The Good Neighbor Program - FAQ's for Apartments, Commercial & Residential

What safety rules apply to outdoor barbecues at my apartment? (Apartments)

• The Uniform Fire Code prohibits portable cooking (BBQ grills) on covered patios or in breezeways.
• The Hurst Fire Department requires that BBQ grills be used at least ten (10) feet away from the building.
• Place the cooking device at least ten (10) feet from any building or overhang, inspect the equipment to insure serviceability, select a safe fuel and lighter and make sure you have access to a telephone if problems arise.
• Call 9-1-1 to report any emergency!

Outdoor Cooking Safety Tips (Apartments)

1. Be aware of blowing embers or sparks.
2. Be aware of dry grass or high winds.
3. Use approved fueled appliances.  (Propane grills).
4. Never use gasoline as a starting fuel!
5. Be a good neighbor and do not place BBQ's where smoke bothers others.
6. Do not leave BBQ's unattended.  (Adult supervision is important!)

What if the smoke detector in my apartment doesn't work?  (Apartments)

• The Hurst Fire Department inspects each apartment rental unit annually for a working smoke detector.
• A smoke detector must be in place and plugged in or have charged batteries to work!
• Unplugging or removing batteries from your detector leaves you without proper warning if a fire occurs.
• If you have problems with your smoke detector, call the management office of your apartment complex.  If they do not respond in a timely manner to your complaint, call the Fire Prevention Division of the Fire Department.

What about litter and illegal dumping? (All)

• Please keep litter off of City streets by properly containing your trash.  This includes not throwing litter (like cigarette butts) from motor vehicles.
• Residents can be a good neighbor by keeping their property litter free.
• Tarp your load if you are transporting loose debris.
• Dumping litter on property, developed or not, is illegal.  Violators will be prosecuted.
• It is illegal to dump one's trash at a commercial or apartment complex dumpster.  Such actions constitute theft of service, a felony under the law.

What about junk cars, trash, and debris? (All)

• Any collection of junk, trash or refuse, whether usable or not, should be cleaned up.
• This included inoperable automobiles (those without current inspection and registration), machinery, and parts.

What about the growth of weeds and brush? (All)

• Plants allowed to grow beyond the required length tend to be a haven for rodents.
• Tall grass can also present a fire hazard.
• Keep grass, weeds, and uncultivated plants cut below eight (8) inches in height.
• Should a continual problem arise, the City will eliminate the hazard by mowing the tall grass.  The owner will then be charged the cost of mowing and a citation fee.

What do I need to do if I want to hold a garage sale? (Residential)

• While a permit is not required to hold a garage sale, certain limitations do apply:
• Garage sales may be held once every six (6) months by the owner of the property.
• Only personal belongings, such as household goods, may be sold.
• Do no post signs in the right-of-way, such as on street or utility signs.
• The sale may not exceed three (3) consecutive calendars days in duration.

What regulations apply to temporary signs? (Commercial)

• The sign should be between fifteen (15) feet behind the curb and twenty-five (25) feet from any adjacent residential property.
• To obtain a permit, prepare a site plan detailing the sign's proposed location.
• Submit the site plan with an application for a permit.
• Permit cost is $100.00 for fifteen (15) days; limited to four (4) permits per year.

What do I need to do if I want to have a temporary outdoor sale? (Commercial)

• No more than three (3) permits will be issued in a year, and sales should not exceed ten calendar days in length.
• Application should be made by the party in charge of the premises (usually the owner).
• The sales activities (which may only take place on lots ten [10] acres or larger) should not occupy more than ten thousand (10,000) square feet, be no closer than fifty (50) feet to the curb and not be in the fire lane.
• Sales should only be conducted between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
• Only merchandise which is normally sold in the business should be offered for sale outdoors.

As a commercial occupant of Hurst, what can I do to be a good neighbor? (Commercial)

• Keep dumpster enclosures closed and in good repair.
• Do not overfill dumpsters and pick up loose litter around them on a regular basis.
• Maintain parking lots by patching pot holes soon after they are noticed and striping or re-striping spaces and fire lanes.
• Maintain landscaping in a manner that reflects the pride that you have in your business.