FENCES
Fences are designed to improve the looks of the property they are built on, and to keep things in and keep things out. Fence owners are required to maintain any fence visible from a public right-of-way. Notices of violation allowing thirty (30) days to correct the problem are given before penalties are imposed.
REASON FOR REGULATION
Poorly maintained fences depreciate the property they are located on as well as surrounding properties. Fences that have broken or missing pickets can allow pets to escape and allow other pets to enter.
SOLUTIONS
Repair fences that have broken or missing pickets, bricks, or are leaning. Leaning fences can fall at any time and may injure someone. Refer to the Code of Ordinances before installing or constructing a new fence or repairing an existing fence. If you have further questions, contact the Code enforcement.
JUNKED VEHICLES
State law allows cities to take action to control junked vehicles. If a vehicle remains inoperable for more than thirty (30) consecutive days on private property or seventy-two (72) consecutive hours on public property, or if the vehicle has expired license plates or an expired motor vehicle inspection sticker, it can be considered a junk vehicle.
REASON FOR REGULATION
Parking a junked vehicle in public view decreases private property value and is detrimental to the safety of the public and creates a fire hazard.
SOLUTION
To comply with the ordinance, a vehicle meeting the definition of a junked vehicle must be removed or screened from ordinary public view. Screening devices include a fence, rapidly growing trees, or shrubbery.
PARKING VIOLATIONS
Vehicles are an important part of our everyday life. Where and how vehicles are kept can create safety hazards and affect the value of a neighborhood. Local ordinances and state laws regulate parked vehicles.
PARKING UNHITCHED TRAILERS AND RECREATION VEHICLES
Unhitched trailers parked on city streets are unsightly and can create a safety problem. Parking unhitched trailers on city streets is not permitted.
PARKING ON UNIMPROVED SURFACES
This is often known as yard parking. Vehicles are not allowed to park on any residential lot unless the parking surface is improved.
NO PARKING ZONES
Local ordinance follows state law in prohibiting parking in places that are marked by signs or curb markings.
PARKING ON A STREET FOR MORE THAN 48 HOURS
A vehicle or other property left unattended for more than 48 hours is declared a nuisance and may be impounded.
PARKING NEXT TO BUILDINGS
It is unlawful to park within 20 feet of a commercial building. Designated as fire lanes, most buildings in Taft have signs and pavement markings to comply with this ordinance
OVERNIGHT TRUCK PARKING
Parking vehicles with a carrying capacity exceeding 1-1/2 tons on city streets is prohibited.
VEHICLES USED TO TRANSPORT EXLOSIVES, FLAMMABLES, POISONS, ETC.
With certain exceptions, it is generally unlawful to drive or park vehicles carrying certain dangerous materials in the city.
PARKING OVER A SIDEWALK
A common complaint from citizens is vehicles blocking sidewalks. The Texas Transportation Code prohibits this and includes a number of other parking regulations over and above city ordinances.
PLANTS & VEGETATION
Trees or plants that hang lower than seven (8) feet above a sidewalk pose as a hazard for pedestrians. Walking into a low hanging branch can cause serious injury. Trees that hang lower than fourteen (14) feet above the street surface pose as a hazard for emergency vehicles and larger trucks.
REASON FOR REGULATION
Trees and vegetation compliment residential neighborhoods. They can become a serious hazard if allowed to become an obstruction to pedestrians and vehicles.
SOLUTION
According to the ordinance, trees and plants must be kept trimmed to allow a seven (8) foot clearance above sidewalks and a fourteen (14) foot clearance above the street surface.
UNWHOLESOME PROPERTY, TRASH, TALL GRASS
The accumulation of any carrion (animal carcasses), filth, rubbish, or other unwholesome matter along with grass that exceeds 12 inches in height on any property.
The accumulation of unwholesome matter and tall grass not only makes the neighborhood unsightly, but it may also attract vermin, create a fire hazard, and endanger the public health.
SOLUTION
Keep your property mowed and free of trash and rubbish.