July 31 is the deadline for Keep NRH Beautiful's 2017 "I Dig My Garden Photo Contest." Entries must be photos from North Richland Hills residential or commercial properties that capture the best balcony, hardscape, lawn, vegetables, drought tolerant garden, critter, pond or flowers. Winning photos will be displayed on the city's web page and the winner in each category will receive a $25 gift card from a local plant nursery. View the rules and entry form online. 

Fences provide us with a sense of privacy and security. They may also reduce noise and enhance the appearance of a property. Deteriorating fences may give unwanted persons access to your property or allow pets to escape and roam the neighborhood. Please be a good neighbor and properly maintain your fence. 

City ordinance requires you to repair, replace or remove a fence that is severely deteriorated or leaning 15 degrees or more. Missing or deteriorated fence panels, slats, rails, pickets and post must be replaced with material similar in size and appearance to those being replaced. If installing or replacing 4 or more fence panels, you will need a building permit, which helps protect your family from poor construction and safety risks. Permits can be obtained at City Hall, 4301 City Point Dr. For more information, or to report a code violation, visit the city's  website or call 817-427-6663.