Mckinney FAQs

Below FAQs are posted on Mckinney’s website.

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Animal Control

1.Am I allowed to have chickens in the city limits?

2.Do I need to register my dog with the city?

3.Does McKinney have a “pooper scooper” law?

4.Does McKinney lend traps to residents?

5.How often should my pet be vaccinated against rabies?

6.How many animals am I allowed to have?

7.I am having problems with wildlife around my yard. What should I do?

8.I have birds in my attic. Can Animal Control help?

9.I think Animal Control picked up my dog. What do I do?

10.What do I do if my neighbor’s dog barks constantly?

CERT

1.How is the McKinney CERT program organized?

2.In what other types of activities do McKinney CERT members participate?

3.What are the requirements to be a McKinney CERT responder?

4.What are the requirements to participate in the McKinney CERT basic training course?

5.What is covered in the CERT Basic Training course?

6.What is the McKinney Fire Department’s role in the CERT program?

City Council

1.How do I register to speak at a City Council meeting?

2.How long may I speak at a City Council meeting?

3.How can I browse past City Council agendas?

4.When and where are City Council meetings held?

5.How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

6.How can I receive automatic notification of agendas?

7.How can I view videos of meetings?

Emergency Management – Metro Safe Room Rebate Program

1.Who can answer my questions?

2.How can I get on the NCTCOG waitlist?

3.Can I install a safe room even though I have not been accepted into the MSRRP?

4.What other preparedness measures can I take if I do not install a safe room?

5.I have not been accepted into the MSRRP. Can I install a safe room and apply for MSRRP reimbursement in the future?

6.My physical structure (home) is not in the floodplain however a portion of my property is in the floodplain. Why am I not eligible for the MSRRP?

Emergency Management – Outdoor Warning System

1.Does the City of McKinney have a public storm shelter?

2.How am I supposed to be warned of potential threats if I am inside?

3.What do I do if I hear the OWS sirens?

4.Should I call 9-1-1 if I hear the OWS sirens activate?

5.Why can’t I hear the sirens when I am inside my house or another building?

Engineering

1.Where is the Engineering Department located?

2.What are the normal hours of operation for the Engineering Department?

3.Where can I find the Engineering Department Organizational Chart?

Engineering – Capital Improvement Projects

1.Where can I get construction updates?

2.Where can I get a copy of the Street Design Manual?

3.What are my rights as a property owner adjacent to a city construction project?

4.What can be done about mud, dirt or other debris washing away or trash that is blowing onto my property from a nearby construction site?

5.Who should I contact about erosion along a creek?

6.How are design engineers and materials testing firms selected for city projects?

7.How are general contractors selected for city projects?

Engineering – Development Engineering

1.What are the steps I need to go through to meet the city requirements to develop my property?

2.How do I obtain record drawings from the city?

3.Where can I get a copy of the Street Design Manual?

4.Where can I get a copy of the Stormwater Design Manual?

5.Where can I get a copy of standard construction details?

6.Where can I get more information about development, grading, utility and building permits specifically related to development projects?

7.My property is encumbered with easements – drainage, water, sanitary sewer, utility, etc. What are my limitations on building in an easement?

8.Can I build a retaining wall along my property and fill my yard to make it level?

9.Where can I get answers regarding repair of the sidewalk along the street?

10.Where can I get answers to questions related to storm sewers and other drainage system components?

Engineering – Drainage & Sediment

1.How are projects prioritized and chosen?

2.How is a project evaluated?

3.How are these projects funded?

4.What kinds of projects does the Street Department’s drainage crew do?

5.Will I need to provide any easements if improvements are done on my property?

6.Will trees be removed?

Engineering – Facilities Construction

1.How are architects and engineers selected for city projects?

2.How are general contractors, construction managers or design / build firms selected for city projects?

3.What information is available for design professionals on the various codes, code amendments, city requirements / regulations and standards to be used for city facilities projects?

4.Which Building Codes has the City of McKinney adopted?

Engineering – Healthy Creeks and Lakes

1.How are projects prioritized and chosen?

2.How is a project evaluated?

3.How are these projects funded?

4.What kinds of projects does the Street Department’s drainage crew address?

5.Will I need to provide easements if improvements are made on my property?

6.Will trees be removed?

Engineering – Provine Lake Sediment Removal

1.Will the sediment have an odor?

2.How high will the sediment disposal pile be after the project is completed?

3.Is there a buffer between the homes in the Sorrellwood subdivision and the sediment disposal area?

4.Will the sediment be treated?

5.Where will the sediment go?

6.Is the sediment toxic?

7.What is sediment?

8.What will be the hours of operation?

9.When will this project start?

Engineering – Water and Wastewater Engineering

1.Where can I get a copy of construction plans and record drawings for existing water and sanitary sewer systems?

2.When will the city extend water and sanitary sewer service to my property?

3.Where can I get a copy of the Utility Design Manual?

4.How can I find the sewer cleanout for my service line?

5.Where can I get answers to issues related to power companies and their electric systems?

6.I want to dig in my yard. What do I need to do?

7.What is the process to switch my sewer service from a septic tank to the city sanitary sewer line?

8.How are design engineers and materials testing firms selected for city projects?

9.How are general contractors selected for city projects?

Environmental Education

1.What plants do you recommend for my landscape?

2.How do I report someone who is littering?

3.How do I adopt a park?

4.How do I find out about sustainability classes and events offered to the community?

Environmental Education – Texas Trash-Off

1.What information do I need before registering my team?

2.What if I forgot to add or need to delete someone from my team?

3.What if it rains?

4.Is the event lunch free?

5.Are the t-shirts free?

6.Are the patches free?

7.Do I need to bring any tools?

8.What locations are being cleaned?

Fire

1.How can I get a copy of a fire report?

2.How can I get a copy of an EMS (ambulance) report?

3.How do I pay my ambulance (EMS) bill?

4.How can I schedule the use of a community room?

5.Where do I get a car seat installed?

6.Can I have a birthday party at a fire station?

7.How do I request a tour?

8.How can I request a McTown Klownz show?

9.Can I get a fire engine to visit my child’s school?

10.Where can I get my blood pressure checked?

11.Will the Fire Department accept torn or tattered flags?

12.Can I take CPR and first aid lessons at the Fire Department?

13.Can I buy trash or recycle bags at the fire stations?

14.Where can I get a free smoke alarm?

15.How do I schedule an inspection for a foster home?

16.How do I make a complaint about a fire hazard?

17.How can I relay a compliment or complaint concerning the Fire Department?

18.How do I dispose of unused medication?

Fire – Community Risk Reduction

1.What is a fire inspection?

2.How can I prepare for the inspection?

3.How often will my business or property be inspected?

4.How much will the inspection cost?

5.What if I have a question about the inspection and fire code violations?

6.How long do I have to correct the fire code violations noted on an inspection?

7.Can I schedule a courtesy inspection or fire code consultation?

8.When is a Knox Box required?

9.When do I need a permit?

10.How much does a permit cost?

11.How do I get a permit application?

12.How do I schedule an inspection?

13.When does my fire code permit expire?

14.Why do I need to submit fire protection plans before I can receive inspections from the Building Inspections Department?

15.Where is the McKinney Fire Marshal’s Office located?

Fire – Hiring Process

1.What are the minimum eligibility requirements to test for a position as a firefighter with the McKinney Fire Department?

2.Where do I find the McKinney Fire Department Personal History Packet?

3.What are the steps in the employment process?

4.Is the McKinney Fire Department hosting or participating in any upcoming job or career fairs?

5.Does my experience as a volunteer firefighter improve my chances of employment?

6.How do I contact the McKinney Fire Department recruiting office?

7.How many positions do you anticipate hiring in the next 12 months?

8.May I submit an application for you to keep on file?

9.Is there a study guide available for the MFD entrance exam?

Fire – Life Safety

1.Can I have my child’s birthday party at the fire station?

Fire – Senior Fall Prevention Tips

1.Be aware of uneven surfaces.

2.Clear the way.

3.Exercise regularly.

4.Look out for yourself.

5.Put your best foot forward.

6.Take your time.

7.Tread carefully.

8.Wipe up spilled liquids immediately.

Fire – Senior Fire Safety Tips

1.Be kitchen wise.

2.Give space heaters space.

3.If you smoke, smoke outside.

4.Install smoke alarms.

5.Know your local emergency number.

6.Plan and practice your escape from fire.

7.Plan your escape around your abilities.

8.Stop, drop, cover your face and roll.

Health Compliance

1.Can I make food in my home and sell it?

Historic Preservation

1.Does every change to my property require a Certificate of Appropriateness?

2.What is a historic property?

3.How do I research the history of my property?

4.Is my property designated?

5.What does it mean to be designated?

6.Is there a requirement that I must restore my property located within the Historic District?

7.Can the city help me purchase a historic property?

Historic Preservation – Certificate of Appropriateness

1.What is a Certificate of Appropriateness?

2.Is there a fee for a Certificate of Appropriateness?

3.Why is a Certificate of Appropriateness needed?

4.When Is a Certificate of Appropriateness needed?

5.How do I obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness?

6.What needs to be included when submitting a Certificate of Appropriateness?

7.What happens to my application after it is submitted?

8.May I paint my house any color I want?

9.Do I need permission to perform ordinary maintenance?

10.Does every change to my property require a Certificate of Appropriateness?

11.May I put an addition on my historic property?

12.Where can I receive help designing an addition for my house?

13.If I have more questions, whom should I talk to?

Historic Preservation – Researching Your Home

1.How do I research the history of my property?

Housing & Community Development

1.What is the Housing and Community Development Mission?

Human Resources

1.Should I apply for the job?

2.How do I apply for a position?

3.Where do I find the McKinney Fire Department Personal History Packet?

4.How do I apply for Fire Department positions?

5.How do I apply for a Police position?

6.Where do I find the Police Physical Testing consent form?

7.How often are jobs updated?

8.How long do jobs stay available?

9.How long does it normally take before I am scheduled for an interview (if selected for an interview)?

10.Are there any conditions that must be met before I can be hired?

11.Are you ADA compliant?

12.Are you an equal opportunity employer?

13.When will you contact me about my application?

Library – Interlibrary Loans

1.Who may use the service?

2.What may be borrowed?

3.What is not available through interlibrary loans (ILL)?

4.How many items may I request?

5.How long does it take?

6.How long may I keep the items?

7.May I renew ILL materials?

8.Is there a charge?

McKinney National Airport – Open Government

1.How long has the City of McKinney owned the airport?

2.What are the Fixed Base Operations (FBO) and its facilities?

3.Why did the City of McKinney purchase the FBO and its facilities?

4.How much is it going to cost the city to develop and improve the airport?

5.How is McKinney National Airport doing since the acquisition?

Mosquito Control

1.Can small children apply chemicals to their skin? What is recommended?

2.Does the City of McKinney spray for mosquitoes?

3.How can I find out what cases have been reported?

4.How can I protect myself against mosquito bites?

5.I see standing water in a drainage easement next to my property. Whom do I call?

6.I have a creek that backs up to my house. Will mosquitoes breed in the water?

7.What can I do to help eliminate mosquitoes from my yard?

8.What insect repellents should I use?

9.What is the City of McKinney doing about West Nile Virus?

10.What precautions should I take when the city does spray?

11.What should I do if I see a dead bird?

12.When the city does spray, what area(s) will be sprayed and at what times?

13.Will birds be shipped for testing?

14.Will the City of McKinney treat areas on private property?

Municipal Court

1.Where do I go to court?

2.How long do I have to pay my ticket?

3.What does the City of McKinney Municipal Court do?

4.What is the City of McKinney Municipal Court’s mission?

Parks – Senior Recreation Center

1.Where is the Senior Recreation Center (SRC) located?

2.What is the senior age requirement for utilizing recreation services at the SRC?

3.Is a membership required to utilize recreation services at the SRC?

4.How much are membership fees?

Parks and Recreation

1.What are city park hours?

2.Which parks have reservable pavilions?

3.Is camping allowed in the city?

4.Are remote controlled boats allowed in McKinney’s parks?

Planning

1.Where is the Development Services Office located?

2.What are the Planning Department’s hours of operation?

3.What is McKinney’s current population?

4.Who assigns a street name?

5.What are the new proposed developments in McKinney?

6.What do I need to do to take down a tree on my property?

7.Is my property located within the city limits of McKinney?

8.How can I find out what my property is zoned?

9.What is the Comprehensive Plan and what does it do?

10.What is a Pre-Development Meeting and how do I know if I need one?

11.How can I set up a Pre-Development Meeting?

12.When can I submit my Development Application to the Planning Department?

13.What are Impact Fees?

14.Where can I find planning application submittal requirements and checklists?

15.What is the Subdivision Platting Process and how long does it take?

16.How do I verify if my property has been platted?

17.What is the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ)?

18.What is the purpose of zoning?

19.What is a Zoning District?

20.Can I run a business from my home?

21.What is my property zoned if I live in the ETJ?

22.My property is zoned “PD” – Planned Development District. How can I obtain a copy of the “PD” ordinance or refer to the base zoning description?

23.How do I find the regulations for the various zoning districts within the City of McKinney?

24.Where can I view copies of the Zoning and Subdivision Regulations?

25.What uses are allowed in each zoning district?

26.How do I change the zoning on my property?

27.What is the City’s fee for a rezoning request or other planning applications?

28.What is a Zoning Verification Letter and how do I get one?

29.How do I measure a setback?

30.What is the function of the Planning and Zoning Commission?

31.How do I contact the Planning and Zoning Commission?

32.What can I do to let the P&Z Commission or City Council know that I am either opposed or supportive of a proposed rezoning request or another planning application?

Planning – Impact Fees

1.The information in these FAQs is adapted from Chapter 395 of the Texas Local Government Code

2.What are Impact Fees?

3.Who is authorized to enact or impose Impact Fees?

4.What are Roadway Impact Fees?

5.What are Utility Impact Fees?

6.Who pays Impact Fees?

7.When must Impact Fees be paid?

8.What is a “Service Area” for Roadway Impact Fees?

9.What is a “Service Area” for Utility Impact Fees?

10.What is the general process for updating Impact Fees?

11.What are Land Use Assumptions?

12.What is a Capital Improvements Plan?

13.What is a Service Unit?

14.What are Impact Fee Credits?

Police

1.How do I get a copy of my criminal record?

2.How do I get a copy of a Police report?

3.How do I request a background check?

4.When is the Records Section open?

5.How do I inquire about a traffic citation?

6.When is it legal to operate a lawn mower or other power equipment?

7.What do I do about noisy neighbors or too loud music?

8.How do I request crime statistics for a neighborhood or apartment complex?

9.How can I contest a parking violation?

Police – Alarm Permits

1.Do I need a permit to operate my alarm system?

2.How much is an alarm permit?

3.What happens if I get too many false alarms?

4.Are any fines associated with the new ordinance?

5.Can I get my suspended permit reinstated?

6.Is my permit information secure?

7.Can an alarm permit be transferred to another person or address?

8.How do I cancel my permit?

Police – Employment

1.How do I apply for a police officer position?

2.What is the McKinney Police Department’s policy on tattoos?

3.What if I am not certified? Can I still apply?

4.How long does the hiring process take?

5.If I’m hired, how long is the academy and other training?

6.Do I get paid while attending the police academy?

7.If I’m a certified officer, do you have a lateral entry program?

8.How do I get into specialized units like Criminal Investigations, Narcotics or SWAT?

Police – Filming Permits

1.How far ahead of time do I need to have a permit?

2.How much does a film permit cost?

Police – Records

1.How do I obtain a copy of a police report?

2.How do I obtain a copy of an accident report?

3.How can I get a copy of my criminal history?

4.What is the fee for a copy of a report?

5.When is the Records Division open to the public?

Stormwater

1.What is stormwater runoff?

2.Who regulates stormwater runoff?

3.Why all the fuss about stormwater?

4.Stormwater pollution only affects streams and creeks. Why should I care?

5.Into what water bodies does the stormwater from the McKinney storm system discharge?

6.Why is there a marker on our storm drains?

7.Where can I find McKinney’s requirements related to stormwater management?

8.Are there any charges or fees associated with the storm drain system?

9.Who clears clogged storm drains?

10.Why shouldn’t yard trimmings and soil go into the storm drain? Doesn’t rain wash the same kind of material into the creek anyway?

11.Why isn’t stormwater treated before it goes into the creek?

12.What do I do if I see someone dumping something other than rain water down a storm drain?

13.If I make a complaint, will my name and address be kept confidential?

14.There is mud on the street in my neighborhood. What can the city do about it?

15.There is erosion and poor drainage in the creek near my house. What can the city do about it?

Traffic

1.Can Lowering the Speed Limit Solve a Speeding Problem?

2.What is the 85th percentile speed?

3.What can I do if there is a speeding problem in my neighborhood?

4.How do I get a streetlight installed on my street?

5.How do I get “Children At Play” signs installed on my street?

6.Why do some of the school zones have flashers?

7.When are the school zones operational?

8.How can we get a school crossing guard?

9.What do the Walk / Don’t Walk signals mean?

10.How can we get stop signs installed along our street?

11.How do we get a multi-way stop?

12.How can we get a traffic signal installed?

13.How are design engineers and Materials Testing firms selected for city projects?

14.How are general contractors selected for city projects?

Traffic – Bike McKinney

1.Is it legal for bicyclists to ride on Texas roadways?

2.Who has the right of way, a bicyclist or a pedestrian?

3.Do I have to wear a helmet?

4.Isn’t riding on the road unsafe?

5.Where should I position myself when bicycling on the roadway?

6.How do I make a left turn at an intersection?

7.Are there rules for bicycling on McKinney’s Hike and Bike Trails?

8.Can I ride on the sidewalk?

9.What are some guidelines for a safer bicycle ride?

10.What do pavement markings with a bike and two chevrons/arrows mean?

11.Do these markings really have an effect on driver and cyclist behavior?

12.On some streets, cyclists riding over this marking will take the entire lane. Aren’t they supposed to move to the right?

13.Do shared lane markings or “sharrows” mean these lanes are only for bikes?

14.So if shared lane markings or “sharrows” are not present, then it’s not a shared lane and bicyclists aren’t supposed to be there?

15.Are these markings going to be on every street that does not have a bike lane?

16.I’ve never seen these markings before. Why are they being used now?

Water Billing

1.Do you offer paperless billing?

2.Do you offer autopay?

3.How do I add someone to my account?

4.Why is my consumption the same as last month? Do you estimate readings?

5.Why did I receive a bill after I moved?

6.How do I change the start / cancel date of my service?

7.How do I order replacement or additional trash / recycle cans? How do I request pickup of extra cans? Who do I call for sanitation questions or missed trash pickups?

8.Did you receive my request for New / Transfer / Cancel Service?

9.How do I know if I have a leak?

10.Can I change my bill due date?

11.How can I prevent my water from being disconnected?

12.How do I change my mailing address?

13.How do I change the name on my account after marriage or divorce?