Important Notice Regarding Property Maintenance Standards in the City of Dallas
Dear City of Dallas Property Owners,
We hope this message finds you well. As part of our ongoing commitment for Dallas residents to enjoy safe and habitable living conditions within our community, especially during inclement weather conditions, we are reaching out to provide crucial information about the minimum property standards and responsibilities outlined in the Dallas City Code.
It is imperative for property owners to be aware of and adhere to these standards, ensuring that your properties meet the required criteria for plumbing and heating systems. The following summary highlights your responsibilities and potential consequences for non-compliance:
Responsibilities for Plumbing Maintenance:
Plumbing Systems:
- Maintain all plumbing pipes, fittings, and valves for natural fuel gases, drainage, storm drainage, or potable water in operating condition.
- Ensure plumbing fixtures are free of cross-connections and conditions that permit backflow into the potable water supply.
Fuel Gas Distribution Systems:
- Maintain leak-free fuel gas or liquefied petroleum gas distribution systems in accordance with the construction codes.
Plumbing Fixtures:
- Provide each dwelling unit with specified kitchen and bathroom fixtures.
- Keep all plumbing fixtures connected to an approved potable water supply system.
- Maintain all piping distribution systems in operating condition, and eliminate all unsafe, unsanitary, and inoperable conditions in such distribution systems.
Water Heating Equipment:
- Maintain water heating equipment in operating condition.
- Provide and maintain water heating equipment that supplies hot water at a minimum temperature of 110° F. to every required plumbing fixture.
Responsibilities for Heating Maintenance:
Heating Facilities:
- Provide, and maintain, in operating condition, heating facilities capable of maintaining a room temperature of at least 15 degrees warmer than the outside temperature, but in no event lower than 68° F. in each habitable room.
- Maintain heating facilities in operating condition in buildings or structures other than dwelling units.
Appliances:
- Maintain appliances, including portable heating units, in operating condition.
Potential Consequences for Non-Compliance:
- Non-compliance with these standards may lead to various consequences, including:
- Notices, citations, and re-inspection fees issued by the relevant authorities.
- Escalation to the Dallas City Attorney’s Office for litigation.
- In specific situations, there are provisions for providing alternative housing to tenants if heating or refrigerated air equipment is not repaired within a specified time frame.
We encourage you to review the applicable Dallas City Code provisions to gain a comprehensive understanding of your obligations. This information is crucial for promoting the safety, well-being, and quality of life for residents across our city.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. Should you have any questions or require further clarification, or if you would like to speak with a representative from the City of Dallas Code Compliance Department, please do not hesitate to reach out. For reporting violations, we recommend dialing 311 or utilizing the convenient Dallas311 mobile app. Contact details for the City of Dallas Code Compliance Department are provided below for your reference. Your cooperation in upholding these standards is greatly appreciated.
Chauncy Williams
Assistant Director Department of Code Compliance
214-670-7678
chauncy.williams@dallas.gov
Ariel Garcia
Code Administrator Department of Code Compliance
214-670-1197
ariel.garcia@dallas.gov
Rosana Savcic
Manager Department of Code Compliance
214-784-5130
rosana.savcic@dallas.gov
Property owners requesting expedited inspections for repairs may contact:
Terry Johnson
Chief Plumbing/Mechanical Inspector Development Services
214-948-4464
terry.johnson@dallas.gov
Sincerely,
City of Dallas Code Compliance Department
Chris Christian, Director