A variety of articles are available for reproduction, all or in part, in your next communication piece.  If you want to reprint this information in any of your upcoming newsletters, please feel free to cut and paste.  Please end each article with the following: "This information has been provided by the City of Coppell.  Visit www.coppelltx.gov for more information." 

Finally, please, check the website frequently for new information and more importantly, updated information.  Each time you build a communication piece, we ask that you cut and paste from this page and not from a previously used article as any of this information could change at any time. Be sure to pass this information and this web page on to your editors! Suggestions or would you like to see the return of an article?  Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Emergency Notification Information -----------------------------

-----ConnectCTY
 

In the event of an emergency, the ability to rapidly communicate information and instructions that could save lives and property is critical.  The City of Coppell recognizes the importance of delivering critical information in the fastest and most efficient way through multiple channels of communication.

ConnectCTY service is a mass notification system that allows city officials the ability to rapidly notify residents and businesses with time sensitive information to any home phone, cell phone, texting device and email account. This web based system features multiple capabilities for notifying the community about emergencies, events and activities in a matter of minutes with the capacity to reach small and large groups simultaneously. 
 
Before you can receive this information, the City needs all residents and businesses to register for this service.  There is no cost and your contact information will never be sold or otherwise disclosed in compliance with the Texas Public Information Act.
 
To register please go to the City of Coppell’s website at www.coppelltx.gov and click on the ConnectCTY button, then follow the directions listed on the web page.  Over the course of time, your information may change. If you would like to edit your information at a later date, you must register using the Add My Contact Info button. Once complete, you can access and edit your information anytime, by using the Edit or Delete My Info button.

Should you have any questions, please contact the City by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or at 972-304-7065.

-----Outdoor Sirens

The City of Coppell Outdoor Warning System consists of seven outdoor warning sirens strategically located throughout the city.  As the name indicates, the Outdoor Warning System sirens are designed to warn people who are outside. The sirens may be activated for a number of reasons, including (but not limited to):

• The National Weather Service issues a severe thunderstorm warning with the phrase, "destructive winds in excess of 70 mph (or higher) are likely with this storm"; and/or
• "Destructive hail, 1.25" or larger is likely"; and/or
• The National Weather Service issues a Tornado Warning for Dallas County or Denton County that MAY impact the City of Coppell; and/or
• Tornadic activity has been reported by a reliable source in or approaching the City of Coppell; and/or
• Hazardous Chemical Emergency; and/or
• Other emergencies, as deemed necessary by city administration. 

 
When the Outdoor Warning System sirens activate:

• Seek shelter inside,
• Listen to the NOAA weather radio or local television or radio stations for additional information and specific instructions. (Please, DO NOT call 9-1-1 to inquire about siren activation.)
• Once activated, the sirens will continue sounding until the immediate threat has passed.

The Outdoor Warning System is tested on the first Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m. In the event that inclement weather is in the immediate area or forecast, the test may be postponed until the next scheduled test date.

-----Know What 2 Do

When severe weather rolls in, do you know what to do? First, you need to understand the difference between a Watch and a Warning.

WATCH

Conditions exist for the formation of the weather phenomenon in the area.

WARNING

The weather phenomenon has been sighted, is occurring or is indicated by weather radar.  Take immediate action to protect yourself.

Stay tuned to LOCAL television or radio stations for the latest information.  Know where all your family members are and how they can be reached. Have a plan in place to protect your family and be sure to practice ahead of time.  Need help with a plan?  Visit the Coppell Fire Department's web page at http://coppelltx.gov/emergency-management-main/knowhat2do.

Code Enforcement Information-----------------------------------------

-----Neighborhood Integrity
The Most Common Code Violations

High Weeds, Grass, and Other Material

It shall be unlawful for any person owning or occupying any real property within the corporate limits of the city to permit weeds, brush, or any other combustible material to grow to a height greater than 12" upon any such real property within 150' of any property line, and to a point 15' outside such property line that is adjacent to a street, alley, and right-of-way.  All vegetation, not regularly cultivated and which exceeds 12" in height shall be presumed to be a fire hazard and constitute a nuisance.

Trash, Debris, and Objectionable Matter

It shall be the lawful duty of any person owning or occupying real property within the corporate limits of the city to keep such property free from rubbish, and other objectionable, unsightly, or unsanitary manner.  It shall further be the lawful duty of any person owning any building, establishment, or real property to keep such improvements or property free from filth, carrion, or other impure or unwholesome matter.

Trees, Shrubs, and Plants

Foliage of hedges, trees, and shrubs in public of right-of-ways shall be maintained by the property owner adjacent to the right-of-way, such that the minimum overhang above a sidewalk shall be 7'.  The minimum overhang above a street, alley, or a public driveway shall be 14'.

Trees, shrubs, and plants shall not obstruct the access to or from any door or window of any structure which is used, or is required by city codes and ordinances to be used for ingress or egress.

Trees, shrubs, or plants that are dead and which are hazardous to persons or property shall be removed.

Fences

All fences shall be maintained reasonably plumed and structurally sound.  Each structural and decorative member of a fence shall be free of deterioration and be compatible in size, material, and appearance with the remainder of the fence.

A fence that has deteriorated to a condition that is likely to fall shall be repaired or replaced.  Fences shall not be externally braced in lieu of replacing or repairing posts, columns, or other structural members.

Any fence repair, alteration or modification must comply with the City of Coppell Code of Ordinances.

Parking

Parking shall be allowed only on a paved concrete surface.  The boat and trailer on aforementioned property is unlawfully parked and it is required by law to have it moved to an approved surface.

Junked/Inoperative Vehicle

Any vehicle that is inoperative, and does not have either a current license plate or a valid motor vehicle safety inspection, or that is, dismantled, partially dismantled, or discarded, or that remains inoperable for a continuous period of more than 45 days, is deemed to be a junked or inoperative vehicle.

Home Occupations

A resident who desires to conduct a business, occupation or profession within a residential home is allowed to do so in the City of Coppell.  Although there are no registration requirements, the following restrictions apply, as outlined in the Zoning Ordinance:

The activity can employ only members of the immediate family who reside in the house.  There is no external evidence of the occupation, such as signs, displays, noise, storage of materials or equipment, or traffic or parking of vehicles evidencing the presence of a business.  There can be no separate entrance for the business and no appointed visits by the general public.

 Police Information--------------------------------------------

-----Curfew Hours for Minors

The City of Coppell has an established city ordinance for curfew hours for minors. A minor is a person between ten years of age and sixteen years of age. The hours of curfew are Sunday thru Thursday from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. The hours of curfew for Friday and Saturday are midnight to 6 a.m. The curfew hours established remain in effect for the entire year and do not change during summer break. There are three ways to commit an offense:

(1) If a minor remains in a public place or on the premises of an establishment within the city during curfew hours.

(2) A parent or guardian of a minor knowingly permits, or by insufficient control allows, the minor to remain in a public place or on the premises of an establishment within curfew hours.

(3) The owner, operator, or any employee of an establishment knowingly allows a minor to remain upon the premises of the establishment during curfew hours.

The fine for a curfew violation is up to $500.00 for each offense. There are several defenses to prosecution:

• The minor is accompanied by a parent or guardian
• On an errand at the direction of a parent or guardian, without any detour or stop 
• In a motor vehicle involved in interstate travel
• Engaged in employment, or going to or returning from employment
• Involved in an emergency
• On the sidewalk by the minor’s residence
• Attending an official sponsored function.
• Exercising 1st Amendment right
• Married or had been married

-----Who's Knocking On Your Door?

The city of Coppell's Code of Ordinance Chapter 6, Article 6-2 provides rules and regulations on how solicitors and peddlers can operate within the city limits.

Registration Required

No person, directly or through an agent, shall solicit in person from house-to-house in the city to sell or attempt to sell goods, merchandise, wares, services, or anything of value or to take or attempt to take orders for the future delivery of goods, merchandise, wares, or any personal property of any nature whatsoever, or take or attempt to take orders for services to be furnished or performed in the future, without first having obtained a written permit, or to solicit funds for charitable purposes without first having registered with the city.

Obtaining a Solicitors Permit

All persons desiring to solicit door-to-door must appear in person at the Coppell Police Department, 130 Town Center Blvd., Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and complete the necessary paperwork. Background checks will be conducted on individuals who will be soliciting goods or services. A non-refundable, $25 permit fee will be due upon submittal of each application. After review of the registration or permit application, the City has ten working days to either issue a certificate of registration or permit, or notify the applicant that the application for registration or permit does not comply with the requirements of the Ordinance.

Obtaining a Handbill Distribution Permit

All persons desiring to distribute handbills door-to-door must appear in person at the Coppell Police Department, 130 Town Center Blvd., Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and complete the necessary paperwork. Background checks will be conducted on individuals who will be distributing handbills. There is no charge associated with the handbill distribution application. After review of the registration or permit application, the City has ten working days to either issue a certificate of registration or permit, or notify the applicant that the application for registration or permit does not comply with the requirements of the Ordinance.

Solicitations for Charitable Purposes

All persons desiring to solicit funds for charitable purposes or sale of merchandise to raise funds for charitable purposes shall file a registration statement with the chief of police. This includes the solicitation of funds or sale of merchandise, goods, or wares for charitable purposes. While registration is required, permits will not be needed or issued.

Solicitations for Non-Charitable Purposes

Individuals, businesses or groups soliciting funds or goods for profit must also fill out a registration form with the chief of police. After review of the registration or permit application, and if the registrant meets the criteria as outlined by the Ordinance, City staff will issue a certificate of registration or permit which contains an expiration date listing the final date a for-profit solicitor may go door-to-door for that request. This information MUST be physically displayed on the upper front portion of the solicitor.

Soliciting in Rights-of-Ways

No charitable solicitation may be conducted upon or within the right-of-way of I.H. 635, S.H. 121, MacArthur Blvd., Belt Line Rd., Southwestern Blvd., Denton Tap Rd., Sandy Lake Rd., or the intersections of any of the above named streets, or any other highway, a state highway, or farm-to-market road.

Soliciting on Private Property

Handbill distributors are required to remain on the sidewalks and public right of ways at all times.  A solicitor must use the public sidewalk and paved approach to the front entrance of the dwelling/establishment and shall not cut across private property.
 

Acceptable Solicitation Times

All persons canvassing or soliciting door-to-door, for charitable and non-charitable reasons may not do so before 9 a.m. or after 30 minutes following sunset, Monday through Saturday, or at any time on a Sunday or on an official holiday.

"No Soliciting" Signs

Any person, desiring that no merchant solicit on their property may post a sign in a conspicuous location on or near his main entrance, a weather-proof card not less than three by four inches in size containing the words "NO SOLICITORS." No soliciting includes any person engaged in a, charitable or non-charitable, solicitation, placement of handbills or other advertisement, and those who are canvassing.

Merchandise

It shall be unlawful for any person to peddle, solicit, sell, offer for sale, or exhibit for sale any merchandise upon any public sidewalk, street, street right-of-way, parkway, or other public right-of-way. This does not include mobile vending. Mobile vending is addressed in the Ordinance. Mobile vendors are advised to review this portion of the code.

Canvassing

The amendment also defines canvassing as someone who examines or discusses in detail; to make subject of discussion or debate; goes through places or among people asking, requesting or engaging for vote/opinions concerning religious, political or other topics of public concern. Canvassers must adhere to the hours that soliciting is allowed, as well as the locations where they can solicit with regards to no soliciting signs.

Handbills on Public Property

The Ordinance says, "It shall be unlawful for any person to paste, stick, or place any advertisement, handbill, placard, printed, pictures or written matter or any device for advertising purposes upon any fence, railing, sidewalk, telephone, electric light or public utility pole, or other public property . . ."