City of Mingus, Texas

Title VII – Health and Environment

Adopted by Ordinance No. 2025-__, effective ________ 2025

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Chapter 7.01 – General Health Regulations

Sec. 7.01.001 Purpose and Authority

This Title is adopted under the City’s home-rule authority to promote public health, sanitation, and environmental protection consistent with Texas Health and Safety Code provisions.

Sec. 7.01.002 Definitions

• Nuisance – Any condition that endangers health, produces offensive odors, attracts vermin, or otherwise interferes with the public welfare.
• Refuse – Garbage, rubbish, and other waste material.
• Vector – A rodent, insect, or animal capable of transmitting disease.
• Premises – Land, buildings, or property under single ownership or control.

Sec. 7.01.003 Public Nuisances Prohibited

No person shall cause, permit, or maintain any condition determined to be injurious to public health or offensive to neighboring property owners, including but not limited to accumulation of refuse, stagnant water, or unsanitary materials.

Sec. 7.01.004 Abatement of Nuisances

The City may inspect property suspected of containing a public health nuisance. If found, the City shall provide written notice to the property owner to abate within a specified time. If the owner fails to comply, the City may abate the nuisance and assess costs as a lien on the property.

Sec. 7.01.005 Offensive Odors and Waste

It is unlawful to emit or allow odors from waste, refuse, or chemicals that unreasonably interfere with the comfort of others or create health hazards. Livestock and animal waste shall be properly managed to avoid odor nuisances.

Chapter 7.02 – Solid Waste and Sanitation

Sec. 7.02.001 Collection Service

The City or its authorized contractor shall provide solid-waste collection service to all occupied premises within the City. Residents must use approved containers and participate in the collection system unless exempted by Council.

Sec. 7.02.002 Containers and Placement

• Containers must be watertight, rodent-resistant, and have tight-fitting lids.
• Refuse may not be stored in open piles or bags accessible to animals.
• Containers may be placed for pickup no earlier than 6 p.m. the evening before collection and must be removed within 24 hours after service.

Sec. 7.02.003 Bulky Waste and Brush

Bulky waste and brush shall be collected only on designated days or by special arrangement. Dumping such materials on City property or rights-of-way is prohibited.

Sec. 7.02.004 Private Hauling

Private hauling of waste must be done in vehicles designed to prevent spillage or leakage. Transporting refuse from outside City limits for dumping within the City is prohibited unless authorized by the Council.

Chapter 7.03 – On-Site Sewage Facilities (Septic Systems)

Sec. 7.03.001 County Jurisdiction and City Coordination

Because the City does not operate a municipal sewer system, all on-site sewage facilities (OSSFs) within Mingus are regulated by the Palo Pinto County Environmental Department and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

Sec. 7.03.002 Prerequisite to Water Service

No new water tap shall be approved by the City until a valid county-approved septic permit has been submitted and verified in accordance with Title IV § 4.02.003.

Sec. 7.03.003 Maintenance and Prohibited Discharge

Property owners are responsible for maintaining septic systems in good working order. Discharge of sewage or graywater onto the ground surface, drainage ditches, or waterways is prohibited and constitutes a health nuisance.

Sec. 7.03.004 Inspection and Enforcement

The City may coordinate with county officials to inspect properties suspected of failing septic systems and issue violation notices as appropriate under this Title and county regulations.

Chapter 7.04 – Environmental Protection

Sec. 7.04.001 Stormwater and Drainage

No person shall obstruct natural drainage channels or alter culverts in a manner that increases flooding or erosion on neighboring properties. The City may require correction of unlawful drainage modifications.

Sec. 7.04.002 Pollution of Waters Prohibited

It is unlawful to dispose of oil, fuel, paint, chemicals, or other pollutants into any storm drain, ditch, or waterway. Violations may be referred to TCEQ for enforcement.

Sec. 7.04.003 Burning Restrictions

• Open burning is allowed only when authorized by state outdoor burning rules (30 TAC §111.201 et seq.).
• Burning household waste is prohibited within City limits.
• The Fire Chief or Mayor may declare temporary burn bans for safety.

Sec. 7.04.004 Litter Control

No person shall deposit or permit litter on streets, lots, or waterways. Owners and occupants shall maintain their premises free of litter and weeds visible from public rights-of-way.

Chapter 7.05 – Enforcement and Penalties

Sec. 7.05.001 Enforcement Authority

The City Administrator, Code Enforcement Officer, or Police Department may enforce this Title. Complaints may be initiated by citizens or staff.

Sec. 7.05.002 Abatement and Cost Recovery

If a property owner fails to abate a nuisance or correct a violation after notice, the City may perform the work and assess costs as a lien against the property in accordance with Chapter 342 of the Texas Health and Safety Code.

Sec. 7.05.003 Penalties

Violations of this Title are misdemeanors punishable by fines up to $2,000 per day for public-health offenses or as otherwise allowed by law. Each day constitutes a separate offense.

Sec. 7.05.004 Severability

If any section of this Title is held invalid, the remaining provisions shall continue in effect.