Highlands Community Alliance

SOUTHSIDE CLEANUP AND CODE COMPLIANCE series by Gaynell Smith

poorly maintained vacant lots, and illegally-posted signs

CLEAN-UP AND CODE COMPLIANCE
By Gaynell Smith, Highlands Alliance leader of Neighborhood Appearance and Character team
In order to attract better businesses and more people to the south side of town, we must show more pride in the appearance and safety of our neighborhoods. This will take the cooperation of all the people, not just a few. As part of this effort, the Highlands Alliance is sponsoring City Code education and will be spearheading enforcement in our area, and invite other neighborhood associations to do the same. We will be publishing information on two city codes each month. Please make an effort to rid your neighborhoods of violations of these codes. Report violations to the Department of Code Compliance by calling 311. You may also log on to www.sanantonio.gov/codecomp/.
This month, we will highlight two more of the major problems: poorly maintained vacant lots, and signs that were posted in violation of the law.
Allowing weeds and vegetation to grow in excess of 12 inches in height is a violation of City ordinance. Failure to keep your lot clean and mowed could result in a fine of $2,000.00 with an administrative fee of $150.00. This applies to the alley adjacent to the property.

The City Code states that there shall be NO posting of signs on utility poles, streetlight poles, fences, trees, or other manmade or natural features. The means NO signs for garage sales, lost dogs, items for sale, etc. can be legally posted on any of these structures.
Garage sale signs can be placed within your own property where the garage sale is occurring, after you have obtained the garage sale permit for the correct date and location. Signs cannot be posted on any other private property even with permission of the property owner. Failure to remove your signs could result in the issuance of a citation that will result in a court case filed in Municipal Court. If found guilty, the court can assess up to a maximum fine of $500.00 for EACH AND EVERY LOCATION found in violation.
Permits may be obtained for “temporary weekend signs” by paying an annual fee of $50.00 for each advertised location and $1.00 for a decal which must be placed on the front of each sign. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issuance. Signs shall not exceed 24 inches by 32 inches in size and must comply with other regulations. Temporary signs with permits may be in place only Friday through the following Monday.

Any sign placed in violation of the provisions of these sections of the City Ordinance can be declared a nuisance to the public health, safety and welfare; and may be confiscated. You may apply for a permit at Development Services Department/Sign Section of the City of San Antonio.
All right, south side residents, join with us to improve our neighborhoods and show Toyota and other companies that we take pride in our communities.

For more information about the Highlands Alliance committee, contact Gaynell Smith at(210) 333-4563 or mrsblacksmith@aol.com.


SIGN UP TO BE A CODE COMPLIANCE ZONE CAPTAIN!
Each month you will let our own Code Compliance Volunteer Coordinator know about any dangerous conditions in your zone.
Call the contact for your neighborhood and start volunteering now!

Southeast Highland Hills: Gaynell Smith, (210) 333-4563, mrsblacksmith@aol.com.

Highland Park: Patrick Sandoval, cyeoman@stic.net, (210) 533-1726

Highland Hills: Christel Villarreal, cvillarreal@stic.net

TO REPORT ILLEGALLY-POSTED SIGNS: 207-8289 and please also inform 207-7064 to receive action.

Junked vehicles, yard parking, and unsanitary premises

CLEAN-UP AND CODE COMPLIANCE
By Gaynell Smith, Highlands Alliance leader of Neighborhood Appearance and Character team
In order to attract better businesses and more people to the south side of town, we must show more pride in the appearance and safety of our neighborhoods. This will take the cooperation of all the people, not just a few. As part of this effort, the Highlands Alliance is sponsoring City Code education and will be spearheading enforcement in our area, and invite other neighborhood associations to do the same. We will be publishing information on two city codes each month. Please make an effort to rid your neighborhoods of violations of these codes. Report violations to the Department of Code Compliance by calling 311. You may also log on to www.sanantonio.gov/codecomp/.
The Highlands Alliance now highlights junked vehicles/front and side yard parking, and unsanitary premises.
The City Code prohibits the keeping of a junked vehicle in ordinary public view. Any inoperable vehicle without either a current safety inspection or a current license tag will be considered a junked vehicle. A $200.00 daily fine can be imposed and/or the vehicle will be towed away and destroyed. The City Code also prohibits the parking of motor vehicles on the front lawn or side lawn in a residential area. This means that motor vehicles cannot be parked on the front lawn for any reason, even to wash them. If more parking space is needed than is provided by the driveway, an area can be graveled, with a barrier to prevent the gravel from spreading, or an area can be paved.
The City Code states that property must be kept clean, free of debris, and free of overgrown vegetation. Also if your home is served by an alley, you are responsible for maintaining half of it.
All right, south side residents, join with us to improve our neighborhoods and show Toyota and other companies that we take pride in our communities.
For more information about the Highlands Alliance committee, contact Gaynell Smith at (210) 333-4563 or mrsblacksmith@aol.com.


SIGN UP TO BE A CODE COMPLIANCE ZONE CAPTAIN!
Each month you will let our own Code Compliance Volunteer Coordinator know about any dangerous conditions in your zone.
Call the contact for your neighborhood and start volunteering now!

Southeast Highland Hills: Gaynell Smith, (210) 333-4563, mrsblacksmith@aol.com.

Highland Park: Patrick Sandoval, cyeoman@stic.net, (210) 533-1726

Highland Hills: Christel Villarreal, cvillarreal@stic.net

Obstructions on rights-of-way, and dangerous premises

CLEAN-UP AND CODE COMPLIANCE
By Gaynell Smith, Highlands Alliance leader of Neighborhood Appearance and Character team
In order to attract better businesses and more people to the south side of town, we must show more pride in the appearance and safety of our neighborhoods. This will take the cooperation of all the people, not just a few. As part of this effort, the Highlands Alliance is sponsoring City Code education and will be spearheading enforcement in our area, and invite other neighborhood associations to do the same. We will be publishing information on two city codes each month. Please make an effort to rid your neighborhoods of violations of these codes. Report violations to the Department of Code Compliance by calling 311. You may also log on to www.sanantonio.gov/codecomp/.
First the Highlands Alliance highlights obstructions on City property or right-of-way, and dangerous premises.
The City Code states that pedestrian and vehicular rights-of-way must be kept free of any obstructions. For example, structures, overhanging tree limbs, basketball goals, fences, dumpsters and shrubbery are prohibited when on City owned or City controlled rights-of-way. There are special regulations that apply at street intersections.
This means that shrubbery or fences that extend too close to the street in such a way as to obscure oncoming traffic should be cut back to a reasonable height, and that limbs obscuring street signs and stop signs should be cut back. It also means that sidewalks must be kept clear of signs, cars, basketball goals, etc., that prevent pedestrian access. Basketball goals, for example, are not allowed nearer than the setback line for your street—this means the front of your house in most cases, or your side fence or garage on a corner lot. If a child is injured while using your basketball goal, whether with or without your permission, you, the homeowner or renter, can be sued by the parents of the child.
The City Code states that a vacant and dilapidated building may be considered a dangerous premise as defined in City code if the structure is seen as a threat to public health or safety. Depending on the condition of the property, City officials could order its demolition or cleaning and securing at the owner’s expense. In addition the City may file a case in Municipal Court against the owner of the property. This means that any building, whether a house, a garage, a shed, a business, or any other structure must be kept in good condition. It must have locked doors, intact windows, etc. Otherwise, someone could go into the building and be injured, or the building could be used for illegal purposes.
All right, south side residents, join with us to improve our neighborhoods and show Toyota and other companies that we take pride in our communities.
For more information about the Highlands Alliance committee, contact Gaynell Smith at (210) 333-4563 or mrsblacksmith@aol.com.


SIGN UP TO BE A CODE COMPLIANCE ZONE CAPTAIN!
Each month you will let our own Code Compliance Volunteer Coordinator know about any dangerous conditions in your zone.
Call the contact for your neighborhood and start volunteering now!

Southeast Highland Hills: Gaynell Smith, (210) 333-4563, mrsblacksmith@aol.com.

Highland Park: Patrick Sandoval, cyeoman@stic.net, (210) 533-1726

Highland Hills: Christel Villarreal, cvillarreal@stic.net

Email us
mrsblacksmith@aol.com,cyeoman@stic.net,cvillarreal@stic.net