similar areas
- Grading and drainage
- Antennas, towers, vents, fans, stacks and similar structures
- Sprinklers and irrigation systems
- Lighting
- Pools and spas
- Other exterior elements
Section 56-122: Structures and Buildings
- Structural members
- Structural surfaces
- Roofs and roof drainage
- Decorative features
- Attachments
- Chimneys, cooling towers and smokestacks
- Stairs, porches, balconies and rails
- Windows, doors, skylights and frames
- Cellars, basements and crawlspaces
- Sanitation
- Pest control
- Plumbing
- Gas and electricity
- Heating and cooling
- Building numbers
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Means of egress
View Chapter 56 Article XI: Minimum Property Standards in its entirety.
Vacant Buildings
Below is a brief summary of the regulations on this topic, but this list is not all-inclusive. For more information, consult the Code of Ordinances or contact the Code Enforcement Division.
- Vacant buildings must be secured from unauthorized entry at all times
- Any vacant building that is unsecured can, after 72 hours' notice, be secured by the City at the owner's expense
- All vacant buildings must be registered with the Code Enforcement Division
- A maintenance bond may be required as part of the building's registration to ensure the building remains compliant with relevant regulations
- Register a building as vacant
For more information on vacant building regulations consult Chapter 56 Article XII.
View Obstructions
Below is a brief summary of the regulations on this topic, but this list is not all-inclusive. For more information, consult the Code of Ordinances or contact the Code Enforcement Division.
- Any object that creates a hazardous view obstruction is prohibited and must be relocated or removed. Common examples are objects that create view obstructions include:
- Signs
- Vehicles
- On-demand storage containers, also known as PODS
- Vegetation
- Decorative objects
- Any view obstruction that isn't removed or relocated by the property owner can be removed by the City at the owner's expense
For more information about view obstructions, consult Chapter 56 Article XIII.
On-Demand Storage Containers
On-demand storage containers, also known as PODs, are large portable containers used for the temporary storage of items. In residential neighborhoods, these containers are typically used to help relocating residents move in or out of their homes. In commercial and industrial areas, these containers are sometimes used to store equipment or raw materials.
You must have a permit to place an on-demand storage container on your property. The regulations for your container vary depending on the type of property on which it is placed.
Read more about container regulations and apply for a container permit.
For more information on the city's on-demand storage container regulations, consult Chapter 56 Article XV.
Signs
You can find information about sign, advertising, merchandise sale and display regulations in Chapter 62 of the Code of Ordinances.
Generally, all signs require a permit to be installed, altered or moved, and must be maintained in good, functioning condition at all times. There are some exceptions to these rules and sign types that are expressly prohibited. The information below is a brief summary of the sign code, but it is not all-inclusive. If you have questions about sign regulations feel free to email Code Enforcement.
Sign Permits
"Unless specially exempted, a permit must be obtained from the building official prior to the erection, repair, relocation and/or maintenance of all signs within the City according to this chapter and other applicable provisions of this Code."
Prohibited Signs
Following are examples of prohibited signs:
- Signs that obstruct or interfere with an official traffic sign, signal or device or create a view obstruction
- Blinking, flashing or animated signs
- Portable signs
- Roof signs
- Framed, internally-illuminated wall signs
- Off-premise signs (except in heavy industry districts)
To see the complete list of prohibited signs, consult Section 62-7.
Exempt Signs
the following types of signs are exempt from the sign code as long as they do not violate the general prohibitions or the unsafe and unlawful provisions of the code:
- Signs located on the interior of a building that are not defined as "window signs"
- Signs erected or maintained by a governmental agency
- Legal notices authorized by a public body, court or public safety officer
- National, state and historical flags; flag poles must be installed in accordance with the building code
- Memorial plaques, building identification signs and building cornerstones when cut or carved into masonry
To see the complete list of exempt signs, consult Section 62-5.