HOA Articles for Reprint
A variety of articles are available for reproduction, all or in part, in your next communication piece. If you want to reprint this information in any of your upcoming newsletters, please feel free to cut and paste. Please end each article with the following: "This information has been provided by the City of Coppell. Visit www.coppelltx.gov for more information."
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Some articles of interest: |
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Know What 2 Do |
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Who's Knocking On Your Door? |
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| Travelin' Coppell | |||||
| Water Conservation Plan | Animal Services | Outdoor Sirens | |||
Finally, please, check the website frequently for new information and more importantly, updated information. Each time you build a communication piece, we ask that you cut and paste from this page and not from a previously used article as any of this information could change at any time. Be sure to pass this information and this web page on to your editors! Suggestions or would you like to see the return of an article? Email slogan@coppelltx.gov.
Emergency Notification Information -----------------------------
-------Web Goodies
- Be A Facebook Fan / Follow us on Twitter / Check us out on YouTube
Need a quick update? Become a City of Coppell Facebook Fan. Do you Tweet? We do! Follow us on Twitter! We've got videos! Be a subscriber to the City of Coppell's YouTube channel - Now Showing: July 4th Festivities and more. Check it out, to see who you know!
- GIS Mapping
The City of Coppell Engineering Department offers a Geographic Information System (GIS) that is a public resource of general information. Data sets are unique to Coppell and can be customized in a variety of ways. Visit the site.
- City Desk Water Bill Insert is Online
The City Desk newsletter is inserted into customer water bills every month. Stories focus on municipal news designed to educate, inform and promote ordinances, rules, events and activities. Readers can learn about the topic at hand, and then visit the City's website or call the department to find out more of the details. You can view the online version in a pdf format (Adobe Reader required).
-----Outdoor Sirens
The City of Coppell Outdoor Warning System consists of seven outdoor warning sirens strategically located throughout the city. As the name indicates, the Outdoor Warning System sirens are designed to warn people who are outside. The sirens may be activated for a number of reasons, including (but not limited to):
- The National Weather Service issues a severe thunderstorm warning with the phrase, "destructive winds in excess of 70 mph (or higher) are likely with this storm"; and/or
- "Destructive hail, 1.25" or larger is likely"; and/or
- The National Weather Service issues a Tornado Warning for Dallas County or Denton County that MAY impact the City of Coppell; and/or
- Tornadic activity has been reported by a reliable source in or approaching the City of Coppell; and/or
- Hazardous Chemical Emergency; and/or
- Other emergencies, as deemed necessary by city administration.
When the Outdoor Warning System sirens activate:
- Seek shelter inside,
- Listen to the NOAA weather radio or local television or radio stations for additional information and specific instructions. (Please, DO NOT call 9-1-1 to inquire about siren activation.)
- Once activated, the sirens will continue sounding until the immediate threat has passed.
The Outdoor Warning System is tested on the first Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m. In the event that inclement weather is in the immediate area or forecast, the test may be postponed until the next scheduled test date.
-----Know What 2 Do
When severe weather rolls in, do you know what to do? First, you need to understand the difference between a Watch and a Warning.
WATCH
Conditions exist for the formation of the weather phenomenon in the area.
WARNING
The weather phenomenon has been sighted, is occurring or is indicated by weather radar. Take immediate action to protect yourself.
Stay tuned to LOCAL television or radio stations for the latest information. Know where all your family members are and how they can be reached. Have a plan in place to protect your family and be sure to practice ahead of time. Need help with a plan? Visit the Coppell Fire Department's web page at http://coppelltx.gov/emergency-management-main/knowhat2do.
Severe Weather Notification
Please consider purchasing a NOAA All Hazards Radio for weather watches or warnings. These can be purchased at local retailers and online. They can be programmed to alert you at the same time local officials and media are alerted. Cell service and power could be interrupted during an event thus causing many methods of communication to fail. The NOAA All Hazards Radio has a battery back-up option and uses radio frequency transmission, not dependent upon cell towers. Outdoor sirens will sound if certain dangerous weather conditions exist. These sirens are intended to alert
people who are outdoors to take cover. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO WARN PEOPLE INDOORS OF IMPENDING SITUATIONS.
Crisis Communication
Communication before, during and after a crisis is critical. The City has a multitude of communication avenues that can be used for different situations and for different levels of preparedness or a request for action during an event. We need your help. Please sign up for at least two of the communication methods listed to ensure you receive important messages.
Preparedness Message Delivery; i.e., traffic disruption, event cancellation ConnectCTY-Sign up via the City website at coppelltx.gov using the icon on the front page. A primary phone number MUST be added for the data to be accepted. Please consider adding a SMS capable phone number and an email address for less invasive contact. This system is ideal for sending messages encouraging
preparation well before an event occurs. This system is not fast enough to send messages about severe weather WARNINGS.
CoppellClips-Email used for preparedness state. Sign up for CoppellClips by accessing the City’s website at coppelltx.gov and clicking on the MyCoppell icon. Provide an email address and you’ll begin receiving this electronic newsletter and special mailings addressing events you may need to be prepared for.
Immediate Warnings/Action Needed Message Delivery: Weather WARNINGS, traffic incidents/detours Twitter (@coppellem), Facebook (City-of-Coppell-TX) – Capable of sending out quick, short messages about situation and how to respond. Follow us on Twitter, become a Fan on Facebook and tie your account into your cell phone for quick easy access.
All Clear Messages: Event has passed. Twitter and Facebook. There are additional options that we may utilize for special notifications. Please visit coppelltx.gov/em for resources and notification options.
Code Enforcement Information-----------------------------------------
-----Neighborhood Integrity
The Most Common Code Violations
High Weeds, Grass, and Other Material
It shall be unlawful for any person owning or occupying any real property within the corporate limits of the city to permit weeds, brush, or any other combustible material to grow to a height greater than 12" upon any such real property within 150' of any property line, and to a point 15' outside such property line that is adjacent to a street, alley, and right-of-way. All vegetation, not regularly cultivated and which exceeds 12" in height shall be presumed to be a fire hazard and constitute a nuisance.
Trash, Debris, and Objectionable Matter
It shall be the lawful duty of any person owning or occupying real property within the corporate limits of the city to keep such property free from rubbish, and other objectionable, unsightly, or unsanitary manner. It shall further be the lawful duty of any person owning any building, establishment, or real property to keep such improvements or property free from filth, carrion, or other impure or unwholesome matter.
Trees, Shrubs, and Plants
Foliage of hedges, trees, and shrubs in public of right-of-ways shall be maintained by the property owner adjacent to the right-of-way, such that the minimum overhang above a sidewalk shall be 7'. The minimum overhang above a street, alley, or a public driveway shall be 14'.
Trees, shrubs, and plants shall not obstruct the access to or from any door or window of any structure which is used, or is required by city codes and ordinances to be used for ingress or egress.
Trees, shrubs, or plants that are dead and which are hazardous to persons or property shall be removed.
Fences
All fences shall be maintained reasonably plumed and structurally sound. Each structural and decorative member of a fence shall be free of deterioration and be compatible in size, material, and appearance with the remainder of the fence.
A fence that has deteriorated to a condition that is likely to fall shall be repaired or replaced. Fences shall not be externally braced in lieu of replacing or repairing posts, columns, or other structural members.
Any fence repair, alteration or modification must comply with the City of Coppell Code of Ordinances.
Parking shall be allowed only on a paved concrete surface. The boat and trailer on aforementioned property is unlawfully parked and it is required by law to have it moved to an approved surface.
Junked/Inoperative Vehicle
Any vehicle that is inoperative, and does not have either a current license plate or a valid motor vehicle safety inspection, or that is, dismantled, partially dismantled, or discarded, or that remains inoperable for a continuous period of more than 45 days, is deemed to be a junked or inoperative vehicle.
Home Occupations
A resident who desires to conduct a business, occupation or profession within a residential home is allowed to do so in the City of Coppell. Although there are no registration requirements, the following restrictions apply, as outlined in the Zoning Ordinance:
The activity can employ only members of the immediate family who reside in the house. There is no external evidence of the occupation, such as signs, displays, noise, storage of materials or equipment, or traffic or parking of vehicles evidencing the presence of a business. There can be no separate entrance for the business and no appointed visits by the general public.
Police Information--------------------------------------------
The City of Coppell has an established city ordinance for curfew hours for minors. A minor is a person between ten years of age and sixteen years of age. The hours of curfew are Sunday thru Thursday from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. The hours of curfew for Friday and Saturday are midnight to 6 a.m. The curfew hours established remain in effect for the entire year and do not change during summer break. There are three ways to commit an offense:
(1) If a minor remains in a public place or on the premises of an establishment within the city during curfew hours.
(2) A parent or guardian of a minor knowingly permits, or by insufficient control allows, the minor to remain in a public place or on the premises of an establishment within curfew hours.
(3) The owner, operator, or any employee of an establishment knowingly allows a minor to remain upon the premises of the establishment during curfew hours.
The fine for a curfew violation is up to $500.00 for each offense. There are several defenses to prosecution:
- The minor is accompanied by a parent or guardian
- On an errand at the direction of a parent or guardian, without any detour or stop
- In a motor vehicle involved in interstate travel
- Engaged in employment, or going to or returning from employment
- Involved in an emergency
- On the sidewalk by the minor’s residence
- Attending an official sponsored function.
- Exercising 1st Amendment right
- Married or had been married
-----Who's Knocking On Your Door?
The city of Coppell's Code of Ordinance Chapter 6, Article 6-2 provides rules and regulations on how solicitors and peddlers can operate within the city limits.
Registration Required
No person, directly or through an agent, shall solicit in person from house-to-house in the city to sell or attempt to sell goods, merchandise, wares, services, or anything of value or to take or attempt to take orders for the future delivery of goods, merchandise, wares, or any personal property of any nature whatsoever, or take or attempt to take orders for services to be furnished or performed in the future, without first having obtained a written permit, or to solicit funds for charitable purposes without first having registered with the city.
Obtaining a Solicitors Permit
All persons desiring to solicit door-to-door must appear in person at the Coppell Police Department, 130 Town Center Blvd., Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and complete the necessary paperwork. Background checks will be conducted on individuals who will be soliciting goods or services. A non-refundable, $25 permit fee will be due upon submittal of each application. After review of the registration or permit application, the City has ten working days to either issue a certificate of registration or permit, or notify the applicant that the application for registration or permit does not comply with the requirements of the Ordinance.
Obtaining a Handbill Distribution Permit
All persons desiring to distribute handbills door-to-door must appear in person at the Coppell Police Department, 130 Town Center Blvd., Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and complete the necessary paperwork. Background checks will be conducted on individuals who will be distributing handbills. There is no charge associated with the handbill distribution application. After review of the registration or permit application, the City has ten working days to either issue a certificate of registration or permit, or notify the applicant that the application for registration or permit does not comply with the requirements of the Ordinance.
Solicitations for Charitable Purposes
All persons desiring to solicit funds for charitable purposes or sale of merchandise to raise funds for charitable purposes shall file a registration statement with the chief of police. This includes the solicitation of funds or sale of merchandise, goods, or wares for charitable purposes. While registration is required, permits will not be needed or issued.
Solicitations for Non-Charitable Purposes
Individuals, businesses or groups soliciting funds or goods for profit must also fill out a registration form with the chief of police. After review of the registration or permit application, and if the registrant meets the criteria as outlined by the Ordinance, City staff will issue a certificate of registration or permit which contains an expiration date listing the final date a for-profit solicitor may go door-to-door for that request. This information MUST be physically displayed on the upper front portion of the solicitor.
Soliciting in Rights-of-Ways
No charitable solicitation may be conducted upon or within the right-of-way of I.H. 635, S.H. 121, MacArthur Blvd., Belt Line Rd., Southwestern Blvd., Denton Tap Rd., Sandy Lake Rd., or the intersections of any of the above named streets, or any other highway, a state highway, or farm-to-market road.
Soliciting on Private Property
Handbill distributors are required to remain on the sidewalks and public right of ways at all times. A solicitor must use the public sidewalk and paved approach to the front entrance of the dwelling/establishment and shall not cut across private property.
Acceptable Solicitation Times
All persons canvassing or soliciting door-to-door, for charitable and non-charitable reasons may not do so before 9 a.m. or after 30 minutes following sunset, Monday through Saturday, or at any time on a Sunday or on an official holiday.
"No Soliciting" Signs
Any person, desiring that no merchant solicit on their property may post a sign in a conspicuous location on or near his main entrance, a weather-proof card not less than three by four inches in size containing the words "NO SOLICITORS." No soliciting includes any person engaged in a, charitable or non-charitable, solicitation, placement of handbills or other advertisement, and those who are canvassing.
Merchandise
It shall be unlawful for any person to peddle, solicit, sell, offer for sale, or exhibit for sale any merchandise upon any public sidewalk, street, street right-of-way, parkway, or other public right-of-way. This does not include mobile vending. Mobile vending is addressed in the Ordinance. Mobile vendors are advised to review this portion of the code.
Canvassing
The amendment also defines canvassing as someone who examines or discusses in detail; to make subject of discussion or debate; goes through places or among people asking, requesting or engaging for vote/opinions concerning religious, political or other topics of public concern. Canvassers must adhere to the hours that soliciting is allowed, as well as the locations where they can solicit with regards to no soliciting signs.
Handbills on Public Property
The Ordinance says, "It shall be unlawful for any person to paste, stick, or place any advertisement, handbill, placard, printed, pictures or written matter or any device for advertising purposes upon any fence, railing, sidewalk, telephone, electric light or public utility pole, or other public property . . ."
Curb Painting of Address Numbers
Finding flyers on your front door stating that the City requires house numbers to be painted on the curb? City Ordinance states, “Buildings shall have approved address numbers placed in a position to be plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property and rear alleyway where such alleyway exists. These numbers shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals or alphabet letters. Numbers shall be a minimum of 4 inches high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inches.”
It’s advised that in the rear of the home, you may want to place your numbers above the garage doors. In the front of the home, find a location where the site line will not be hindered by cars, objects or landscaping. A highly visible, well lit location helps police and fire respond quickly to emergency calls. Painting your house number on the curb is an option, but it is not required by Ordinance. The City is not affiliated with any of these companies nor do we endorse the product.
Alarm Permit Program
False alarms cost the City and its citizens thousands of dollars each year and take police officers away from actual emergencies. In 2011, the Coppell Police Department responded to more than 1,600 false alarms. In an effort to prevent unnecessary alarm responses the Coppell City Council adopted a revised alarm ordinance; Emergency Alarm Systems, Chapter 9, Article 9-12 of the City of Coppell Municipal Code. The alarm ordinance establishes regulations for the use and operation of alarm systems within the city. A permit is required for each alarm site and each type of alarm system in residential dwellings and in businesses. Permits must be obtained within 30 days of installation and renewed annually.
A residential alarm permit registration fee of $30 will be collected for first-time permit applications. Annual residential renewal fees are $20. Residential alarm permits must be renewed annually approximately 365 days after the initial registration or last renewal date. A first-time business alarm permit fee is $50 and the annual renewal fee is $50. All fees are non-refundable. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to pay the renewal fee prior to the expiration date of the permit. If any permit holder has multiple false alarms in the twelve month period, the holder shall be assessed a service fee for the alarms.
• 4 to 6 false alarms $ 50 each assessed fee
• 7 to 9 false alarms $ 75 each assessed fee
• More than 9 false alarms $ 100 each assessed fee
A permit holder must pay any service fee assessed under the provisions of the Ordinance within 15 days after receipt of notice. There are certain conditions where a false alarm fee will not be assessed. Visit coppelltx.gov to view the Ordinance and conditions.
In addition, in an effort to reduce false alarms and increase administrative efficiency PMAM Corporation has been hired to implement and administer the City of Coppell’s Alarm Permit Program, as well as administer the management of the alarm permits and false alarm fees. Permit applications and renewals are easily accessed online. To obtain a new permit or renew online visit www.cityalarmpermit.com/fams/citizen/city/coppell.
If you have questions about the Alarm Permit Program please contact PMAM Corporation, at 877-874-6884, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or visit www.cityalarmpermit.com/fams/citizen/city/coppell for more information or to view the ordinance.
Questions to Ask Any Roofing Contractor
BEFORE You Let Them on YOUR Roof
In Texas, there is no such thing as state licensing for roofers. Anyone can hang up a “shingle” and call themselves a roofing company. When storms hit we see an influx of outof-town roofers (“storm chasers”), who often leave town not long after the storms do. How can you determine if you’re hiring a legitimate, experienced roofer who will be around after the storm season?
Here are some important questions you may want to ask any roofing company you may be considering. Please use this list as an aid to ensure that the contractor you choose will be there to provide ethical and responsive service before, during and after your project is complete.
1. Are they in good standing with the Better Business Bureau?
2. How many years of experience do they have as a roofing contractor in North Texas?
3. Are they insured? What type of insurance coverage do they have and what and how much does it cover? Don’t hesitate to ask a roofing contractor for a certificate of insurance and make sure the coverage is in effect throughout your project. You don’t want to be liable for accidents that occur on your property (and you will be if the contractor is not properly insured)!
4. Who will supervise your roofing project? How much experience do they have? How can you contact that person?
5. Where is the roofing company located? Has your prospective contractor just come to town with the storms? Drive by and check out their business address. You probably don’t want to hire a roofer who is operating out of his pickup truck or temporary P.O. Box.
6. What is the roofing contractor’s warranty on labor? What is the manufacturer’s warranty?
Get warranty information in writing. Consider how long your contractor has been in business and where they are located when looking at their labor warranty.
7. Do they have credit references? Ask for a list of local suppliers, and call them to ensure the roofing contractor is in good standing. You don’t want to be left footing the bill for roofing materials.
8. Do they have customer references they can provide? Get a list of previous customers and call them.
9. Will they give you a detailed, written proposal with complete descriptions of the work, start and completion dates and payment schedule?
10. Is the contractor going to obtain the appropriate municipal permits?
11. Are they asking for money upfront? End users should beware of paying before the job is complete. A partial payment for materials, however, after they have been delivered to your project location, is not unusual.
12. Which roofing manufacturers are they certified to install? You can go to the manufacturer’s website to see which roofing contractors are certified to install their roofing system.
13. Is the roofer offering to “take care of” or “eat” your insurance deductible? Talk directly to your insurance company to ensure that any “deal” is legitimate and not insurance fraud.
14. Are they claiming they are licensed? If so, where? Ask to see their license.
15. If the bid is significantly lower than their competitors, why? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Price is only one consideration when selecting a roofing contractor.
Make sure you don’t pay more later by hiring a contractor that is uninsured, performs substandard work and/or leaves North Texas shortly after the storms do. Also, a low price that is below other contractors’ costs is an indicator that the roofing materials being used may be stolen goods, a growing problem in North Texas that is a federal offense.
Animal Services -------------------------
Leash we not forget . . .
It shall be unlawful for an owner of an animal without regard to mental state, to fail to keep the animal from running at large as defined in this article. What it all means . . .Running at large shall mean not completely confined by a building, wall or fence of sufficient strength or construction to restrain the animal, except when such animal is either on a leash, or held in the hands of the owner or keeper, or under direct supervision of the owner within the limits of the owner's private property. Any animal confined within an automobile or other vehicle shall not be deemed running at large. (Ordinance 95687) Here’s the scoop . . .Sec. 9-1-15. Animal nuisances.
The following shall be considered a public nuisance and shall be unlawful: To permit or allow an animal to defecate upon private or public property other than the property of the owner of said animal; and to fail to remove and dispose of in a sanitary manner any feces left by such animal. (Ord. No. 95687). So, here’s the scoop, please clean up after your pets!
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Water Conservation Plan-------------------------------
Water Conservation and Drought Plan
The City's mandatory water conservation plan is currently in STAGE 1due in part to water conservation efforts mandated by the City’s wholesale water supplier, Dallas Water Utilities.
CURRENT STATE / Stage 1 - Water Awareness State - No outside watering will be allowed between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. by means of an automatic or nonautomatic spray irrigation system or device. The use of non-spray irrigation systems and hand watering will be allowed all days, at all times during Stage 1.
Should the City progress through the stages, the community will be notified through the City Desk water bill insert, the City website at coppelltx.gov, CoppellClips the City’s electronic newsletter, and through the local media outlets.
Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of Section 3-1-12 of the Code of Ordinances as amended, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon the first conviction, shall be punished by a fine not less than $50, upon second conviction be punished by a penalty of fine out less than $100 for each offense, and upon the third and subsequent conviction shall be punished by a penalty of fine not less than $100, nor more than $500 for each offense, and each and every day such offense is continued, shall constitute a new separate offense.