Code Enforcement

A Division of Community Development

If you are a Property Owner please assist the City in not allowing your property to become a Nuisance. The City of Gatesville City Ordinances is derived from the State Laws of Texas governing what is a Nuisance. Code Enforcement is the enforcer of those laws and ordinances. 

Code enforcement officers investigate violations such as high grass and weeds, open and vacant structures, junk vehicles, accumulation of debris, contaminated bulk waste, and zoning issues. Chapter 36 - Nuisances of the Code of Ordinances 

Substandard Structures 

A structure can be declared substandard if it is found unfit for human occupancy due to the lack of maintenance or disrepair, and constitutes a hazard to the occupants or public. 

When the building official has inspected or caused to be inspected any building and has found and determined that the building is substandard, the building official may take any or all of the following actions, as he or she deems appropriate:

Issue notice to the record owner that the building is substandard and must be repaired or demolished;

Issue citation(s) for violation(s) of this section; and/or

Recommend to the municipal court that abatement proceedings be commenced.

Junked Motor Vehicles

Junked Motor Vehicles are detrimental to the safety and welfare of the general public, tend to reduce the value of private property, invite vandalism, create fire hazards and harm the economic welfare of the city.

Junk Vehicle Definition

A junked vehicle is self-propelled and:

Contains expired or missing license plates OR inspection certificates; AND

Wrecked, dismantled, or partially dismantled, or discarded; or

Remained inoperable for more than 30 consecutive days if on private property; or

Remained inoperable for more than 72 consecutive hours if on public property.

Junked Vehicle Declared to be Public Nuisance

A junked vehicle that is located within the city in a place where it is visible at any time of the year from a public or private place or public right-of-way:

Is detrimental to the safety and welfare of the public;

Tends to reduce the value of private property;

Invites vandalism;

Creates a fire hazard;

Is an attractive nuisance creating a hazard to the health and safety of minors;

Produces urban blight adverse to the maintenance and continuing development of municipalities; and

Is a public nuisance.

This does not include vehicles stored in a fully enclosed garage or storage building.

For vehicles located in the street, on a public right-of-way, or public property, contact the Gatesville Police Department at (254) 865-2226.

High Grass & Weeds

High weeds and grass can become a fire hazard, as well as a breeding place for mosquitoes and rodents. Grass or weeds higher than 12 inches are not in compliance with the City of Gatesville's ordinances.

Owners of properties in violation of the grass and weeds ordinance will receive a notice to bring the property into compliance. If the property is occupied and the problem is not resolved, the owner will be issued a citation. Legal action could be taken in Municipal Court. If the property is vacant the City may send a contractor to mow the high grass and weeds, and issue a bill consisting of mowing fees and administrative service fees to the property owner.

In the interest of public health and safety, any property with high grass and weeds that has grown higher than 48" inches can be cleaned or mowed without prior notification to the owner. The City will send a bill for this service to the property owner.

A lien will be placed against the property for any bill not paid within 30 days.

How We Work:

Our Code Enforcement team employs a proactive approach to targeted enforcement, utilizing a combination of inspections, education, and enforcement actions to address violations effectively. We work collaboratively with property owners, residents, and stakeholders to achieve voluntary compliance whenever possible, prioritizing education and assistance alongside enforcement measures.

Get Involved:

We encourage residents and business owners to be proactive stewards of our community by maintaining their properties in accordance with city regulations. By promptly addressing maintenance issues and complying with zoning and property use requirements, you play a vital role in preserving the beauty and safety of Bellmead.

Contact Us:

If you have any questions, concerns, or reports regarding code violations in your area, please don't hesitate to contact the City of Gatesville's Code Enforcement Division. Together, we can work towards a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant community for all.

Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to making Gatesville a wonderful place to call home.