Number 204, August 2020

City of University Park, Texas, 3800 University Blvd.

To our readers:   Given the fluid nature of the COVID-19 response and the need for timely and accurate information,  the City will not be offering a printed edition of the August Arbor. This electronic version contains all of the content that would have appeared in a printed copy without the chance of being out-of-date. Click here for the latest COVID-19 information and updates.

Parking District pass procedures go online

For your convenience and ours, we have moved the City’s parking district sticker application and renewal process online. All parking district sticker requests will be handled by email. Once you receive your stickers and temporary hangtags (two per address), you will be good to go through 2021.   To receive an application form and other information about parking district sticker guidelines, please contact Dawn Kossmann at dkossmann@uptexas.org , or call 214-987-5355 for assistance. Once the required paperwork is completed, and scanned back to the Police Department for processing, we will mail your stickers and hangtags to you. If you prefer, you can make an appointment with Dawn Kossmann and pick up your stickers and hangtags at the 24 hour entrance at City Hall.  Proof of residency requirements remain: All applicants renting property must provide a copy of their current lease for review by staff Resident must show one proof of residence – Valid Texas Driver License or State ID Card, current utility bill or insurance policy Temporary paper passes are available 24/7 by contacting 214-363-3000

Help fellow drivers - trim your parkway trees

Do you remember how frustrated you were the last time you struggled to clearly see a traffic sign that was covered by branches and other foliage? It happens to all of us. As a homeowner, if you have signs on your parkway areas, please remember to check your trees and shrubs to make sure they aren't impeding sight lines. If they are, it is time for a trim. Not only will this maintenance help your fellow motorists, it could prevent accidents. Thank you for doing your part to help keep our streets safe!

City permit required before fence repairs or construction

If summer has you thinking about replacing an old chain-link fence along the alley, repairing a dilapidated section of a wood fence, or building an entirely new fence around your backyard, be sure to contact the City before beginning the project. In accordance with the City’s Zoning Ordinance, residents must obtain a fence permit from the Community Development Department prior to starting work, whether they intend to repair or replace an existing fence or construct a new one. This process ensures that the project will be built in compliance with City regulations.   Please keep these regulations in mind when considering any fence work:   Most fence work requires a building permit before starting       Fence heights are limited to a maximum height of 8’ on side and rear property lines Fences must be measured vertically from natural grade along the nearest property line adjacent to the fence All trash cans must be on private property in an area parallel to the alley and free from all obstructions Trash can insets must be a minimum 3' deep by 5' wide, wider if more than two cans are used (30”/can) If you have questions about these regulations and others associated with fence construction, repairs and maintenance, Community Development Department staff members are happy to speak with you. To contact a department representative regarding fence construction and necessary permits, call 214-987-5411.

Building Permit FAQs

Hearing dates for proposed 2021 Budget

On Tuesday, September 1 and Tuesday, September 15, the City Council will hold public hearings so that the public may comment on the City’s FY2021 proposed budget and tax rate. The Council will vote to adopt the FY2021 budget and tax rate during its Tuesday, September 15 meeting. A copy of the draft FY2021 budget will be available on the City’s website by August 7.  To encourage social distancing, the livestream of the budget and tax rate hearings may be viewed on the City’s website. If you want to comment before or during the hearings, you can do so electronically by using our website’s eComment feature at uptexas.org. Or, you can contact Christine Green, City Secretary, at cgreen@uptexas.org or 214-987-5302. Emailed comments must be received by 1 p.m. on the meeting dates listed. All comments submitted before the 1 p.m. deadline will be noted in meeting records for that specific date.

Thanks for your feedback!

Using social media, our monthly publications and postcards that were sent to every household, in June and July we asked you and your neighbors to give the City guidance on several long-term community concerns. Response to the 20-question online survey was outstanding. More than 2,000 residents took part. Data from the questionnaire will help us build a foundation for our new Centennial Master Plan, a document that will serve the City for years to come. The Master Plan will address key topics such as, but not limited to: Economic development Financial sustainability and long term financial planning Customer service and operations Infrastructure planning Technology Safety and security Recreation and quality of life Redevelopment and neighborhood character This fall, after our consulting firm has analyzed the findings and our resident steering committee has reviewed a summary, we will report back. As the project progresses, there will be additional opportunities for resident input through town halls and stakeholder meetings.

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