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Building Inspection

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1. Do I need a permit to replace my fence?

Yes. Please fill out the miscellaneous permit application found in the link included. Miscellaneous Permit Application

2. Is a permit required for an accessory building (storage shed)?

Yes, all accessory structures have square footage maximums and are required to meet certain setback requirements and therefore require a permit. To obtain a permit please complete a miscellaneous permit application. Miscellaneous Permit Application

3. Is a permit required for foundation repair?

Yes, the foundation company doing the work must be registered with the City and apply for permit.

4. Is a permit required to replace my water heater?

Yes, State law requires the City to perform an inspection of water heater replacements, additionally state law requires a licensed plumber to obtain a permit for water heater replacement.

5. Can a homeowner obtain a permit?

Yes. However, if a contractor is hired to perform the work, the City will require registration of the contractor and verify proper licensing and insurance.

6. How long is my permit valid?

A permit expires in 180 days if no work has been performed, If work has begun and continues the permit remains valid until complete.

7. My homeowners association (HOA) is telling me that I cannot build my project, is this true?

While your project may be approved by the City, you should always check your deed restrictions and HOA requirements before applying for a permit. The City does not enforce HOA requirements.

8. What building code does the City of Fate use?

2009 International building codes and the 2014 National electric code.

9. How much is a permit?

A permit cost varies depending on type and complexity, please see the link attached. Building Permit Fees

10. Can I get a building permit before the City has accepted my subdivision?

The City of Fate strives to make processes easier, more predictable and fair for all that are in accordance with City ordinances, which in short states, early building permits shall not be released until all required improvements have been installed, inspected, and accepted. Required improvements include but are not limited to: site sanitation; required landscaping installed and grass cover established; as-built PDF plans, AutoCAD, and ESRI shapefiles submitted; field grading verification's performed; and maintenance bonds filed.

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General

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1. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Please follow the link to access the FAQ page. FAQ

2. How do I contact a City department?

Depending on the nature of your request, you can call, email, or visit our offices. The City's general phone number is (972) 771-4601. In the government menu tab at the top of the screen, you can click on the department's page you are interested in contacting to find specific emails, phone numbers, and locations.

3. What are the City's Hours of Operation?

City Hall is open Monday - Thursday, from 7AM to 6PM, and Friday from 8AM to 12PM.

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Municipal Court

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1. How can I pay for my citation?

View the Payment of Fines Webpage Payment of Fines

2. Can I request a Driving Safety Course to dismiss my citation?

View the Driving Safety Course Webpage for information. Driving Safety Course

3. Can certain violations be dismissed?

View the Compliance Dismissal Webpage Compliance Dismissal

4. Can I request Deferred Disposition?

View the Deferred Disposition Webpage Deferred Disposition

5. Will my citation be reported as a conviction if I just pay it?

Yes, if you do not choose one of the options for dismissal or you are not eligible, the violation(s) will be reported as a conviction on your Texas Department of Public Safety Driving Record.

6. If I have a CDL, do I have any options to keep the citation off of my record?

Municipal Court Judges, by law, are not allowed to approve Deferred Disposition or a Driving Safety Course for a moving violation if you hold a Commercial Driving License.

7. How do I request a Court Date?

You may request a court date in person at the Municipal Court, by mail, or by email at court@cityoffate.com

8. Where do I find the amount due on my citation?

You can find your amount due by selecting the link for online payments on the Payment of Fines Webpage. If your citation is unavailable it is not in our system yet and you would need to try again on a later date. Most citations are available within 48-72 hours of the citation issue date. Payment of Fines

9. What options do I have if my citation is in Warrant?

Payment options are on the Payment of Fines Webpage, or you would need to call the court for other options Payment of Fines

10. If I am a Juvenile, what do I need to do?

A Juvenile (person under the age of 17) is required to appear before the Judge accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. You do not have to appear within 20 days, as your court date/time will be mailed to the address on your citation. It is your responsibility to notify the court if it is incorrect.

If you fail to appear at your court date, your Driver's license may be denied or suspended until you make an appearance.

11. Can I pay my Warrant online?

Yes, but it will be a conviction on your record. Call the court at 972-771-4601 ext. 127 for other possible options.

12. What if I am unable to pay my citation in full within 20 days?

You may request a 30 day Extension to pay online or in person. You may also request a payment plan. Call the court for instructions at 972-771-4601 ext. 127. online

13. What is the proper attire for Court or Jury Duty?

Business casual is the acceptable attire. Jeans are acceptable, hats are not. Please check the Local Rules for details. Defendants who appear in prohibited attire may be sent home to change clothes. Local Rules

14. If I am a minor with an alcohol violation or under 18 with a tobacco violation, what do I need to do?

You are required by state law to appear before a judge. If you are under 18, you must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. A court date/time will be mailed to you at the address on your citation, therefore you are not required to appear within 20 days. It is your responsibility to notify the court if you have a change of address. You may get additional information by reviewing the Local Rules document. Local Rules

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Parks & Recreation

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1. Are bounce houses allowed?

a. Yes

i. Users are responsible for providing a generator to inflate the bounce house. The City Does Not provide electricity.

ii. Adult supervision must be provided at all times to ensure safe levels of operation.

iii. Bounce houses may not be set up in wet conditions

iv. Motor Vehicles/trailers are not allowed on park lands, on turf, or on walkways

2. Are water slides allowed?

a. No slides or inflatable that use water are allowed

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Planning & Development

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1. General Info - How do I get feedback from the City regarding an idea I have for developing a property?

The best way is to schedule a meeting with the DRC. Each project is granted one free DRC meeting, thereafter a fee of $250 will apply. For you to get the most out of meeting with the DRC please come prepared with conceptual drawings (i.e. site plan, landscape plan, building elevation plan, open space/pedestrian plan, etc.).

2. General Info - How do I get feedback from the City regarding an idea I have for opening a business in an existing building?

Complete the application and submit it to the Building Inspection Department along with the non-refundable $35 processing fee. The application may be submitted in-person, via postage mail, or sent through email to anabors@cityoffate.com. The processing fee must be submitted in-person or via postage mail. CO applications will NOT be processed until the application and processing fee have been received. If the application is approved, an additional $165 is required CO Application.

3. General Info - When and where are Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council meetings held?

All meetings are held in the Fate City Hall located at 1900 C.D. Boren Pkwy which is at the southwest corner of the HWY 66 and C.D. Boren Pkwy intersection. Planning & Zoning Commission meetings ordinarily occur the third Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. City Council meetings ordinarily occur the first and third Monday of every month at 6 p.m.

4. Property Info - Where can I find information about who owns a property, its size, & its taxing entities?

You can use the interactive map found on the Rockwall County Central Appraisal District website. Simply zoom in to a location and click on the property you're interested in Interactive Map.

5. Property Info - How do I determine if my property is in the floodplain?

You can use the interactive map found on FEMAs website. Simply zoom in to a location or type 'Fate, TX' in the search bar Interactive Map.

6. Meeting Request - What is the DRC?

DRC stands for Development Review Committee. It's comprised of City staff members from the Building Inspections, Public Works, Engineering, and Planning Departments. The DRC is responsible for reviewing all zoning, platting, and civil plan applications.

7. Meeting Request - How often does the DRC meet?

The DRC meets every first and third Wednesday of each month from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. DRC meetings are by appointment only. Appointments are scheduled in one-hour increments and are available ONLY at 8:30, 9:30, 10:30, and 11:30.

8. Meeting Request - How do I request a meeting with the DRC?

DRC meetings are by appointment only and must be requested at least 48-hours prior to the start of a regularly scheduled DRC meeting (i.e. requested by the first or third Monday of each month at 8:30 am). To schedule, complete the application and email it to wrugeley@cityoffate.com Request a DRC Meeting Application.

9. Application Submittal - What do I need to submit with my zoning, platting, or civil plan application?

Each application type has certain unique submittal requirements. To find out exactly what needs to be submitted you can click on the Application Submittal Requirements.

10. Application Submittal - When can I submit my zoning, platting, or civil plan application?

Applications are accepted ONLY on Thursday's, no later than 4 p.m. Incomplete applications and applications arriving after 4 p.m. will not be accepted. For a calendar of authorized submittal dates click the Application Submittal Schedule.

11. Zoning - How do I determine what a property is zoned?

Take a look at the zoning map and use the legend located at the top left corner to determine its zoning district. If a property is NOT zoned, it will not be shaded (i.e. have a color) Zoning Map.

12. Zoning - I know what my property is zoned but how do I learn more about what my property can be used for and what the design requirements will be?

All permitted uses and design requirements are detailed online at the Fate MuniCode Website. Once arriving at the MuniCode website, click the link for Article VII, titled "Districts and District Regulations", then find and click the link for the zoning district associated with your property Fate MuniCode Website.

13. Zoning - How long does it take to zone a property?

The zoning process usually takes between 60 and 90 days. This amount of time is necessary due to state legislation mandating publication of the application in the newspaper and notification of property owners within 200' of the subject property.

14. Zoning - What is the process for zoning a property?

The zoning process ordinarily takes between 60 and 90 days. All zoning applications require public hearings by both the Planning & Zoning Commission (P&Z) and City Council. At least 15-days before the P&Z meeting newspaper publishing is required and at least 10-days before the P&Z meeting property owners within 200' of the subject property must be notified via postage mail. The P&Z makes a recommendation to the City Council; the City Council subsequently acts on the application. The action taken by the City Council is final.

15. Zoning - What is a Conditional Use Permit (CUP)?

In most zoning districts, there are uses which may or may not be appropriate in a particular location. Typically, they are uses that may have some special impact or uniqueness which requires a careful review of their location, design, configuration and special impact to determine the desirability of permitting the use's establishment on a particular site. Such uses are classified as Conditional Uses, and before they may be established, both the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council must hold a public hearing. If approved by the City Council, the use may be established. Alternatively, if not approved by the City Council, the use may not be established Conditional Use Permit Ordinance.

16. Zoning - What is the process for getting a Conditional Use Permit (CUP)?

The process is exactly the same as the zoning process but a prerequisite to obtaining a CUP is that the property must already be zoned and its zoning district must authorize conditional uses. The application submittal requirements are slightly different than a zoning application’s, so be sure to read thoroughly through the CUP requirements to ensure a complete submittal is made Application Submittal Requirements.

17. Platting - How can I get a copy of the plat for my neighborhood?

You can email wrugeley@cityoffate.com. Be sure to include your first and last name and property address. If the plat is available, you will be emailed a PDF copy. If the plat is unavailable, a Planning Department staff member will email you informing you of its unavailability and also provide an explanation for why.

18. Platting - My plat is almost ready for filing at the County, what do I need to submit?

The plat filing requirements are detailed within the Application Submittal Requirements link under the heading "Plat Filing Requirements (at County)" Application Submittal Requirements.

19. Platting - What are the fees for filing plats at the County?

Each plat sheet is $60, so for example, if your plat is one-sheet, the fee is $60; if it's three-sheets, the fee is $180. The County also requires the City to file the ad valorem tax certificate. The fee is $30 for the first page plus $4 for each additional page, so for example, if your tax sheet is one-page, the fee is $30; if it's three-pages, the fee is $38. The filing fee for documents like separate instrument easements is the same as the fee for filing an ad valorem tax certificate Filing Fees.

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Property Standards

Show All Answers

1. What is a Code Violation?

Please read a complete definition of a code violation on the code violation page.

2. How do I dispose of items like appliances, televisions, furniture, paint, motor oil, or other toxic materials?

For disposal of large or hazardous items please contact Progressive Waste Solutions at 469-452-8000 or email at their website. Some items may be disposed of free of charge while others may incur a nominal fee. Progressive Waste website

3. How do I find out who registered a complaint on my property?

Pursuant to the Texas Attorney General’s Office reporting party information is kept strictly confidential and may not be released without a court order.

4. Do I need to give my name and contact information to file a complaint about a code violation?

No, code violations may be submitted anonymously, however, specific violation location details are required. If you elect to provide your information the code compliance officer will contact you if requested to inform you of the actions taken.

5. I made a complaint. How long do I have to wait before something is done?

Complaints are assigned and addressed within 48 hours. Immediate life safety violations are given priority. Depending on the nature of the complaint, the code compliance officer may need to send a letter and schedule an inspection with the property owner. As each case may vary in complexity, so may the time required to bring the violation into compliance. If requested, the code compliance officer will contact you after the initial inspection to inform you of the impending action. Extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis for extenuating circumstances and special conditions.

6. Is a garage sale sign allowed?

A garage sale sign may be located only on the premises where the garage sale is being conducted and on private property only. Garage sale sign should not be posted more than seventy-two (72) hours prior to the beginning of the sale and should be removed within twenty-four (24) hours following the end of the sale.

7. Is a permit required for banners/temporary signs?

A valid temporary sign permit must be obtained prior to hanging or displaying all banners and temporary signs. Temporary signs must be associated with a special sale, event, grand opening, or business closure. Temporary sign permits are valid for fourteen (14) days and can be issued once every three (3) months. A $35 dollar fee applies. You may obtain a temporary sign permit at 109 E. Fate Main Place or by calling the Building Inspections Department at 972-771-4601, ext. 101.

8. What should I do if the violation is contained solely in the back yard and cannot be seen by the Code Compliance Officer?

The code compliance officer must observe a violation before action can be taken. The compliance officer will need to meet with you at your property to gain access to your property in order to conduct an inspection.

9. I received notification of a violation. How much time do I have?

View violations and their time limits on the violations time limits page.

10. What are the penalties for a violation?

Please review the complete list on the violation penalties page.

11. Will the City abate a violation?

Please find the complete answer on the abatements page.

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Water & Utilities

Show All Answers

1. How do I start new water, sewer and trash service?

To establish new water, sewer and sanitation service:
**Please note, request for new service and deposit received after 3:00 pm will result in connection on the following workday.
Option 1
Please come by the City Hall and bring the following:
A valid picture ID (Driver’s License)
A copy of your signed lease or Closing Disclosure
A deposit payable by cash, check, money order or credit/debit card (Master Card, Discover, or VISA). Out of state checks and Driver’s Licenses are accepted.
You will also need to fill out a Residential Water Service Application.
Option 2
You may download the Residential Water Service Application, fill it out and return it by mail, by fax, or by email:

Utility Billing
P.O. Box 159
Fate, TX 75132
Fax: 972-722-8266

Please note, you will need to include a copy of your Driver’s License with your mailed, emailed or faxed application. We will need proof of ownership or for customers who are renting or leasing a home, we must receive a copy of your rental/lease agreement, as well. Your deposit must be received by the Utility Billing department before a service will be established. We do not accept deposits online or over the phone.

2. Who do I contact regarding trash service?

This service is provided by Waste Connections and is billed through your water bill at the rate of $19.16 per month for residential service effective 9/18/15. You must use the Waste Connective provided 95 gallon poly-cart. If you do not have a poly-cart at the address you are setting up service for, please let us know and arrangements will be made to have one delivered to you. You are allowed one bulky item per week in addition to your Progressive container(s). Additional poly-carts are available for $11.95 per month. We also provide recycling. You will be supplied with up to 2 18-gallon recycle bins at no charge, or we can provide a 96 gallon recycling poly-cart for $1 per month. Recycling is picked up once a week. Tuesday is recycling pick up day for residents on the south side of Highway 66. Thursday is recycling pick up day for residents on the north side of Highway 66.

Commercial accounts should contact Waste Connections directly at 903-450-8282.

This service is provided to inside city limit residential/commercial accounts only.

3. What are my payment options?

Payments may be made the following ways:
- Online—you will need your account number and last payment made
- In person at the Utility Department at the City Hall located at 1900 C D Boren Pkwy, Fate, TX 75087.
- Dropped in the night drop located in front of the City Hall entrance doors; please-No Cash
- Bank/Credit Card drafts can be setup as recurring payments by completing and submitting the Automatic Debit Authorization Form.
- Debit/credit card payments can be made in person
- Check, money order or cashier's check payments may be mailed to P.O. Box 159, Fate, TX 75132.

4. How is my sewer fee calculated?

Sewer rates are based upon "winter averaging" which means water usage in the months of December, January and February will determine your sewer rate. Rates are adjusted annually. New accounts will be charged the city wide average until the next winter averaging cycle.

5. When are water bills due?

Water bills are mailed anytime by the 20th of the month. Payments are due by the 15th day of the month.

6. Why do I have a penalty fee?

The due date is the 15th day of the month. If payment is not received by the due date shown on the bill, a penalty fee of 10% of balance owed will be automatically assessed on the 16th day of the month.

7. When is the disconnection date?

Disconnect date is the 25th of each month. If service is disconnected the customer is assessed a $50 Service Charge. If a deposit is not on file a deposit will be assessed to the account.

8. Where do we pay our property/school taxes?

Please pay those taxes to the Rockwall County Tax Assessor/Collector, phone number 972-204-6130.

9. What causes taste and odor change in the water?

A natural occurrence in all surface water supplies called an "algal bloom", is responsible for the taste and odor changes in the water supply. Algal blooms usually occur in late July and into August each year.

*Note. Algal blooms can occur during winter months also.

10. Is the water safe to drink?

Yes. The taste and odor is a palatability issue. There are no health hazards created regardless of the taste and odor caused by the algal bloom.

11. If I have a water/sewer problem after business hours, or to report a water main break or sewer issue, who do I contact?

Please call 972-824-4403. Public Works has maintenance technicians on call 24 hours a day.

12. How do I find out if a certain piece of property has water and sewer services?

Please call 972-771-4601.