Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council amends utilities code to allow disconnection after proper notice; ordinance passes unanimously
Summary
Rockwall City Council adopted an ordinance Nov. 3 amending Chapter 44 (Utilities) to clarify the city's disconnection process and related penalties for failure to bring properties into compliance after notice. The amendment was presented by staff and approved unanimously; it emphasizes notice and due process while giving enforcement tools to stop
The council approved an ordinance Nov. 3 that amends Chapter 44 of the Rockwall Code of Ordinances to clarify procedures and penalties related to utility disconnections when a property owner fails to bring a property into compliance after proper notice.
Scope and purpose: staff and the city attorney said the amendment was intended to align the city's disconnection procedures with state law and ensure the city has a clear, fair process to protect water quality and public health when properties pose an ongoing code or utility risk. The ordinance adds clarifying language about notice requirements and provides for disconnection as a final enforcement step after statutory notice and opportunity to cure.
Council action: Councilmember Lewis moved to adopt the ordinance; Councilwoman Campbell seconded. Council adopted the ordinance unanimously. The ordinance amends local code provisions (Chapter 44, Articles 1 and 2) and carries standard severability and penalty language.
Implementation: the City's utility and code enforcement staff will follow the revised notice and discontinuation timeline described in the ordinance; where state law mandates additional notice or protections, those requirements will apply.
