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1. How can I find out about City codes?

The codes are available online at the Municode website.

2. What are some common complaints that Code Enforcement Officers investigate?

• Weeds and grass over 9 inches in height are in violation of the Friendswood City Code
• Inoperable vehicles, which is any vehicle which does not have lawfully affixed tags and which is:
  • Wrecked
  • Dismantled
  • Partially dismantled
  • Discarded
  • Has remained inoperable for a continuous period of more than thirty consecutive days on private property or seventy-two hours if the vehicle is on public property. If the inoperable vehicle remains on public property it would be an issue for the Friendswood Police department
• Unsanitary pools: a pool not being maintained properly results in an unsanitary situation that could cause health and safety issues as well as creating a breeding place for mosquitoes
• Drainage: side lot and rear yard swales are the most common method used to move water from a property to the storm water system. Blocking or altering these swales with fences and/or gardens so that drainage is adversely affected is a violation
• Dilapidated fence: inadequate bracing, broken or rotten posts, or loose or missing fence pickets are not only unsightly but also create safety concerns because of the damage they can cause during storm events. All fences are to be kept in good repair

3. How can I make a complaint?

Complaints may be filed at Friendswood City Hall with the Code Enforcement Officer or by phone at 281-996-3205.

Written complaints may be filed:

• Via email
• Via fax at 281-996-3260
• Via postal mail to:
  910 S Friendswood Drive
  Friendswood, TX 77546
  Attn: Code Enforcement

4. What if I want to stay anonymous?

You may chose to stay anonymous, however, the Code Enforcement Officer will not be able to inform you of any actions taken or planned.

5. What are the procedures after filing a complaint?

After the violation is confirmed, a notice is sent to the property owner directing them to remove or correct the violation within 10 days of the service of such notice. If additional actions are necessary, they will be conducted according to regulations in the Friendswood City Code.

6. What is a 'junk vehicle'?

A junk vehicle means any motor vehicle that is:

1. Inoperable and has an expired license plate or an expired inspection sticker and which is wrecked, dismantled, partially dismantled, or discarded; or
2. Has remained inoperable for a continuous period of 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.

A violation for having an unauthorized junk vehicle on your property visible from any city street is punishable by a fine.

7. Who do I call to report a junk vehicle?

The City of Friendswood has two separate departments that enforce the City’s junk vehicle ordinance depending on where the vehicle is located:

• For vehicles on a city street (public right-of-way) please call the Friendswood Police Department at 281-996-3300.
• For vehicles on a yard or private residence visible from any city street please call the Community Development Division, Code Enforcement at 281-996-3201.

8. What happens when I call in a junk vehicle?

Vehicles on City Streets

During the time a complaint is filed with the dispatcher, the caller will be asked to provide the license plate, make, model and vehicle color if available, and the street or address where it is parked. An officer will respond and investigate.

If it is determined that the vehicle meets the criteria of a junk vehicle, a notice is attached to the vehicle and attempts are made to notify the owner. After 72 hours, vehicles still on city right-of-way are subject to immediate removal and disposal by the City. A city-approved tow company will then remove the vehicle.

Vehicles on Property Visible from City Streets

Once the Code Enforcement division of Community Development Department receives a complaint regarding a junk vehicle on private property visible from any city street, Code Enforcement will respond to the location and investigate the complaint. If it is determined that the vehicle meets the criteria of a junk vehicle and is visible from any city street,

Code Enforcement will attempt to locate the last known address of the registered and legal owner of the vehicle.

Notices will then be sent to the registered owner of the vehicle, as well as the owner of the property on which the vehicle resides and must be removed within 10 days. After notice has been sent and if no hearing has been requested, if the vehicle remains on the residence after the 10-day period, the owner will be subject to a fine. If the vehicle continues to remain, the City seeks to remove the vehicle, dispose of it by a licensed vehicle wrecker, and recover any costs from the owner.