Sec. 34-32.  Weeds and brush over 12 inches high.
(a)   It shall be unlawful for any person owning, claiming, occupying or having supervision or control of any real property, occupied or unoccupied, within the corporate limits of the town, to permit weeds, turf grass, brush, or any objectionable or unsightly matter to grow to a height greater than 12 inches. All vegetation not regularly cultivated and which exceeds 12 inches in height shall be presumed to be objectionable and unsightly matter.
(b)   With respect to lots, tracts or parcels of land of five or more acres and under single ownership, the provisions of this section shall not apply to any area greater than 100 feet from any open public street or thoroughfare, as measured from the right-of-way line of such street or thoroughfare, and greater than 100 feet from any adjacent property under different ownership and on which any building is located or on which any improvement exists, as measured from the property line.
(c)   Property designated as and/or required by an ordinance to be maintained in its natural state shall be exempt from the provisions of this section.
(d)   Property included as part of a conservation easement shall be exempt from these provisions.
(e)   Property that is part of a designated floodplain shall be exempt from these provisions.
(Code 1989, ch. 6, § 1.02; Ord. No. 79-01, § 1, 11-19-2001; Ord. No. 57-07, § 3, 8-6-2007)

Sec. 34-71.  Dumping, stagnant water, trash, and other unsightly or unsanitary matter declared a nuisance.
It is unlawful and declared a nuisance for any person owning, claiming, occupying or having supervision or control of any real property, occupied or unoccupied, within the corporate limits of the town, to permit or allow any stagnant or unwholesome water, refuse, rubbish, trash, debris, filth, carrion, junk, garbage, impure or unwholesome matter of any kind or other objectionable or unsightly matter of whatever kind to remain upon any such real property or within any public easement on or across such real property or upon any adjacent public street or alley right-of-way between the property line of such real property and where the paved surface of the street or alley begins.
(Code 1989, ch. 6, § 1.04(a))

Junked vehicle means a vehicle that is self-propelled and:
(1)       Does not have lawfully attached to it an unexpired license plate or a valid motor vehicle inspection certificate; and
(2)       Is wrecked, dismantled or partially dismantled, or discarded; or
(3)       Is inoperable and has remained inoperable for more than 72 consecutive hours, if the vehicle is on public property, or 30 consecutive days, if the vehicle is on private property.
Sec. 34-242.  Declared to be public nuisance.
A junked vehicle, including a part of a junked vehicle, that is visible at any time of the year from a public place or public right-of-way is declared a public nuisance if it:
(1)   Is detrimental to the safety and welfare of the public;
(2)   Tends to reduce the value of private property;
(3)   Invites vandalism;
(4)   Creates a fire hazard;
(5)   Is an attractive nuisance creating a hazard to the health and safety of minors;
(6)   Produces urban blight adverse to the maintenance and continuing development of municipalities.
(Code 1989, ch. 7, § 8.02; Ord. No. 61-99, § 2(8.02), 10-4-1999; Ord. No. 17-04, § 3, 3-1-2004)

State law references:  Similar provisions, V.T.C.A., Transportation Code § 683.072. 

of Way obstructions- Do not obstruct the public right-of-way and do not park over sidewalks, or allow your trees to grow lower than 8 feet over the sidewalk or lower than 14 feet over the street. (Section 34-51)

Sec. 34-51.  Duties of owner/occupant.
(b)   It shall be the duty of any person owning, claiming, occupying or having supervision or control of any real property, occupied or unoccupied, within the town, to keep the area adjacent to his or her property line, including the front or side parkway and rear, between the property line or sidewalk and curb and the rear or side parkway between the property line and alley pavement or traveled way, or if there is no curb, then within ten feet outside such property line, free and clear of the matter referred to in subsection (a) of this section. Provided, however, that where the alleyway is not open to traffic, that the parkway in such cases shall be deemed to be between the property line and the centerline of the alley. Specifically, sidewalks must have an unobstructed vertical clearance of eight feet and must be unobstructed within the width of the sidewalk. Road access shall be unobstructed as outlined in the fire code, as amended.

Stagnant Pool-
Sec. 34-75.  Private swimming pool or spa.
(a)   Any private pool or spa located within the town shall not remain in a condition so as to create a public health or safety hazard or a nuisance to the general public. Any time a private pool or spa contains any amount of water, the owner or occupant of the premises must:
(1)   Maintain water clarity so that all parts of the bottom can be seen;
(2)   Maintain the pool or spa in such a manner so that the water in the pool does not become unwholesome water;
(3)   Maintain proper fencing as required under this Code;
(4)   Maintain pool free of all foreign matter;
(5)   Secure and lock all access gates to any pool located on unoccupied property; and
(6)   Prevent harborage or breeding places for insects or rodents.
(b)   It shall be unlawful and declared a nuisance for any person owning, claiming, occupying or having supervision or control of any real property, occupied or unoccupied, that contains a private pool or spa on said real property to permit or allow a condition to exist that is not in compliance with the conditions set forth in subsection (a).
(Ord. No. 57-07, § 4, 8-6-2007)

Sec. 14-541.  Enumeration.
An owner and/or occupant commits an offense under this article if he fails to:
(1)   Securely close or cover a well, cesspool or cistern;
(2)   Keep the doors and windows of a vacant structure or vacant portion of a structure securely closed to prevent unauthorized entry;
(3)   Maintain fences and related appurtenances in good condition and not as a dilapidated or deteriorated fence. Fences shall not be propped up or leaned against a pole, piece of lumber or other similar object as a means of support. A dilapidated or deteriorated fence in which 25 percent or more of the fence area is adjacent to a town arterial or collector road may not be repaired; instead the perimeter fence that is adjacent to a town arterial or collector road shall be completely replaced and constructed in accordance with section 14-542;
(4)   Repair and protect the exterior surfaces of a structure which show signs of deterioration by an application of paint or other protective coating including, but not limited to, the use of siding;
(5)   Maintain all carports, awnings, patio covers, garages and garage doors, sheds, storage buildings, outbuildings, and other accessory buildings or structures in a structurally sound condition, and free of deterioration;
(6)   Maintain all satellite dishes, antennas, towers, stacks and other similar structures in a structurally sound and secure condition free of deterioration and instability;
(7)   Maintain the interior of a vacant structure or vacant portion of a structure free from rubbish and garbage; or
(8)   Replace all broken glass on the exterior of homes and accessory structures.
The property standards of this section do not apply when the subject premises are the site of either a new construction project or a repair or remodeling project for which a building permit has been issued and reasonable and continuous progress is being made to complete the project or construction.
(Ord. No. 9-98, § 2(13.04), 2-16-1998; Ord. No. 46-07, § 3, 6-18-2007)

Sec. 14-542.  Perimeter fence standards.

Any perimeter fence found to be in violation of subsection 14-541(3) must be repaired or replaced, as applicable, in conformity with the standards set forth below. In addition, any new perimeter fence shall be constructed in conformity with the standards set forth below. Perimeter fence repair, replacement and construction must meet the following minimum standards:

(1) Fences shall be a minimum of six-feet (6') in height and a maximum of eight-feet (8') in height. The height of the fence shall not extend above any masonry column. The style of the fence shall be board on board, with a nominal size one by four (1"x4") trim board at the top of the fence. Fences located within front yard setbacks must be constructed of tubular steel and may not exceed four-feet in height.

(2) All vertical posts shall be two-and-three-eighths-inch (2-3/8") minimum outside diameter, .095 gauge galvanized metal. Vertical posts shall be spaced at no greater than eight-feet on center, set a minimum of eighteen-inches (18") deep into two-foot (2') deep, ten-inch (10") diameter concrete post footings.

(3) For a six-foot (6') tall fence, a minimum of three (3) rails shall be used. For an eight-foot (8') tall fence, a minimum of four (4) rails shall be used. The fence pickets shall be attached to the horizontal rails running from vertical post to post as described in paragraph 4 below. The size of the rails shall be no less than nominal size two-inches by four-inches (2"x4") and shall be bolted to steel posts with noncorrosive metal anchor straps and one-fourth inch (1/4") noncorrosive bolts or screws.

(4) All nails or fasteners shall be of non-rusting, non-corrosive metal such as hot-dipped galvanized steel. All nails or fasteners shall be of the type (such as screw shank, ring shank, or divergent-point staples) that when properly driven, will not work free due to wind vibration, or shrinkage of members.

(5) All materials shall be securely fastened, vertical pickets to horizontal rails, rails to vertical posts, trim board to top rail, to ensure an ongoing attractive appearance and safe condition, free from rot, rust, vandalism, and other sources of decay.

(6) The bottom of the fence shall be designed to prevent ground to picket contact. A nominal size two-inch by six-inch (2"x6") kick board shall be used to cover the gap between bottom of pickets and ground. This kick board may have ground contact; however, the kickboard may not impede drainage patterns or create a gap of more than two-inches (2") above grade.

(7) Posts and rails must be placed on the inside of the fence so that they are not facing a street.

(8) The perimeter wood fence shall be constructed with pre-stained western red cedar in medium brown color or composite material in redwood color. Composite material is produced by combining wood fiber and polyethylene plastic, whereby the plastic encapsulates the wood.

Commercial and residential -- new construction, interior remodels, additions, alterations and repairs.
Plumbing,  electrical, mechanical and construction of interior walls greater than 5 feet 10 inches in height.
Construction of retaining walls over 4 feet in height.
Certificates of Occupancy (any time the occupant of a building or space changes).
Swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, accessory buildings, lawn irrigation systems, decks and patio covers.
Temporary uses and structures such as tents, Christmas tree lots and snow cone stands.
Driveway and sidewalk installations, fences and walls.
Demolition of structures.Obtain necessary permits when doing any kind of electrical, plumbing, structure building or repairs. Also obtain necessary permits to build and repair fences if posts or stringers are new or being changed out. (Section 14-571)
For more information call 972-874-6355.

Sec. 14-571.  International Residential Code adopted.
The International Residential Code, 2003 edition, including appendix G and appendix H, a copy of which is on file in the office of the town secretary is hereby adopted and designated as the residential building code of the town, the same as though these provisions of the International Residential Code, 2003 edition, were copied at length in this section; subject to the deletions, amendments and additions provided in section 14-572.
(Ord. No. 03-02, § 1, 1-7-2002; Ord. No. 22-05, § 2, 3-7-2005)

Sec. 66-174.  Parking in residential districts.
(a)   Parking in residential districts shall comply with the following provisions:
(1)   No recreational vehicle including, but not limited to, recreational vehicles, travel trailers, boats, boat trailers, utility trailers or other trailers, in excess of eight and one-half feet in width, or 14 feet in height, or 36 feet in length shall be stored or parked on any public thoroughfare or private property in any residential district. No vehicle shall encroach upon public sidewalks or alleys.
(2)   No recreational vehicle, travel trailer, boat, boat trailer, or stock trailer shall be parked or stored on a public thoroughfare in any residential district. The provisions of this section shall not prevent the parking or standing of such vehicles upon the public thoroughfare in such zoned district for the purpose of loading or unloading passengers, freight or merchandise for a period not to exceed 24 hours.
(3)   No automobile, truck, camper, camper top, recreation vehicle, travel trailer, boat trailer or boat, utility trailer or other trailer or vehicle shall be parked or stored on any surface not meeting the paving standards, as defined in article III of chapter 82 of this Code, unless completely screened from ordinary public view.
(4)   No junked vehicle, as defined in article IV of chapter 34 of this Code, shall be parked or stored in violation of article IV of chapter 34 of this Code. Any such vehicle shall be subject to the procedures set forth in article VII of this chapter.
(5)   For purposes of this section, the term "screened from ordinary public view" means completely out of view from private or public property, or public right-of-way from average grade of the surrounding property including, but not limited to, recreational vehicles that exceed the screening fence in height, fences constructed that persons can see through into the area surrounded by the fence or areas that can be viewed from neighboring properties from average grade.
(6)   For purposes of this section, a vehicle shall be considered stored if it has remained parked at or nearly the same location for a continuous period of time in excess of five days. A stored vehicle is deemed to be a vehicle, which is illegally parked on public property, and such vehicle shall be subject to removal and disposal as an abandoned vehicle according to subdivision III, division 2, article IV of chapter 34 of this Code.
(7)   No recreational vehicle, travel trailer, boat, boat trailer, camper, camper top, or any other type of vehicle shall be connected to utilities except for the purpose of maintenance. Utilities shall only include electricity and water. Habitation and/or temporary occupancy is prohibited.
(b)   For purposes of this section, the court may take judicial notice of an owner's manual, dealer brochure and other such similar information literature, which may constitute a prima facie presumption of the size and weight of the vehicle. This presumption is rebuttable and shall have the effects and consequences set forth in V.T.C.A., Penal Code § 2.05.
(Code 1989, ch. 7, § 12.04; Ord. No. 61-99, § 3(12.04), 10-4-1999; Ord. No. 93-04, § 2, 11-15-2004)

Sec. 34-73.  Dumping.
It shall be unlawful and declared a nuisance for any person to dump, or permit to be dumped, knowingly or intentionally, upon any sidewalk, alley, street, into or adjacent to water, or any other public or private property, any unwholesome water, refuse, rubbish, trash, debris, filth, carrion, junk, garbage, impure or unwholesome matter of any kind or other objectionable or unsightly matter of whatever kind.
(Code 1989, ch. 6, § 1.04(c))

Sec. 86-232.  Temporary noncommercial signs.
(a)   Generally.  Signs utilized for supporting, encouraging, expressing or identifying a philosophy, theory, belief, view, principle, concept, insight or opinion, political posture, position or event, public services or civic announcement or advisory event and/or personal or individual use without a commercial intent. Such signs may include but are not limited to political signs, ideological signs, no trespassing, special event or public services announcements, alarm signs and beware of dog signs. All temporary noncommercial signs shall be subject to the following: 
(1)   Such signs may not be placed so as to impair the corner visibility of intersections of streets, driveways and alleys pursuant to section 82-161.
(2)   Such signs shall not be placed within the public right-of-way.
(3)   Such signs shall not be placed on public property including but not limited to parks, public facilities and public open spaces.
(4)   The sign area shall not exceed 36 square feet.
(5)   The height of such signs shall not exceed eight feet, as measured according to the term "sign, height" as it is defined in section 74-3.
(6)   Such signs shall not be affixed to utility poles or official signs.
(7)   The provisions of subsection 86-3(10), V signs, shall not apply to any temporary noncommercial signs.
(b)   Specific signs.  Specific temporary noncommercial signs shall be subject to the following: 
(1)   Political signs.  A temporary sign supporting, encouraging or identifying any candidate, proposed amendment or bond proposal in an upcoming election shall be permitted within the town provided: 
a.   The candidate, his campaign treasurer or assistant campaign treasurer or the campaign treasurer of a political committee shall be responsible for the erection and removal of the political signs or advertisements and for compliance with the provisions of this chapter and the laws of the state.
b.   Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, an exception shall be made to the time, placement, and location of political signs at an officially designated polling place, as that term is defined and enforced under state law, as follows:
1.   Said signs may be placed on public property designated as an official polling place on election day.
2.   Said signs may be posted not more than 12 hours preceding the designated time for the opening of the polls and must be removed not more than 12 hours after the designated time for closing of the polls. Signs may be posted not more than 12 hours preceding the designated time for the opening of the polls for early voting, and must be removed not more than 12 hours after the designated time for closing the polls on the last day of early voting.
3.   Any such placement shall be in accordance with state law limitations.
4.   Election day shall be as defined by state law and/or town ordinance for a particular election.
c.   Political signs shall not be illuminated in any manner.
d.   Political signs shall not have any moving elements.
(2)   Special event or public announcement signs.  A sign or notice posted to announce public information concerning special events, bazaars, rallies, or other similar activities sponsored by charitable, religious, philanthropic, educational or civic institutions shall be allowed as temporary signs provided that: 
a.   Such signs shall be allowed up to 30 days prior to such event, but shall be removed within two days after the scheduled event.
b.   All signs shall be on-premises only, provided that nonprofit organizations, upon proof of tax-exempt status under federal or state laws, shall be allowed temporary off-premises special event signs provided that:
1.   The organization must have permission from the property owner to place the sign on his property.
2.   There will be a maximum of six off-premises signs advertising the nonprofit organization function.
3.   The advertised function must occur within the corporate limits of the town or an adjacent municipality and be sponsored by a nonprofit organization located in the town.
4.   Signs will be allowed two weeks prior to and two days after the advertised function.
c.   The town is excepted from the requirements of this subsection (2).
(Ord. No. 72-00, § 7, 10-16-2000; Ord. No. 70-02, § 2, 10-21-2002; Ord. No. 48-06, § 3, 7-17-2006)

Sec. 86-233.  Temporary commercial signs.
(a)   Generally.  Signs utilized for the purpose of benefiting a for-profit enterprise, person or activity and/or advertising the sale of a product, good or service, or other similar venture with an economic purpose. Such signs may include but are not limited to real estate signs, weekend real estate directional signs, special event signs, and personal or incidental use signs such as garage sale signs and work in progress signs. All temporary commercial signs shall be subject to the following: 
(1)   Such signs may not be placed so as to impair the corner visibility of intersections of streets, driveways and alleys pursuant to section 82-161.
(2)   Such signs shall not be placed within the public right-of-way.
(3)   Such signs shall not be placed on public property including but not limited to parks, public facilities and public open spaces.
(4)   The sign area shall not exceed six square feet.
(5)   The height of such signs shall not exceed three feet.
(6)   All such signs must be placed on private property only.
(7)   Only one sign for every 50 feet of lineal frontage of private property shall be permitted.
(8)   Such signs shall not be affixed to utility poles or official signs.
(b)   Specific signs.  Specific temporary commercial signs shall be subject to the following: 
(1)   For sale (residential structures on small tracts).  Real estate signs advertising the sale, lease or rent of individual housing units on less than two acres shall be limited to two signs, as follows: 
a.   One such sign shall be allowed pursuant to subsection (2) of this section.
b.   One such sign may placed on-premises any day of the week.
(2)   Weekend real estate directional signs.  Any temporary weekend directional sign placed for off-premises advertising or direction of traffic or to call attention to a real estate project, development or subdivision shall be limited to off-premises directional signs and model home signs. Weekend real estate directional signs shall be permitted on a temporary basis provided that: 
a.   Weekend real estate directional signs may be placed between the hours of 4:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays and must be removed no later than 8:00 p.m. on Sunday.
b.   Weekend real estate directional signs may display only the name and/or logo of the builder, developer or real estate company and may include a directional graphic such as an arrow.
(3)   Special event signs.  A sign or notice posted to announce public information concerning a for-profit special event including but limited to a circus, haunted house or fair may be placed 14 days prior to the event and must be removed no later than three days after the event. 
(4)   Personal and/or incidental use signs.  Any permanent or temporary sign for personal purposes or used to identify the sale of personal property; garage, yard or estate sales; and/or incidental private signs identifying work in progress shall be permitted in any zoning district provided that personal and/or incidental use signs may be placed 24 hours prior to the commencement of the work, event or sale and removed within 24 hours after the conclusion of the work, sale or event. 
(Ord. No. 72-00, § 7, 10-16-2000; Ord. No. 85-01, §§ 5, 6, 12-3-2001)