Seagoville residents who use city parks, visit the public library or organize activities on public park property are subject to a number of local rules that may not always be obvious.
Chapter 15 of the Seagoville Code of Ordinances is titled “Public Ways and Places,” but its current provisions are primarily divided into three areas: the public library, parks and recreation, and aviation regulations involving helicopters and heliports.
For most residents, the park rules are the portion of the chapter they are most likely to encounter.
Here are several important provisions Seagoville residents should know.
Dogs Must Be Restrained in City Parks
Dogs are permitted in Seagoville parks when they are led by a cord or chain no longer than six feet, except in areas specifically designated for another type of use.
The ordinance otherwise prohibits allowing animals, reptiles or fowl to be loose in city parks and restricts riding or driving horses or other animals except in designated areas.
Residents bringing pets to a park should therefore plan to keep their dogs under control unless they are using an area specifically designated by the city for a different purpose.
Alcohol Is Prohibited in City Parks
Section 15.02.071 states that possessing or consuming an alcoholic beverage in a city park is unlawful.
The same section prohibits gambling or betting for money, chips, credit or another item representing value while on park property.
These restrictions apply as part of the city’s general rules governing conduct on public park property.
Fireworks, Guns and Similar Devices Are Restricted
City park rules prohibit carrying or discharging firearms, firecrackers, rockets and other fireworks while on park property.
Airguns, BB guns and slingshots are also included in the prohibition.
Bows and arrows may be used only in areas specifically designated for that activity.
Swimming and Wading in Park Waters Is Prohibited
Residents may see ponds, lakes, streams or fountains within city park areas, but Chapter 15 does not allow them to be treated as public swimming areas.
The ordinance prohibits swimming, bathing or wading in a fountain, pond, lake or stream within a city park. Polluting those waters is also prohibited.
Fires Are Limited to Designated Areas
Visitors may not simply build a fire anywhere in a city park.
Fires may be made only in picnic stoves, braziers, fire pits or other areas designated for that purpose.
The ordinance also prohibits leaving cans, bottles, paper, garbage or other refuse anywhere except in receptacles provided for disposal.
Overnight Camping Requires Special Permission
Overnight camping is prohibited on Seagoville park property unless the person has obtained a special permit from the City Manager’s Office.
The ordinance also generally prohibits remaining, staying or loitering in a public park between midnight and 5:00 a.m.
If a particular park has posted operating hours different from the standard 5:00 a.m. to midnight period referenced in the ordinance, visitors must follow the posted hours. A special permit from the City Manager’s Office can provide an exception.
Vehicles Must Stay in Proper Areas
Vehicles may not be driven across park curbs, sidewalks, grass or lawns unless signs specifically authorize it.
Parking must take place in areas established for parking. Where individual spaces are marked, vehicles must be parked within those spaces.
The ordinance also prohibits washing or repairing an automobile within park boundaries.
Drivers must also obey posted speed limits on park drives and streets.
Protect Trees, Flowers and Park Property
Damaging or defacing park property is prohibited.
The ordinance specifically protects trees, shrubs, plants, flowers, rocks, buildings, monuments, fences, benches and other structures or equipment.
Visitors may not remove wood, turf, grass, soil, rock, sand, gravel or fertilizer without authorization from the City Manager’s Office.
Writing, painting or otherwise defacing park buildings, benches, monuments or other structures is also prohibited.
Wildlife Is Protected
Park visitors may not hunt, harm, frighten, trap, shoot or throw objects at animals, reptiles or birds within park boundaries.
Residents also may not remove young wild animals, bird or reptile eggs, nests or young animals from the park.
Some Trails Are for Foot Traffic Only
Bicycles, skateboards, roller blades and similar devices may not be used on a trail that has been designated for foot traffic only.
The ordinance also restricts engine-powered model aircraft, model boats and model land vehicles to areas designated for those activities.
Residents should pay attention to posted signs because the city may designate particular areas for particular recreational activities.
Vendors, Advertising and Business Activities Need Approval
Businesses and organizations cannot automatically use city parks as locations for commercial activity.
Selling or offering food, beverages, merchandise or services requires a written agreement with the city or a permit issued by the City Manager’s Office.
The ordinance also requires prior permission before posting or distributing advertising, handbills, circulars, notices or other advertising materials on park property.
Conducting or soliciting a trade, occupation, business or profession in a park also requires prior approval under the ordinance.
Do Not Disrupt Park Events
The ordinance prohibits disturbing authorized activities such as picnics, meetings, services, concerts, exercises or exhibitions taking place in a public park.
It also prohibits activities that create a danger to the public or constitute a public nuisance.
The city may designate particular locations within parks for specific activities, with signs identifying what is allowed in those areas.
Library Materials Must Be Returned
Chapter 15 also establishes rules for the Seagoville Public Library.
Removing a book, periodical, paper, audio or video material or other library property without following library rules is unlawful.
When borrowed material is not returned, the borrower must return the material or pay its replacement cost within 30 days after the library mails notice to the address shown in its records.
Overdue and lost-material fees are established by City Council resolution.
For failure to return materials or pay their replacement cost, the ordinance allows a fee set by the Municipal Court or judge of up to $200 plus the replacement cost of the material.
Helicopter Landings Are Also Regulated
A less commonly encountered section of Chapter 15 regulates helicopter operations within Seagoville.
The ordinance requires helicopters operated within the city to have an FAA-issued airworthiness certificate and requires operators to hold a valid FAA airman certificate.
Helicopters generally may take off from or land on property within the city only at a heliport approved by the City Council.
An exception may be authorized through written permission from the City Manager when applicable safety regulations are satisfied and the owner or person responsible for the property also provides written consent.
Approved heliport landing areas must be fenced and controlled to prevent members of the public from entering the landing area during operations.
Violations Can Carry Fines
Chapter 15 does not establish a separate penalty for every prohibited park activity.
Under Seagoville’s general penalty provision, when an ordinance declares an act unlawful but does not establish a specific punishment, the violation may generally be punished by a fine of up to $500.
Certain ordinance violations involving fire safety, zoning, public health or sanitation — including dumping refuse — may carry fines of up to $2,000. Unless the code states otherwise, each day a continuing violation occurs may constitute a separate offense.
Know the Rules Before Using Public Facilities
Many of Seagoville’s park regulations involve everyday activities — bringing a dog, parking a vehicle, having a cookout, staying late, selling merchandise or organizing an event.
Checking the rules before an activity can help residents avoid citations while protecting public facilities for everyone who uses them.
Residents with questions about park regulations, permits or designated-use areas can contact the City of Seagoville Parks & Recreation Department at 972-287-2050. The Seagoville Public Library can be reached at 972-287-7720.
