McKinney, Tx code enforcement rules are intended to keep McKinney beautiful (and protect the healh, safety and welfare of its citizens).  If you feel like reporting a violation you can either call the city Code Enforcement office at (972) 547-7440 or send an email to jlowing@mckinneytexas.org.

Illegal Sign Placement:  It is illegal to erect or affix a sign in the right-of-way (the area from the curb to the sidewalk), on the median (the area in the middle of any street), on trees, public fences and/or buildings, or utility/telephone poles.

Garage Sale signs do not require the issuance of a Sign Permit, but can only be at the location of the garage sale.

High Grass/Weeds:  Twelve inches (12") is the height limit for grass and/or weeds.  This includes the front, back, side yard, and right-of-ways (area between the sidewalk and curb).  The grass in any alley and/or easement (area behind the property) must be maintained to the mid-point. 

Acreage must be maintained within a perimeter of a minimum of one hundred and fifty feet (150') from any property line adjacent to developed non-residential property and one hundred and fifty feet (150') from any property line adjacent to developed residential property.

Property owners who regularly cultivate their properties are required to mow the outer perimeters and maintain the right-of-way adjacent to their properties.

trash and Debris:  Property owners, residents, and businesses are required to keep property free and clear of all material subject to deterioration by the elements, such as furniture, boxes, appliances, vehicle parts, tires, paper, and other objectionable, unsafe, unsanitary and/or unsightly matter.

Material which is stored in a disorderly manner or in such a manner as to offer harborage of rodents and/or other vermin.

Lumber and any building materials except masonry should be stored at least eighteen inches (18") off the ground.  (Items not made for outside use should not be stored outdoors).

All fallen debris is to be removed from the property as soon as possible. 

For trash pickup please call IESI at (469) 452-8000.

Substandard Houses:  A structure is considered substandard if it meets the following criteria:  Illegal wiring; foundation failure; illegal or substandard plumbing; sunken roof line; exterior deterioration; external siding or framing bowing or pulling away from structure or other obvious dilapidation.

Dilapidated Fences:  It is unlawful to allow a fence to lean more than 10 degrees or to have missing, loose, or broken slats or panels.

No fence is allowed to have symbols, writings, or other graffiti; except for signs which pertain to the address or occupancy of the property.

Barbed wire and electric fences are prohibited in most residential districts.  There are also special requirements for fences constructed in industrial and agricultural districts.

Installation of a fence, replacement of over 50% of an existing fence, or accessory structure must obtain a Building Permit prior to construction.

Home Based Business:  Although allowed in residential areas, the occupation must be secondary to the use of the home.  In addition, the occupation must have no external evidence including but not limited to:  advertising; noise; smoke; dust; fumes; glare; outside storage of materials or equipment; excessive pedestrian or vehicular traffic. 

Unsecured Swimming Pools:  All private pools, spas and hot tubs, with a depth of 24" inches or more must be secured by a barrier which can be a fence, wall, building wall or combination there of which completely surrounds the swimming pool and obstructs access to the swimming pool.

Junk/Inoperable Vehicles:  A junk vehicle is defined as a vehicle that is self propelled and (1) Does not have lawfully attached to it an unexpired license plate AND a valid  motor vehicle safety inspection certificate;  (2) Is wrecked, dismantled, or discarded, or is inoperable for more than 72 hours, if the vehicle is on public property; or 30 consecutive days, if the vehicle is on private property.

Inoperable means not capable of being used or operated due to legal or mechanical incapability.

A Junked Vehicle including a part of a junked vehicle that is visible from a public place or public right-of-way is deemed to be a public nuisance.

No boat, trailer, camper trailer, motor home or other such recreational vehicle shall be parked or stored within the required front yard.  In all residential districts the parking or storage of such vehicles is limited to the REAR yard only, and is limited to a maximum of one pleasure boat, one trailer, one unoccupied ¡§camper trailer or motor home designed for recreational use not to exceed twenty four (24") in length.  This restriction shall not apply to the storage of a boat or other vehicle in a fully enclosed building.