For residents and property owners in Crandall, understanding the city’s rules regarding noise, property conditions, abandoned vehicles and other public nuisances can help prevent violations while keeping neighborhoods safe and orderly.
Chapter 8 of the Crandall Code of Ordinances addresses a wide range of offenses and nuisances, including excessive noise, offensive odors, junked vehicles, abandoned property, nuisances on private property, bullying and certain other prohibited conduct.
Here is a breakdown of several important provisions Crandall residents should know.
Excessive Noise Can Be a Violation
Crandall prohibits unreasonably loud, disturbing, irritating or raucous noise that exceeds the city’s permitted sound levels or otherwise causes material distress or discomfort to people nearby.
The ordinance specifically identifies several types of noise that may constitute a nuisance, including:
- Loud Music and Sound Systems: Radios, amplifiers, musical instruments and other sound-producing devices may not be operated at a volume that unreasonably disturbs nearby residents.
- Animals and Birds: Keeping an animal or bird that creates frequent or prolonged noise that disturbs people in the immediate vicinity may constitute a noise nuisance.
- Vehicle Horns: Continued or frequent unnecessary sounding of vehicle horns or other signal devices is prohibited.
- Unmuffled Engines: Vehicle, boat and other engine exhaust must be controlled by a muffler or other device that effectively prevents loud or explosive noise.
Crandall’s ordinance establishes a measurable standard as well. Noise exceeding 80 decibels between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. or 75 decibels between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., when measured beyond the property line with a calibrated decibel meter, is considered sufficient to disrupt the comfort of reasonable persons.
Construction Hours Are Restricted
Construction and related activities are subject to specific nighttime restrictions.
Construction, excavation, demolition, alteration and repair work generally may not take place between:
- 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays
- 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. on weekends
The restriction includes activities involving construction equipment, maintenance and servicing of construction equipment, and deliveries of construction-related materials when the activity creates a noise disturbance.
Urgent work involving public safety or convenience may qualify for a special permit or variance.
Offensive Odors and Unsanitary Conditions
Crandall residents are also responsible for preventing certain unsanitary conditions from affecting neighboring properties.
The city prohibits allowing water, sewage, waste, noxious gases or refuse to accumulate or discharge on property in an unsanitary manner that creates offensive odors disturbing occupants of surrounding properties or buildings.
This provision is separate from the city’s broader rules governing nuisances on private property.
Junk, Debris and Outdoor Storage Can Become a Property Nuisance
Crandall defines a private-property nuisance as a condition or use of property that is detrimental to other property or tends to substantially reduce the value of surrounding property.
Examples identified in the ordinance include:
- Lumber, building materials, junk, trash or debris.
- Indoor-type furniture or household items stored outdoors.
- Abandoned or unused equipment and objects.
- Scrap metal, bottles, cans, paper and other salvage material.
- Compost piles that harbor disease, create offensive odors or attract rodents, vermin or insects.
- Unsanitary or septic material that is not properly contained.
- Inoperable, dismantled, wrecked or junked vehicles.
Property owners, tenants, occupants and others responsible for premises may not maintain these nuisance conditions.
Property Owners May Receive 10 Days to Correct a Nuisance
When city officials determine that a condition constitutes a nuisance under the private-property ordinance, written notice may be issued requiring the property owner, tenant or person responsible for the premises to correct the condition within 10 days.
A person receiving the notice may request a hearing before the Crandall City Council before the 10-day period expires.
If the nuisance is not corrected and no hearing is requested, a complaint may be filed in municipal court. If a hearing is held and the City Council determines that the property is a nuisance, the council may establish a deadline for correcting the condition.
If the responsible party ultimately fails to comply, the court may allow the city to remove or abate the nuisance.
The city’s expenses may then be charged to the property owner and may become a lien against the property. Under the ordinance, unpaid abatement expenses secured by such a lien accrue interest at 10 percent annually.
Junked Vehicles May Be Declared a Public Nuisance
Crandall separately regulates junked vehicles.
Under the city’s ordinance, junked vehicles located where they are visible from a public place or public right-of-way are declared public nuisances.
The Police Department or Code Enforcement Department may begin procedures to remove and dispose of a qualifying junked vehicle from private property, public property or a public right-of-way.
Generally, the ordinance requires at least 10 days’ notice explaining the nuisance and the opportunity to request a hearing before removal. Certain vehicles stored lawfully inside buildings, at licensed vehicle businesses or under qualifying collector provisions are excluded from those procedures.
Abandoned Personal Property on Public Property
Crandall also has rules addressing personal property abandoned in public areas.
Personal property, other than a junked motor vehicle, that is left unattended for more than 48 continuous hours on a public street, alley, sidewalk, park or other public place may be declared a nuisance and removed by the city.
The property may be held until it is redeemed or eventually sold according to procedures established in the ordinance.
Violating the city’s abandoned personal property article is a misdemeanor punishable upon conviction by a fine of $10 to $200 for each violation.
Damaging Property and Posting Signs Without Permission
Chapter 8 also prohibits damaging or defacing both city-owned and privately owned property.
Residents should also be aware that the ordinance prohibits painting, stamping, nailing, tacking or otherwise placing a bill, sign or notice on public or private property without first obtaining permission from the property owner.
The chapter additionally prohibits intentionally avoiding payment for city services or use of city property or facilities when payment is required.
Bullying and Harassment Prohibited
Crandall’s offenses chapter contains anti-bullying provisions that prohibit a person from engaging in bullying or harassment or inducing another person to engage in that conduct.
Retaliation against someone who reports prohibited bullying or harassment is also prohibited.
The ordinance expressly states that these provisions are not intended to apply to constitutionally protected speech or activity. Violations are misdemeanors punishable by a fine of up to $500 per offense, with each violation or day a violation continues potentially treated as a separate offense.
Discharging Firearms and Airguns
Crandall’s code generally prohibits discharging firearms, airguns, BB guns, pellet guns or other mechanisms that project lead or other missiles within the city limits.
The ordinance lists exceptions, including lawful actions by law enforcement officers, lawful defense of a person or property, certain construction tools designed to propel fasteners, and the use of blanks during official celebrations or athletic events when written permission has been obtained from the police chief.
Sex Offender Residency Restrictions
Chapter 8 also contains residency restrictions applying to certain registered sex offenders whose underlying registration requirement involves a victim younger than 16.
The ordinance generally prohibits a person covered by the provision from establishing a permanent or temporary residence within 1,000 feet of a child safety zone.
A child safety zone can include locations where children commonly gather, such as schools, playgrounds, day-care facilities, youth centers and public swimming pools.
The ordinance contains several exceptions, exemptions and affirmative defenses, including provisions involving preexisting residences, minors, certain court orders and legitimate reasons for being within the restricted area.
Violations of the sex-offender residency article are Class C misdemeanors carrying fines of up to $500 for each offense, with each day a violation continues considered a separate offense.
Penalties Can Vary by Violation
Not every offense in Chapter 8 carries the same penalty.
Under Crandall’s general penalty provision, when an ordinance violation does not establish its own specific penalty, the maximum fine is generally $500. Certain violations involving fire safety, zoning, public health and sanitation — including dumping refuse — may carry fines of up to $2,000.
Unless the code provides otherwise, each day that a violation continues may constitute a separate offense. The city may also pursue remedies such as nuisance abatement, injunctive relief or revocation of licenses and permits where authorized.
Reporting and Contact Information
Residents with questions about Crandall ordinances, possible nuisance violations or non-emergency law-enforcement concerns can contact the city.
- City of Crandall City Hall: (972) 427-3771
- City Hall: 110 S. Main Street, Crandall, TX 75114
- Crandall Police Department: (972) 427-3767
- Police Department: 104 E. Trunk Street, Crandall, TX 75114
- Emergency: 911
- Official Code Reference: City of Crandall Code of Ordinances, Chapter 8 — Offenses and Nuisances
Understanding Crandall’s nuisance and offense ordinances can help residents address problems before they lead to citations, municipal court proceedings or city abatement action.
