Good Neighbor Guide

5 TOP Residential Code Compliance Tips

High

Trash and Debris

• Excessive trash, brush, and debris should not gather on yards or driveways

• The interior of a structure or home should be free of bug infestations, excessive garbage, broken utilities, and standing or leaking water.

4 5

Substandard and Dangerous Structures

A home or building that is unsafe and/or threatens the safety of those around it, like plumbing issues, potential structure failure, exposed electrical wiring, etc.

Junk Vehicles

A self-propelled vehicle that is:

• Expired license plate and registration

• Wrecked, dismantled, discarded; and/or

• Inoperable for more than 72 hours on public property or 30 consecutive days if it's on private property

Helpful Tips For

H ME REPAIR

1 Check references and reviews

2 Get bids in writing

Permits REQUIRED for:

Repairs inside the wall, ceiling and oor or foundation that access:

Electrical Plumbing & Gas

GAS:

4

3 Know which repairs require permits

Structural components

Water heater replacements

When repairs or replacements are required in emergencies, submit the permit application the next working business day.

NO permits required for:

ELECTRICAL

• Cord and plug devices plugged into existing receptacle outlets

• Replacing plugs, switches and breakers with no changes to wiring

• Replacing light xtures

• Minor repairs and maintenance, such as replacing a bulb

• Replacing non-permanent components, such as kitchen appliances

MECHANICAL (Heating/Cooling/Ventilation):

• Minor repairs, including the routine replacement of lters

PLUMBING:

• Repairing minor leaks, as long as the removal, replacement, or relocation of piping is not required

• Unclogging drains and sewers

• Replacing toilets, faucets, and other xtures in the same location without altering the pipes

PREVENTING BREEDING GROUNDS MOSQUITO

around the house

Tips from the City of McKinney to prepare your yard to be a mosquito-free zone

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Frequently check, drain or change sources of standing water

GUTTERS - Remove leaves and other debris from gutters

FLOWERPOTS - Pour out standing water from flowerpots and planters

GRILL COVER - Make sure water isn’t gathering on the top of the grill cover

KID POOL & TOYS - Don’t let water sit in kid pools or toys for long periods of time

PET DISHES & BIRDBATHS- Frequently change the water in these water sources

LEAKY PIPES - Repair any leaky pipes, faucets or hoses

TIRES - Drill holes in the bottom of tire swings and wheelbarrows or wagons

TRASH CANS - Ensure that lids are closed

BUCKET - Remove water collecting in buckets

POOLS & PONDS - Keep swimming pools and ponds adequately treated

Food Safety Tips

Don’t cross-contaminate

Avoid using the same utensils that touch raw meat or poultry. Wash and sanitize all surfaces, dishes and utensils after they come in contact with raw items.

Cook thoroughly

Use a food thermometer to ensure meat is cooked hot enough to kill harmful germs. Don't use sight to know the temperature of your food. Proper internal temperatures must be reached to kill bacteria that cause illness.

145°F beef, pork, lamb, veal (then let rest 3 minutes before serving)

145°F sh

160°F hamburgers and other ground meat

165°F poultry and pre-cooked meats like hot dogs

Store food at safe temperatures

Food should be kept at or below 41°F, even during transport. If the food has been sitting out for two hours or longer, it should be thrown out.

<41°F

Water Smart Be

Conserve Water and Still Have a Beautiful Yard

• Water on your residential trash day and three days later if needed.

• Water during the coolest part of the day - no watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. from April 1 to October 31.

• To avoid water runo , water in multiple short cycles instead of one long cycle.

• Subscribe to WaterMyYard.org for weekly watering recommendations by text or email.

• Water using a hand-held hose, soaker hoses, drip irrigation or bubbler systems for up to two hours any day.

• Check your system for leaks, broken sprinkler heads and misdirected heads watering house, fence or concrete.

• Plant native and adaptive plants that are proven to tolerate the heat, save water, improve the water quality of our local creeks and extend the habitat of butter ies, hummingbirds and honeybees.

Only

Your toilet is not a trash can, don’t treat it like one. Paper towels, feminine hygiene products and personal care items (even if labeled ” ushable”) don’t break down in the sewer pipes. They cause clogs and problems at the wastewater treatment plant.

Wipes Block Everything!

Don’t Flush Wipes - Toss them in the trash Wipes are great for dirty hands, counters and baby bottoms, but aren’t good for plumbing. Wipes cause expensive and unpleasant plumbing issues.

Recycle your cooking oil

Pour cooled fats, oils and grease into a container and throw the container away in the trash. For large amounts (1+ quarts), schedule a HHW pick-up online McKinneyTexas.org/HHW.

Have a Clog?

If you suspect a clog in a drain, let the City of McKinney be your rst call. One of our Wastewater technicians can diagnose if it’s something the city can take care of or if it’s a job for a plumber. Call 972-547-7360, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

McKinney is known for its nature, and various wildlife call the city home. From sociable squirrels to curious coyotes, we encounter animals in parks, backyards, roads, and rooftops. After all, they're Texans, too!

Wildlife populations adapt their behavior to urban environments. Although these neighbors were born to be wild, with a little care, we can thrive together.

GOOD NEIGHBOR TIPS:

• Remove food sources

• Bird feeders can attract animals other than birds

• Don't leave water or food for pets out overnight

• Plant gardens away from the house

• Secure your garbage

Can you nd the nest or den? Is it intact? Call a local rehab location!* Place the baby in an open container on the ground close to where it was found. Keep the baby warm but out of the sun, and watch for domestic predators, rain, cold, excessive heat or swarming ies.

• Trim overgrown plants (trees, bushes, grass & weeds)

• Reduce clutter around your home

• Fence your yard

• Keep an eye on pets

• Make some noise before getting into your car to startle away any animals that may have curled up under the hood.

A baby’s best chance for survival is with its mother!

Be a Good Pet Owner

The City of McKinney requires all pet owners to be responsible and follow city ordinances for the health and safety of residents and pets. Failure to follow the ordinances may result in a citation or pet impoundment.

ORDINANCE REQUIREMENTS

• Vaccinate. Dogs and cats over the age of 4 months must have a current rabies vaccination and have a valid rabies tag a xed to the collar.

• Restrain your pet by leash or fence. All pets, including dogs and cats, must be con ned to the owner’s property within an adequate fence. All pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet when in public places. Leaving an animal tethered or chained is an ordinance violation.

• Scoop the poop. Cleaning up after your pets reduces odors, insects, transmission of diseases and keeps stormwater drains and local water systems free of pollutants.

• Household pet limits. No resident is allowed to have roosters or more than 4 four dogs, four cats or 12 chickens in a single-detached home.

• Don’t leave pets in your vehicle. Pets can’t be left unattended in your vehicle for more than ve minutes or ride in the bed of trucks or unenclosed vehicles unless they are in carriers.

• Barking can be a nuisance. Allowing your dog to bark for more than 15 minutes is considered a public nuisance which is an ordinance violation.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Spay/neuter. Studies prove that spayed or neutered animals are less likely to roam, are calmer and healthier. Low-cost spay/neuter and vaccination services are o ered at the Collin County Animal Shelter in conjunction with the Texas Coalition for Animal Protection.

• ID your pet. Microchip or keep identi cation tags on pets to help return lost pets to their owners.

REPORT

• Loose animals.

• Animal bites.

• Dangerous animals.

• Animal abuse or cruelty.

CITY OF McKINNEY RESIDENTIAL TRASH & RECYCLING SERVICES

TRASH & RECYCLING

ON YOUR TRASH DAY

Recycling

• Rinse and dry recyclable items.

• Place loose or bagged items inside the container. Bagged items must be in brown paper bags. No plastic bags allowed.

• Break down cardboard and place loosely in the container.

• Recycling collection is the same as your trash collection day.

• Download the WasteConnect mobile app for acceptable items.

DIY Recycling Drop-o Location

MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITY

2138 Airport Dr.• McKinney • 469-452-8000

Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Collection Reminders

• Set out trash and recycling containers by 7 a.m. on your collection day.

• Place containers three feet apart from other containers, mailboxes, vehicles, utility meters, poles, fences, etc. with the front of the container and serial number facing the street.

• Download the WasteConnect mobile app for schedule reminders.

• Overloaded containers may not be collected. To request an additional collection call Waste Connections at 469-452-8000. Fees apply

• Order additional containers at McKinneyTexas.org/Trash. Fees apply

Acceptable items:

Aluminum, steel, tin cans

Plastics 1-5 & 7 Glass bottles or jars

Yard Waste

Cardboard, cartons

• Place yard waste curbside on your collection day.

• Place grass clippings and leaves in brown paper bags.

• Limbs must be tied with string or twine in 4-foot-long bundles of 50 pounds or less.

Bulky Items

• Schedule using the WasteConnect mobile app or online at McKinneyTexas.org/Trash

• 12 collections per calendar year at no additional charge.

• Bulky items are any large items that do not t in your green trash container.

• Limits and restrictions apply. See website for details.

• Non-compliance may result in enforcement action.

Junk mail, newspapers

Catalogs, magazines, phone books

• Limit of 10 bags/bundles or any combination of both.

• DO NOT place yard or food waste in your blue container.

• Yard waste can be taken to the Custer Road Transfer Station. Your most recent water bill and driver's license are required for proof of residency.

Household Hazardous Waste and E-waste

• Schedule at least 24 to 48 business hours before your regular residential collection day at McKinneyTexas.org/HHW

• 12 collections per calendar year at no additional charge.

• No commercial waste is accepted .

• Restrictions and limits apply. See website for details.

DIY Bulky Item and Trash Drop-o Locations

REGIONAL DISPOSAL FACILITY 3820 Sam Rayburn Hwy. • Melissa 469-626-4452

Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

CUSTER ROAD TRANSFER STATION 9901 S. Custer Rd. • Plano 972-727-6341

Monday - Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

PARKWAY TRANSFER STATION 4030 W. Plano Pkwy. • Plano 972-596-8709

LOOKOUT DRIVE TRANSFER STATION 1601 E. Lookout Dr. • Richardson 972-234-3247

Proof of residency is required. Please see website for details.

Download

Trash and Recycling pick up day reminders

Acceptable items recycling list

Schedule Bulky Item pick-up

Contact Waste Connections

Appreciate your driver

Safe Medication Disposal Options

Do not ush or pour unwanted, unused or expired medications, prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs down the drain.

Option 1: The Police Department hosts a Drug Take-Back event twice a year, usually in April and September.

Option 2: Visit the Drug Enforcement Agency website and enter your zip code for a nearby collection location.

Option 3: Medical City McKinney (4500 Medical City Dr.) o ers a DEA-compliant drug take-back receptacle in the emergency room lobby.

Option 4: Walgreens Pharmacy (1651 W. University Dr.) has a secure take-back receptacle located near the customer counter in the pharmacy section of the store.

Sharps are not considered medication! Find out how to properly dispose of sharps on our website.

RESOURCES

Questions About Water Bills

• Utility Billing: McKinneyTexas.org/WaterBilling or 972-547-7550

Report Water Waste & Illegal Dumping

• Water waste: McKinneyTexas.org/WaterViolations

• Illegal dumping of trash or waste in stormwater drains: McKinneyTexas.org/Stormwater or 972-547-7559

Environmental Services

• Additional/Replacement bins: McKinneyTexas.org/Trash

• Household Hazardous Waste/E-waste: McKinneyTexas.org/HHW

Missed Trash Collection or Bulky Waste Pick-Up

• Waste Connections: 469-452-8000

Code Compliance

• Code Safety Questions: 972-547-7448

• Mosquito Control: 972-547-7447

• Animal Services: 972-547-7445

Other Services

• Permits & Inspections: McKinneyTexas.org/Development

• Home Repair Assistance: McKinneyTexas.org/Repair or call 972-547-7572

HELPFUL TIPS

Recycle: Divert Your Trash

• Recycle plastic, paper, glass and metal

• Compost grass clippings, branches and yard trimmings

• Dispose of household hazardous materials properly

• Recycle electronics

Don’t Litter or Pollute

• Pick up after your pet

• Wash vehicles at the car wash

• Use fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides in moderation

Save Water

• Fix leaks in toilet, faucet and sprinklers

• Install low ow xtures

• Use automatic sprinklers only on trash day and three days later if needed. No watering between 10am-6pm. April-October

• Landscape with native and drought tolerant plants and turf

• Collect and use rainwater

Conserve Energy

• Weatherize your house

• Use energy e cient appliances and xtures

• Keep the air clean

• Plant trees

• Walk, ride your bike and carpool

• Maintain your vehicle

• Avoid idling in carpool lanes

Buy Local

• Every time you shop or dine in McKinney, sales tax revenue stays in our community to support quality of life projects like local parks, facilities and annual events

Donate

• Donate usable clothes, shoes, toys, books and furniture to local charities

Be Engaged and Volunteer

• Attend Green Seminars

• Participate in community service projects collecting litter, beautifying a space or helping someone in need