Thinking of putting up a new fence? There is a new city ordinance concerning construction & maintenance requirements for fences. Get details from the city’s website at www.fortworthgov.org through the “City Code” link. Direct specific questions to the Development Deptartment at (817) 871-7820.

The Code Compliance Dept. is available to answer calls Mon-Sat, 7am-6pm at the Central Office located at 715 Texas Street. Their main telephone number is (817) 871-6320. To accommodate the 10 hour days, Code Enforcement Officers will work rotating shifts.

Complaints will be responded to Mon-Sat from 7am — 6pm. Please be aware, some division offices are still only available Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm.

The area of land the other side of your fence that is on the edge of the road is YOUR responsibility to mow? Example: If your house backs on to Risinger, the small strip of grass that falls the other side of your backyard fence next to the road, is your responsibility to mow. PLEASE, for safety and to keep our neighborhood looking great, keep this area mowed! A big THANK YOU to the people who have been volunteering and keeping this area tidy.

Following the rules is easy once you know what they are. The same holds true for the city’s code ordinances. Code ordinances are rules we’ve all agreed to live by in the City of Fort Worth, such as keeping our animals restrained in a fenced yard or on a leash and parking our cars on driveways and not on front yards.

Basically, these rules help us be good neighbors. For the most part, once citizens have been told they are in violation of a code ordinance, they comply. Only very small portions don’t. But that small minority requires an inordinate amount of time on the part of Code Compliance officers, who must frequently reinspect and document the violations.

In an effort to educate citizens what a code violation is and how to comply with it, the City of Fort Worth Code Compliance office has put together the following Top 10 Code Violations.

1. Tall grass & weeds
The Problem. Any property that has grass or weeds taller than 12 inches is declared a nuisance. Property owners are notified one time via certified mail to mow down tall weeds and grass. If property owners fail to keep the grass mowed, the city will send in a mowing contractor to mow and clean property.
The Solution. Property owners must monitor their property and keep grass below 12 inches. The Fine. Up to $2,000.

2. Trash and debris
The Problem. Whatever is dangerous, hazardous, offensive or detrimental to human life or health.
The Solution. Remove from property debris, rubbish, trash, dismantled furnishings or items stored in the yard or on porches. The Fine. Up to $2,000.

3.Junk Vehicles
The Problem. Any motor vehicle that meets the State of Texas definition of a junked motor vehicle. Ajunk vehicle is identified as: not having a valid license plate or inspection sticker; being wrecked, dismantled, partially dismantled or discarded; being inoperable for more than 45 consecutive days; and being visible from public property or rights of way.
The Solution. Make sure vehicles meet requirements of the city ordinance. The Fine. Not to exceed $200 for each offense.

4. Front Yard Parking
The Problem. Parking any motor vehicle, trailer or boat on any portion of unpaved front or side yard.
The Solution. Park motor vehicles on hard, concrete or asphalt surfaces or six inches of gravel bounded by permanent borders of concrete or stone. The Fine. Up to $50 for each offense.

5. Substandard Structures
The Problem. Not meeting or conforming with one or more of the minimum building standards ordinance to an extent that endangers the life, health, morals, property, safety or welfare of the public.
The Solution. Maintain property and ensure that it meets the city’s minimum building standards code. To inquire about specific violations, call (817) 871-6320. The Fine. Not to exceed $2,000 for each offense.

6. Animal Related Issues
The Problem. Having more than the minimum number of animals permitted by city ordinance. For example, the maximum number of dogs or cats per household is three. These companion pets must be registered and vaccinated. For a complete list of which animals are allowed to live within the city limits, call Code Compliance at (817)871-6320.
The Solution. Maintain the number of animals as required by city ordinance. The Fine. Not to exceed $2,000 peroffense.

7. Open & vacant structures
The Problem. An unoccupied building that is open and unsecured.
The Solution. Maintain and secure property at all times as required by city ordinance. The Fine. Not to exceed $2,000.

8. Zoning Issues
The problem. Any person operating a motor vehicle junk/storage yard or a business from a residentially zoned property any encroachment of public right of way, installation of illegal fences, the accumulation of outside storage or any illegal land use that is contrary to the city’s comprehensive zoning ordinance.
The Solution. Conform to the city’s ordinance. Call (817) 871-6320 fora more detailed listing. The Fine: Not to exceed $2,000.

9. Oversized Vehicles
The Problem. Any oversized commercial vehicle that weighs a minimum of 15,000 pounds that is parked in a residential area.
The Solution. Do not park any oversized commercial vehicle in a residential area. The Fine. Not to exceed $200.

10. Graffiti
The Problem. Property owners who fail to remove graffiti from their property.
The Solution. Remove any visible graffiti from property. (Residents can receive free paint from the City of Fort Worth Paint Bank, 817- 212-2700.) The Fine. Not to exceed $2,000.

Copies of the city’s codes are available at all Fort Worth Libraries. For more information about the city’s code ordinances call (817) 871-6320.
Reprinted from the CityPage