Building and Zoning and Code Enforcement

The City of Hereford operates under the 2006 International Building Codes and the 2008 National Electrical Codes.  The Building and Zoning department works to insure that the City of Hereford is a safe and clean place to live.  If you have a concern or complaint, please feel free call us at (806)363-7103.

Condition of Premises and Weed Control

Citizens are compelled by City Ordinance to keep weeds and grass mowed on their properties (responsibility includes areas from the curbside to the middle of the alley.)

In an effort to keep alleys clean and clear of debris, residents are asked to place all grass clippings, yard waste, as well as brush four feet and shorter INSIDE the dumpster.  Brush larger than four feet in length and bulky trash is to be taken to the landfill.

The code of ordinances places the responsibility of maintaining a clean and orderly property on the property owner.  This includes weeds, accumulation of junk, stagnant water and any other nuisances.   Once the property owner has been notified that a condition on their property needs to be taken care of, they are typically given between three and ten days to correct it.  After such time, charges can be filed in municipal court.  The city can also remove the nuisance and then charge the expenses to the property owner.  If such charges are not paid a lien can be placed on the property by the city. 

Building Permits

Permits are required for new structures and any alterations to existing structures such as roofing, resizing windows or doors, and removing or adding walls.  If you have any plans to add a carport or storage building to your property please come into the office so we can be sure that your structure will meet all city codes.  If you have any questions about whether the work you are doing needs a permit, please give us a call at (806)363-7103. 

Code of Ordinances

http://codes.franklinlegal.net/hereford-flp (This link will take you away from the City of Hereford Website)

Garage Sales

Homeowners are allowed two garage sales per year, a maximum of three days each.  Garage sale permits are $5. Garage Sale Permits can be purchased at City Hall.  Garage sale signs may only be placed on your property.

Inspections

We require that the licensed plumbers, electricians and mechanical contractors each purchase their own permits and call in for their own inspections.  Please call for inspections between 8 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday (806)363-7103.  We can usually perform inspections the same day, normally within an hour or two.

Food Establishment Inspections

The primary objective is the inspection and enforcement of sanitary standards for restaurants, bars, markets, bakeries, schools, hotels, hospital kitchens, day care centers, and nursing home kitchens in order to serve the public, respond to citizen concerns, and achieve corrections of violations.

Unannounced compliance inspections are conducted for locations that provide food to the public.  When violations of State Health laws are identified most are corrected on site by management during inspection.  If additional time is needed, the department conducts follow-up inspections to verify the items are corrected.  Enforcement actions are taken when voluntary compliance is not achieved.  The department currently permits 87 food establishments.

Major violations consist of improper cooking techniques or practices that could result in food borne illnesses.  The first group of major violations include not re-heating food properly, not keeping food hot enough, not keeping food cold enough, and not cooking food to proper temperatures.  The second group of major violations include other practices by employees that could cause food borne illnesses.  Examples of these violations include not washing hands properly, no soap and paper towels at hand sinks, or improperly storing chemicals. 

Starting a New Retail Food Establishment

Application for Food Establishment Permit

Food Establishment Inspection Report

Vendor Permits

Out of town vendors must obtain a vendors permit at City Hall.  Permits are good for 30 days and are $25 per vendor.