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You or your alarm technician may download the Customer Account Information form posted on our website to facilitate this conversion.
The Customer Account Information report not only allows the SWRCC to know your monitoring preferences, but also it provides the alarm technician the appropriate programming information to enable us to setup your monitoring account. When the technician completes the form and contacts the SWRCC, we will take that last step to activate your account.
The SWRCC is proud to announce we have identified local alarm service providers that would be happy to help you transition your system to the SWRCC alarm monitoring system. These are independent businesses, and they are not employed by the cities of Cedar Hill, DeSoto, or Duncanville. Additionally, any licensed alarm service provider can easily assist if you prefer.
Typical re-reprogramming fees are $135.00, which is paid directly to the alarm service provider. Upon activation of the account, SWRCC provides a $75.00 credit towards future monthly monitoring fees to offset this initial expense. Installation of cellular system monitoring is based on the customers current alarm system and will incur additional costs. Our licensed service providers will be happy to provide you with a quote for this additional equipment.
The alarm monitoring fee is $25.00 per month for traditional telephone alarm monitoring. We also offer cellular backup to your traditional system, in case your telephone line is cut or out of service, for $30.00 a month; and a fully cellular system for $35.00 a month for residents that no longer want traditional home telephone service. You can be billed monthly, quarterly, or annually. Just indicate your preference on your contract.
The goal of requiring the pets to be microchipped is twofold:
Increase the number of pets that are reunited with their owners, andIncrease the responsibility of pet owners who continue to allow their pets to run at large.
If you have any questions about microchips, please feel free to contact the shelter.
The Certificate of Occupancy must be posted in a prominent place on the premises and shall not be removed except by the building official. A new Certificate of Occupancy is required when ownership changes or a new business occupies the premises.
1. The building must be unlocked at the time of inspection. It is not required that someone is present as long as access to the space is available.
2. The address number, including suite numbers, must be posted on the front and back of the building. Address numbers must also be posted on the electric meter and gas meter.
3. All required exit doors must be able to be opened without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort from the egress side.
4. Appropriate exit signs must be in place and code compliant.
5. No open electrical wiring is allowed. All junction boxes, outlets and switches must have covers in place. Breaker panels must be labeled and contain circuit breakers or blanks in each breaker position.
6. Area around equipment and electrical panels must be kept clear for a distance of 36 inches. 7. Parking lots must contain the number of spaces required by the City of DeSoto Zoning Ordinance, including a minimum of one van-accessible parking space, with appropriate signage, and wheelchair curb ramp.
8. All plumbing drain openings without an approved P-trap must be plugged or capped in a permanent condition.
9. Restaurants using fryers require a Type I hood with an automatic fire extinguishing system and must be inspected prior to the release of the Certificate of Occupancy.
10. Sprinkler heads that are a component of a required automatic sprinkler system are not to be painted, obstructed, or used for support of any decorative material. An 18-inch clearance must be maintained between any storage and a sprinkler head.
11. Fire Lanes must be clearly striped: 6-inch red stripe with 4-inch letters stating “No Parking Fire Lane”, as approved by the Fire Marshal’s Office.
Commendations can be e-mailed to lstallings@ci.desoto.tx.us or by phone at 972.230.9694.
In order to expedite your claim, you may also fax the completed form to 972.230.5793, but the original form must be mailed or delivered to the above address.
Note: The City Charter mandates that a claim must be filed with the City within 180 days of the date of loss. The City is not permitted to accept claims for losses more than 180 days old. Notice of Claim Form
Must be a United States citizen.
Must have a copy of High School Diploma or G.E.D.
Must provide proof of certification as a basic Firefighter, as established by Texas Commission on Fire Protection, and must be fully certified with the Texas Department of State Health Services or National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians as an Emergency Medical Technician Basic OR provide proof of certification as a Paramedic (must provide a Paramedic Certificate issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services or National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians) prior to entrance examination.
Must possess a valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
Must meet all physical requirements.
If time and weather do not permit giving the PAT to the applicants who pass the civil service examination, another date and time will be set and the applicants notified. Individuals with disabilities who will need reasonable accommodation in order to complete a test must contact the Civil Service Director at 972.230.9639 prior to the scheduled test date. Documentation supporting the need for accommodation will be required.
The City of DeSoto does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services.
1. Residents or owners of real or personal property in the City of DeSoto, Texas.2. Employees of the City of DeSoto, Texas.3. TexShare card holders.4. Desoto school teachers.5. Residents of Cedar Hill, Texas.
Library cards are available for a fee per household to those not in the above categories. You only need a card to check out materials. Fees are $15.00 for one year.
The computers are reserved on a first come, first served basis and can be used in one hour increments. Currently there is a $1.00 per hour fee for non DeSoto residents (If you have a non-resident DeSoto library card you have use of the Internet computers).
Double-sided copies are double the price of single-sided copies.
For more information, please contact Cynthia Velasquez at the Reference Desk 972.230.9661 or by email at: cvelasquez@ci.desoto.tx.us
Get the violation corrected within ten (10) working days from the date of your citation and provide proof to the effect.
The proof of correction of Expired Registration must show that a 20% penalty was paid to the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time the registration was renewed. If the penalty is not paid, the Court cannot dismiss the citation.
The proof of Expired Inspection must show the vehicle PASSED the inspection.
If the inspection or registration has been expired for more than 60 days you may pay the fine or request a court date.
No Drivers License or No Liability Insurance may be dismissed with proof that you had a valid license or insurance policy at the time of the offense.
STEP 1: Determine the need for the association. To do so, host an informal meeting with your neighbors to see if there is a real interest in or need for the association. While it is optimum for 100% of area residents to attend the initial meeting, it is not imperative that they be present at that time. This first meeting could be among just a few or all of your neighbors.
STEP 2: Check with the Dallas County Clerk’s Office to see if the developer has filed a Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions for your subdivision. You can reach the Dallas County Clerk’s Office at 214-653-7275, or at 509 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Dallas, Texas.
STEP 3: Contact Community Initiatives Manager, Tracie Hlavinka, at 972-230-9689. Tracie can schedule a meeting with your neighbors to clarify the necessary steps and the benefits of organizing an HOA.
STEP 4: Create bylaws and articles of incorporation to bring for consideration by all your members. Bylaws establish the procedures for the operation of the association. They create HOA rules for voting, financing, and control procedures. The articles of incorporation actually create a corporation if the association chooses to become incorporated.
Need a guideline for bylaws? Download this file_____
Need a guideline for articles of incorporation? Download this file_____
STEP 5: Once the articles of incorporation are complete, send two (2) copies and the $25 filing fee to the Secretary of State, Corporate Section, P.O. Box 13697, Austin, Texas 78711. Their phone number is 512-463-5555.
Neighborhood Associations with gross receipts of $5,000 or less per year are not required to file form 1023. These organizations are exempt automatically if they meet the requirements of I.R.S. section 501(c)(3).
File your neighborhood association's Articles of Incorporation with the State.• Obtain an Employer Identification Number. • File I.R.S. Forms 1023 & 8718 with appropriate fees. • Receive Tax-Exempt Status from the I.R.S.? (average turnaround time from the time all necessary documents are filed is 100 days) • File for State Sales Tax Exemption.• Make I.R.S. suggested corrections.• File for State Franchise Tax Exemption.• Re-File
Important Facts about Tax-Exempt Status
Your Neighborhood Association may obtain tax exempt status if:
It is incorporated by the State as a nonprofit corporation and organized solely for charitable purposes. This includes organizations dedicated to:
• Correct community deterioration• Combat juvenile delinquency• Lessen neighborhood tensions
In order to keep your Association tax-exempt status, you must insure that:
• All assets are permanently dedicated to an exempt purpose. This means that, even upon assets of the corporation may to exempt purposes or groups. Dissolution of the group and all assets must be used or donated, no part of the net earnings or• Be used for the benefit of, or be distributed to, the members or officers.• No portion of the corporation’s assets or funds may be used to influence legislation, promote propaganda, or benefit specific political candidates.
You may also obtain criminal records by contacting the Dallas County District Clerk’s Office. For misdemeanor record checks, call 214-653-5740. For felony record checks, call 214-653-5950.
Other services include: Certifying Reports is $2.00.
If the request is over 50 pages personnel charges of $15.00 an hour and overhead charges of $3.00 an hour will be charges. Copies cost .10 cents a page.
In the summer and early fall, algae in area lakes occasionally gives water an earthy taste and odor. A rotten egg smell typically occurs from a lack of oxygen in the natural or man-made reservoir storing water before it is treated. It is caused by bacterial decomposition of algae and organisms, which, when no oxygen is present, produces hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide emits a rotten egg smell.
When the naturally formed scale on the interior of the piping system is disturbed, and when turbulence with the water happens, some water discoloration may occur for several hours. The white discoloration of water usually means air is entrapped in the water. Running your faucets can usually eliminate white discoloration. If discoloration continues for an extended period of time, please notify the City of DeSoto Water/Wastewater Department. Please refer to our Taste & Odors page. Taste & Odors
If you experience a sewer backup, you will need to know if you have a cleanout in your yard. A cleanout is a 4” pipe that protrudes from the ground near your home. A cleanout is an entrance to your sewer line that City staff can use to flush any blockages from your sewer line into the sewer main. If you do not have a cleanout in your yard, you will need to contact a plumber for assistance. Please refer to our Sewer Backup page. Sewer Backups
Water main breaks are a serious problem and require immediate attention by our maintenance crews. If you notice water bubbling up through the ground, a wet area appearing during dry weather, or a loss of water pressure within a service area, please notify the City of DeSoto Water/Wastewater Department. Please refer to our Water Main Breaks page. Water Main Breaks
• Work is being performed on the water main in the area and city crews have it shut off.• There is a water main break in the area and the resulting pressure loss is because of it.• The shut off valve at the meter is not completely open. If you have had your water shut off recently, your valve may not have been completely turned back on. Please contact our Meter Services department for assistance at 972-230-9627 and press “7”.• The service line to the meter is partially crimped.• The meter filter may be partially clogged.
Please refer to our Water Main Breaks page. Water Main Breaks
As a result of the flushing procedure, residents in the immediate vicinity of the work area may experience temporary discoloration of their water. This discoloration consists primarily of harmless silt and precipitates and does not affect the safety of the water. If you experience discoloration in your water after crews have been flushing in your neighborhood, clear the pipes in your own home by running all water faucets for a minute or two. Please refer to our Fire Hydrant Flushing page for more information. Fire Hydrant Flushing