Local Issues
AATC’s local advocacy initiatives encompass 9 North-Central Texas counties: Erath, Hood, Jack, Johnson, Palo Pinto, Parker, Somervell, Tarrant, & Wise. AATC represents our members in more than 75 municipalities with our primary focus on the cities of Arlington, Bedford, Euless, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Hurst, and North Richland Hills. In addition, AATC promotes our members’ interests to more than45 independent school districts; 9 central appraisal districts; 11 special districts; and 2 college districts.
Pending Advocacy Initiatives:
Crime Prevention – Fort Worth is proposing mandatory participation in the Crime Free Multi-Housing program including requirements for onsite apartment managers and leasing staff to attend a city crime seminar, the use a CFMH lease addendum, as well as crime prevention initiatives utilizing environmental design inspections and enhanced security measures. AATC is working with police, code enforcement and elected officials to mitigate the impact of this proposal. A staff level discussion is scheduled on Mar 31.
Recycling – Fort Worth is proposing mandatory recycling for multifamily properties. AATC is working with solid waste officials to more carefully consider this proposal.
Animal control – Fort Worth is proposing multifamily owners and managers maintain vaccination and registration records for all of their residents' pets. Again, AATC is working with city officials to more closely consider this proposal.
Inspection Ordinance – Fort Worth is proposing changes to its inspection scoring system that would categorize properties as exceptional, marginal or failed. Properties classified as marginal or failed would be subject to probation, suspension or revocation of their operating license. Ordinance provisions include properties maintaining records of resident utility providers, the submission of maintenance requests in writing prior to contacting code compliance and the repair or replacement of damaged or stolen utility meter boxes. Compliance failures would be subject to FW Building Standard Commission action.
Utility Cut-offs – Arlington is proposing state legislation that would require utility companies to notify a city if it intends to terminate service for failure to pay on an all-bills-paid multifamily property.
Municipal Codes – Cities ordinances may be access by visiting www.municode.com and clicking on the "search Free Municipal Code Library" tab.