Faq’s & Misc. Information - City of Rusk Development Services

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 is the commitment to provide safe, healthy and attractive living conditions for all Rusk residents by the enforcement of all city codes.

Code Enforcement is for the common good of all Rusk residents. The city ordinances or codes have been enacted to ensure attractive neighborhoods, vibrant businesses and an enjoyable community for all.

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