December 23, 2013

Junked, Wrecked and Abandoned Vehicles 

Sec. 38-56. - Definitions.

Junked vehicle means a vehicle that is self-propelled and:

(1)

Does not have lawfully attached to it:

a.

An unexpired license plate; or

b.

A valid motor vehicle inspection certificate; and

(2)

Is:

a.

Wrecked, dismantled or partially dismantled, or discarded; or

b.

Inoperable and has remained inoperable for more than:

1.

72 consecutive hours if the vehicle is on public property; or

2.

30 consecutive days, if the vehicle is on private property.

Sec. 38-57. - Public nuisance.

A junked vehicle, including a part of a junked vehicle that is visible at any time of the year from a public place or public right-of-way:

(1)

Is detrimental to the safety and welfare of the public;

(2)

Tends to reduce the value of private property;

(3)

Invites vandalism;

(4)

Creates a fire hazard;

(5)

Is an attractive nuisance creating a hazard to the health and safety of minors;

(6)

Produces urban blight adverse to the maintenance and continuing development of the city; and

(7)

Is a public nuisance.

Sec. 38-58. - Offense.

(b)

An offense under this article is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $200.00.

December 13, 2013

Do you ever get the feeling someone is watching everything you do? 

On December 4th, I blogged about needing to register your pets. Look what showed up on my water bill Wednesday. Coincidence? 

December 11, 2013

Did you know that since January 2001, the City of Commerce requires all rental units to be inspected annually and all rental units to have a license?

Section 22-373(a)

It shall be unlawful for any person to own, operate, manage, or maintain a residential rental unit or residential rental property in the city without a current and valid license having been issued for said residential rental unit. Any person owning, operating, managing or maintaining a residential rental unit at more than one location shall obtain a license for each separate location.

Section 22-378(4)

Annually, once each twelve months, the owner, resident manager, or property manager shall make all dwelling units in the residential rental unit available for inspection by the building inspector. The building inspector and the owner, resident manager, or property manager shall agree on a reasonable date and time for each annual inspection. In the event the parties cannot agree on an inspection time said semi-annual inspections shall occur between December 3 and December 15 and between June 15 and June 30 of each year.

The Penalty for Violation: Up to $2000 for each offense
Section 22-380
That any person, firm, corporation violating any of the provisions of this ordinance or amendment thereto shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction in the municipal court shall be subject to a fine not to exceed the sum of $2,000.00 for each offense, and each and every day that such violation continues shall constitute a separate offense. Those fines shall be in addition to and accumulative of the provisions for the abatement of a nuisance and the obtaining of injunctive relief.

December 9, 2013

Dogs and Cats


Sec. 10-34. - Limitation on the number of dogs or cats.

It shall be declared a nuisance for any person, owner, or family to harbor or maintain more than five dogs and/or cats, or any combination thereof (over six months of age) in a residence. Keeping or harboring more than five dogs and/or cats, or any combination thereof, constitutes a kennel. This section shall not apply to veterinary clinics, hospitals, or the humane society spay and neuter clinics.

December 4, 2013

Dogs and Cats

Sec. 10-31. - Registration and licensing of dogs and cats.

(a) Required. No owner shall have a dog or cat within the corporate limits of the city when the dog or cat has no valid license and tag issued by the city.

December 2, 2013

Don't touch my pole... pole sign that is.

City of Commerce sign ordinance for the "Corridor District." The corridor district is basically from the intersection of Live Oak Street and Hwy 24 to Downtown Commerce.

Part of the Ordinance:

11CD-1000 Signs and awnings. 

No pole signs will be permitted, except for those in use at the time of the adoption of this ordinance. Existing pole signs may remain until such time as the business ceases to operate or ownership changes. 

Thanksgiving 2013

Thankful for those who are working today. Who will be protecting our freedom. Who will be caring for the sick. Who will be feeding those in need. Those who will be sacrificing part, if not all, of their day away from loved ones. Thank you!

November 27, 2013

One of many vacant houses in town and let's face it an eye sore...

November 26, 2013

Driving around Commerce, it is not hard to believe that according to the 2010 Census: 17.3% of the Housing Units in Commerce are vacant. 

State of Texas Average: 10.6%

November 25, 2013

I said this blog would also have the strange, odd and unusual.  THE UNUSUAL...

I have tried to pay attention to the things that go on in our City government for the past 15 years. Something I've never seen:

A City Council Workshop held at a private residence.

It was held on November 15, 2013 (a Friday evening at 5:30) and was to discuss tourism and city events. Click Here for the Notice.

How many people knew of the workshop? Never in paper; never to my knowledge promoted by the Commerce Tourism Director even though when hired by the City of Commerce she said: “I’m here to bring new excitement and new events for Commerce. I want to have more involvement from citizens and seniors to help make the city a place where people want to live and play.”

If the majority of Commerce doesn't know of the meeting, how can you have “more involvement?”

November 22, 2013

I believe as a real estate agent I should advocate for property rights.

One of those rights, I believe, is for the value of property to be protected.

I believe governments feel the same way. This is part of the reason why they adopt building codes, zoning ordinances and various other rules and regulations.  But what can happen when those codes and ordinances are not followed or routinely enforced? Houses get run down. Neighborhoods run down. Property values decrease.  

And to off set the decrease in property tax revenue due to the declining values, we see increases the property tax rate in an effort to make up the difference. 

Case in point, the property tax rate in Commerce has gone up almost 40% in 10 years.

November 21, 2013

Unfortunately, for everyone who has to attend a funeral service at Rosemound Cemetery or go for a visit, they have to pass this property.

November 20, 2013

Commerce Journal from July 2013: "In an effort to make Commerce more presentable, a new ordinance will prohibit residents from parking in their front lawns".

I guess these folks missed that edition of the paper.

November 19, 2013

Now I may get in trouble with higher powers to point out an abandoned church building but it is what it is...

To see it in person really makes one wonder how it is allowed to still be there.

Oops, but then again the City took ownership through a Constable's Deed in March 2013.

November 18, 2013

Commerce City Manager Marc Clayton "Our stance on code enforcement is that we enforce all the codes in Commerce."

Code of Ordinances City of Commerce, Texas

Sec. 38-101. - Attributes of dangerous buildings.

Any building or structure which has any or all of the conditions or defects described in this section shall be deemed to be a dangerous building, provided that such conditions or defects exist to the extent that the life, health, property, welfare, or safety of the public or its occupants are endangered or adversely affected:

(15) Whenever a building or structure, used or intended to be used for dwelling purposes, because of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, decay, damage, faulty construction or arrangement, inadequate light, air or sanitation facilities, or otherwise, is determined to be unsanitary, unfit for human habitation or in such a condition that is likely to cause sickness or disease.

QUESTION: WOULD YOU LIKE TO GUESS WHO OWNS THIS PROPERTY?

ANSWER: THE CITY OF COMMERCE

CLICK FOR: Ownership Record

Of course the City has only been the owner of record for 13+ years. Busted out windows; Home not secure;Dilapidated; Etc.

August 26, 2013

Just a friendly reminder on first day of public schools...

Cell Phone Use Prohibited in a Public School Zone.

August 23, 2013

Not quite ready to really get this blog kicked off but I had to make and comment about an article in yesterdays Commerce Journal.

The article was titled:
Recent dog attacks raise safety concerns.

It was proposed by a citizen  that "dogs must be in a fence no less than 6 feet". 

Although the City code does not specify a height, the code already says ALL dogs are to be confined by a fence not just "vicious and dangerous" dogs.

Sec. 10-33. - Confinement of dogs.

Every person raising, owning or keeping any dog within the city shall confine such dog to the premises of the owner or person controlling him.

(a)

The dog shall be confined by a fence or wall and shall be kept within the enclosure, unless accompanied by a responsible person and restrained by a leash, rope or tether in the hands of such person.

(b)

Fences and/or walls must comply with the fence ordinance, Building and Building Regulations

I've been chased while riding my bike in town and it's no fun to have a dog barking at you and wanting to sick his teeth into your legs. I know I can pedal faster than a typical dog can run, so I don't give it too much thought.  When I jog, I honestly avoid residential areas for just such possibilities. This fat guy can't out run a dog.

But...

Is it that we need an addition to the code or do we need the existing codes followed and enforced?

We have an animal control officer and a code enforcement officer. 
We have an ordinance requiring dogs be confined by a fence or wall.  

Sounds like we need some responsible pet owners who need to be informed of City codes or here's your ticket with an up to $500 fine!

Dog and Cat Code

Let's Get This Blog Started...

Straight from the Code:

Unless another penalty is expressly provided, every person convicted of a violation of any provisions of the Code or any ordinance, rule or regulation adopted or issued in pursuance thereof, governing fire, safety, zoning or public health and sanitation, including the dumping of refuse, shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding $2,000.00, and the violation of any other provision of this Code, or of any other ordinance, shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding $500.00; provided, however, that no penalty shall be greater or less than a penalty provided for the same or a similar offense under the laws of the state. Each act of violation and each day upon which any such violation shall occur shall constitute a separate offense. The penalty provided by this section, unless another penalty is expressly provided, shall apply to the amendment of any Code section whether or not such penalty is reenacted in the amendatory ordinance. In addition to the penalty prescribed above, the city council may pursue other remedies such as abatement of nuisances, injunctive relief and revocation of licenses or permits.