City of Rusk Development Services
Development | Building Inspections | Code Enforcement
Development Services Director, Brandon Scarborough
About Development Services
Faq’s & Misc. Information
What is the most commonly observed city ordinance violation & why is this one so important?
City Ordinance requires that address numbers be:
- Displayed on all addressed structures
- A minimum of 4 inches and not more than 28 inches in height
- Of a color contrasting with the color of the structure
- Visible from either direction of the street in all weather conditions, day or night.
Posting your address as required by ordinance is necessary to enable emergency services to locate your home or building quickly and efficiently. Failure to post your address as required is not only a violation of city ordinance, but could also cost precious, life-saving minutes.
What exactly is Code Enforcement and why is it so important?
Code Enforcement:
- Protects the safety and welfare of Rusk residents
- Helps in maintaining and increasing property values
- Reduces crime
Examples of Common Code Violations
All codes require enforcement. Codes that regulate how people use their personal property typically require city or county officials to visit site violations. The following are common code violations requiring on-site enforcement.
Nuisance ordinance
A nuisance can be almost anything, direct or indirect, that negatively affects other people’s ability to use their property (e.g. loud music).
Solid waste
Solid waste refers to garbage and debris. Having solid waste on private property is prohibited by most communities (e.g. junk cars and equipment in the yard).
Zoning
Zoning is included in code to allow for different uses. Businesses and/or residences in the wrong zone are common violations (e.g. unauthorized apartment).
Signs
The time, place, and manner of sign placement and use can be managed by communities through code (e.g. signs blocking walkways).
Dangerous buildings
Dangerous building code addresses health and safety hazards in homes, businesses, or planned additions (e.g. asbestos, unpermitted additions).
The City of Rusk identifies a “Junk Vehicle” as follows:
Junked motor vehicle.
(1)
Any motor vehicle which does not have lawfully affixed thereto both an unexpired license plate or plates and a valid motor vehicle safety inspection certificate, or any motor vehicle the condition of which is one or more of the following:
(a)
Wrecked.
(b)
Dismantled.
(c)
Partially dismantled.
(d)
Inoperative.
(e)
Abandoned.
(f)
Discarded.
(2)
The provisions hereto shall not apply to:
(a)
Any motor vehicle in operable condition specifically adapted or constructed for racing or operation on privately owned drag strips or raceways;
(b)
Any motor vehicle retained by the owner for antique collection purposes rather than for salvage or for transportation; nor
(c)
Any motor vehicle stored as the property of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States who is on active duty assignment.
To find a complete list of the City of Rusk’s Health & Sanitation Ordinances please follow the link below.
https://library.municode.com/tx/rusk/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITIXGERE_CH96HESA
To find ordinances related to Garage Sales and Permit requirements click the following link:
https://library.municode.com/tx/rusk/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITXIBURE_CH114GASA
Enforced Codes
Prior to issuing a building permit, please schedule a short preliminary meeting with the Building Official to discuss the submittal requirements and other code related information.
Currently adopted Building & Land Use (Collectively Development Services) Requirements:
(A) The International Building Code, 2003 Edition, as published by the International Code Council, Inc., is herein adopted in its entirety as an addition to the Code of Ordinances of the City of Rusk, Texas.
- 2003 International Fire Code
- 2003 International Plumbing Code
- 2003 International Mechanical Code
- 2003 International Fuel/Gas Code
- National Electric Code
(B) The Standard Unsafe Building Abatement Code, 1985 edition, as published by the Southern Building Code Congress International, Inc. is adopted in its entirety, excepting §§ 105.1 through 105.5 [inclusive], as an addition to the Code of Ordinances of the City of Rusk, Texas.
(C) All interpretations of the provisions of the Standard Unsafe Building Code, 1985 edition, as published by Southern Building Code Congress International, Inc. and all appeals of decisions of the City Building Officials regarding the same shall be referred to the Housing Board of Adjustments and Appeals established pursuant to § 106.1 et seq. of the Standard Housing Code, 1997 edition, as published by the Southern Building Code Congress International, Inc.
(D)The City Building Official shall serve as an ex-officio member of the Housing Board of Adjustments and Appeals.
(E) The City Secretary shall serve as the official secretary of the Housing Board of Adjustments and Appeals.
(F) The provisions of the International Building Code and the Standard Unsafe Building Abatement Code adopted hereby are a supplement, and not in replacement, of the present Ordinances of the City of Rusk, Texas, presently in effect. The codes adopted hereby shall be construed wherever possible in conformity with the Ordinances of the City of Rusk, Texas, currently in effect. All ordinances or parts of ordinances currently in effect that are in conflict herewith are hereby expressly not repealed and shall take precedence over the provisions of the codes adopted hereby.
('80 Code, § 6.1; Ord. passed 2-19-69; Am. Ord. 94-21, passed 12-8-94; Ord. 00-16, §§ 4—9, passed 9-14-00; Ord. 2004-11, §§ 1, 2, passed 5-13-04)
Minimum Housing Standards click the link below.
https://library.municode.com/tx/rusk/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITXVLAUS_CH150BURE_MIHOCO
To find all Building Regulations click the following link: (Ordinances only; Does Not reflect requirements in 2003 International Building Code.)
https://library.municode.com/tx/rusk/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITXVLAUS_CH150BURE
Accessibility (ADA)
NOTICE: STATE OF TEXAS REQUIREMENTS CANNOT BE AMENDED OR ALTERED, EXCEPT BY THE STATE.
Important information regarding building permits for commercial renovations and demolitions.
WHAT OTHER DOCUMENTS OR INFORMATION MUST I PROVIDE TO RECEIVE A PERMIT?
To be taken directly to the TAS registration page click the following link: http://www.texasaccess.com/tdlr_plan_review.htm
- Due to the State Law that went into effect January 1, 2002, all building projects, public or private with a valuation of $50,000 or more are required to have a Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) review done. Under this State Law no Building Permit will be issued until such time as a registration number is provided to the Building Official. You may contact the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation or a private review specialist. For more information contact our office.
Click here to see a list of faq’s : Texas Accessibility Standards http://www.texasaccess.com/texas_access_faq.htm
- The Governor also signed, Senate Bill 509, which requires municipalities to verify that an asbestos survey has been conducted prior to issuing renovation or demolition permits for public or commercial buildings. SB 509 affects renovation and demolition permits issued by municipalities on or after January 1, 2002. A copy of the survey results must be part of any Building Permit application for demolition/renovation project before the City will issue this type of permit. Remodeling or Demolition Commercial: Asbestos Survey Required.
Construction Inside Fire Limits
Who is responsible for obtaining a permit?
- IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE GENERAL CONTRACTOR, DEVELOPER OR ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY, TO FULLY COMPY WITH ALL ASPECTS OF THE APPLICABLE ZONING REQUIREMENTS AND SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS FOR THE PROPOSED SITE. IF ANY ASPECT OF THE PLANS OR CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS IS APPROVED IN ERROR BY THE CITY OF RUSK; THE GENERAL CONTRACTOR, DEVELOPER, OR ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY, MUST CORRECT THE ERROR IN ORDER FOR ALL ASPECTS OF THE WORK TO FULLY COMPLY WITH THE CITY OF RUSK’S ADOPTED CODES, ORDINANCES, AND SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS; IF THIS SITUATION OCCURS, IT SHALL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PROJECT MANAGER OR SUPERINTENDENT TO BRING THE ERROR TO THE ATTENTION OF THE BUILDING OFFICIAL TO MAKE NECESSARY CORRECTIONS TO PLANS.
- A SEPARATE PERMIT IS REQUIRED FOR EACH BUILDING. A PERMIT BECOMES NULL AND VOID IF WORK OR CONSTRUCTION AUTHORIZED IS NOT COMMENCED WITHIN 180 DAYS, OR IF CONSTRUCTION OR WORK IS SUSPENDED OR ABANDONED FOR A PERIOD OF 180 DAYS AT ANY TIME AFTER WORK IS COMMENCED. ALL PERMITS REQUIRE A FINAL INSPECTION. IT IS A VIOLATION TO OCCUPY THE PREMISES WITHOUT A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY.
Building Permit Information (Taken From Rusk City Ordinances)
Building Permit Fee Schedule See https://library.municode.com/tx/rusk/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITXVLAUS_CH150BURE_PEFE_S150.105BUPEFESC
(A)
No wall, structure, building, or part thereof, shall hereafter be built, enlarged, or altered, until a plan of the proposed work, together with a statement of materials to be used, shall have been submitted to the Building Inspector, who shall if in accordance with the provisions herein contained, issue a written permit in triplicate for the proposed work. Copies of permits are to be kept on file with the City Secretary.
(B)
The Building Inspector shall be appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council. Permits are required on all buildings erected within the corporate limits of the city with the exception of buildings where the total costs does not exceed $200.00.
(C)
Structures hereafter erected without a permit, or not in conformity with this subchapter, shall be removed.
(D)
No building shall be moved from one location to another within the corporate limits of the city, until a permit shall have been issued therefor.
(E)
No building shall be moved from without to within the fire limits, nor from one location to another within the fire limits until a permit shall have been issued, therefor. No permit shall be issued unless such construction is in accordance with this subchapter.
(F)
The designated Building Inspector shall inspect, as often as practical, construction in progress to see that all provisions of this subchapter are being complied with.
(G)
All plans and specifications submitted to the Building Inspector shall comply with all provisions of this Code.
(1980 Code, § 7.21; Ord. passed 10-16-50)
CONSTRUCTION WITHIN DESIGNATED FIRE LIMITS:
(A)
No building or structure of wooden, ironclad (whether on wood or metal supports), stucco, or veneer type construction, or any building whose walls contain wood supports, shall be permitted except as indicated in § 95.48. No building shall hereafter be built, enlarged, or altered, except in accordance with this chapter.
(B)
The thickness of walls shall be not less than that given below.
(C)
Brick walls shall be not less than 12 inches thick, except that small one story buildings with floor areas of 750 square feet or less may have walls eight inches thick.
(D)
Reinforced concrete walls may be three-fourths of the thickness of brick walls, but in no case less than eight inches.
(E)
Hollow building tile may be used as filler walls provided such walls be supported on reinforced concrete beams and footings, and by adequate reinforced concrete or brick pillars or columns spaced not more than 16 feet apart; walls to be not less than 12 inches thick. Small one story buildings of less than 500 square feet floor area may have walls of eight-inch hollow building tile.
(F)
Solid stone walls shall be four inches thicker than brick walls for like construction.
(G)
All exterior walls, party walls, and division fire walls shall have parapets extending at least 18 inches above the roof, and the parapets shall be at least 12 inches thick, except where eight-inch walls are permitted as above in which case parapets may be eight inches thick.
Unified Development Code
Please note: Prior to the issuance of a building permit, applicants must first obtain a zoning verification assessment. The ZVA consist of a preliminary site assessment and verification that the proposed meets the respective Land Use Requirements.
The following is taken from the City of Rusk Ordinance, the Zoning District shows the corresponding use.
Cumulative zoning of districts.
| R-1 | R-1 |
| R-2 | R-1, R-2 |
| MF-1 | R-1, R-2, MF-1 |
| MF-2 | R-1, R-2, MF-1, MF-2 |
| MH-1 | R-1, R-2, MF-1, MF-2, MH-1 |
| B-1 | R-1, R-2, MF-1, MF-2, MH-1, B-1 |
| B-2 | R-1, R-2, MF-1, MF-2, MH-1, B-1, B-2 |
| LI | R-1, R-2, MF-1, MF-2, MH-1, B-1, B-2, LI |
Cumulative Zoning is defined as:
Zoning which permits any use designated as less harmful than the use permitted that is designated most harmful. For example: a single family residence could be constructed in a light industrial zone, but an industrial building or warehouse could not be constructed in a residential district.
Contact
- Rusk, TX, USA
- 205 S. Main Street
- (903)683-2213 - Director of Development Services
- bscar217@gmail.com
- M-F 8AM to 5PM Closed 12 -1
