Single Family Rapid Reference Guide

Code Compliance is committed to proactively meeting the needs of the community through active engagement, inclusive participation and high-quality, cost-effective service delivery. We are working together to make Arlington residential neighborhoods better.

Read the Code of Ordinances

Select a topic below for information about services available and common code concerns on Single-family residential properties:

Hot Topic - Garage Sale Map & Guidelines

Planning a garage or yard sale soon? Residents are required to get a city permit, which is free of charge. Garage/yard sales are limited to three (3) sales within a 12-month period. Learn more about Garage Sales Map and Guidelines.

Hot Topic - High Weeds and Grass

Property owners are not to allow grass or weeds to exceed twelve (12) inches in height. Property owners and tenants are responsible for keeping their lawns mowed to the edge of the roadway. Only one notification per year will be made. Those in violation 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. If the bill is not paid, interest-bearing liens are placed on the property.

High weeds and grass contributes to blight conditions and creates a nuisance and a possible safety hazard. It can also make grass fires more dangerous for firefighters and homeowners.

The following fees apply to Nuisance Chapter property violations in the City of Arlington:

Read the Ordinance

Hot Topic - Illegal Signs / Sign Placement

What is an illegal sign?

Any sign in the road right-of-way, on a utility pole, or in a median which has not been specifically placed there for traffic directional purposes is illegal. Certain narrowly defined exceptions exist for Crime Watch, garage sale, on-site fund raiser advertising, parking lot, weekend business advertising, weekend real estate and political signs.

Hot Topic - Overhanging Tree Limbs

Property owners must maintain tree limbs and vegetation a distance of no less than fourteen feet (14′) above the street to allow safe passage of fire department vehicles without causing them damage. Branches or other vegetation overhanging a sidewalk must be maintained a distance of at least seven feet (7′) above the sidewalk to allow for safe passage of pedestrians. See illustration below:

Overhanging tree limbs diagram

Illustration of trimming requirements in the ordinance(PDF, 16MB) (page 59)

Sight Obstructions in Visibility Triangles also Prohibited

Trees, shrubs, and any other vegetation or signs, fencing, retainer wall or other improvements must not cause a sight obstruction for motorists or pedestrians.

Read the Ordinance

Hot Topic - Recycle Bin / Trash Placement

Recycling Bin/Containers

Recycling containers must be placed curbside no later than 7 a.m. on the scheduled day of collection and not before 7 p.m. the evening prior to the day of scheduled collection.

Pursuant to amendment - Health and Sanitation Chapter, Article II, Section 2.06(PDF, 40MB) (page 30), when recycling containers are not placed at the curb for collection (during the permitted times for scheduled collection), recycling containers must not be visible from the public street right-of-way in front of the customer’s residence.

Garbage Disposal - Curbside Collection

Please visit Residential Curbside Collections for details about the trash cart transition.

Garbage, trash and brush must also be placed curbside no later than 7 a.m. on the scheduled day of collection, and not before 7 p.m. the evening prior of scheduled collection.

Read the Ordinance - Health and Sanitation Chapter, Article II, Section 2.03

Article II, Section 2.03. Customer Duties and Responsibilities(PDF, 40MB) (page 26)

Article II, Section 2.06, Residential and Non-Residential Storage of Waste and Recycling Carts(PDF, 40MB) (page 30)

Visit the Garbage & Recycling website for more information.

Hot Topic - Tool Sharing Program

Is your lawn mower broken? Do you have trees that need trimming, repairs or projects to be completed around your home? We are here to help! Learn more about the Tool Sharing Program.

Hot Topic - Unclean Premises

Code Compliance Division works to eliminate public nuisances including unclean premises. Article II, Section 2.02, B. of the Nuisance Chapter states the following:

“Any public or private property, any yards, lots, alleys, stables, animal pens or enclosures for animals which become offensive to persons of ordinary sensibilities due to objectionable odors or accumulation of waste and fecal matter, cellars, vaults, drains, pools, wells, cisterns, privies, sewers, grounds, premises, or buildings of any character, containing accumulations of litter, limbs, unsanitary matter of any kind, refuse, garbage, rubbish, junk, dead carcasses, decaying flesh, fish, fowls, vegetables, stagnant water or other stagnant or unsanitary liquids or unsanitary water on the ground or in a vessel, flammable liquids, slops, trash, or other deposits or substances of any and every character, which are likely to or do become unwholesome, filthy, unsightly, offensive, or unsanitary or likely to create or engender disease. Unclean Premises shall also be areas or conditions that harbor rodents or parasitic insects, or promotes mosquito breeding; or with dilapidated fences, or poison oak or poison ivy or other poisonous plant within 50 feet of a structure or fence line.”

Read the Ordinance

Individuals who fail to maintain a clean property can pay up to a $2000 fine in municipal court per citation. Citations can be issued daily. In certain situations, the city may abate the nuisance and bill the property owner for the cleanup of the property.

Abandoned Household Appliances

Any broken, discarded or abandoned refrigerator, freezer, water heater, dishwasher, range, oven, trash compactor, washing machine, clothes dryer or similar appliance located in the front, rear or side yard, including porches and unsecured garages, of any premises used as a residence regardless of zoning, or on any vacant lot is a violation of city ordinance. Abandoned appliances with a door should be strapped or taped shut, or the door removed to help prevent a trapping hazard that may affect the health and safety of minors. Call 9-1-1 to report a life safety concern.

Read the Ordinance

Address Posting

Street numbers must be posted on every building in such a manner as to be plainly visible and legible from the street. Emergency personnel depend on this identification when responding to requests for aid. This inexpensive requirement could save your life or the life of a family member in an emergency. In addition, crime watch groups and others can easily identify where criminal activity is taking place and make a more efficient report to police.

Although curb numbering is allowed, it is no substitute for having numbers on the building itself. Street numbers must contrast from their background so that they are easier to see. The minimum size of the numbers is four inches.

Read the Ordinance

Report a Concern

Report a code violation online or by calling the Action Center at 817-459-6777. In case of emergency call 9-1-1.

Business Out of Home

Common Violations of Home-Based Businesses

Certain types of business activities are allowed in residential occupancies if they are registered with the Building Inspections Division of Community Development and Planning Services. Even with a valid registration, a business must not become injurious to the neighborhood and must comply with a number of restrictions. For example, storage, parking and on-site advertising is restricted or prohibited. In addition, only one employee can be at the business at any time.

Examples of what is, and is not, allowed

Allowed:

  • Computer-based, telephone based
  • Day Care for six (6) or fewer children or adults in addition to the caretaker’s family
  • Direct sellers selling primarily at other locations
  • Hand crafts, art studio, photography studio
  • Housecleaning
  • Instructional art studio, private lessons
  • Office uses identified in Zoning, Article II
  • Sale of homemade goods or products produced or assembled on premise, this does not include food products
  • Office of service providers who render their services offsite
  • Tailor or seamstress

Not allowed:

  • Financial institutions
  • Employment agencies
  • Medical or dental offices
  • Outside storage in excess of one trailer
  • Exhibits of merchandise that can be seen from the public view
  • Onsite advertising or signs except on signs on vehicles
  • Parking of vehicles except in the driveway of, or at the curb adjacent to the premise
  • More than one employee on the premise
  • Offensive odor, noise, or manner of operation
  • Business conducted in an accessory building
  • Customers - from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. - except day care recipients
  • Catering

More Information

All home-based business activities must be registered with the Building Inspections Division of Community Development and Planning Services. Applications must be submitted online through ArlingtonPermits.com. The One Start Development Center is located at City Hall at 101 W. Abram Street, Second Floor, 76010. Call 817-459-6502 for more information, or visit the Planning & Development Services website.

Dilapidated Fences

Unified Development Code Chapter, Section 5.3.4.C.(PDF, 17MB) (page 161)

General Fence Maintenance

  1. All screening fences constructed as required by this Code, previous ordinances, or other approvals must be perpetually maintained, repaired, or replaced by the owner of use of the more intensively zoned property. For purpose of this section, owner of the property for which the fence permit was issued is presumed to be the owner of the fence.
  2. All fences shall be maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Nuisance Chapter, the Construction Chapter, and any other provisions of the City of Arlington Code of Ordinances regulating fences.
  3. Repair and Replacement of Fences.
    1. For fences where 50 percent or more of one length of fence along a property line requires repair or replacement with new fencing materials, a fence permit must be obtained in accordance with the Construction Chapter.
    2. For fences where less than 50 percent of one length of fence along a property line requires repair or replacement with new fencing materials, the repair or replacement:
      1. shall not change the scope, location or dimensions of the fence; and
      2. shall be made using the same material as originally used to construct the fence, or material with comparable composition, color, size, shape, and quality as the remaining fencing material.
    3. Repair and replacement of fences must comply with all applicable provisions of this Code.
    4. Notwithstanding any other provision, the use of materials not specifically manufactured for the construction of fences is strictly prohibited. These include, but are not limited to, plywood, corrugated steel panels, or fiberglass panels.

Nuisance Chapter, Section 1.02(PDF, 9MB) (page 10)

Dilapidated Fence - any fence in a dilapidated, improper state of repair that causes a safety or health concern. It includes any:

  1. fencing that by its age or deteriorating condition lists, leans, buckles or is broken or has exposed pieces projecting, protruding or laying in a manner which could fall or be hazardous to persons walking or driving along public property including street or right-of-way or public easements;
  2. fencing that by improper position on or near the ground is situated in such a manner as to offer harborage to vermin;
  3. fencing that is damaged by animals or by other means such that the fence condition is unsafe and deleterious to the livability of the neighborhood;
  4. fencing that has any portion of its pickets or structural components either damaged, missing or rotted;
  5. fencing with support posts, cross members, pickets, braces, bolts, nails, supporting frame, or fastenings in a state of disrepair due to deterioration, infestation by insects or other vermin, rot, rust, or loosening;
  6. fencing with broken or severely bent metal posts or torn, cut, or ripped metal fencing;
  7. fencing with loose bricks, stones, mortar, masonry, or similar material; or
  8. fencing that is braced by guy wires, braces, or any other material that may be visible from a public street, right-of-way, alleyway, or property or easement controlled by the City. (Amend Ord 17-058, 9/26/17)

New fences and replacement fences that replace 50% or more of one side of a fence require a Building Inspection permit.

Visit ArlingtonPermits.com to submit an application online.

More Information

Swimming Pool Barrier Fence Requirements

Swimming pool barriers/enclosures are designed to keep small children away from a pool. Code Compliance plays an active role in protecting children by administering codes pertaining to pool enclosures. An unprotected pool is potentially as life-threatening as an unsecured firearm in the house.

Damaged or missing swimming pool fences are considered a public safety risk and are a serious matter that could result in the automatic issuance of a citation. Please consult the Ordinance links below, or contact the Action Center for more information.

Read the Ordinance

Graffiti

Did you know Code Compliance will remove graffiti from residential, multi-family and commercial properties for free?

Code Compliance seeks to enhance and preserve neighborhoods, helping residents, business owners and visitors to Arlington feel safe anywhere, all the time. Graffiti creates blight upon neighborhoods, and it is only through the cooperative effort of the community that graffiti and its negative effects can be controlled.

Property owners must sign a consent form/wavier for free graffiti removal.

Learn more about how to Report Graffiti.

The Graffiti Abatement Team is working to make neighborhoods safe, strong and attractive.

Group Homes

Group Homes help provide children and adults with a means of living in a family oriented environment within the community. Group homes or “personal care facilities” with more than three residents unrelated to the property owner in a residential community in the State of Texas must be properly licensed. Personal care facilities with less than four residents unrelated to the property owner are not required to register with the state. Information and links about group homes, personal care facilities and similar uses are provided below.

This information is provided for the convenience of the public and not as legal advice. The original source for the law should always be consulted for an accurate current version of the law.

What is a group home?

Group home is a term commonly associated with personal care facilities, adult care homes, homes for the chronically mentally ill, group care agencies and similarly based residential living arrangements for handicapped persons and/or elderly persons. This term does not typically include boarding houses or any facility providing treatment, counseling, or therapy to patients or clients who do not reside on the premises.

Why does the City of Arlington allow group homes?

All cities must allow group homes. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Fair Housing Act (FHA) and Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA), communities have a legal obligation to allow group homes. Congress intended that individuals with handicaps be given the same protections from discrimination as racial and ethnic minorities and that any practice, if it has the effect of making housing unavailable to people with disabilities or segregates them in the community, will be considered discriminatory. (H.R. Rep. No. 711, 100th Congress, 2nd Session (1998)) Moreover, discrimination” includes a refusal to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, and services when such accommodations are necessary to afford handicapped persons an opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling.

Similarly, if as a practical matter, the only way certain people with disabilities can live in a community is to share a residence with other, unrelated people, the “reasonable accommodation” requirement prevents enforcement of a rule prohibiting occupancy by unrelated people.

No one may take any of the following actions based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or handicap:

  1. Refuse to rent or sell housing
  2. Refuse to negotiate for housing
  3. Make housing unavailable
  4. Deny a dwelling
  5. Set different terms, conditions or privileges for sale or rental of a dwelling
  6. Provide different housing services or facilities
  7. Falsely deny that housing is available for inspection, sale, or rent
  8. For profit, persuade owners to sell or rent (blockbusting) or
  9. Deny anyone access to or membership in a facility or service (such as a multiple listing service) related to the sale or rental of housing.

Texas law provides that group homes for the handicapped must be allowed in all residential zoning categories. Additionally, it is unlawful to:

  • Threaten, coerce, intimidate or interfere with anyone exercising a fair housing right or assisting others who exercise that right
  • Advertise or make any statement that indicates a limitation or preference based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or handicap. This prohibition against discriminatory advertising applies to single-family and owner-occupied housing that is otherwise exempt from the Fair Housing Act.

Can homeowner associations regulate group homes?

The rules for homeowner associations, just like cities, cannot violate federal law. Any special rules or requirements placed upon a group home by a homeowners association could be in conflict with federal law. It may be necessary to consult with an attorney for advice.

Are group homes required to follow the City's housing codes?

Group homes are not exempt from requirements to maintain their buildings and structures in compliance with City ordinances and applicable federal and state law.

Common Concerns Associated with Group Homes

A list of concerns typically reported by residents that are not considered violations regarding group homes and other similar type facilities are listed below:

  • Picking up and/or dropping off of residents
  • Visits from family, friends, medical staff, etc.
  • Residents walking around outside and within the community (The inclusion of group homes in a residential environment “by right” is designed to help incorporate the resident into the community.)
  • Parking in the street (Vehicles parked in the street are subject to the same traffic laws that apply to all motor vehicles. Please report suspected violations online through the Citizen Action Request form or by calling 817-459-6777.)

The following is a list of concerns that are violations at group homes and other similar type facilities:

  • Unclean Premises/Outside Storage
  • Parking In The Yard
  • Trash Out Too Early
  • Peeling Paint/Rotted, Missing and/or Broken Wood, Siding, etc…
  • Broken Windows and/or Doors
  • High Weeds and Grass
  • Dilapidated Fences
  • Nuisance Vehicles
  • Graffiti
  • Over-sized/Commercial Vehicles

Nuisance Landscape

Any vegetation, landscape, trees, bushes, shrubs, vines, brush or ground cover plants that due to lack of trimming, pruning, or shaping or other neglect is in a state of disrepair. Landscape in an unsafe state of repair may include trees or shrubs or vines or brush or ground cover that presents a safety hazard due to death or disease or damage.

Property owners are not to allow grass or weeds to exceed twelve (12) inches in height. Property owners and tenants are responsible for keeping their lawns mowed to the edge of the roadway. Only one notification per year will be made. Those in violation 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. If the bill is not paid, interest-bearing liens are placed on the property. Nuisance landscape contributes to blight conditions and creates a nuisance and a possible safety hazard. It can also make grass fires more dangerous for firefighters and homeowners.

The following fees apply to Nuisance Chapter property violations in the City of Arlington

Read the Ordinance

Parking in the Yard

Ordinance - Nuisance Chapter, Article VII, Section 7.01(PDF, 9MB) (page 39) 

Parking of an automobile, truck, bus, motorcycle, motor home, camper, trailer, truck tractor, road tractor, semi-trailer, pole trailer, boat or mobile home must be on a paved concrete or asphalt parking surface of any front yard.

The following regulations apply to residential properties:

  1. Front yard- All vehicles must be parked on a concrete or asphalt surface suitable for parking.
  2. Side yard - All vehicles must be parked on a concrete or asphalt surface suitable for parking, or be parked behind a screening fence.
  3. Rear yard - All vehicles must be parked on a concrete or asphalt surface suitable for parking, or be parked behind a screening fence.

Be aware that corner lots have higher parking standards than those listed above. Contact Code Compliance with any questions.

Please also be aware that lawfully parked vehicles may still be in violation of other vehicle ordinances, such as nuisance vehicle or prohibited parking of vehicles and trailers.

Stagnant / Foul Water

Protect you, your property, and your neighborhood by maintaining your swimming pool and hot tub water in a clear, sanitary condition. Remove standing water in your yard and neighborhood where mosquitoes can breed. This includes flower pots, clogged rain gutters, bird baths, or any vessel that can hold standing water. Mosquitoes may develop in any water stagnant for more than three or four days.

Read the Ordinance

Individuals who fail to maintain a clean property can pay up to a $2000 fine in municipal court per citation. Citations can be issued daily. In certain situations, the city may abate the nuisance and bill the property owner for the cleanup of the property.

Info from Arlington’s Stormwater Management Division

It is a violation of city ordinance to discharge any swimming pool or spa chemicals into the storm drain system. Do not harm your neighbors property, city property or the local water quality.

Protect Against West Nile Virus

Vacant Structures

In an effort to preserve neighborhood integrity and deter the unlawful use of vacant homes and businesses, owners of both residential and commercial vacant structures are required to maintain their property in accordance with city ordinances. Along with continued property maintenance, vacant structures must be kept secure from unauthorized entry at all times. The City of Arlington encourages anyone to report code violations, including any unsecured properties by contacting Code Compliance by one of the following methods:

  • Call the City of Arlington’s Action Center at 817-459-6777
  • Contact us online using the Ask Arlington App
  • Mail the concern to: The City of Arlington’s Code Compliance Division at P.O. Box 90231, MS 63-0600, Arlington, TX 76004-3231.
  • You can also visit us between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at the following locations:
    • North Arlington - 500 E. Border Street, 11th floor
    • South Arlington - 1030 S.W. Green Oaks Boulevard (South Police Station)
    • East Arlington - 2001 New York Avenue (East Police Station)
    • West Arlington - 2060 W. Green Oaks Boulevard (West Police Station)

View webpage with maps of District office locations here.

By proactively communicating and working together, we can keep our neighborhoods safe and strong.

Watering Restrictions

Visit the Water Conservation webpage for irrigation rules and more information.

Report a Code Violation

Report a Concern Online

Or, contact the Action Center to report a code violation by calling 817-459-6777. In case of emergency, call 9-1-1.

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