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1. How do I adopt a pet?

You may call or visit the shelter to inquire about animals available for adoption. For more information, please contact Animal Control at 972-557-6035. Or, visit the Animal Shelter located at:
3117 Hickory Tree Road
Balch Springs, TX 75180

2. What is the cost to adopt a pet?

The cost for adopting a dog or cat is $35. Wednesday adoption special is $10. All dogs and cats adopted from an animal shelter must be sterilized no later than 30 days from the adoption date, in accordance with Texas State Law Chapter 828 of the Texas Health and Safety Code. For more information, please contact Animal Control at 972-557-6035.

3. Who do I call for animal emergencies after hours?

For animal emergencies, dial 911. An animal control officer is available Saturday and Sunday for emergency animal control issues only. For more information, please contact Animal Control at 972-557-6035.

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1. How do I volunteer for the boards, commissions, and committees in the City of Balch Springs?

Please fill out a volunteer form and return it to the City secretary. For more information, please contact the City Secretary at 972-286-4477, ext. 210. View the Boards and Commissions Application (PDF).

2. How do I request City information?

To request City information, please fill out an Open Records Request form and return it to the City secretary. For more information, please contact the City Secretary at 972-286-4477, ext. 210.

3. How do I get a copy of a birth, death, or marriage certificate?

To get copies of records of birth, death, marriage certificates, marriage license, etc., please contact the Dallas County Clerk's office located:
509 Main Street
Number 200
Dallas, TX 75202
Phone 214-653-7244

For more information, please contact the City Secretary at 972-286-4477, ext. 210. View the Public Information Open Records Request (PDF).

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1. Where can I find a copy of the City of Balch Springs Code of Ordinances?

To view the City of Balch Springs Code of Ordinances click on the link https://www.municode.com/library/tx/balch_springs/codes/code_of_ordinances.

2. How are Codes Enforced?

Enforcement is typically initiated in response to a complaint by an individual or as an observation of a code violation by town staff as they patrol the community.

3. How do I report a violation and can I remain anonymous?

Call the Code Enforcement Division at 972-286-4477 Ext#235. Please provide the correct address and give a brief description of the potential violation. If you choose to remain anonymous, the Code Enforcement Division will still investigate the report. You should understand that, if you do leave your name and phone number, it becomes public record and is available to any citizen for review.

4. How will I know that my complaint was acted upon?

If you have made a complaint and do not see any action, please contact Code Enforcement 972-286-4477 Ext#235 and we will gladly check the computer records and update you on the status of the investigation.

5. I received a notice of violation on a house that I own, but I rent this property to a tenant. Why don’t you issue the notice to the tenant?

In most cases, the tenant was issued a Notice of Violation, and you, as the property owner would have been notified of the violation by mail. As the property owner, you are legally responsible for any violations of City ordinances. If your tenant does not come into compliance, you could be held responsible.

6. What happens if it is determined that I have violated a local ordinance?

It depends on the violation. In most cases, if there is no public danger, a Notice of Violation is issued giving the resident a reasonable amount of time to comply. A Code Officer will re-inspect the property at the end of the designated compliance time. If the property is found to be in compliance, the case is closed.

7. My neighbors have the same violations, why have you selected me?

The Code Enforcement Division does not conduct selective enforcement. The Officers try to cover their entire zone routinely. In addition, the officers respond to all complaints that are filed with our office. You may be unaware that the attempt to remedy a violation is already in progress. Please feel free to call the Code Enforcement Division office to inquire about a specific address 972-286-4477 Ext#235.

8. This seems like a waste of tax dollars. Why don’t you go after “real criminals?”

The Code Enforcement Division exists to protect the quality of life of all residents in the City of Balch Springs. It has a different purpose than law enforcement. Code Enforcement helps maintain property values and improves areas that have become blighted with debris, overgrowth or graffiti. Areas that have become blighted are more likely to have a higher crime rate than those areas that are well maintained and free from Code violations.

9. Who do I call if there is an abandoned vehicle on the street or for parking control on public streets?

Call the Balch Springs Police Department non-emergency number 972-557-6000.

10. Who should I call about barking dogs?

Call the City of Balch Springs Animal Control at 972-557-6035.

11. Who do I contact regarding bulk trash pick up, solid waste or illegal dumping?

Contact the Solid Waste Department at 972-286-4477 Ext#133.

12. Do I need a business license to operate my own business?

Yes. Contact the Permits Department at 972-286-4477 Ext#127 for business license/ certificate of occupancy information and requirements.

13. I am having a yard sale this weekend. Do I need a permit, where can I obtain a permit and can I put signs up to advertise the sale?

Yes a permit is needed in order to conduct a yard sale. However, you may only place signs on your property where the sale is occurring or on other private properties with owner's permission. No signs are allowed in any right-of-way or attached to telephone poles, trees or other existing signs. To obtain a permit go to: 3117 Hickory Tree Rd. Balch Springs, Texas 75180. For more information call 972-557-6070.

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1. What are my rights?

You have a right to enter a plea of guilty, nolo contendere (no contest), or not guilty to each offense charged; the right to consult an attorney; and the right to a jury or nonjury trial. If you plead not guilty, you will need to decide whether to employ an attorney to represent you. You may defend yourself, but no one else (except a lawyer) may represent you. For more information, please contact the Municipal Court at 972-557-60570.

2. How can I plead?

A plea must be made in person or by mail. By a plea of guilty, you admit that the act is prohibited by law, that you committed the act charged, and that you have no defense or excuse for your act. A plea of nolo contendere (no contest) means that you do not contest the state’s charge against you. While it is not an admission by you that you are guilty, you will almost certainly be found guilty. A plea of guilty or no contest, and a finding of guilt, will result in a conviction on your record. However, a plea of no contest cannot be used against you in a subsequent civil suit for damages. A plea of not guilty means that you are informing the court that you deny guilt or that you have a good defense, and that the state must prove what is charged against you. For more information, please contact the Municipal Court at 972-557-60570.

3. What if I am a juvenile?

Juveniles must appear in person before the judge, accompanied by a parent or guardian. Juveniles do not have to take action on a citation within 20 days. Notice of their court date and time will be mailed by the clerk to the address shown on the citation. For more information, please contact the Municipal Court at 972-557-60570.

4. What day is court held?

Court is held every Thursday except for the Thursday that falls on the fifth week of the month. For more information, please contact the Municipal Court at 972-557-60570.

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1. Do I need to have a permit for a garage sale?

Yes. You must present a current photo ID with your Balch Springs residence to get a permit. If you do not have an ID with your current residence, you must provide proof of residency with a current utility bill. Permits are $10 each and are good for 10 consecutive days. Permits can only be held three times a year but must be after every 90 days.

Permits may be obtained at the Municipal Building, located at 3117 Hickory Tree Road. There are no refunds or extensions for rainouts. Please note: A citation will be issued for residents conducting a garage sale without a permit and for illegal sign placement. For more information, please contact Planning and Zoning at 972-286-4477, ext. 212.

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1. What do I need to get a library card?

Anyone with a valid Texas ID or drivers license and a piece of mail with their name and address can get a library card at no charge.

2. Do I need to live in Balch Springs to get a library card?

No. Anyone with a valid Texas ID or drivers license and a piece of mail with their name and address can get a library card.

3. Does the library have computers for public use?

Yes. Patrons must have a library card or computer use only card to access library computers.

4. How much does it cost to print?

Printing in black and white is $0.15 per page and printing in color is $0.50 per page.

5. Does the library offer FAX services?

Yes. You can FAX papers at the library for $1.00 per page.

6. Can I scan documents at the library?

Yes. You can scan documents to any email free of charge.

7. Does the library accept volunteers?

Yes. All volunteers must be at least 16 years of age with the exception of students in honor organizations or students needing hours for a special project. Teens under 16 must be approved by the Library Director before beginning volunteer hours. Additionally, teens under the age of 16 must have approval from a parent or guardian in order to volunteer.
Library Volunteer Application

8. Can I complete court ordered commiunity service hours at the library?

Yes, with the following limitations:
*Must be from Balch Springs Court or Dallas Juvenile Court.
*Must reside in Balch Springs.
*Must be 16 years of age.
*Must be non-violent offender.
*Must be approved by the Library Director.

All court papers must be presented to the library at the time of the request.
The library reserves the right to refuse any applicant. Library Community Service Application

9. Does the library accept donations?

Yes, the library accepts certain donations to be considered for the collection. Other donations will be given to the Friends of the Balch Springs Library-Learning Center to sell as a fundraiser. Below is a list of acceptable and unacceptable donations.

Donations to be considered for the library collection.
*Bestsellers
*Classics
*Paperback books, both fiction and non-fiction
*Hardcover books, both fiction and non-fiction
*DVDs
*Music CDs
*Books on CD

Donations NOT Accepted
*Periodicals
*Encyclopedias with missing volumes
*Books in poor condition (ie. missing pages, without covers, yellowed, musty, water damaged, insect infested, with marking or underlining.)

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1. Does the city have any programs to help repair my home?

Yes the city does offer a program called Minor Repair and Rehabilitation Program that will help Balch Springs residents repair the exterior of the home.

2. Does my rental property have to be inspected by the city?

Yes if you own a rental property in Balch Springs you will have to have the property inspected when the tenant changes.

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1. How do I pay traffic tickets?

Traffic Tickets are collected through the Balch Springs Municipal Court, which is located at 3117 Hickory Tree Road. For more information, please contact the Police Department at 972-557-6000. The Municipal Court web pages and specific instructions are available at the Municipal Court Payment Options page.

2. How can I get a copy of an accident report?

Accident reports may be purchased at the Police Department Records Desk or an open records request may be submitted. For more information, please contact the Police Department at 972-557-6000, or visit the Open Records Request page.

3. How do I get an alarm permit?

Applications are available in the lobby of the main police station. Submit the completed application with payment either by mail or in person to the police station located at 12500 Elam Road. For more information, please contact the Police Department at 972-557-6000.

4. Who do I contact if I want to solicit or pass out flyers?

For information on a solicitor's permit, contact the Balch Springs Police Department at 972-557-6000.

5. What is a red light running violation?

A violation has occurred if, when while facing a steady red traffic signal, your vehicle proceeded into such an intersection without stopping and standing until an indication to proceed was shown or your vehicle made a right hand turn, or a left hand turn from a one-way street onto another one-way street, while facing a steady red signal without first coming to a complete stop and not proceeding until it was safe to do so and yielding right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully in an adjacent crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection. For more information, please contact the Police Department at 972-557-6000.

6. What if I am not the driver / owner of the vehicle at the time of the red light camera violation?

Affidavit: Identify another Driver, rental/leasing agency, if the vehicle was test driven, sold and/or stolen. It is sufficient evidence of ordinance 2040-08 that the person registered as the owner of the vehicle was operating the vehicle at the time of the violation. However, liability of the owner may be removed if one of the conditions below applies and the Affidavit of Non-Responsibility:
- If the vehicle was sold prior to the date of violation, you must include a copy of the transfer of sale along with the Affidavit of Non-Responsibility.
- If the vehicle or license plate was reported stolen at the time of the violation, you must submit the police report number and reporting agency name along with the Affidavit of Non-Responsibility.
- If the identified driver makes a partial payment, they will assume liability for the violation.
- No record of this violation will be sent to your insurance company or to the Department of Public Safety Division of Motor Vehicles.
- The Affidavit of Non-Liability can be mailed or faxed to the Customer Service Center:
1721 W Plano Parkway
Suite Number 105
Plano, TX 75075
Fax: 972-422-7917

7. Can I view the video of the red light camera violation on the internet?

The video is available online for 60 days from the date of violation. If you do not have access to a computer, computers are available at the Public Libraries.

You may also view the video at the Customer Service Center:
1721 W Plano Parkway
Suite 105
Plano, TX 75075

Viewing the video at Customer Service Center is by appointment only.

Call 972-422-7900 or toll free at 866-527-9470 to schedule an appointment. Hours are Monday - Friday, 8 .a.m - 5 p.m. Central Time.

For more information, please contact the Police Department at 972-557-6000.

8. Can I pay the red light camera penalty by credit card?

Credit Card payments can also be made online by entering city code: BLSPTX at the PhotoNotice website.

9. Is the Red Light Camera Enforcement only a revenue generating program?

No. This is a safety program. Red Light Camera Enforcement programs have been shown to reduce red light violations and intersection crashes. Numerous studies from the US and worldwide, as well as the experience of many other cities, indicate significant decreases in red light running violations and collisions after cameras were installed. Other intersections not monitored by automated enforcement may also experience a decrease in violations and accidents as a result of the presence of this automated enforcement in other areas of the community. For more information, please contact the Police Department at 972-557-6000.

10. Will my insurance rates be affected by a Red Light Camera Enforcement violation?

No, this is a civil infraction that is not reported to any insurance agencies. For more information, please contact the Police Department at 972-557-6000.

11. What happens if I ignore the Notice of a Red Light Camera Violation?

Failure to pay the civil penalty or to contest liability prior to the 45th day after receipt of the notice is an admission of liability, and failure to appear at an administrative adjudication hearing after having requested a hearing is an admission of liability and constitutes a waiver of the right to appeal. Failure to pay the civil penalty within 45 days after receipt of this Notice of Violation shall result in the imposition of a late-payment fee of $25. If the second notice remains unpaid, collections proceedings and entry of judgment against you may proceed. For more information, please contact the Police Department at 972-557-6000.

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1. Can I park in my back yard?

All vehicles must be parked on an improved surface.

2. Can I apply online?

answer here

3. Do I have to license my pets?

Answer here.

4. How do I contact a city/county department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

5. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

6. Where should the city ducks cross the road?

There are placards on the road ways that designate to these ducks where to cross. Please use caution when approaching these specific areas as the ducks are hostile.

7. What is an FAQ?

It is a frequently asked question. duh Pay Water Bill

8. What is an FAQ?

it is a frequently asked question. duh

9. How do I get a library card?

Anyone with a valid Texas drivers license and a piece of mail with their name and current address can get a library card FREE!

10. Can I sit a sofa and a refrigerator on my front porch?

All furniture other than that designed for outdoor use or that which would normally be considered as antique furniture must be place inside of your home.

11. Can I pay my water bill on line?

Yes. Please log on to www.cityofbalchsprings.com

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1. Who do I contact for water service to the City of Balch Springs?

The City of Balch Springs provides water service and can be reached at 972-286-4477.

2. Who do I contact for garbage and bulk garbage pick up to the City of Balch Springs?

For garbage and bulk garbage pick up contact Water Service at 972-286-4477 to set up service.

3. Who provides sewer service to the City of Balch Springs?

The City of Balch Springs provides sewer service and can be reached at 972-286-4477.

4. Who do I call if my electricity goes out?

If your power goes out, please contact Oncor for assistance by phone at 888-313-4747 or online at Oncor's website.