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Code Compliance

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1. How can I make a complaint?

You can come to City Hall in person or file a complaint by calling 325-676-6241. You can also make a complaint via the Report a Problem page.

2. How long should it take for a Code Officer to investigate my complaint?

Officers will try to perform an initial investigation within 2 to 5 days. Health and safety issues take first priority. The number of calls received may also affect response times.

3. What if I want to remain anonymous?

You may choose to stay anonymous; however, the Code Compliance Officers will not be able to inform you of the actions taken. Leaving contact information is vital to a thorough investigation. Code Officers do not discuss the name of a complainant with a violator when a complaint is investigated.

4. Why isn't the City doing something about a property complaint I made?

Several factors may contribute to the amount of time required to respond to a citizen's report of a nuisance, including:

• The ability or cooperation of the property owner
• Contractor's workload
• Inclement weather
• Locating the property owner

Growing Season

During the growing season, complaint inspections and abatement are significantly delayed due to the number of calls received for tall grass and weeds. From the initial inspection to owner notification, and to subsequent abatement, there may be delays due to the timelines set by the State, and by the property owner's willingness to comply.

5. How do I report littering?

Call the Environmental Enforcement Office at 325-676-3867 with as much as you know about the event such as the:

• License plate
• Litter deposited
• Location
• Make of car
• Time

6. How do I report illegal dumping in rights-of-way?

Rights-of-Way

If the dumping is in the rights-of-way:

• Call the Environmental Enforcement Officer at 325-676-3867
• The Officer will investigate and coordinate with Stormwater Utilities to track and take legal action against violators and clean-up of the dumped materials.

Dumping Elsewhere

If the dumping is elsewhere, please provide as much information as possible to assist us in an investigation:

• The make, model, and/or color of the vehicle
• A description of the individual(s) dumping (height, weight, age, etc)
• The date, time, and location of dumping

Report Someone

To report someone dumping items, you may:

• Call the Environmental Enforcement Officer
• Call the non-emergency number for the Police Department at 325-673-8331
• Online at the Reporting Page
• Using the mobile app SeeClickFix

7. How can I encourage others not to litter?

• Dispose of trash properly, and encourage others to do so
• Spread the word to others that illegal dumping is a crime
• Organize and volunteer for cleanups of illegal dumpsites
• Report illegal dumping by calling 325-676-3867

8. Who is responsible for keeping the street and alley clean?

The homeowner or tenant is responsible for maintaining the area between the middle of the street to the middle of the alley (or the back property line if there is no alley) free of litter, debris, and high weeds.

9. Who is responsible for trimming trees?

Residents are responsible for the trimming of trees located on their property, to the center of the alley, and in the parkway (the area which extends from the property line to the curb or street pavement edge). You may contact a professional landscaping or tree trimming service to assist you with the trimming. Tree branches and limbs may be taken to the Abilene Brush Center located at 2149 Sandy Street off of East Highway 80 for recycling. This service is free for Abilene residents. To report tree limbs touching electrical lines, call American Electric Power (AEP) at 1-877-373-4858; to report tree limbs touching telephone lines, contact your telephone service provider.

10. What can the City do about dead or diseased trees?

The City of Abilene will investigate complaints of dead, diseased, or insect-harboring trees, and will deem it a nuisance when its condition constitutes a hazard to life or property.

Notice of Violation

The City will issue a Notice of Violation giving the property owner 10 days to abate the nuisance. A re-inspection will be made 10 days from the date of the notice. If the property is still in violation, the City may abate the nuisance and the owner will be charged an abatement fee, an administrative fee, and a penalty fee. If the charges remain unpaid after 30 days from the billing date, the City will file a lien on the property and the debt will accumulate interest at 10% per year from the due date until paid.

Mediation

The City cannot mediate other tree disputes among neighbors. If you wish to report a violation, call 325-676-6241.

11. Can I park a vehicle in my yard?

Vehicles are not allowed to be parked in the yard of any residence.

Allowed Parking Areas

• On improved parking surfaces composed of pavement, concrete, bricks, or similar materials
• In areas screened from public view inside of a building or by solid or opaque fencing
• On gravel driveways meeting the following requirements:
  • The parking area must be contained and clearly defined from the rest of the yard, by either lowering the ground surface enough to allow the top of the gravel to be flush with the existing yard, or by using some form of physical barrier such as landscape edging, bricks, concrete edging, or a similar treatment.
  • The parking area must be constructed of granular limestone, sandy gravel, or asphalt milling. The material is required to be compacted to a density similar to the surrounding natural soils a minimum of 3 feet deep after compacting and free from contaminants such as topsoil or vegetation dense enough to prevent rutting.

Driveways

Driveways must be constructed in accordance with the requirements of the Public Works Department, and an Approach Permit must be obtained prior to construction. For more information regarding the Approach Permit, call the Public Works Department at 325-676-6281.

12. Can 18-wheelers be parked on a residential street?

No. Heavy commercial, heavy/light industrial vehicles, and commercial vehicles with a rated capacity greater than one ton may not be parked in zoning districts on any:

• Alley
• Boulevard
• Parkway
• Public place
• Public street

Contact

Contact Planning and Development Services for on-street regulations of specific locations If you wish to report a violation, call the non-emergency number for the Abilene Police Department at 325-673-8331.

13. Can I operate a business in my home?

If you operate a home business in a residentially zoned area, you may not:

• Have more than one person living outside of the home work there
• Have an illuminated identification sign larger than 1 by 1 foot
• Generate a loud or raucous noise that interferes with the public peace and comfort
• Discharge noxious fumes

For additional information, view the Home Occupation Brochure (PDF).

14. Can I post a sign to a utility pole or tree?

No. It is a violation of the City Code to post signs on utility poles or trees, or in the City right-of-way. Violations are punishable by a fine of up to $500 per day, per violation. If you wish to report a violation, call 325-676-6241.

15. What items cannot be stored outside?

Items that are not intended for use outdoors or are not made of a material that is resistant to damage or deterioration from exposure to the outdoors may not be stored on a porch, in a yard, under a carport, or within any area visible to the public.

16. Can I compost my own leaves and grass clippings?

Yes, on your own property. However, composting is effective only if the material is turned every 30 days. Otherwise, you have created a plant growth waste pile instead of compost.

17. How can I tell if my contractor is disposing of waste properly?

Ask them where they dispose of your waste. Require that the contractor provide you with local landfill receipts or recycled material disposal receipts.