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1. Are chickens allowed in the Palestine City Limits?

HOWEVER, in residentially-zoned areas, you can have no more than 6 fowl, AND they must be in a pen, coop, or structure that is located in your property and within 50' from your property line. (Fifty feet is measured from your property line to the edge of the structure on each side.) The height of the structure must be high enough to keep the fowl from escaping. 

You can find the complete city ordinance online at the Palestine Code of Ordinances.

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1. Who enforces the municipal codes for properties in the City of Palestine?

The Code Enforcement Division, under the Police Department, enforces the property codes for the City of Palestine. The building codes for the city are handled by the city’s building inspector, a service of the Development Services department.

2. Where can I find the property codes for the City of Palestine?

Many property codes for the city can be found in the city’s Code of Ordinances, under Chapter 46 of the City’s Code of Ordinances. Other codes can be found in Chapters 40, 80, and 86.

3. Who are the Code Enforcement officers for the city?

The City of Palestine has three sworn Code Enforcement officers working in the Community Services department.

4. What types of violations do they enforce?

Code violations come in a variety of forms, from trash and debris, high grass and weeds, junked or inoperable vehicles on city streets, illegal dumping, no number signs on properties, and illegal signs that do not meet city regulations.

5. How does one make a Code Enforcement complaint?

Code Enforcement complaints may be made in three ways. The first is calling the Hotline at 903-731-6003. Complaints may also be made in person to the Code Enforcement offices at City Hall. There is also an online Code Enforcement complaint form that can be filled out. Once entered, it is sent to the officers.

Code Enforcement complaints may be made anonymously.

6. How many complaints does Code Enforcement receive?

The number of complaints varies between months, with the summer months receiving more complaints due to high weeds and grass. In June 2017, the department received 185 complaints from residents.

7. What happens once a Code Enforcement complaint is made?

The first step Code Enforcement officers do is to go inspect the property and determine if the violations are against city code. Once the officer has determined that the property is against code, the officer will take photos of the property and attempt to reach the property owner or renter via the front door.

If there is no one in the house or on the property, the officer will then contact the property owner via regular and certified mail. The letter will explain the violation, and ask the owner or renter to clean the property up within 10 days. The letter also states that the property owner or renter can contact the Code Enforcement division if other arrangements need to be made.

8. Do most property owners clean up the property within 10 days?

In most cases, yes. After the 10-day period, the officer will then reinspect the property to make sure the violation has been remedied.

9. What if the property owner cannot clean the property up in 10 days?

In this case, the property owner should contact the Code Enforcement division. Then, arrangements can be made with the property owner to get the property cleaned up. According to our officers, if a property owner makes reasonable attempts to clean the property, the deadlines can be extended.

10. What happens when a property is not cleaned up after 10 days?

If prior arrangements are not made with the property owner, and the 10-day period has elapsed, the property owner or occupant may be issued a municipal court citation and/or an abatement may occur by the city or a vendor with a lien filed against the property in order for the City to recoup any costs incurred for abatement efforts.

11. I received a letter about my yard sale sign, what do I do?

Code Enforcement officers are also on the lookout for signs that violate city ordinances, like signs for yard sales that are on utility poles, the signs that are more than five blocks away from the sale, or signs that are not picked up within 48 hours after the sale.

Signs on utility poles are a danger to utility workers, due to the nails and staples left in the pole after the sign is taken down. Code Enforcement officers send letters to the owners of the signs, usually through the location of the event or yard sale, and ask them to take the other signs down.

Further violations of the code may cause a municipal court citation. 

12. How do I advertise my yard sale?

Yard signs are fine in the city but need to be placed on the ground, and with the property owner’s permission. Yard signs cannot be placed in the right-of-way of streets, and have to be taken up within 48 hours of the event.

There are many ways to advertise your yard sale or event, including using free online resources, like Facebook, or purchasing advertising through local media outlets like the Palestine Herald-Press, KYYK-FM, KPBC-FM, or area TV stations.

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

Answer goes here...

2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

Answer goes here...

3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

Answer goes here...

4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

Answer goes here...

5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

Answer goes here...

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

Answer goes here...

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1. What do I do if I see someone illegally dumping items?

You can call 903-731-6003 or download the RID application for Android or iPhone to submit the information. Through the app, you can send in the details of what you saw in addition to a picture.

2. Who do I call to pick up large items?

For more information, you can call Customer Service at 903-731-8400.

3. Where can I drop off large items?

You can call 903-723-5418 or drop by the Anderson County Transfer Station at 30440 U.S. 79, Palestine, TX.

4. Where do I go to recycle items?

Recycling in the City of Palestine ended as of Wednesday, January 8, 2020. However, residents may drop off recycling items for free at the Transfer Station located at 571 ACR 367, Palestine, TX 75801.

5. I saw someone dumping trash or large items at the Wal-mart donation bins, who do I contact to report it?

You can call (903) 731-6003 or download the RID application for Android or iPhone to submit the information. Through the app, you can send in the details of what you saw in addition to a picture. If possible, send us the license plate number in addition to the make and model of the vehicle and description of the individual(s).

(However, NEVER put yourself in danger by confronting the individual(s). Please remain at a safe distance at all times.)

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1. What is the process involved with mosquito spraying?

Truck-mounted mosquito spraying units disperse a chemical in the form of fog that settles and kills certain types of mosquitoes. The fog is created by a truck-mounted fogger, moving at a slow speed down a public street. Ideal wind conditions suggest air currents from 2 to 8 mph.

2. What chemicals are used?

There are a variety of products available on the market for controlling mosquitoes. The City of Palestine is combating the mosquito population using adulticides, a category of pesticides used in fogging and spraying to control the adult mosquito population. The specific chemical used in the City of Palestine is Aqua-Reslin, a type of adulticide. Aqua-Reslin is a water-based chemical that compared to an oil-based chemical, does not evaporate as fast.

3. What factors are used to identify priority areas for spraying?

Ultimately, all areas of the city that are accessible on a public street will be covered by mosquito spraying at least once while mosquitoes are active. When mosquitoes are active, the following areas will be treated first including:

• Public school grounds.
• Areas around nursing homes, hospitals, and medical clinics.
• Public parks and recreational areas.
• Areas, where standing water is prevalent, are near one of the areas stated above and residential areas.

4. My location was scheduled to be sprayed but was delayed. What caused the delay?

Weather conditions will affect the effectiveness of the chemicals. Wind speeds more than 8 mph or a previous rain or upcoming rain will delay the spraying. We like to see a clear forecast two days prior and 4 to 5 days after scheduled spraying.

5. What is the frequency of spraying during the mosquito season?

We try to have at least two trucks spraying certain areas of the city at least every two weeks. The company that has been hired to spray has a minimum of 10 miles per spraying.

6. Who does the city use for mosquito spraying?

The city has contracted with Vector Disease Control International to spray for mosquitoes.

7. Where can I get information on the type of chemicals used for spraying and ways that I can help control the mosquito population?

• National Pesticide Information Center
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Information on Aqua-Resin

8. What can I do to help control the mosquito population?

The best control residents can do to control the mosquito population is to eliminate pools of standing water. Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitos. Other steps for controlling the mosquito population include:

• Wear long clothing.
• Apply an insect repellant with DEET.
• Empty and dry out unscreened containers every 7 days.
• Keep water clear of weeds.
• Dispose of all articles that may hold water such as aluminum cans, tin boxes, and empty bottles.
• Drain ditches, pools, ponds, excavations, holes, depressions, and marshes

9. Where can I find information on the West Nile and Zika virus?

The Centers for Disease Control has a comprehensive list of information on both mosquito-borne viruses:

• West Nile virus
• Zika virus

10. What are the symptoms of West Nile and the Zika virus?

Both viruses have similar symptoms, including rash, fever, body aches and chills. Those infected with Zika can also have conjunctivitis or pink eye. Those who are pregnant or may become pregnant should see a health care professional if experiencing these symptoms as Zika has shown to increase a newborn's risk of contracting birth defects, like Gilluain-Barre syndrome.

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1. Can the Court or its employees provide me with legal advice on how to handle my citation?

No, court employees (including the Judge) are strictly prohibited by law from providing legal advice to anyone.

2. Do I have to hire an attorney to represent me in Municipal Court?

You have the right to be represented by an attorney of your choice. Although these are class C misdemeanors, they are still considered criminal offenses. However, you can choose to waive this right and represent yourself.

3. How do I discharge my fine and costs?

See Discharge of Fines and Costs on the main Municipal Court page.

4. Can the Judge dismiss my ticket?

A Judge can only dismiss a citation if they are given the authority by the state. Please see the Dismissals page for more information.

5. Is this ticket going on my driving record?

Generally, all moving violations will appear on your driving record. Some others such as Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility and No Driver's License will appear as well. If you want to keep an offense off your record, you should request Defensive Driving or Deferred Disposition (if you are eligible).

6. What about surcharges issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety?

For more information on surcharges, visit DPS Surcharge FAQs page.

7. I have a warrant for my arrest. What are my options?

See Arrest Warrants Status on the Warrants page.

8. I have a Capias Pro Fine warrant. What are my options?

See Capias Pro Fine Warrants Status on the Warrants page. 

The Palestine Municipal Court policy is:

A defendant, who has an outstanding capias pro fine warrant for unpaid fines and costs, and:

• Voluntarily appears at a court docket
• Is unable to pay the fines and costs immediately
• Has not previously been ordered to perform community service to discharge the fine & costs in the case shall be afforded the opportunity to discharge the fine and costs by performing community service. 

Palestine Municipal Court Standing Order No. 2017-1

9. My deadline has passed to complete or return the driving record certificate and/or my driving record. What do I need to do?

Contact the Court at 903-731-8433.

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1. Is the Palestine Police Department hiring?

City of Palestine Employment page

Get more information about becoming a Palestine PD officer

2. Who do I contact to get information about someone being held at the jail?

All jail-related questions should be directed to the Sheriff's office at 903-729-6068.

3. How do I get information on a TDCJ inmate?

Visit the TDCJ Inmate Search.

4. Who do I call for an open records request?

Email the city secretary, Teresa Herrera or call her at 903-731-8414.

5. Can I hire an off duty police officer as security?

Yes. Email Sgt Jenkins or call him at 903-727-9131 for more information.

6. I would like to host a parade in Palestine. Who do I need to contact?

You may email the Chief of Police Administrative Assistant Donna Thornell or call her at 903-731-8436.

Please have the following details before calling the department:

• What is the purpose of the parade?
• When and what time is it planned?
• What is the proposed route?

7. I have new bears I would like to donate. Who do I contact?

You may email our community liaison, Michele Herbert, or call her at 903-731-8418.

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1. Are you Currently Hiring?

Go to the City of Palestine Job Openings page to check if we are hiring and to the Career Opportunities page to see when the next Civil Service Exam will take place.

2. What type of benefits are offered?

Go to the City of Palestine Human Resources page for more information or click on the Tab to the left on this page.

3. Will I get paid while I attend the academy?

Yes, you will get paid while attending the academy.

4. Can I submit an application online?

Yes, you can complete an application online. Go to the City of Palestine How To Apply page for more information and to apply online.

5. What type of schedule do police officers work?

Police officers with the Palestine Police Department work 12 hour shifts with every other weekend off.

6. Will I need to purchase a uniform or equipment?

Except for personal undergarments and boots, your complete uniform is provided.

7. Can I contact a recruiter?

Yes, please contact Lt Ricki Baker at [email protected] or by calling 903-731-8438.

8. Do you offer Lateral Entry?

Yes, Certified Police Officers may be eligible for lateral entry. Salary will depend on years of experience at a paid Police Department.

9. Do you offer any sign on bonuses?

Yes, we currently offer a $5,000 sign on bonus to eligible Certified Police Officers.

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1. Why must I make an appointment to get my property?

Appointments are scheduled so that a property specialist can be made available to handle your case on a one-on-one basis without interruption. The property specialist may be in court, transporting evidence to the crime laboratory, or viewing evidence with an attorney.

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1. How can I get a library card?

Patrons must apply online and present a current Government issued  (photo I.D.) card with their current address. If the current address does not appear on the identification, proof of current addresses must be presented. A current utility bill or lease agreement are the two forms of proof accepted at this time. Parents complete a separate application to obtain a card for their youth or teens.

2. How many items can I check out?

(Currently) Patrons can check out up to 10 items total: up to two DVDs, 10 books, and five audiobooks.

3. When are the items due?

(Currently) All items circulate for 30 days.

4. May I renew items?

Yes, all items may be renewed up to two times, as long as there are no holds on a particular item.

5. How may I renew items?

Either come by the library with your card, renew online, or call us at 903-729-4121. All items may be renewed for 30 days, as long as there are no holds pending.

6. What is a PIN?

A PIN is a personal identification number that the patron set up the day they applied for a library card. This enables the patron access to My Account. Call the library to reset it or go to My Account, if you don't remember your PIN.

7. Does the library charge late fees?

Yes. Late fees for books are 30 cents per day per item. Late fees for DVDs and audio books are $1.25 per item per day.

8. Are computers with internet access available in the library?

Yes, we have many computers available for public use. Log on with your library card number. Computers are available for public use for one hour a day.

9. May I print from library computers?

Yes. Patrons may print black and white for 10 cents per page  and color prints for 50 cents per page from any of the library computers.

10. Can I access the internet if I bring my laptop computer?

Yes. The Library offers free Wi-fi service inside the library and inside the Palestine Mall. Connect to "Library" or "Library 2" in your laptop's Open Network and Sharing Center.

11. Does the library check out eBooks and audiobooks?

Yes. Patrons can download digital books from our Digital Branch.