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1. How do I file a Complaint?

Suspected code violations can be reported online.

Start a Service Report

Step by Step process to submit complaint

1.    Choose a Category: “Buildings Complaints – “Working without permits” or “Neighborhood Improvement Services”. This selection will route the complaint to the proper department.

2.    Next choose a Subcategory:

•    Working without a Permit 

•    Junk & Debris

•    Non-Complaint Junk & Debris

•    High Grass & Weeds

•    Junk/Abandoned Vehicle(s)

•    Substandard Structure(s) 

•    Miscellaneous Complaint(s)

    This selection will route the complaint to an assigned investigator.

3.    Next enter the location of complaint using the “Add a location to your request” mapping. It is easier if you use the “Locate by Map” feature and Toggle to full screen and enlarge the map to locate the exact location of the complaint. 

•    Please note that without an address, we cannot perform a site visit and may Decline the complaint. 

•    The “Locate by Address” will only work if the location has previously been entered into the system, such as by requesting a permit or recently constructed. Older homes may not be in the system.

4.    Next enter a Description of the complaint. This assists the investigator in ensuring your complaint is located and properly evaluated. Attaching an image is great if you can do that!

5.    Next enter your Contact Information.

•    If you choose to Remain Anonymous you will not receive any notifications of progress or resolution. 

•    If you enter your Name, Email and Phone number you will receive email notifications of progress or resolution in real-time as the complaint progresses. 

6.    Next answer the Security Code question and Submit the Request. 

2. What happens when I report a code violation?

Once a suspected code violation has been submitted, Neighborhood Improvement Services staff is assigned and an investigation takes place. Due to the different nature of submissions, investigation and resolution times may vary. For example, zoning violations typically require monitoring and collecting of information on the property and usually will take longer to reach a resolution.

Once it is determined that a violation has occurred, city staff will issue a notice of violation to the property owner outlining the necessary corrective action as well as a compliance timeframe. Re-inspections are then conducted to verify compliance

We have established Complaint Status Categories. As each complaint works through the Code Complaint Report Module, it is assigned a Status for tracking purposes:

• Pending – Each complaint received is automatically assigned Pending status. This status indicates that an investigator has not yet reviewed the complaint.
• Accepted – Complaint has been accepted for investigation and review by a Neighborhood Improvement Services Official.
• In Progress – The complaint is being actively worked as a Neighborhood Improvement Services Project.
• Completed – Case is closed with satisfactory result. This may be either by voluntary compliance or forced compliance.
• Canceled – A complaint may be canceled because we have received the same complaint from another citizen.
• Declined – Upon investigation, an investigator was unable to identify a code violation.
• Occasionally, an investigator may provide an update during the In Progress status as available.

3. How long may it take to resolve my complaint?

We hate to say it depends on the type of complaint, but that is the correct answer. A High Grass complaint or a junk vehicle complaint may take from three (3) to four (4) weeks. However, if the owner contests the Notice of Violation and requests a Court Hearing, the timeline may be significantly extended.  

 Even if the owner does not request a Court hearing, a junk vehicle on private property requires an Abatement Order signed by a Judge before the junk vehicle may be removed.

4. I thought the owner only has ten (10) days to comply?

That’s correct. However, if the owner does not voluntary comply, an Abatement Order is required to force compliance on private property with all complaints except high grass. This extends the ten (10) days significantly.

For example: In the event of a high grass complaint that does not require an Abatement Order, after the ten (10) days, the property is placed on the abatement list for notification to the contractor, the contractor is notified [weekly or bi-weekly], and then, weather permitting, mows the property.  

If the complaint involves a substandard structure and is contested by the owner, the court proceedings alone may take from two (2) to three (3) years to obtain a resolution before demolition may begin.

5. What is a junk vehicle?

A vehicle that is self-propelled or a non-motored vehicle including but not limited to trailers and:

               (a) Does not have lawfully attached to it:

                                1. An unexpired license plate; or

                                2. Does not display a license plate, or

                                3. A valid motor vehicle inspection certificate, or 

               (b) Is:

                                1. Wrecked, dismantled or partially dismantled, or discarded; or

                               2. Inoperable and has remained inoperable for more than:

                                               a. Seventy-two consecutive hours, if the vehicle is on public property; or

                                              b. Thirty consecutive days, if the vehicle is on private property, or

                (c)           An aircraft that does not has lawfully printed on the aircraft an unexpired federal aircraft identification number registered under FAA aircraft registration regulations, or 

                (d)          A watercraft that:

                                1. Does not have lawfully on board an unexpired certificate of number, and

                                2.Is not a watercraft described by Section 31.055, Parks and Wildlife Code.

6. What is considered a high grass violation?

Grass or weeds that uniformly exceed twelve (12) inches in height

7. What happens if I don’t enter the correct address?

Often times we are unable to locate the violation and if unable to contact the complainant (chosen to remain anonymous) we will decline the complaint as unable to identify a violation.  

8. What’s the easiest way to contact Neighborhood Improvement Services?

The easiest way is to email Neighborhood Improvement Services. By emailing this address group, someone will be able to answer your question or get you the information you are requesting.

9. I want to file a complaint, but I don’t want to identify myself. Is that permissible?

Yes, it is. However, by remaining anonymous you will not be able to track the complaint or receive updates.

10. I want to file a complaint but am not very good with computers, How can I file a complaint?

You can go to Texas City Fire Department Administration, 1725 25^th Street, and complete a paper form, or request a form at City Hall, or go to the Library and a librarian will assist you with computer filing.

11. Does if help to submit photos with my complaint?

Very much so; as the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words.

12. What are the pool regulations in Texas City?

Generally, all pools in Texas must be in an enclosed fenced area at least 4 feet tall with no gaps of greater than 4 inches including between the ground and bottom of the fence.

13. Every time the complaint gets corrected the occupant does the same thing all over again. What do I do now?

You may re-file a complaint. This is a repeat or recurring violation. If the new complaint is within the twelve month time period from when the City obtained an Abatement Order, the new complaint(s) can be corrected using the original Abatement Order.  If the new complaint is over twelve (12) months from the Abatement Order, a new Abatement Order must be obtained to correct the violation.