The Garland City Council is scheduled to consider a proposal to transition the city’s property code enforcement system from a criminal citation model to a civil administrative program. The vote is set for the regular meeting on April 21. If approved, the new framework would take effect on September 1, 2026.
Garland is located approximately 13 miles northeast of Dallas. The city states that the current system, which allows for criminal charges and court appearances for routine violations such as overgrown lawns, is not aligned with its goal of helping residents maintain their properties. The proposed change aims to handle violations through administrative channels rather than the criminal justice system.
Under the new plan, the city would implement the program in two distinct phases. The first phase would be a 90-day education and outreach period. During this time, code compliance officers would visit neighborhoods and leave notices on properties with potential violations. These notices would not constitute citations or fines. Instead, they would provide information and connect residents with resources, including the Compliance Assistance Program and online tools.
Following the initial education period, the city would move to full civil enforcement implementation. Each type of violation, such as tall grass or debris, would be tracked independently. The first citation for a specific issue could be dismissed if the property owner demonstrates compliance before the deadline listed on the notice. Proof of compliance could be submitted via a new photo process or through an in-person code visit.
If proof of compliance is not received by the deadline, the property owner would face a fine or be required to attend a hearing before a city hearing officer. The city describes the hearing as an opportunity for the owner to explain why they believe they should not be found liable. The proposal notes that additional citations for the same violation type would follow a different process, though the specific details for those subsequent citations were not fully detailed in the provided text.
