Unsightly conditions

Unsightly conditions on private property, including, but not limited to trash, junk, debris, discarded or unused items stored in public view or not meant for outside use or not in current use.

Outside Storage

Outside storage must be screened from public view.  Prohibited outside storage includes but is  not limited to building and landscape materials, firewood, chemicals, items associated with a home occupation or non-residential activity, appliances and furniture not designed for outside use, items designed for outside use but not installed, tools, lawn maintenance equipment, trash, garbage or other refuse.

Placement of Trash & Recycle Receptacles and Bulk Trash

Waste receptacles and recycle bins cannot be placed out earlier than the evening before the scheduled trash/recycle pickup for the property and must be removed from the right-of-way and placed behind the building line the day after the scheduled trash/recycle pickup.  Trash collection takes place every Wednesday and Saturday and bulk trash collection is every Saturday.  Bulk trash items must be stored out of public view until it is placed out for collection.  Brush and limbs are collected on your recycle day and must be bundled and tied in 5’ lengths with bundles not weighing more than 50 pounds.  Waste Management does offer extra pick up services for a fee and once a month free access to their landfill site located in Lewisville.  For more information about how to prepare items for bulk pick up, what items can be recycled, information on household hazardous waste disposal and for a map showing the recycle collection zones, please see www.coppelltx.gov/trash.

Overgrown Trees or Vegetation

Overgrown trees or vegetation extending into the right of way can be a hazard. Trees that extend over the right-of-way (street, alley, sidewalk) should not be lower than 14 feet over the street or alley or 7 feet over the sidewalk.  When placing cut limbs out for bulk trash collection, they should be cut up in 5 foot length and bundled with the bundles not weighing more than 50 pounds.

Property Maintenance

Property Maintenance including deterioration of wood, brick, siding, roofing, etc. Fence deterioration, rotting or unpainted and untreated wood, peeling paint exposing bare wood, broken windows, doors and gates are common violations found.  Fences should not have a greater than 15 degree lean, show no signs of rot or deterioration and should not have any missing or broken pickets.  See the section of Building Permits for information on when a permit is required and for fence repair regulations.*

Junked Vehicles

Junked vehicles parked or stored in public view are prohibited.  A junked vehicle is a vehicle with an expired license plate or an invalid motor vehicle inspection certificate OR is wrecked or dismantled OR Is inoperable and has remained inoperable for more than 45 consecutive days.  The definition of inoperable motor vehicle is a vehicle which cannot be driven upon the public streets for reasons including but not limited to being unlicensed, wrecked, abandoned, in a state of disrepair, or incapable of being moved under its own power.

Residential Parking

Residential parking regulations include that all vehicles, trailers, boats, etc. shall be parked on an approved concrete surface unless completely screened from public view.

Portable Outside Storage Units

These storage units (PODS, Mobile Mini, Smart Box and Mini Storage, etc.) cannot be placed on any public street or city right-of-way and shall not be placed on any property for a period longer than 45 consecutive days.

High Weeds and Grass

High weeds and grass over 12 inches is a violation and can be a fire or safety hazard. Please be sure to maintain your lawn in accordance with the city’s code including the perimeter of the building, fence and flowerbeds.

Signs Violations

In general, signs placed in the public right-of-way are a violation as the intent is to keep the medians and right-of-ways free of clutter and traffic hazards.  Garage sale signs may be displayed between the hours of 6 p.m. Thursday and 10 p.m. Sunday, cannot exceed 6 square feet or be higher off the ground than 36 inches.  No sign will be allowed within any street median or attached to any tree, public utility pole, street sign, traffic control sign, device or signal or project into the street or sidewalk.  School and community events and not-profit organizations can obtain permits for display of signs in the sign zones around the city but must adhere to the size, placement and timeframe limitations. Signs that are placed in the right-of-ways in violation of the city’s sign ordinance, will be confiscated and disposed of and could be subject to fines.  More information on the temporary sign regulations can be found at www.coppelltx.gov/temporary-signs or you can contact the Building Inspections Department at 972-304-3500 regarding the sign permit process.

Stagnant Water and Pool Water Violations

Stagnant and standing water can be a health issue as they serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.  Properties must be kept free from stagnant water.  Pools are required to be maintained to be free of stagnant water and equipment maintained in good working order.

Building Permits

A permit is required for construction, alteration, remodel and demolition.  As a rule of thumb, please contact Building Inspections (972-304-3500) if you are not sure if a permit is needed before any work begins.  *A permit is required for building a new fence, replacing an existing fence if replacement consists of more than 50% of the fence.  If post replacement is necessary, please note that metal posts are now required.   If you are working with a contractor, please ask to see the permit before they begin the work as it is ultimately the property owner’s responsibility to insure that the permit is obtained.  There are some instances where a permit may not be required but building setbacks must be maintained.

Home Occupations

A resident may conduct a business, occupation or profession within a residential home is allowed to do so as long as they follow the zoning regulations.  These regulations state that the activity can employ only members of the immediate family who reside in the home, there is not external evidence of the occupation such as signs, displays, noise, storage of materials, equipment, traffic or parking violations and that there is no separate entrance for the business and no appointed visits by the general public.

To download and print the Code Enforcement “A Guide to Keeping Our Family Community Beautiful” Brochure please click here.