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Animal Control

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1. Is there a Leash Law?

Yes, for dogs.

2. Is there a Pooper Scooper law?

No, but pet owners are strongly encouraged to clean up after their pets.

3. Where do I get the City registration for my dog / cat?

Utility Billing Office at City Hall.

4. Does the City adopt out animals?

No the City does not adopt out animals.

5. What is the limit of animals per household?

The limit of animals per household is three.

6. What should I do if my neighbor's dogs will not stop barking?

Try letting your neighbor know that his/her dog is a problem. If that does not work, call Animal Control at 214-987-5371 (voicemail) or 214-363-3000 (dispatch center).

7. What should I do if I am bitten or scratched by an animal?

If the bite or scratch has broken the skin, clean the wound and call Animal Control.  Medical attention may also be appropriate.

8. Are exotic animals allowed to live in the city?

No, exotic animals are not allowed to live in the city.

9. What is the procedure for picking up my animal if it has been impounded?

• Call Animal Control to see if the animal was picked up
• Check with the clinic to identify the animal
• Bring the rabies certificate to City Hall with the appropriate impoundment fee

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Community Development - Building Permits

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1. When is a permit not necessary?

A construction permit is not needed for items such as wallpapering, painting or similar finish work.

Plumbing, mechanical and electrical work, replacement or repair of fixtures (such as changing water faucets or replacing switches) does not normally require a permit. Replacing a water heater or adding a permanently wired light fixture does, however, require a permit.

To determine if your project needs a permit, call 214-987-5411.

2. What permits do I need for remodeling or adding improvements to my home?

Homeowners thinking about remodeling their home or adding other improvements, such as decks, spas or retaining walls, many times have a number of questions about building permits.

Since each construction project is unique, we invite you to call the Community Development Department at 214-987-5411 for answers to your specific questions.

3. What are permits, and why do I need one?

Permits are the means by which the City of University Park regulates construction. They are designed to ensure that all construction in the City is safe. The safety of the occupants of buildings is the primary reason for having construction codes. The City of University Park has adopted several national codes, among them the International Codes and National Electrical Code. In addition, there are federal, state and local laws that govern construction, such as those covering energy conservation.

There are several different types of permits, based on the type of construction: building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical. In addition, the complete demolition and relocation of buildings also requires permits.

Obtaining the permit is just the first step in the process. In this step, you may need to create plans to submit to the department, make a plot plan for your property showing the improvements, and show the type of construction you will be using. The City has handouts to help you through this process. Once plans are approved, you are required to build the project to those plans. If any changes are made to the plans, they must be made with the City's approval.

The second half of the process is the inspection of the work.

4. When do I need a construction permit?

A construction permit is needed for all new construction. In many cases, a permit is needed for repair or replacement of existing fixtures, such as replacing windows. A plumbing, electrical or mechanical permit may be needed for any addition or changes to a building's existing system; for example, moving or adding an electrical outlet requires a permit.

To find out if your project needs a permit, call 214-987-5411.

5. Where do I get a permit?

Construction permits are issued by the Community Development Department at the City's:
Peek Service Center
4420 Worcola
Dallas, TX 75206

Permits are available from 8 am until 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Call 214-987-5411 for information.

6. How long does it take to get a permit?

Permit issuance periods vary. Some projects can be fully permitted over-the-counter, meaning a return trip won't be needed. Some projects, however, require that plans be left for additional review.

7. What are construction hours?

Construction is permitted between the hours of 7 am and 6 pm, Monday through Saturday, except by special permission.

Construction work is prohibited on Sundays and on the following holidays:

• New Years Day
• Memorial Day
• July 4th
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day

8. What is zoning?

Zoning establishes, within a defined area, the types of buildings and what they may be used for. A residential area for example, may be zoned Single Family District 1 (SF-1), which means that the lots can contain one single-family home and the lots are of a prescribed minimum area, width, and depth.

Zoning is regulated based on the zoning map and district use charts approved by the City Council. View the Zoning Map and Zoning Ordinance.

City staff can answer your questions about permitted uses, building setback requirements, or other specifics regarding a particular zoning district or property. Call 214-987-5411.

9. What about other approvals or permits?

Other government agencies may need to review and approve your project. The City will inform you of these reviews at the time plans are submitted.

10. What if I don't get a permit?

If a permit, when needed, is not obtained before construction, you have violated City codes and regulations and may be subject to fines and penalties. You will be required to obtain permits for the work and it must pass inspection, or you will have to return the structure or site to its original condition.

Remember: Construction codes were created for safety reasons. Work built without a permit can be unsafe, no matter how good it looks.

11. Who should obtain the permit?

Contractors or your agent can obtain permits. The homeowner can also obtain the permits. All plumbing, mechanical, or electrical permits must be obtained by licensed contractors.

12. Can I do the work myself, or do I have to hire a contractor?

You can do the work yourself, but you must follow your approved plans, whether they are drawn by an architect or designer or are standard construction requirements given to you by the City. If you change the plans while building the structure, this will cause problems when the project is inspected. If you do decide to make changes, check with the City's plan review staff or your field inspector.

13. Who draws up the plans?

Plans for projects such as room additions can usually be drawn up by qualified individuals such as a draftsman. Other projects may require plans prepared and signed by an architect or engineer licensed by the State of Texas. A required plans list may be obtained on line or at the Community Development Department, or by calling 214-987-5411.

14. What about inspections?

It is your responsibility to call the City for inspections at specific times during construction. You may have your contractor make the call, but it is still your responsibility, as the property owner, to make sure the inspections occur. Inspections are made during certain points in the project, depending on the work that is being performed. For example, retaining walls require inspections of the footing, after block is laid and steel placed but before grouting, after backfill has been placed, and when all work is finished.

Remember: The project is not complete for legal purposes until it has passed the final inspection.

15. What if I have a permit but never called for an inspection?

Generally, permits expire after 60 days if no inspections have been made. In order for the project to be complete, it must pass final inspection. If a permit expires before final inspection, the project is in violation of City codes. If this is your case, call. We will help you reactivate the permit or apply for another with as little inconvenience as possible. Our interest is in seeing your project complete, including the final inspection.

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Home - FAQs

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

Answer goes here...

2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

Answer goes here...

3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

Answer goes here...

4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

Answer goes here...

5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

Answer goes here...

6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

Answer goes here...

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Police - Community Camera Program

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1. Do you currently utilize private video surveillance at your home or business?

If you do, we'd like to hear from you. Video surveillance is one of the best methods for apprehending criminals and convicting suspects who are caught in the act of committing a crime. Installing video surveillance is a great example of community-police partnerships and is something UPPD values highly.

2. How does it work?

The Community Camera Program allows residents and business owners to register the locations and capabilities of their security camera systems with the University Park Police Department. Using this information, when a crime occurs, UPPD will know the locations of nearby video cameras and be able to contact residents to determine if their cameras captured any video evidence.

3. What are the benefits of registering your camera system?

Because they are caught in the act of committing the crime, video surveillance is one of the best methods to catch suspects and convict them. As crimes occur nearby, many residents and business owners are unaware that their camera systems may have captured information that could help solve a crime. Likewise, police are not always aware of who may have potentially vital video evidence. By registering your camera system, officers can quickly identify nearby cameras that may have captured criminal activity. After registering your camera system, you will only be contacted by UPPD if there is a criminal incident in the vicinity of your security camera system and police personnel believe viewing your video footage will assist in the investigation. At no time will UPPD have remote access to your camera system.

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Public Library

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1. Where is the Library?

The University Park Public Library is located at:
8383 Preston Center Plaza
Suite 200
University Park, TX 75225

2. What is the Library’s phone number?

Our phone number is 214-363-9095.

3. When is the Library open?

Library Browsing Hours

Tuesday through Thursday
10 am to 8 pm

Friday and Saturday
10 am to 5 pm

The library is closed Sundays and Mondays

Curbside Pick-Up Hours

Tuesday through Thursday
10 am to 8 pm

Friday and Saturday
10 am to 5 pm

4. Does the Library have story times for children?

Yes. Our story times for the school year are as follows:

• Preschoolers (Ages 3 and Up) - Wednesdays at 10:30 am
• Toddlers (18 Months to 3 Years) - Thursdays at 10:30 am
• Babies (0 to 18 Months) - Tuesdays at 10:30 am

During the summer, the schedule changes on Wednesdays. Please visit the Library Calendar of Events for the schedule. There are no story times during the month of August.

5. Does the Library have an app?

Yes. Use the following links to download UPTXLIB to your Apple/iOS or Android device. Access the library catalog, account information, library events, and downloadable materials through the app. To log in, scan your library card's barcode or type in the number, and use the last four numbers as the PIN. Once you have registered your account information on the app, your phone serves as your library card.

Library app for adults:

• Download the Adults' App to Your Apple / iOS Device
• Download the Adults' App to Your Android Device

6. Can I search the Library’s catalog online?

Yes, you can browse and search the Library's Online Catalog. The library's catalog may also be searched from your mobile device using the Library's App.

7. How do I get a library card?

Library cards are free to anyone who resides in the Highland Park Independent School District. Go to the library's service desk to apply for one. A card gives the applicant checkout privileges at the library. The card is valid for three years. By signing the back of the card, the library patron agrees to accept responsibility for use of the card and to follow all library policies. For adults 18 and over, library cards are obtained by presenting a valid photo ID and proof of address. Those under age 18 must be connected to an adult sponsor (parent or guardian) and be able to sign or print their name. The adult sponsor must be a registered borrower.

8. What is my account number and my PIN?

Your library account number is the 14-digit number on the back of your library card (no spaces between digits). Your PIN is the last four digits of your library card number. You can change the pin in the "My Account" area of the Library's Online Catalog. You need the full number and the PIN to gain access to the Library's electronic resources.

9. Can I use someone else’s library card?

Every adult is required to have their own library card. With prior approval, caregivers are permitted to use an adult library card. Due to privacy laws, we cannot look up or alter someone else's library account for a person to whom it does not belong.

10. I lost my library card. What should I do?

A lost library card should be reported immediately. There is a $10 fee to replace a lost card.

11. What is the checkout period for Library materials?

All items marked "New" are checked out for two weeks, with a limit of 2 new items. DVDs and magazines are checked out for one week with a limit of 2 per card. Launch Pads are checked out for one week and are limited to 1 per household, with no option to renew. Other materials are limited to 50 per card and may be checked out for three weeks. The check out period for electronic resources will be shown on the website for that resource.

12. How do I check out materials?

Present your library card or smart phone with the library app at the service desk with the selected items. You may also check out items with your library card at one of the two self-check units in the library. Items may be renewed 5 times, unless another patron has placed a "hold" on them in the electronic catalog. Renewal can be made by phone, online, on the library app, or in person.

13. How do I renew materials online?

Access the Library's Online Catalog, log on to "My Account." Then, under "Loans," click on "Renew." You use your 14-digit library card number for your username, and the last four digits as your PIN. Then click on the "My Account" tab and click on the "Check Outs" tab. You may then select the items you wish to renew.

Items may also be renewed through the library app. In the app, go to "My Account. Under "Checkouts," touch the item(s) you wish to renew then touch the "Renew" button.

Items that do not have a "hold" placed on them may be automatically renewed for you up to three times as a courtesy, as long as your library account is in good standing.

14. How do I reserve a title (place a hold) online?

Visit the Library's Online Catalog, and click on "Search Catalog." Then, click on the "Place Hold" link. Then, type in your library account number and PIN. Items may also be placed on hold through the library app. Search for your title in the "Search the Catalog" field, and then click on the "Place Hold" button. If you are signed into the app with your account information, the hold will be placed for you.

15. What does it mean when material is placed on “hold"?

Library material is placed on "Hold" by a patron by phone, online, or in person. This tags the item in the electronic catalog, and alerts the staff to pull the item when it is returned and hold it for the requester. With prior approval, a family member may pick up a hold for their family. The library provides patrons with "Hold Notices" by phone message and email.

16. What happens if you keep materials until they are “overdue”?

If items become overdue, borrowing privileges are suspended until you return them and pay the accrued fines. If you have an email address, a courtesy notice may be sent to you one day before an item reaches overdue status. When material is one week overdue, the library sends an Overdue Notice. The overdue fine is 25 cents per item, per day. At six weeks, you are delinquent and the library considers the book "lost" and you will be billed the item.

17. What if I forgot my library card?

Staff will ask you for an alternate form of ID and then verify the database before checking out your items. This courtesy will be extended twice before you will be asked to replace your library card for $10.

18. I lost Library material. What do I do?

If you lose an item the library will charge you the cost of the item and a $10 processing fee. Alternatively, the library will only accept an identical, new copy of the item. You will still be charged a $10 processing fee.

19. What do I do with my return items if the Library is closed?

The library's book-drop is available 24 hours every day for materials return.

20. If I don’t receive a reminder email about my overdue items, do I still have to pay fines?

The email is a courtesy provided by the library. This notice is subject to internet outages. You are not relieved of your obligation to return materials. When materials are one week overdue, you will receive a fine notice by regular mail. Please also note that your borrowing privileges will be suspended after your account has accrued $5 in overdue item fees.

21. Do you have the following book (e.g. Gone with the Wind)?

You can search our catalog in the library, on the Library's app, or access our online catalog.

22. Does the library accept book donations for their collection?

The library accepts book donations by appointment only.  Donated materials must be hardcover books that have been published within the last five years.  Only high-demand duplicate titles will be accepted.  Book donations are limited to two small boxes or bags per household per month.

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Public Works - Call Before You Dig

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1. Why should you call before you dig?

These requirements are in place to help prevent damage to underground utilities. Careless digging ranks as the major cause of underground utility accidents.

To Locate Natural Gas Pipes, Electric Lines, and Other Underground Utilities Call 811:

• Call 811 at least two working days before digging. 811 is the national toll-free telephone number that Congress enacted to prevent damages to underground utility lines caused by digging.
• The 811 operator will ask a few questions about your project and will send your information to the professional line locators.
• The line locators will stake different colored flags or spray temporary paint on the ground to mark the paths of natural gas pipes, electric lines and all other underground utilities.
• The Texas 811 service does not charge for locating any utility lines or explaining state excavation laws.

To Locate Water, Sewer, Traffic, and City Fiber Optic Lines Call the City of University Park at 214-987-5496 or email Line Locates.

• The City requires two full business days to mark the area you have requested (exceptions: emergency locates).
• When requesting locates, you will be asked to provide your name, number, company name, type of work you are doing, and location of the project you are working on. Specify if the project is outlined in white markers and whether you need locates marked in the front of the property, in the street, behind the curb, on the side or in the rear of the property.
• After requesting locates, you will soon see some colored marks or flags at your jobsite letting you know where underground lines are so you can safely dig. If any lines are clear of that area, "clear" will be written on the ground.
• You must call back in two weeks if you are still working on your project to request updated locates before locates expire.
• This service is free. The city does not charge for locating city water, sewer, traffic signal conduits and City fiber optic lines.

To Locate Buried Lines on Private Property Call a Plumber:

The 811 services and the City of University Park cannot mark buried lines on private property. A commercial line-locating firm or a licensed plumber should be able to mark all private utility lines. Generally speaking, any lines running from a water meter to the house are the homeowners' responsibility, and any sewer lines from the City main to the house are the homeowners' responsibility.

2. What should you do after utility lines are marked?

• Take special care when working around all utility line markings.
• Dig by hand in the tolerance zones indicated by the line markings.

3. What if you hit a line when digging?

• If you damage a natural gas pipeline (even if it’s only a nick, scrape, or dent), call 911 and then call Atmos Energy’s emergency number at 866-322-8667, so that Atmos can inspect the pipeline and make any repairs. Even minor damage can weaken a pipeline and cause a future leak.
• If you damage a water / sewer line, call the City of University Park water emergency line at 214-987-5496.
• If you damage other cables, phone lines, etc., call 811 back and report a “dig up” ticket. Texas811 will identify the line and let the excavator contact the company directly to report the damage. The company will send out a repair crew to restore service.  The City must also be contacted at the time of damage at 214-987-5405.

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Public Works - Traffic Operations

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1. How do I get parking restrictions on my block?

A written petition from a clear majority of the property owners along both sides of the street should be forwarded to:

Director of Public Works at City Hall
3800 University Boulevard
University Park, TX 75205

The request should describe the requested restriction (i.e., No Parking, 2-Hour - Weekdays / 8 am to 5 pm, etc). Any parking change requires City Council action.

2. How do I report a damaged traffic signal, school zone flasher, or a regulatory sign (I.e., stop sign)?

You should contact the Police Department at immediately.

3. Why doesn't the "walk" pedestrian light at signalized intersections stay on long enough for me to cross the street?

The "Walk" light should only stay on for about 4 to 6 seconds and should provide notice to the pedestrian that it is safe to cross the street. After 4 to 6 seconds, the light should change to a "Flashing Don't Walk" for several seconds, before a "Solid Don't Walk" light is seen. The three combined lights should provide more than adequate time for pedestrians to cross the street safely.

4. How do I get a stop sign installed at an intersection?

A request should be forwarded to the City (call 214-987-5400 for the subject intersection. An independent traffic-consulting engineer will then determine whether site conditions, as defined in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, are sufficient to install the requested sign. The criteria analyzed for stop sign installation are sight obstructions, crash history, and traffic volume. These are the only criteria that can be used in the analysis for the placement of stop signs. 

5. Will the city install speed humps in the street along my block?

The City Council policy is that speed humps will not be installed on streets within University Park.

6. Will the city install speed humps in my alley?

Yes. A written petition detailing the request from a clear majority of the property owners on both sides of the alley should be forwarded to:

Director of Public Works at City Hall
3800 University Boulevard
University Park, TX 75205

7. If I have a problem with visibility at the intersection of my alley with the street, what can I do?

You may request (call 214-987-5430 that the City install a convex mirror at the subject location to enhance your ability to see pedestrians or oncoming vehicles. 

8. Will the city close my street for a block party?

Yes (except on Halloween) - please contact the Traffic Division at 214-987-5430. To download a Block Party request form, visit the Block Party Requirements page.

9. Does the city install "children at play" signs?

The City does not install "Children at Play" signs because they are not approved by the latest edition of the Manual of Traffic Control Devices, they provide a false sense of security, and there is no evidence that drivers heed the signs.

10. Who do I contact if my streetlight is burned out?

The Traffic Control Division maintains the decorative "antique" street lamps along Hillcrest, Snider Plaza, Preston, and Lovers Lane. All other streetlights within University Park are owned and maintained by Oncor Electric Delivery. You may report an inoperative light by calling the City at 214-987-5430 or Oncor at 888-313-4747.

11. Who do I contact if trees or shrubbery are blocking the view of a stop sign?

Please call 214-987-5430 to report the situation.

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Purchasing

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1. How do I get on the bidder's list?

The City of University Park contracts with Periscope S2G (formerly BidSync) for the maintenance of an automated vendor list. This list categorizes each vendor by the commodity codes for the goods or services offered by the vendor. Businesses subscribing to the vendor list are notified by email whenever a formal sealed bid or informal request for quote has been issued for the commodity or service offered by the vendor.

To have your firm placed on the vendor list, please register online. The application asks for general information about your company and lists the commodities and services you provide. There is no cost to register, to submit a bid, or to win a bid. Please call Periscope customer support for further assistance with first-time registration.

2. How do I obtain bid notices and specifications?

Vendors may obtain bid information and packages by the following methods:

• Periscope (Formerly BidSync): Register with Periscope S2G. Registered vendors will receive automatic notice of bids and quotes via email or fax and may download bid packages directly. Registration is free.
• Purchasing Office: Come to the Purchasing Division Office located at:
  Fred N. Peek Service Center
  4420 Worcola Street
  Dallas, TX 75206
• Legal Notices: Review the legal notices in the Daily Commercial Record, a weekly publication published Monday through Friday.

3. Are bid openings public?

Bid openings are open to the public, and vendors are welcome to attend. Unless otherwise specified, sealed bids and proposals are opened at the Purchasing Division Office at:
4420 Worcola Street
Dallas, TX 75206

Late bids will not be accepted.

Please note this process may be modified due to COVID-19 precautions. Please read the bid documents carefully for instructions.

4. How can I get the results of a bid?

You can get the results of a bid a couple of ways:

• Bid and quote tabulations are posted online at Periscope S2G. BidSync is now named Periscope S2G. Log in using your username and password.
• A direct link to "Past Bids" with bid tabulations shown may be found on our Past Bids and RFPs page. Fill in the bid number in the "Search" field and click the "Search" button. Access the tabulations by selecting the Tab link on the far right of the screen.

If you do not see the tabulation you are searching for, please contact Elizabeth Anderson, Purchasing Agent, by phone at 214-987-5480 or email Elizabeth Anderson.

5. Does the City give special consideration to minority or women-owned businesses?

The City participates in the State of Texas Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program. For information on becoming certified as a HUB vendor, go to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts HUB Program page or contact them at 888-863-5881 or 512-463-5872.

6. How does the City dispose of surplus property?

The City of University Park contracts with Rene Bates Auctioneers for the disposal of surplus property. The City's Fleet Manager is the City's auction coordinator; you can call the coordinator at 214-987-5440.

7. How do I make an appointment with the Purchasing Agent?

The Purchasing Division is open Monday through Friday, 7 am to 4 pm, except holidays. Vendors may schedule a meeting with the purchasing agent by calling 214-987-5480.

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Snider Plaza Zoning

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1. What is the zoning case that the Planning and Zoning Commission is expected to hear in April 2023 regarding Snider Plaza?

The zoning case is a proposed amendment to Planning Development District Number 1 – Retail.  This area is more commonly known as Snider Plaza.  This is a two-part request:

• Approval of a Concept Plan for the Street Zone and Sidewalk Zone within the public domain of Snider Plaza
• Expand the boundary to incorporate additional parking on the Rankin Avenue lot on the northeast corner with Hursey Street

2. What information is included in a Conceptual Site Plan?

Included in a Conceptual Site Plan is information from the applicant, the City of University Park regarding proposed plans for parking, street cross-sections, pedestrian access to the district and sidewalks.   

3. Is the boundary of PD-1-R Snider Plaza District proposed to change?

Yes, the boundary of PD-1-R for Snider Plaza is proposed to expand to include the Rankin Avenue lot to be used for Snider Plaza parking. This lot is near Hursey Street, adjacent to Snider Plaza and was acquired by the City of University Park in accordance with the 2009 Snider Plaza parking study and resulting adopted Zoning Ordinance .   

4. What are the next steps after the Planning and Zoning Commission acts?

After the Planning and Zoning Commission holds a public hearing and acts on the zoning case, the zoning case and Commission’s recommendation will then be presented to the City Council for a public hearing on the proposed amendment to the Planned Development District Number 1 - Retail.  After the public comments are received, the City Council may take action to amend the Zoning Ordinance for the District. 

5. How do I find additional information on the proposed enhancements for Snider Plaza?

Images and information on the proposed improvements for Snider Plaza can be found on the City’s website. In addition, those interested can also visit the mock-up for the Snider Plaza enhancements at the corner of Rankin and Hursey.

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Utility Services - Stormwater

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1. Why should you care?

As stormwater runoff travels over driveways, lawns, and sidewalks, it picks up a wide variety of chemicals, waste, and trash that are not naturally found in waterways. Stormwater runoff enters the storm drain system through inlets and discharges untreated into creeks, streams, rivers, and lakes. Local concerns include Turtle Creek and the ponds in Williams Park, Curtis Park, and Caruth Park.

Some chemicals and other substances in stormwater can be toxic, even at small levels. They endanger plants and animals that depend on the water to survive. Other items containing no chemicals like leaves and grass clippings decompose in our waterways and cause the same problems for fish and aquatic life. Soil, sand, and minerals used in landscaping can also cloud waterways. Again, that inhibits underwater plant growth and depletes oxygen levels.

2. What can you do?

Stormwater pollution can be controlled if everyone plays a part in preventing these substances from entering the storm drain inlets in the streets where they live and work.

Residents can help prevent stormwater pollution by:

• Picking up after your pets
• Asking your landscaper to avoid blowing leaves and grass clippings onto sidewalks and streets
• Applying fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides when rain is not expected
• Picking up litter
• Disposing of hazardous chemicals properly and notifying University Park's Public Works Department of construction sites that aren't properly controlling stormwater runoff

Contractors can also help prevent stormwater pollution at job sites. Here is some more information:

• Preventing stormwater pollution at construction sites (PDF)
• What is a stormwater pollution prevention plan (PDF)

View the calendar if you are interested in attending environmentally-focused events at Southern Methodist University.

If you have feedback regarding the City's stormwater programs that you would like to share, please email Jodie Ledat.

Another way you can help is to let us know if you see a spill or discharge. A spill is any release of material that threatens human health or the environment. An illicit discharge is any discharge to the City's storm sewer that is not composed entirely of stormwater, except discharges that are allowed by permit.

If you see oil, antifreeze, paint, or any other questionable material being spilled or intentionally dumped on the roadway or into a stormwater inlet, please contact Jodie Ledat at 214-987-5447 or by emailing Jodie Ledat.

Learn how you can make a big difference on our local waterways (PDF).

These websites provide a wealth of additional information on this subject:

• Earth 911 Website
• Take Care of Texas Website
• City of Dallas Where Does It Go Page
• Texas Smart Scape Website

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Utility Services - Stormwater Utility Fee

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1. What is this charge on my water bill?

That is the stormwater utility fee, which was approved by the University Park City Council in December 2003. The fee is designed to raise money to pay for federal- and state-required improvements to the city's stormwater, meaning any water that goes down the storm drain and ultimately into Turtle Creek and the Trinity River.

2. What is impermeable or impermeable surface?

"Impermeable" refers to hard surfaces, such as concrete or roofs, that do not allow water to permeate or infiltrate them. Impermeable surfaces result in the runoff, meaning water that drains off a piece of property and goes elsewhere.

3. How was this fee amount determined?

The stormwater utility fee is based on an approximate amount of impermeable surface for properties of the same zoning classification. For residential parcels, separate rates were developed for each zoning classification. An average residential unit (in this case, Single Family 4 zoning) was used as the basis for the fees. The proposed rate was divided by the average impervious area of the parcels in this class to determine the rate per square foot of impervious area. The resulting cost per square foot was used to set the other rate classes. Residential rates are based upon specific classes of residential land use, and each class is billed its own flat rate. Nonresidential customers are billed based on the maximum allowable impermeable area for that property under local development regulations.

The proposed residential rate structure is as follows. Duplex and multi-family properties will be billed on a per-unit basis.

Residential Monthly Rate

Zoning Class	Month Rate
Single Family 1	$40.56
Single Family 2	$12.86
Single Family 3	$10.85
Single Family 4	$10.06
Single Family Attached	$8.04
Duplex District 1	$8.13
Duplex District 2	$5.92
Multi-Family	$2.80

Nonresidential (i.e., commercial) properties are assessed at $0.0022 per square foot of the maximum allowable impermeable area for their property.

4. How do I know what my zoning classification is?

View the zoning map page.

5. Who approved the fee?

The City Council approved the fee after extensive review by the Public Works and Finance Advisory Committees, City staff, and engineering consultants. Articles in the City newsletter and a public hearing in December 2003 preceded the final adoption by the Council.

6. What is the resulting revenue used for?

The fee's revenue is used to implement the City's stormwater management program. The program includes stormwater or drainage capital projects; operational costs, such as maintenance of storm sewers, ponds, and streams; and support for environmental compliance programs.

7. Why did the city establish the stormwater utility?

Before the fee, the City used general tax revenues to support its stormwater efforts. This pulls money away from projects and programs in other departments. Like many other Texas communities, the City is required to comply with the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) Phase II program for Municipal Separate Storm Systems (MS4s). Many north Texas cities have had a stormwater utility fee in place for years.

8. What is the advantage of a stormwater utility charge over property taxes as a source of funding?

The City can generate funds in a more equitable manner. The utility fee allows the City to levy a charge that is proportional to the cost of stormwater service for that property. In contrast, with general taxes, each property owner pays the same percentage of their property tax rate to support the stormwater program, regardless of the amount of runoff their property generates. Under this approach, some entities also benefit from stormwater services but pay nothing.

9. What is involved in stormwater management?

Stormwater management involves control of stormwater quantity and quality. Stormwater quantity management focuses on managing the volume or amount of stormwater as well as the speed of runoff resulting from various storms. Stormwater quality management focuses on the prevention of water pollution by requiring best management practices for various activities, including construction.

Municipalities and utility districts utilize best management practices, including development policies, capital projects to construct stormwater sewers, ditches, and basins, and operational practices to ensure stormwater management. The goals of these efforts are improved drainage, prevention of flood damage, and improved water quality.