Adopted by Ordinance No. 2025-__, effective ________ 2025
← Back to Code of Ordinances Index
This Title establishes regulations necessary to preserve the public peace, promote good order and morals, and ensure the safety and quiet enjoyment of life within the City of Mingus.
This Title is adopted pursuant to the City’s home-rule powers and the authority granted by the Texas Local Government Code and Texas Penal Code for municipalities to define and prohibit offenses affecting the public welfare.
Police officers, peace officers, and other authorized personnel are empowered to enforce the provisions of this Title. Violations may be cited to the municipal court as misdemeanors.
No person shall engage in behavior that disturbs the peace or endangers public safety, including fighting, abusive language in public, or unreasonable noise. This section supplements, and does not replace, provisions of the Texas Penal Code §42.01.
It is unlawful for any person to appear in a public place in a state of intoxication to the degree that the person may endanger themselves or another. Enforcement shall conform to state law.
No person shall obstruct sidewalks, streets, or entrances to buildings, or remain in any public place for the purpose of committing an unlawful act. Officers may order individuals to disperse to maintain public order.
No minor shall remain in or upon any public place within the City between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. on Sunday through Thursday, or between midnight and 5:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, or engaged in lawful employment or an emergency.
No parent or guardian shall knowingly permit a minor under their care to violate this section. Parents may be cited after written warning or repeated offenses by the same minor.
Police officers may detain a minor temporarily for violation of curfew, issue a warning, or refer the matter to the municipal court. Fines shall not exceed $100 for first offenses.
The Mayor or City Council may declare a local emergency due to disaster, weather, or civil disturbance. During such period, the Mayor may issue temporary orders regulating public assembly, curfews, or use of City property to protect public safety.
No person may discharge any firearm, air rifle, or projectile weapon within the City except for lawful defense, licensed ranges, or authorized law-enforcement activity. This does not restrict lawful possession under state law.
The Fire Chief or Mayor may issue temporary restrictions on outdoor burning or other hazardous activities during dry or emergency conditions.
Transportation or storage of hazardous materials within City limits must comply with applicable state and federal safety regulations. Spills or releases must be reported immediately to emergency authorities.
No person shall appear nude or engage in lewd acts in any public place or in view of the public. Such conduct is prohibited under this section and applicable state laws.
Operating or permitting any unlicensed gambling, lottery, or game of chance for money within the City is unlawful, except as allowed under the Texas Charitable Raffle Enabling Act or similar statutes.
It is unlawful to display or distribute obscene materials visible from a public place, as defined by the Texas Penal Code §43.21.
Peace officers of the City are authorized to issue citations, warnings, or effect arrests for violations of this Title in accordance with law. Cases shall be prosecuted in the municipal court.
Unless otherwise specified, violations of this Title are punishable by a fine not exceeding $500 per offense. Offenses involving public health or safety may be fined up to $2,000 as allowed by law.
Each day any violation continues after notice shall constitute a separate offense.
If any provision of this Title is declared invalid, the remainder shall remain in full force and effect.