Code & Ordinances

City Code

View the City Code (off-site link)

New ordinances that modify the City Code are codified every six months. Consult the city office in order to ascertain whether any particular provision of the code has been amended, superseded, or repealed.

Using the search field on the City Code site is helpful in finding any topic of concern. Some of the most commonly referenced topics are listed below.

Accessory Apartments

A subordinate dwelling within an owner-occupied main building. Occupancy shall be limited to two (2) persons per bedroom with a maximum of four (4) people. The residence must provide off-street parking for all occupants of the main residential building (within the City Code see Title 10, Chapter 5, Article 32). Accessory apartments must have their own eating, sleeping, and sanitation facilities, and have no separate address or utilities, and have a separate entrance (within the City Code see “Definitions” in Title 10, Chapter 2, Article 1). 

Business License Ordinance

An ordinance requiring a business to acquire a license prior to doing business within the city, establishing a procedure and standards for approval of a license, providing for and setting fees for such license, and setting forth penalties for the violation of the ordinance. (Within the City Code see Title 3: Business & License Regulations; Chapter 1: Business Licensing.)

Firearms and Weapons

An ordinance outlining the illegality of discharging firearms and similar weapons within the city limits. Within the City Code see Title 5, Chapter 2, Article 3.

Nuisance Animals

An ordinance defining Nuisance Animals and providing for enforcement of violations regarding Nuisance Animals. (Within the City Code see Title 5: Public Safety and Traffic Regulations; Chapter 1: Animal Control. Additional information may be located under: GENERAL REGULATIONS RELATING TO ANIMALS: 5-1A-2)

Nuisance Ordinance

An ordinance defining Nuisances; to provide a means for the city and individuals to identify nuisances within the city and to provide a means for correcting or abating the nuisances. If the zoning administrator finds that a nuisance exists, the zoning administrator shall attempt to have the responsible person abate the nuisance. Although the zoning administrator’s first step in correcting or abating the nuisance will always be to obtain voluntary compliance, the zoning administrator may pursue any remedy or combination of remedies available pursuant to this chapter, state law, or common law in order to abate the nuisance. (Within the City Code see Title 4: Health and Safety; Chapter 2: Nuisances.)

Parking Regulations

An ordinance regulating on-street parking conditions and other related matters. (Within the City Code see Title 5, Chapter 2, Section 5.) View general information about on-street parking.

Sign Ordinance

Within the City Code see Title 10, Chapter 5, Article 26: SIGNS. The purpose of the ordinance is to regulate signs and to authorize the use of signs that are compatible with their surroundings, are conducive to promoting safety, limit visual distractions, and preserve and enhance property values. The ordinance addresses a number of issues such as criteria for residential and commercial zone signs, placement of signs, required permits for signs and other items. It’s illegal to place signs in the public right-of-way, including beauty strips and on traffic signs and power poles, etc.

Small Animals or Fowl

Small animals or fowl are allowed in residential zones only if certain conditions are met. Within the City Code see Title 10, Chapter 5, Section 33.

Complaints

The City of Cedar Hills appreciates conscientious citizens who report violations of city codes and ordinances. The city aggressively investigates and prosecutes such violations. Violators are given a reasonable opportunity to correct the violation. However, if the violation is not corrected in the allotted time, the city will issue citations and fines.

When filing a complaint, please provide the following information:

  1. Name of violator (if available)

  2. Address of violation

  3. Detailed description of violation. Please be as specific as possible; i.e., “My neighbors weeds are two feet tall. They are located at the southwest corner of his lot behind the fence.”

  4. Photographs, diagrams, etc. (desired, but not required)

  5. Your name and phone number (desired, but not required)

Upon receipt of the complaint, a case number, and a primary enforcement officer will be assigned to the case. Generally, the complaint is investigated within 48 hours. If the nature of the violation creates an immediate danger to life or property, it will be investigated immediately so that appropriate actions can be taken and other agencies can be notified, if necessary.

Submit complaints via the contact form.