Code Compliance

Program Description

Code Compliance is an important part of the Police Department.  The Code Compliance Officer responds to concerns that affect the quality of life such as overgrown lots or yards, maintenance of structures, illegal signs, unsecured swimming pools, junk vehicles on private property, and other concerns of nuisances.

Forms

Forms are located to the left under the blue tab “Forms”.  
 Additional information and brochures are provided at the bottom of the page.

To File a Complaint

To report a nuisance violation in the city limits of Kaufman or if you have questions about a nuisance violation, please either email or call us at the phone number or email address located to the right, or go to Forms for a Complaint Form to be mailed.  
 
We will need the following information: your name and phone number, the address you are referring to and specifically what the complaint is about including what day you witnessed the violation.

Top Code Compliance Complaints

High Grass And Weeds:  Grass and weeds are required to be shorter than nine (9) inches in height in the property, yard, alley and easement.

Stagnant Water, Rubbish, or Other Impure or Unwholesome Matter:  The presence of stagnant water, rubbish, trash, filth, carrion or other impure or unwholesome matter of any kind on your premises is prohibited and it is required to keep the sidewalk in front of this property free and clear of these.

Mosquito Control:  Having, keeping, maintaining, causing or permitting any collection of standing or flowing water in which mosquitoes can breed or are likely to breed, unless such collection of water is treated so as to effectively prevent such breeding is prohibited.

Junk/Inoperable Vehicles:  Vehicles that are incapable of being lawfully operated upon public streets and highways or in a condition of partial dismantlement to be visible from a public place or public right-of-way within the City is prohibited.

Unlawful Parking In The Yard:  All vehicle parking (including motor vehicles, recreational vehicles boats, trailers, personal watercraft, etc.) shall be on a suitably paved parking surface (defined as concrete or asphalt paving).  Existing crushed rock parking areas constructed prior to the date of adoption of the ordinance may be continued to be used, however, they may not be enlarged and all new parking areas shall be constructed of concrete or asphalt paving materials.  Minimum construction standard for asphalt paving are two inches (2”) of compacted base and two inches (2”) of rolled asphalt.  Minimum construction standards for concrete paving are four inches (4”) of concrete with #3 rebar on eighteen inch (18”) centers.  All driveways and approaches to parking spaces shall be similarly paved, except in the Agriculture/Open District in which driveways over fifty feet (50’) in length may be constructed of crushed rock (gravel) a minimum of six inches (6”) thick.

When Building Permits are Needed:  Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by the 2015 International Building Code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit. 

 Address Numbers for Residential Buildings:  All residential buildings are to have approved address numbers placed in a position to be plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property.  These numbers shall contrast with their background.  Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals or alphabet letters.  Numbers shall be a minimum or 4” high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5”.  Addresses are required on both sides of mailboxes located in the public right of way.   Address numbers are not required on the curb, but are allowed.

Address Number of Non-Residential Building:  All official building numbers must be posted on the front and rear of non-residential buildings so the numbers are clearly visible from the street, alley, or fire lane.  Rear numbers shall be posted on the rear door of the building.  If more than one rear door the official building number shall be posted on all doors and the business name must be displayed on the outside of at least one rear door.

Garage Sales:  Any individual or group intending to conduct a residential garage sale must register with the city at least one full business day, 24 hours prior to conducting the sale.  There is no fee collected for the registration.  You are limited to three (3) garage sales during any 12 month period, with each sale limited to three (3) consecutive days.

Garage Sale Signs:  Garage sale signs are not required to have a permit; however, they shall not exceed two square feet (2 SF) in area.  Boxes may not be used for garage sale signs.  Garage sale signs shall not be erected earlier than noon the Thursday before the sale and must be removed no later than 6:00 pm the Sunday following the sale. Garage sale signs shall be located only on private property with the consent of the property owner.  No garage sale sign can be attached to any public signs or utility poles.  Garage sale signs are not allowed in the public right-of-way. Garage sale signs must be located at least three feet (3’) behind any existing sidewalk or ten feet (10’) from the edge of the street.  Any signs not in compliance with the regulations will be confiscated by the Code Enforcement Officer.  

 Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs Maintenance and Enclosures:  All swimming pools to be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition and in good repair.  
 
 Private swimming pools, hot tubs and spas containing water more the twenty-four inches (24”), or two feet (2’), in depth shall be completely surrounded by a fence or barrier at least forty eight inches (48”), or four feet (4’), in height above the finished ground level measured on the side of the barrier away from the pool.  Gates and doors in such barriers shall be self-closing and self-latching.  Where the self-latching device is less than fifty-four inches (54”) or four and half feet (4.5’) above the bottom of the gate, the release mechanism shall be located on the pool side of the gate.  Self-closing and self-latching gates shall be maintained such that the gate will positively close and latch when released from an open position of six inches (6”) from the gatepost.

Accessory Structures:  All structures, including detached garages, fences and walls, be maintained structurally sound and in good repair.