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Dallas Overview
The Dallas City Code
CITY OF DALLAS, TEXAS CODE OF ORDINANCES
CHARTER of THE CITY OF DALLAS, TEXAS
VOLUME I
PREFACE
CHAPTER 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 2 ADMINISTRATION
ARTICLE I. IN GENERAL.
ARTICLE II. ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEYS.
ARTICLE III. MANAGEMENT AND SALE OF CITY-OWNED REAL PROPERTY.
ARTICLE IV. PROCUREMENT.
ARTICLE IV-a. OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
ARTICLE V. DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES.
ARTICLE V-a. DEPARTMENT OF FACILITIES AND REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT.
ARTICLE V-b. DEPARTMENT OF CONVENTION AND EVENT SERVICES.
ARTICLE V-c. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS.
ARTICLE V-d. WATER UTILITIES DEPARTMENT.
ARTICLE V-e. DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND URBAN DESIGN.
ARTICLE V-f. DEPARTMENT OF EQUIPMENT AND FLEET MANAGEMENT.
ARTICLE VI. DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES.
ARTICLE VII. DEPARTMENT OF CODE COMPLIANCE.
ARTICLE VII-a. OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT SERVICES.
ARTICLE VII-b. OFFICE OF DATA ANALYTICS AND BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE.
ARTICLE VIII. SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE BANKING.
ARTICLE VIII-a. CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY.
ARTICLE IX. PERMIT AND LICENSE APPEAL BOARD.
ARTICLE X. PUBLIC ART PROGRAM.
ARTICLE XI. FILLING TEMPORARY VACANCIES.
ARTICLE XII. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION.
ARTICLE XIII. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. COMMUNITY CENTER BOARD.
ARTICLE XIV. SOUTH DALLAS/FAIR PARK OPPORTUNITY FUND BOARD.
ARTICLE XV. CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER.
ARTICLE XV-a. CITY CONTROLLER’S OFFICE.
ARTICLE XV-b. OFFICE OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES.
ARTICLE XV-c. OFFICE OF RISK MANAGEMENT.
ARTICLE XVI. DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY SERVICES.
ARTICLE XVII. DEPARTMENT OF SANITATION SERVICES.
ARTICLE XVII-a. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.
ARTICLE XVIII. SENIOR AFFAIRS COMMISSION.
ARTICLE XIX. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING & NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION.
ARTICLE XX. CITIZEN HOMELESSNESS COMMISSION.
ARTICLE XXI. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION.
ARTICLE XXI-a. COMMISSION ON DISABILITIES.
ARTICLE XXII. OFFICE OF COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT.
ARTICLE XXIII. DEPARTMENT OF DALLAS ANIMAL SERVICES.
ARTICLE XXIV. ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION.
ARTICLE XXV. YOUTH COMMISSION.
ARTICLE XXVI. ARTS AND CULTURE ADVISORY COMMISSION.
ARTICLE XXVI-a. OFFICE OF ARTS AND CULTURE.
ARTICLE XXVII. CIVIL SERVICE BOARD; ADJUNCT MEMBERS; ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES.
ARTICLE XXVIII. STORMWATER DRAINAGE UTILITY.
ARTICLE XXIX. VETERAN AFFAIRS COMMISSION.
ARTICLE XXX. COLLEGE ADVISORY COMMISSION.
ARTICLE XXXI. OFFICE OF THE CITY MARSHAL.
CHAPTER 3 ADVERTISING
CHAPTER 4 RESERVED
CHAPTER 5 AIRCRAFT AND AIRPORTS
CHAPTER 5A AIR POLLUTION
CHAPTER 6 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
CHAPTER 6A AMUSEMENT CENTERS
CHAPTER 7 ANIMALS
CHAPTER 7A ANTI-LITTER REGULATIONS
CHAPTER 8 BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
CHAPTER 8A BOARDING HOME FACILITIES
CHAPTER 9 BICYCLES
CHAPTER 9A BILLIARD HALLS
CHAPTER 9B BUILDING SECURITY
CHAPTER 9C RESERVED
CHAPTER 10 RESERVED
CHAPTER 10A RESERVED
CHAPTER 10B RESERVED
CHAPTER 11 CEMETERIES AND BURIALS
CHAPTER 12 CITY YOUTH PROGRAM STANDARDS OF CARE
CHAPTER 12A CODE OF ETHICS
CHAPTER 12B CONVENIENCE STORES
CHAPTER 13 COURTS, FINES AND IMPRISONMENTS
CHAPTER 13A DALLAS TRANSIT SYSTEM
CHAPTER 14 DANCE HALLS
CHAPTER 14A RESERVED
CHAPTER 14B EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 15 RESERVED
CHAPTER 15A ELECTIONS
CHAPTER 15B EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY CONTRACT COMPLIANCE
CHAPTER 15C EMERGENCY REPORTING EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES
CHAPTER 15D EMERGENCY VEHICLES
CHAPTER 16 DALLAS FIRE CODE
CHAPTER 17 FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
CHAPTER 18 MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTES
CHAPTER 19 HEALTH AND SANITATION
CHAPTER 19A RESERVED
CHAPTER 20 EARNED PAID SICK TIME
CHAPTER 20A FAIR HOUSING AND MIXED INCOME HOUSING
CHAPTER 21 RESERVED
CHAPTER 22 RESERVED
CHAPTER 23 RESERVED
CHAPTER 24 LIBRARY
CHAPTER 25 LOAN BROKERS
CHAPTER 25A MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS
CHAPTER 26 RESERVED
CHAPTER 27 MINIMUM PROPERTY STANDARDS
CHAPTER 28 MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
VOLUME II
VOLUME III
CHAPTER 2
ADMINISTRATION
ARTICLE I.
IN GENERAL.
Sec. 2-1.   Time within which city officers to deposit money.
Sec. 2-1.1.   Advance payment of certain fees, charges, and taxes required; interest on delinquent accounts.
Sec. 2-2.   Delivery of books, etc., to successor in office.
Sec. 2-3.   Officers, etc., of city not to deal in city warrants or obligations.
Sec. 2-3.1.   Preservation of duties, powers, and functions of city manager.
Sec. 2-4.   Removal from office for misconduct or neglect of duty.
Sec. 2-5.   Labor unions - City employees not to organize or join.
Sec. 2-6.   Same - Same - Intent and purpose of provision.
Sec. 2-7.   Same - Same - Penalty for violating prohibitions.
Sec. 2-8.   Hearings and investigations as to city affairs - Subpoena powers of person or body conducting same.
Sec. 2-9.   Same - Penalty for failure to testify, etc.
Sec. 2-10.   Property purchased by city at tax sale - City manager to execute quitclaim deed upon redemption of same.
Sec. 2-11.   Same - Provisions of quitclaim deed.
Sec. 2-11.1.   Sale or release of interests in real property.
Sec. 2-11.2.   Acceptance of conveyance or acquisition by eminent domain where consideration is $10,000 or less.
Sec. 2-11.3.   Real property acquisitions where consideration exceeds $500,000.
Sec. 2-12.   Legal advice.
Sec. 2-13.   Public utilities to pay expense of office of supervisor of public utilities - Generally.
Sec. 2-14.   Same - Notice required.
Sec. 2-15.   Same - “Gross receipts” defined.
Sec. 2-16.   Eminent domain proceedings for personal property.
Sec. 2-17.   Payment of cost of publishing ordinance granting franchise or closing street.
Sec. 2-17.1.   Fiscal notes.
Sec. 2-17.2.   Selection of city auditor; nominating commission.
Sec. 2-17.3.   Nondiscrimination in the provision of city services.
ARTICLE II.
ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEYS.
Sec. 2-18.   Qualifications and appointment.
Sec. 2-19.   Duties.
Sec. 2-20.   Compensation.
Sec. 2-20.1.   Guest assistant city attorney program.
ARTICLE III.
MANAGEMENT AND SALE OF CITY-OWNED REAL PROPERTY.
Division 1. Generally.
Sec. 2-21.   Inventory of real property.
Sec. 2-22.   Examination of need.
Sec. 2-23.   Decision to sell.
Sec. 2-24.   Procedures for the sale of unneeded real property by formal bid or negotiation.
Sec. 2-24.1.   Procedures for the sale of unneeded real property by public auction.
Sec. 2-25.   Type of conveyance.
Sec. 2-26.   Bidder information.
Sec. 2-26.1.   City manager recommendation and award of sale.
Sec. 2-26.2.   Abandonment of public rights-of-way.
Sec. 2-26.3.   Reserved.
Division 2. Alternate Manner of Sale of Real Property to Nonprofit Organizations for Affordable Housing.
Sec. 2-26.4.   Purpose.
Sec. 2-26.5.   Definitions.
Sec. 2-26.6.   Alternate method of sale for tax- foreclosed or seized real property.
Sec. 2-26.7.   Purchase proposals by nonprofit organizations; procedures and requirements for city approval or rejection of proposals.
Sec. 2-26.8.   Multiple proposals for the same land.
Sec. 2-26.9.   Purchase price of land.
Sec. 2-26.10.   Quitclaim deed.
Sec. 2-26.11.   Restrictions on use of land.
Sec. 2-26.12.   Possibility of reverter with right of reentry.
Sec. 2-26.13.   Release of reverter rights and deed restrictions.
Sec. 2-26.14.   Appeals.
ARTICLE IV.
PROCUREMENT.
Division 1. Purchasing and Contracting Generally.
Sec. 2-27.   Definitions.
Sec. 2-28.   Office of procurement services; powers and duties of the director as city purchasing agent.
Sec. 2-29.   Approval of plans and specifications.
Sec. 2-30.   General delegation of contracting authority.
Sec. 2-31.   Rules regarding expenditures not exceeding $50,000.
Sec. 2-32.   Rules regarding expenditures exceeding $50,000
Sec. 2-33.   Alternative methods of procurement for facility construction.
Sec. 2-34.   Personal, professional, and planning services.
Sec. 2-35.   Interest on certain late or delayed payments.
Sec. 2-36.   Contracts with persons indebted to the city.
Secs. 2-37. thru 2-37.1.9.   Reserved.
Division 2. Sale of Unclaimed and Surplus Property.
Sec. 2-37.2.   Authority to sell; deposit of cash.
Sec. 2-37.3.   Delivery of unclaimed property to director; use for city purposes.
Sec. 2-37.4.   Method of sale.
Sec. 2-37.5.   Time and place of sale; notice.
Sec. 2-37.6.   Records; reports to the director of finance; proceeds.
Sec. 2-37.7.   Destruction of restricted weapons; exceptions.
Sec. 2-37.8.   Lien on motor vehicles.
Sec. 2-37.9.   Purchase by certain persons prohibited.
Sec. 2-37.10.   Authority to sell surplus issue weapons to certain personnel.
Sec. 2-37.11.   Authority to sell uniforms to employees.
Sec. 2-37.12.   Sales of certain collectible property.
Sec. 2-37.13.   Sale of surplus library material.
Sec. 2-37.14.   Sale of personal property to other governmental entities.
Sec. 2-37.15.   Sale of unclaimed and surplus property at the city store.
Sec. 2-37.16.   Sale of surplus city-owned animals.
Sec. 2-37.17.   Donation of outdated or surplus firefighting equipment, supplies, and materials.
ARTICLE IV-a.
OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
Sec. 2-38.   Created; director of economic development.
Sec. 2-39.   Duties of the director of economic development.
Sec. 2-40.   Reserved.
ARTICLE V.
DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES.
Sec. 2-41.   Created; director of development services.
Sec. 2-42.   Duties of the director of development services.
ARTICLE V-a.
DEPARTMENT OF FACILITIES AND REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT.
Sec. 2-43.   Created; director of facilities and real estate management.
Sec. 2-44.   Duties of the director of facilities and real estate management.
Sec. 2-45.   Reserved.
ARTICLE V-b.
DEPARTMENT OF CONVENTION AND EVENT SERVICES.
Sec. 2-46.   Created; director of convention and event services.
Sec. 2-47.   Duties of the director of convention and event services.
ARTICLE V-c.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS.
Sec. 2-48.   Created; director of public works.
Sec. 2-49.   Duties of the director of public works.
ARTICLE V-d.
WATER UTILITIES DEPARTMENT.
Sec. 2-50.   Created; director of water utilities.
Sec. 2-51.   Duties of the director of water utilities.
ARTICLE V-e.
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND URBAN DESIGN.
Sec. 2-52.   Created; chief planning officer.
Sec. 2-53.   Duties of the chief planning officer.
 
ARTICLE V-f.
DEPARTMENT OF EQUIPMENT AND FLEET MANAGEMENT.
Sec. 2-54.   Created; director of equipment and fleet management.
Sec. 2-55.   Duties of the director of equipment and fleet management.
Secs. 2-56 thru 2-60.   Reserved.
ARTICLE VI.
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES.
Sec. 2-61.   Created; director of human resources.
Sec. 2-62.   Duties of director of human resources.
ARTICLE VII.
DEPARTMENT OF CODE COMPLIANCE.
Sec. 2-71.   Created; director of code compliance.
Sec. 2-72.   Duties of the director of code compliance.
ARTICLE VII-a.
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT SERVICES.
Sec. 2-73.   Created; director of management services.
Sec. 2-74.   Duties of the director of management services.
ARTICLE VII-b.
OFFICE OF DATA ANALYTICS AND BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE.
Sec. 2-75.    Created; director of data analytics and business intelligence.
Sec. 2-75.1.    Duties of the director of data analytics and business intelligence.
ARTICLE VIII.
SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE BANKING.
Sec. 2-76.   Purpose.
Sec. 2-77.   City banking contracts.
Sec. 2-78.   Statement of work and reporting.
Secs. 2-79 thru 2-80.   Reserved.
ARTICLE VIII-a.
CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY.
Division 1. Tort Claims.
Sec. 2-81.   Filing claims against the city.
Sec. 2-82.   Handling by city attorney.
Sec. 2-83.   Handling by director of risk management.
Sec. 2-84.   Payment of a property damage, personal injury, or wrongful death claim without prior city council approval.
Sec. 2-85.   Non-waiver of notice of claim.
Division 2. Breach of Contract Claims.
Sec. 2-86.   Notice required for certain breach of contract claims.
Sec. 2-87.   Payment of a breach of contract claim without prior city council approval.
Division 3. Miscellaneous Claims, Fines, Penalties, and Sanctions against the City.
Sec. 2-88.   Handling and investigation of miscellaneous claims, fines, penalties, and sanctions against the city.
Sec. 2-89.   Payment of a miscellaneous claim, fine, penalty, or sanction without prior city council approval.
Secs. 2-90 thru 2-94.   Reserved.
ARTICLE IX.
PERMIT AND LICENSE APPEAL BOARD.
Sec. 2-95.   Permit and license appeal board - Created; function; terms.
Sec. 2-95.1   Training.
Sec. 2-96.   Appeals from actions of department directors.
Sec. 2-97.   Resets and continuances of hearings before the permit and license appeal board.
Sec. 2-98.   Public notice requirements for hearings on exemptions from locational restrictions.
Sec. 2-99.   Appeals to state district court.
Sec. 2-100.   Reserved.
ARTICLE X.
PUBLIC ART PROGRAM.
Sec. 2-101.   Purpose.
Sec. 2-102.   Definitions.
Sec. 2-103.   Funding of the public art program.
Sec. 2-104.   Uses of monies in public art accounts.
Sec. 2-105.   Administration of the public art program - Responsibilities.
ARTICLE XI.
FILLING TEMPORARY VACANCIES.
Sec. 2-118.   Designation, appointment and duties of temporary acting and acting city manager.
Sec. 2-119.   Designation, appointment and duties of temporary acting and acting department directors; “department director” defined.
ARTICLE XII.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION.
Sec. 2-120.   Environmental commission - created; function; terms; meetings.
Sec. 2-121.   Technical resource panel.
Sec. 2-122.   Environmental health committee.
Secs. 2-123 thru 2-124.   Reserved.
ARTICLE XIII.
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. COMMUNITY CENTER BOARD.
Sec. 2-125.   Definitions.
Sec. 2-126.   Created; terms; membership; vacancies.
Sec. 2-127.   Functions and duties.
Sec. 2-128.   Reserved.
Sec. 2-129.   Treatment of budget.
ARTICLE XIV.
SOUTH DALLAS/FAIR PARK OPPORTUNITY FUND BOARD.
Sec. 2-130.   South Dallas/Fair Park Opportunity Fund board - Created; terms; membership.
Sec. 2-131.   South Dallas/Fair Park Opportunity Fund board - Duties and responsibilities.
Sec. 2-132.   Reserved.
ARTICLE XV.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER.
Sec. 2-133.   Position of chief financial officer created.
Sec. 2-134.   Duties of the chief financial officer.
ARTICLE XV-a.
CITY CONTROLLER’S OFFICE.
Sec. 2-135.   Created; city controller as head of office.
Sec. 2-135.1.   Duties of the city controller.
ARTICLE XV-b.
OFFICE OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES.
Sec. 2-135.2.   Created; director of budget and management services.
Sec. 2-135.3.   Duties of the director of budget and management services.
ARTICLE XV-c.
OFFICE OF RISK MANAGEMENT.
Sec. 2-135.4.   Created; director of risk management.
Sec. 2-135.5.   Duties of the director of risk management.
ARTICLE XVI.
DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY SERVICES.
Sec. 2-136.   Created; director of information and technology services.
Sec. 2-137.   Duties of director of information and technology services.
ARTICLE XVII.
DEPARTMENT OF SANITATION SERVICES.
Sec. 2-138.   Created; director of sanitation services.
Sec. 2-139.   Duties of the director of sanitation services.
ARTICLE XVII-a.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.
Sec. 2-139.1   Created; director of transportation.
Sec. 2-139.2   Duties of the director of transportation.
ARTICLE XVIII.
SENIOR AFFAIRS COMMISSION.
Sec. 2-140.   Senior affairs commission - Created; terms; membership; meetings.
Sec. 2-141.   Senior affairs commission - Functions.
ARTICLE XIX.
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING & NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION.
Sec. 2-142.   Created; director of housing & neighborhood revitalization.
Sec. 2-143.   Duties of the director of housing & neighborhood revitalization.
Secs. 2-144 thru 2-146.   Reserved.
ARTICLE XX.
CITIZEN HOMELESSNESS COMMISSION
Sec. 2-147.   Purpose.
Sec. 2-148.   Created; membership; terms; meetings.
Sec. 2-149.   Duties and functions.
ARTICLE XXI.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION.
Sec. 2-150.   Community development commission created.
Sec. 2-151.   Duties and functions.
Sec. 2-152.   Standards of conduct.
ARTICLE XXI-a.
COMMISSION ON DISABILITIES.
Sec. 2-152.1.   Commission on disabilities - created; function; terms; meetings.
Sec. 2-152.2.   Definition.
Sec. 2-152.3.   Duties and responsibilities.
Sec. 2-152.4.   Technical resource panel.
ARTICLE XXII.
OFFICE OF COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT.
Sec. 2-153.   Purpose.
Sec. 2-154.   Created; director/monitor of office of community police oversight.
Sec. 2-154.1.   Duties of the director/monitor of the office of community police oversight.
ARTICLE XXIII.
DEPARTMENT OF DALLAS ANIMAL SERVICES.
Sec. 2-155.   Created; director of Dallas animal services.
Sec. 2-156.   Duties of the director of Dallas animal services.
ARTICLE XXIV.
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION.
Sec. 2-157.   Created; membership; meetings.
Sec. 2-158.   Duties and responsibilities.
ARTICLE XXV.
YOUTH COMMISSION
Sec. 2-159.   Purpose.
Sec. 2-159.1.   Created; membership; terms; meetings.
Sec. 2-160.   Duties and responsibilities.
ARTICLE XXVI.
ARTS AND CULTURE ADVISORY COMMISSION.
Sec. 2-161.   Arts and culture advisory commission - Created; terms; membership; meetings.
Sec. 2-162.   Arts and culture advisory commission - Duties and responsibilities.
ARTICLE XXVI-a.
OFFICE OF ARTS AND CULTURE.
Sec. 2-162.1   Created; director of arts and culture.
Sec. 2-162.2   Duties of the director of arts and culture.
Sec. 2-162.3.   Procurement of cultural services.
Sec. 2-162.4.   Contracts for radio station air time required; other radio station contracts.
ARTICLE XXVII.
CIVIL SERVICE BOARD; ADJUNCT MEMBERS; ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES.
Sec. 2-163.   Special qualifications for adjunct members of the civil service board.
Sec. 2-164.   Administrative law judges: appointment; qualifications; termination of contract.
Sec. 2-165.   Training.
Sec. 2-166.   Trial board responsibilities of civil service board members; attendance.
ARTICLE XXVIII.
STORMWATER DRAINAGE UTILITY.
Sec. 2-167.   Purpose and creation; adoption of state law; and administration of stormwater drainage utility.
Sec. 2-168.   Definitions; stormwater drainage utility rates; exemptions; incentives for residential- benefitted properties; billing and collection procedures.
Sec. 2-169.   Service area.
ARTICLE XXIX.
VETERAN AFFAIRS COMMISSION.
Sec. 2-170.   Veteran affairs commission - Created; terms; membership; meetings.
Sec. 2-171.   Veteran affairs commission - Functions.
ARTICLE XXX.
COLLEGE ADVISORY COMMISSION.
Sec. 2-172.    Purpose.
Sec. 2-173.    Created; membership; terms; meetings.
Sec. 2-174.    Duties and responsibilities.
ARTICLE XXXI.
OFFICE OF THE CITY MARSHAL.
Sec. 2-175.   Created.
Sec. 2-176.   Duties of the city marshal.
Sec. 2-177.   City marshal's authority; eligibility for pension.