FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This is a list of common questions related to Neighborhood Services issues. To find questions on a particular topic, click on one of the links below.
General Information
Homeowner / Neighborhood Associations
Commercial
Code Enforcement
Trash / Recycling
Vehicles
Home Improvement Incentive Program
Apartments
Miscellaneous Topics
General Information Return to top
How do I contact Neighborhood Services?
Telephone: 972-744-4166
Fax: 972-744-5802
Email: neighborhood.services@cor.gov
Where is Neighborhood Services located?
Street Address:
411 W. Arapaho Road, Room 108
Richardson, Texas 75080-4551
Mailing Address:
PO Box 830309
Richardson, Texas 75083-0309
Map to the Neighborhood Services Office, in the Civic Center.
How do I contact a member of the Neighborhood Services staff?
Please consult our Staff Contact page.
Homeowner / Neighborhood Associations Return to top
What is the difference between a neighborhood and homeowner association?
A neighborhood association is a voluntary association of homeowners, renters, local business, churches and schools that work together to achieve neighborhood goals and build community spirit. Participation is not mandatory, and membership is open to all residents within the boundaries of the neighborhood.
A homeowner association is a group of homeowners who live in an area built by the same developer; formed for the purpose of improving or maintaining the quality of the area. Homeowner associations usually have a formally elected body and are governed by covenant or deed restrictions - a set of rules that the buyer agreed to when they purchased the home.
I would like to start a neighborhood association in my neighborhood. Is there someone that can assist me?
Yes, Neighborhood Services has a New Neighborhood Association Development Program available to assist residents who are interested in forming a neighborhood association in their neighborhood. To learn more please visit our information page or call 972-744-4166.
Is leadership training available for neighborhood/homeowner association leaders?
Yes. Neighborhood Services hosts three Neighborhood Leadership Workshops throughout the year. These workshops are designed to provide leadership training for neighborhood and other community associations in Richardson. To learn more visit our information page or call 972-744-4166.
I am interested in having my neighborhood participate in the Neighborhood Assessment Program. Where can I find out how to apply?
To learn more about the Neighborhood Assessment Program, including the application process and the steps involved, visit our information page or call 972-744-4166.
I am responsible for my neighborhood’s newsletter. Is there any information available through the City that I can include?
Yes, a database of articles related to city codes, programs and services is available on our articles page or call 972-744-4166.
I am interested in having someone from the City speak at our next neighborhood event? How do I request a speaker?
To request a speaker, please visit the Request A Speaker link or call 972-744-4166.
Commercial Return to top
How can I make changes to my landscape or site plan for non-residential properties?
All changes to Landscape and Site Plans must be approved through Development Services. To learn more please visit http://www.cor.net/DevelopmentServices.aspx?id=1240 or call 972-744-4240.
Where can I find the ordinances for the different zoned areas?
This information is available in the City of Richardson’s Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. You can review this information online by clicking on the following link: http://www.cor.net/DevelopmentServices.aspx?id=10102
How can I request a variance to the City of Richardson’s zoning and fence ordinances?
Requests for variances must be made to the Zoning Board of Adjustments. This information can be obtained by calling Development Services at 972-744-4240 or by visiting http://www.cor.net/DevelopmentServices.aspx?id=1436
Where is Development Services located?
Street Address:
411 W. Arapaho Road, Room 204
Richardson, TX 75080-4551
Mailing Address:
PO Box 830309
Richardson, Texas 75083-0309
I would like to report a vehicle “for sale” at a commercial property, whom should I call?
Please contact Neighborhood Services at 972-744-4166.
How do I find out the status of my Certificate of Occupancy inspection?
Information on the status of a Certificate of Occupancy inspection can be obtained by calling the Building Inspection Department at 972-744-4180 or by visiting http://discovery.cor.gov/permitInquiry/index.jsp.
How do I schedule an additional trash/recycling collection at a commercial property?
To learn more about the Commercial Trash Collection and Recycling Programs, including scheduling additional collections, please contact Solid Waste at 972-744-4407.
Code Enforcement Return to top
How can I obtain information about code enforcement action in my neighborhood?
Neighborhood Services has an Email Update Program to provide neighborhood groups of 10 or more regular email updates on code enforcement activity in their neighborhood. To learn how to receive email updates for your neighborhood please visit our E-mail Updates page or call 972-744-4166.
I received a notice of violation, what should I do?
Please abate the violation as soon as possible. If this is not possible due to extenuating circumstances, contact the code enforcement officer that sent you the notice at the telephone number listed in the notice.
I received a notice of violation that indicated a re-inspection would be conducted, what should I do?
Please abate the violation as soon as possible. A code enforcement officer will conduct a follow-up inspection to ensure compliance. If this is not possible due to extenuating circumstances, contact the code enforcement officer that sent you the notice at the telephone number listed in the notice.
I received a notice of violation but cannot abate the violation before the re-inspection date, what should I do?
Please contact the code enforcement officer that sent you the notice at the telephone number listed in the notice.
I received a notice of violation regarding a property I no longer own, what should I do?
Please contact the code enforcement officer that sent you the notice at the telephone number listed in the notice.
I reported a violation but it has not been abated, what should I do?
Please contact Neighborhood Services at 972-744-4166 for a complete update.
I received a court citation, what should I do?
Please contact the Municipal Court at the telephone number listed on the back of the citations to schedule a hearing. Contacting Neighborhood Services will not satisfy your legal requirement with the Court.
I received a notice of violation, but am unable to complete the work required to abate the violation due to a disability. Are there any programs available that offer assistance to someone in my situation?
Yes. The Volunteer Assistance Program was established to match residents in need of help with volunteer groups looking for opportunities to provide assistance. To learn more visit our Volunteer Assistance Program page or call 972-744-4166.
Trash / Recycling Return to top
What are my trash collection and recycle days?
Service days are Monday and Thursday for residents south of Arapaho Road, and Tuesday and Friday for residents north of Arapaho. Garbage should be out by 7 a.m. on your pick up day. To learn more visit our Regular Residential Trash page or our Map of Trash Pickup Days.
I have a large item I would like collected, who do I call?
Special collections are made on a call-in basis for brush clippings and/or bulky items such as tree trunks. Please call 972-744-4111 to leave a recorded request for Special Collections or for further information.
Does the City have a recycling program?
Yes. Richardson has convenient curbside recycling known as the Blue Bag Recycling Program. To learn more visit our information page.
Are there any recycling drop off centers in Richardson?
Yes. Located at 102 N Cottonwood Drive. To learn more visit our Recycling page.
What items can I recycle?
The Blue Bag Recycling Program accepts newspaper, magazines, catalogues, plastic bottles #1-5 and #7, steel cans, aluminum cans, empty aerosol cans, and clear, brown, and green glass. All recyclables may be placed in the same blue bag. To learn more visit our Recycling page.
I have hazardous materials / chemicals to dispose of, where can I go?
Richardson residents can now take their household hazardous waste to the new Home Chemical Collection Center located just 2 miles south of the Plano Road & Buckingham intersection (11234 Plano Road, Dallas, TX 75243 (T) 214-553-1765). To learn more visit our Household Chemicals information page.
Vehicles Return to top
I would like to report a junk / abandoned vehicle parked on my street, what should I do?
Please contact the Police Department at 972-744-4800.
I would like to report a junk / abandoned vehicle parked on private property (commercial or residential), what should I do?
Please contact Neighborhood Services at 972-744-4166 or neighborhood.services@cor.gov.
Home Improvement Incentive ProgramReturn to top
What types of projects qualify for the program?
Any home improvement project that would potentially increase the value of the home is eligible for the program, provided the $20,000 minimum investment level is achieved. Eligible projects include but are not limited to:
- Additions
- Façade improvements
- Landscaping
- Interior remodels
- Kitchen/Bathroom updates and remodels
- Painting
- Flooring
Projects that would not qualify for the program include those that do not contribute to the permanent value of the home, for example: new TVs, stereo systems, furniture, etc.
Can the $20,000 minimum investment be fulfilled by a combination of multiple small-scale projects?
Yes. Invoices and receipts associated with all work performed must be provided after project completion to confirm the minimum investment amount.
How do I know if my improvement project requires a building permit?
Visit http://www.cor.net/buildinginspection.aspx?id=654 to view a list of jobs that require permits, or contact the Building Inspection department at 972-744-4180.
How will I know if my project has been approved?
You will receive an approval letter and Incentive Contract in the mail one to two weeks after submitting your application. You must sign the Incentive Contract, make a copy for your records, and return the original to Neighborhood Services to confirm your participation.
How is the value of my home determined?
The taxable value of your home is determined by the Dallas or Collin County Appraisal Districts, depending on where you live. For specific questions regarding how the appraisal districts operate, contact:
The Dallas Central Appraisal District
2949 North Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, Texas 75247
Customer Service: 214-631-0910
Main switchboard: 214-631-0520
www.dcad.org
or
The Collin County Appraisal District
250 W Eldorado Pkwy
McKinney, Texas 75069
(469) 742-9200
(866) 467-1110 (toll-free)
www.collincad.org
When will I receive my incentive check?
The incentive works as a rebate. Participants must pay the increased tax on their homes before the incentive is issued. For example: if a project is completed in 2008, the home will be appraised in its completed condition in 2009. The incentive check will be mailed to the property owner after 2009 taxes are due in April of 2010.
ApartmentsReturn to top
I am having trouble getting my landlord to fix a problem in my apartment. Who can I call?
To report an issue please visit our Express a Concern page.
What are the parking rules for the neighborhood?
Parking rules and regulations can be viewed on our Quick Codes page.
My apartment is infested with roaches/rats/other vermin. Who do I call?
To report roaches, rats or other vermin please contact the Richardson Health Department at 972-744-4080.
Where can I view outstanding issues for my complex?
To view outstanding issues please refer to our Recent Code Activity Reports for apartments.
Where can I view the inspection score for my complex?
To view and inspection score visit the Apartment Inspection Program Annual Score Sheet page.
Miscellaneous Topics Return to top
I would like to report signs posted in medians and on street-sign posts, what should I do?
Please contact the Building Inspection Department at 972-744-4180.
I want to enclose my garage. What do I do?
Garages may be enclosed provided you meet all building and zoning codes. An enclosed garage behind the front building line is required to accommodate two off-street parking spaces when a garage is converted into living space. Please contact the Building Inspection Department at 972-744-4180 for permit information.
My neighbor’s lawn sprinkler is spraying water onto the sidewalk / street / alley during freezing temperatures creating a hazardous condition, what should I do?
Please contact Neighborhood Services at 972-744-4166 or neighborhood.services@cor.gov.
I have relatives planning a visit; can they park their recreational vehicle at my property temporarily?
Temporary parking variances are available through Neighborhood Services. Please click here to obtain a variance.
How do I file an open records request?
Open Records request must be filed with the City Secretary’s Office. Please be specific regarding the information you request. Please contact the City Secretary’s Office at 972-744-4290.
A City vehicle caused damage to my property, what should I do?
Please contact the City Secretary’s Office at 972-744-4290.
Do I have to take down my seasonal decorations by a certain date?
Seasonal decorations should be taken down within a reasonable amount of time. Most decorations are not manufactured or intended to be used on a permanent basis and could result in hazardous conditions.
Do I need a permit to have a garage sale?
No. Garage sales are limited, however, to three per year and should last no longer than three consecutive days.
The streetlight on my street is not working. What do I do?
Streetlights are repaired and maintained by TXU Electric. To report an outage please contact TXU Electric at 1-888-313-4747 or on-line at http://www.txuelectricdelivery.com. You may also contact the City Response Center at 972-744-4111 or the Traffic Management Center at 972-744-4330.
My neighbor’s tree is hanging over my property, what should I do?
The City of Richardson does not regulate trees overhanging between two private properties. Speak with your neighbor and try to reach a mutually acceptable solution.
My tree has grown into the power line, what should I do?
Please contact TXU Energy at 972-791-2888 or 1-800-242-9113
or Oncor at 1-888-313-4747
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree on a residential property?
No. The City of Richardson does not have a tree ordinance.
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