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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.
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.
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
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SEC. 2-13.   PUBLIC UTILITIES TO PAY EXPENSE OF OFFICE OF SUPERVISOR OF PUBLIC UTILITIES - GENERALLY.
   All expenses and disbursements in connection with the maintenance and operation of the office of supervisor of public utilities, including all salaries of clerks, assistants, engineers, accountants, and the duly appointed supervisor, shall be paid pro rata each month by the public service utilities (exclusive of those operating on an annual flat charge basis), which are subject to supervision by the supervisor of public utilities, under any law, charter provision or franchise requirement. The pro rata contribution of each public service utility shall be in relation to its preceding calendar year gross receipts and shall be a percentage in relation to the calendar year total gross receipts of all such public service utilities (exclusive of those operating on an annual flat charge basis); provided, however, that any direct pro rata contribution exempt by franchise provisions in which a per cent gross receipts tax is provided in lieu of direct contribution to the payment on the salary and expenses and charges of the supervisor of public utilities, and of his assistants and subordinates shall be paid by the city from its general fund and in conformity with required budgetary practice. The Dallas Railway & Terminal Company shall pay a pro rata contribution in the relation that its total gross receipts for the preceding calendar year bears to the calendar year total gross receipts of all such public service utilities (exclusive of those operating on an annual flat charge basis). The moneys collected under this section shall be deposited to the credit of the general fund of the city. (Ord. 6622)
SEC. 2-14.   SAME - NOTICE REQUIRED.
   All payments due direct from any public service utility shall be made monthly on notice from the supervisor of public utilities and such payment received from public service utilities shall be made to the city and credited to the general fund, to apply on the maintenance and operation expense of the office of supervisor of public utilities. (Ord. 3488)
SEC. 2-15.   SAME - “GROSS RECEIPTS” DEFINED.
   Gross receipts means such term as is defined by the provisions of the several franchises and shall apply to each utility company only in the manner set forth in the franchise of each such utility. If the term “gross receipts” is not used in the franchise of any utility subject to Section 2-13 then it shall include whatever equivalent term was used. (Ord. 3488)
SEC. 2-16.   EMINENT DOMAIN PROCEEDINGS FOR PERSONAL PROPERTY.
   (a)   When the city council considers it necessary for a public purpose, the city may condemn public or private personal property, located inside or outside the city, for any purpose authorized by state law or the city charter.
   (b)   The procedures used to condemn personal property will be the same as those provided by state law for the condemnation of real property at the time condemnation proceedings are initiated for the personal property.
   (c)   The measure of damages for the condemnation of personal property is the local market value of the property at the time of the special commissioners’ hearing, and, when less than the entire property is condemned, any damage to the remaining property. The remainder damage will be measured by the loss, if any, in the market value of the remaining property that is proximately caused by the condemnation, considering the extent of the injury and benefit to the remaining property. The injury or benefit considered must be peculiar to the property owner and must relate to the property owner’s ownership, use, or enjoyment of the property, but may not include any injury or benefit that the property owner experiences in common with the general community. (Ord. 25464)
SEC. 2-17.   PAYMENT OF COST OF PUBLISHING ORDINANCE GRANTING FRANCHISE OR CLOSING STREET.
   The payment of the costs of publishing the ordinance, in the amount of $20, shall be made a condition precedent to the granting of any request by the city council for any franchise or the clearing of title by the abandoning or closing of any street or alley. Such sum shall be paid in advance by the person seeking such special privilege or franchise or the abandoning or closing of any street or alley within five days after the granting of the request and prior to the publication of the ordinance making the request effective. (Code 1941, Art. 117-3; Ord. 3756)
SEC. 2-17.1.   FISCAL NOTES.
   (a)   The city manager shall prepare a fiscal note to accompany any proposed project or program presented to the city council if the project or program increases or decreases revenues or causes the expenditure or diversion of funds and the project or program is:
      (1)   to be considered by ordinance or resolution as an unbudgeted item;
      (2)   new and is to be considered as a part of the adoption of the annual budget; or
      (3)   to be considered as part of the adoption of a bond program.
   (b)   A fiscal note shall include a statement of estimated revenues and expenditures that will result from a proposed project or program in the current and at least two future fiscal years.
   (c)   The city manager or his designee shall develop procedures and standardized formats in which to present fiscal impact information. (Ord. No. 17938)
SEC. 2-17.2.   SELECTION OF CITY AUDITOR; NOMINATING COMMISSION.
   (a)   Before the end of each term of a city auditor, or at such other times when a vacancy occurs or is anticipated to occur in the office of city auditor, the city council shall appoint a nominating commission to select a city auditor in accordance with Chapter IX, Section 1 of the city charter. The commission shall be composed of five members, including a chair and vice-chair, meeting the following qualifications:
      (1)   One member must be a representative selected by the board of directors of the Dallas Chapter of one of the following professional organizations, including the: Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants (TSCPA); Institute for Internal Auditors (IIA); Information Systems Audit and Control Association, Inc. (ISACA); Financial Executives International (FEI); Association of Government Accountants (AGA); or other such organizations experienced in accounting and auditing.
      (2)   Four members must meet any one of the following qualifications:
         (A)   Be a current or former managing or founding partner of a multi- national public accounting firm with offices located in the city, excluding any firm under current contract with the city to provide external audit services.
         (B)   Be one of the following persons associated with a publicly-traded company headquartered in Dallas County that has at least 500 million dollars in annual revenue:
            (i)   the current or former chief financial officer;
            (ii)   the current or former chief auditor of an internal audit group; or
            (iii)   the current or former chief executive officer.
         (C)   Be a former mayor or council member of the city.
         (D)   Be a current or former city auditor of the city.
   (b)   A person appointed to the city auditor nominating commission under Subsection (a)(2) or (a)(3)(B) of this section is not required to be a resident or qualified voter of the city of Dallas.
   (c)   The commission shall, within 15 days after being appointed, hold its first meeting to consider nomination of a person to serve as city auditor. Within 180 days after its first meeting, the commission shall nominate to the city council one or more candidates for city auditor selected by a majority of the commission members. The city council shall, within 30 days after receipt of the nomination, accept one of the nominated candidates or reject all of the candidates.
   (d)   If the city council rejects all candidates nominated for city auditor, it shall immediately notify the commission and request the nomination of different
candidates. Commission members shall serve until the city council accepts a candidate nominated by them to be city auditor.
   (e)   The director of human resources of the city shall assist the commission, when necessary, in seeking and screening applicants for the position of city auditor.
   (f)   Notwithstanding Subsections (a) through (e) of this section, at the end of a city auditor’s term (including any period in which a city auditor is holding over), the city council government performance and financial management committee may, on its own initiative or at the direction of the city council, act as a nominating commission and, by a majority vote, nominate the incumbent city auditor for reappointment by the full city council. If a majority of the government performance and financial management committee does not vote to nominate the incumbent city auditor for another term, or if, upon receiving the nomination from the finance and audit committee, a majority of the city council does not vote to reappoint the incumbent city auditor for another term, then the nominating process described in Subsections (a) through (e) must be followed. (Ord. Nos. 20457; 21157; 22026; 22277; 22414; 25495; 25808; 30969)
SEC. 2-17.3.   NONDISCRIMINATION IN THE PROVISION OF CITY SERVICES.
   (a)   The city of Dallas will not discriminate because of a person's race, color, age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic characteristics, national origin, disability, military or veteran status, sex, political opinions, or affiliations in the provision of services to the general public.
   (b)   This section does not create a private cause of action, nor does it create any right or remedy that is the same or substantially equivalent to the remedies provided under federal or state law. (Ord. Nos. 25041; 30828)