What are the City codes?

City codes are local governing rules that City Council has adopted in order to ensure the quality of life for Arlington’s residents. Examples of codes include: Leash Law, Noise Ordinances, Building Codes, Zoning Ordinances, Nuisance Vehicle Codes, Home-Based Business, Fences, and Unclean Premises. Approval of codes requires an affirmative vote of a majority of all Council Members who are present and voting.

Click here to access Arlington’s City codes online.

Who do I call regarding inoperable vehicles parked in our neighborhood?

Parking a nuisance motor vehicle in public view is a violation of City ordinance. Failure to comply with a notice of violation results in a citation being issued.

Learn more about nuisance vehicle violations

To report a nuisance vehicle on private property, contact the Action Center. Report nuisance vehicles in the public way (street) to the Police Department at 817-459-5700.

Who do I call regarding overgrown yards in our neighborhood?

Property owners are not to allow grass or weeds to exceed 12 inches in height. Violators who fail to comply with a request to mow are subject to having their property mowed by a City-hired contractor. The owner of the lot will be billed for the City’s expenses plus a $200 administration fee.

To report a complaint, contact the Action Center. An agent will assist you in processing the complaint if you wish to file one, or you may leave a message with the following information: address of property, the specific complaint, your name, and phone number.

Who do I call about an abandoned building that is not secured?

Code Compliance is responsible for identifying and eliminating substandard and dangerous structures. The Uniform Fire Code requires that vacant buildings be secured against unauthorized entry. Code Compliance works with owners to ensure vacant structures are maintained in a safe condition. Dangerous buildings must be rehabilitated or demolished by the owner.

Life-safety issues are typically inspected the same day. Non-life safety complaints are inspected within two days.

To report a complaint, contact the Action Center. An agent will assist you in processing the complaint if you wish to file one. The following information will ensure the inspection of the correct property: address, the specific complaint, your name, and phone number.

Does the City of Arlington inspect apartments?

Yes, each year Code Compliance inspects each apartment complex in Arlington in an effort to maximize the safety of the occupants. The apartment complexes are assessed a per unit fee which generates the funding for the inspection program. Inspectors work to ensure that fire hazards, structural defects, and other violations are eliminated.

Tenants may contact Code Compliance to report lack of hot water, heat, air conditioning, electrical hazards, water leaks or non-functioning appliances. Test your smoke detector once per month and report any problems to Code Compliance immediately if management fails to make corrections. Never remove the batteries from a smoke detector.

Inadequate swimming pool barriers are a common problem in apartment communities. If you see a gate that does not close and latch by itself or a problem with a fence surrounding the pool, please contact Code Compliance immediately. A child’s life may depend upon it.

To report a complaint, contact the Action Center.

An Action Center agent will assist you in processing the complaint if you wish to file one. You may also leave a detailed message complaint 24 hours a day.

The following information will ensure the inspection of the correct property: address, the specific complaint, your name, and phone number.

Does the City of Arlington inspect extended-stay motels?

Yes, each year Code Compliance inspects all hotels and motels offering long-term residency, where more than 5% of their rooms are occupied by the same resident for over 30 consecutive days. The extended-stay motels and hotels are assessed a per unit fee which generates the funding for the inspection program. Inspectors work to insure that fire hazards, structural defects, and other violations are eliminated.

Inadequate swimming pool barriers are a common problem in hotels and motels. If you see a gate that does not close and latch by itself or a problem with a fence surrounding the pool, please contact the Action Center or call 911 immediately. A child’s life may depend upon it.

In addition, tenants may contact the Action Center to report lack of hot water, heat, air conditioning, electrical hazards, water leaks or non-functioning appliances. Test your smoke detector once per month and report any problems to Code Compliance immediately if management fails to make corrections. Never remove the batteries from a smoke detector.

To report a complaint, contact the Action Center. An agent will assist you in processing the complaint if you wish to file one. You may also leave a detailed message complaint 24 hours a day. The following information will ensure the inspection of the correct property: address, the specific complaint, your name, and phone number.

How do I get the fence along the street repaired?

Zoning regulations require property owners to maintain their fences in a structurally sound condition. Code Compliance requires owners to repair, or replace fences identified in violation.

A fence with more than 10 percent of its pickets missing in any 8 foot section or any fence that is more than 15 degrees out of vertical alignment is considered a dilapidated structure and must be repaired. A structurally sound fence must stand on its own without bracing.

To report a complaint, contact the Action Center. An agent will assist you in processing the complaint if you wish to file one. The following information will ensure the inspection of the correct property: address, the specific complaint, your name, and phone number.

What are the rules for displaying political signs?

Political signs are only allowed on private property, with the consent of the owner, and must be removed within 10 days after the election. Illegally placed signs in the right-of-way or median will be removed by Code Compliance Officers inspectors without notice.

For more information, contact the Action Center. An agent will assist you in processing the complaint if you wish to file one. The following information will ensure the inspection of the correct property: address, the specific complaint, your name, and phone number.