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The Good Neighbor Series, 201 S. Main Street, Cross Plains, TX (2026)

11/12/2025

The Good Neighbor Series: Appliances in Yards & Porches

How to Do It Right
The City of Cross Plains is proud of the progress our community continues to make toward a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming hometown. But one issue that still pops up often is household appliances left outside — refrigerators, washers, dryers, and stoves sitting on porches or in yards.

Even one appliance left outdoors can create safety hazards, attract pests, and harm the appearance of an otherwise well-kept neighborhood.

What you can do:
• Keep all household appliances indoors, in storage, or out of public view.
• If you’re replacing an old appliance, ask the delivery company or retailer to haul the old one away — most will do so for free or a small fee.
• Dispose of unwanted appliances properly by taking them to the City’s free scrap metal roll-off at the City Yard (metal-only and fully emptied of refrigerants and oils).
• Remove doors from any discarded refrigerator or freezer before disposal — it’s required by law for child safety.

What the ordinance says (Ord. No. 2025-005 — key points):
“It shall be unlawful to place, store, or maintain discarded appliances, furniture, or household fixtures in a yard, porch, or any place visible from a public street or right-of-way in a manner that constitutes a public nuisance or safety hazard.”

Translation: Appliances belong inside, not in the yard.

What you cannot do:
• Leave refrigerators, washers, dryers, or stoves outside on porches, lawns, or driveways.
• Store discarded appliances under tarps or in open carports visible from the street.
• Abandon old appliances near alleys or vacant lots.
• Leave refrigerator or freezer doors attached — it’s a suffocation hazard for children and animals.

Why it matters:
Outdoor appliances create serious safety risks. Children have suffocated inside discarded refrigerators; pests and rodents nest in them; and rusting metal can leak oils and refrigerants into the soil. They also drag down neighborhood appearance and property values.

Keeping appliances stored or disposed of properly protects our families and keeps Cross Plains looking its best.

Need help or a path forward?
Call City Hall at (254) 725-6114 to learn how to safely dispose of old appliances at no charge through the City’s metal roll-off program or to report safety hazards.

11/05/2025

The Good Neighbor Series:
Substandard & Dilapidated Structures

How to Do It Right
The City of Cross Plains is committed to keeping our community safe, strong, and beautiful. A big part of that effort involves identifying and addressing substandard or dilapidated buildings — structures that are unsafe, unsanitary, or no longer fit for occupancy.

These cases are never about punishment — they’re about public safety and preservation. The City’s goal is always to work with property owners to find solutions before a structure becomes a danger to neighbors or first responders.

What you can do:
• Keep your home or building secure, weather-tight, and in good repair.
• Repair broken windows, doors, or roof leaks promptly.
• If a structure is vacant, make sure it is locked, sealed, and maintained to prevent trespass or deterioration.
• If a building is beyond repair, contact City Hall to discuss voluntary demolition options or assistance with safe removal.
What the ordinance says (Ord. No. 2025-005 & Ordinance 2025-004 — key points):

A structure is considered substandard when it becomes unsafe, unsanitary, or likely to endanger health, life, or property due to structural failure, fire damage, neglect, or lack of utilities.

The City Council, after notice and hearing, may order repair, securing, or demolition of a structure that poses such hazards.
Translation: If a building is falling down, open to trespass, or unsafe to occupy, it must be repaired or removed.

What you cannot do:
• Leave a damaged or burned structure unsecured or open to entry.
• Ignore roof collapse, broken framing, or electrical hazards that make a structure unsafe.
• Assume that “no one lives there” makes it okay — vacant buildings must still meet safety standards.
• Use a deteriorated building for storage or shelter when it’s structurally unsound.

Why it matters:
Substandard buildings aren’t just eyesores — they invite trespassing, pose fire risks, and lower nearby property values. More importantly, they can endanger firefighters, first responders, and children who might wander inside. By addressing these issues early, we protect both private investment and public safety.

Need help or a path forward?

Call City Hall at (254) 725-6114 to discuss repair options, voluntary compliance, or demolition procedures. The City can explain timelines, notices, and what to expect if your property has been identified for review.

Together, we can preserve Cross Plains’ character, improve safety, and keep our neighborhoods looking their best.

10/29/2025

The Good Neighbor Series: Alley & Right-of-Way Maintenance

How to Do It Right
The City of Cross Plains works hard to maintain safe, passable alleys and clear rights-of-way for utilities, emergency access, and drainage. But the truth is, it takes all of us to keep these spaces looking good and functioning properly.
Even though most alleys and rights-of-way belong to the City, residents can help by keeping them neat and free of obstacles. When everyone does their part, it keeps the whole neighborhood cleaner, safer, and more accessible.

What you can do:

• Keep limbs, brush, and grass trimmed back from alleys and utility poles to prevent obstruction.
• Make sure fences, sheds, or parked vehicles are not placed within the alley or right-of-way.
• If you choose to mow or maintain the grassy area behind your fence, thank you — it helps everyone.
• Report drainage or obstruction issues to City Hall so we can address them promptly.

What the ordinance says (Ord. No. 2025-005 — key points):
“It shall be unlawful to obstruct, litter, or deposit rubbish, limbs, or debris in any public alley, drainage ditch, or right-of-way in a manner that impedes access or creates a hazard.”
Translation: Alleys and rights-of-way must remain open, clear, and safe.

What you cannot do:

• Place trash, furniture, brush, or construction materials in an alley or drainage area.
• Use alleys for vehicle or trailer storage.
• Block access for utility crews or emergency vehicles.
• Assume the City can mow or clear every alley every week — we cover the full town on a rotating schedule.

Why it matters:
Blocked alleys create fire hazards and delay emergency response. Overgrown rights-of-way collect debris, obstruct drainage, and attract pests. Keeping these areas clear improves access, safety, and community pride.

Need help or a path forward?
Call City Hall at (254) 725-6114 to report obstructions or drainage problems, or to confirm right-of-way locations before building or fencing.

10/22/2025

The Good Neighbor Series: Tires

How to Do It Right: The City of Cross Plains continues to expand opportunities for residents to keep our community safe, clean, and attractive. One of the most common—and most overlooked—nuisances around town is piles of old tires stacked behind homes, in alleys, or along fence lines. While they may seem harmless, discarded tires quickly become a health and safety problem.

What you can do:
• Store only a reasonable number of tires for personal use (such as spares or those awaiting mounting or repair).
• Keep any stored tires under cover, off the ground, and protected from rainwater to prevent mosquito breeding.
• Take unwanted tires to a licensed tire retailer or disposal site—most tire shops accept them for a small recycling fee when you buy replacements.
• Participate in City or County tire collection events when announced.

What the ordinance says (Ord. No. 2025-005 — key points):
“It shall be unlawful for any person to allow the accumulation of refuse, rubbish, tires, or other discarded material in a manner that may harbor vermin, collect stagnant water, or create a fire hazard.”
Translation: Large, visible piles of tires are considered a public nuisance and can be cited or abated under City ordinance.

What you cannot do:
• Collect or stockpile tires on your property, in alleys, or vacant lots.
• Dispose of tires in household trash, brush pits, or the City’s roll-off containers — tires are prohibited in all roll-offs.
• Allow tires to collect standing water or sit for long periods where they can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and rodents.

Why it matters:
Tires trap rainwater, creating perfect breeding conditions for mosquitoes that spread disease. They attract snakes, harbor rodents, and become highly flammable when dry. Piles of old tires also make properties look abandoned and can reduce neighboring property values.

Need help or a path forward?
Call City Hall at (254) 725-6114 for information on upcoming tire disposal events or to find out where you can legally recycle or dispose of tires in our area.

10/15/2025

The Good Neighbor Series: New Scrap Metal Roll-Off — A Free Clean-Up Opportunity

The City of Cross Plains is working hard to provide you with opportunities that make it easier than ever to keep your property and our community clean. As part of that effort, we are excited to announce a new program starting today: a dedicated scrap metal roll-off container at the City Yard.

This program is offered FREE of charge year-round, as long as certain criteria are met — simply put, it’s for metal only.

What you can do:
• Drop off scrap metal items at the City Yard roll-off, free of charge.
• Accepted items include clean tin, steel, iron, aluminum, cans, fencing, other scrap metals, and even certain appliances if they've been emptied and drained.
• Make sure all items are completely free of fuel, oil, refrigerants, or other liquids.

What you cannot do:
• The container is not for wood, plastics, rubber, trash, dirt, rock, or concrete. For those items, a small fee is charged at City Hall, and they can go into the usual refuse dumpster.
• No hazardous materials of any kind — that includes fuels, oils, paint, solvents, asbestos, Freon/CFCs, sealed tanks/cylinders, propane bottles, tires, batteries, or medical waste.
• No car bodies, railroad track, or oversized industrial items. Contact City Hall for information on how to dispose of these items.
• The City or Vendor may reject non-conforming loads.

Why it matters:
Metal piles are unsightly, unsafe, and drag down property values. This new roll-off program gives everyone in Cross Plains a safe and simple way to dispose of unwanted metal while protecting our environment. There’s no better time to take advantage of this free program and show off our community at its best.

Need help or a path forward?
Call City Hall at (254) 725-6114 for container location, hours, and to confirm whether your items are accepted.

10/08/2025

The Good Neighbor Series: Tall Grass & Weeds — How to Do It Right

What you can do:
• Keep grass and weeds on your property trimmed under 12 inches.
• Weed-eat around your house, fence lines, and outbuildings to keep things tidy and safe.
• Haul brush and cuttings to the City Brush Pit (south of town at the Sewer Plant). This service is free of charge year-round.

What the ordinance says (Ord. No. 2025-005 — key points):
“Grass, weeds, or brush exceeding twelve (12) inches in height on any lot or parcel of land constitutes a public nuisance and may be abated by the City if not corrected.”

Translation: If it’s taller than 12 inches on your lot, it’s a violation.

What you cannot do:
• Let grass and weeds exceed 12 inches in height on your property.
• Leave piles of brush or clippings sitting around where they create fire hazards or attract pests.
• Expect tarps or “natural” growth excuses to make tall weeds compliant — they don’t.
• Ignore mowing on unoccupied or rental property — owners are still responsible.

Why it matters:
Tall grass and brush are fire hazards, they harbor snakes, rodents, and mosquitoes, and they make neighborhoods look neglected. With Homecoming Weekend October 10th–11th right around the corner, now is the perfect time to mow, trim, and make Cross Plains look its very best for visitors and neighbors alike.

Need help or a path forward?
Call City Hall at (254) 725-6114 for information about brush pit hours and directions.

09/17/2025

The Good Neighbor Series: Junked & Non-Operational Vehicles,
How to Do It Right

What you can do:

• Keep vehicles in operable condition (able to start, run, and be legally driven).
• Store a non-operational car or truck in a fully enclosed garage or other building where it isn’t visible from the street or neighboring property.
• If you’re restoring a vehicle, keep it covered, secured, and make steady progress so it doesn’t become a long-term nuisance.
• Not sure how the rules apply? Call us—simple screening or relocation often solves it quickly.

Here's what the ordinance says (Ord. No. 2025-005 & Texas Transportation Code — key points) “Junked motor vehicles that are visible from a public place or right-of-way are declared a public nuisance when they are inoperative, unregistered, wrecked, dismantled, discarded, or abandoned.”
Texas Transportation Code, Ch. 683, Subch. E further provides:
– A vehicle is “junked” if it lacks a valid inspection/registration and is wrecked, dismantled, discarded, or inoperable.
– Cities may abate/remove such vehicles after proper notice and an opportunity for hearing.
– It’s unlawful to keep a junked vehicle where it can be seen from public property or a neighbor’s yard.

What you cannot do:

• Leave inoperable, unlicensed, or unregistered vehicles sitting in your yard, driveway, or alley where they are visible.
• Rely on a tarp or car cover—if the vehicle is still visible, it’s not compliant.
• Allow multiple junked cars to accumulate unless they are properly enclosed or legally exempted.

Why does it matter?
Health & safety first: junked vehicles can harbor snakes, rodents, and mosquitos; leaking fluids harm the environment; and rows of deteriorated cars drag down property values. Even more seriously, abandoned vehicles can trap children inside hot or airtight compartments—with tragic results. These rules protect our neighborhoods and our families.

Need help or a path forward?
Call City Hall at (254) 725-6114. We’ll help you choose the simplest route:

• Voluntary removal (preferred): If the owner can't remove the vehicle themselves, the owner signs a form (provided at City Hall). The City schedules and transports the vehicle to a licensed salvage vendor at NO COST to the owner. The vendor handles all title/disposal paperwork with the owner, and the owner may receive scrap value depending on weight/market. The City does not take ownership or receive proceeds.

• If voluntary doesn’t work (abatement): We follow the legal notice and hearing process under state law and Ord. 2025-005. If removal is ordered, the vehicle is destroyed (no owner proceeds), and the City recovers only its actual costs (transport, notice, admin) from the owner. The City may also issue a $100 citation for the violation.

Either way, the goal is a safe, attractive, fair community—and a clear, workable path for property owners.

09/10/2025

The Good Neighbor Series:
Campers & Travel Trailers — How to Do It Right

What you can do:
• Stay at an approved RV park with proper utility pedestals
(power, water, sewer).
• Short-term on your lot? You can apply to City Council for a
permit if the unit meets standards (see below) and you
provide safe, permitted utilities—no long extension cords or
garden hoses.
• Just storing your camper at home? That’s fine when it’s not
being lived in. Park it on an improved surface, keep
alleys/right-of-ways clear, and follow any screening directions
we give you for neighborhood appearance.

What the ordinance says (Ord. No. 2006-001 — key points)
“It shall be unlawful for any person to locate or maintain any trailer house in any place in the City other than in a duly licensed and lawfully operated trailer house park, unless such person shall first secure a permit from the City Council… It shall be unlawful for any person to maintain, locate, or live in any such trailer house without first obtaining such permit.”
Also: The City does not issue permits for units under 14 feet wide.
(We use the older term “trailer house”; when a camper or travel trailer is used as a home, it’s treated as a dwelling on wheels under this rule.)

What you cannot do:
• Living full-time in a camper/travel trailer on a residential lot
without a City Council permit or outside a licensed RV park.
• Any setup without permitted, permanent utility connections
(metered electric, approved water, and approved sewer tap or
permitted septic).
• Long-term power/water via extension cords or garden hoses;
any wastewater discharge that isn’t to an approved system.

Why it matters
Health & safety first: we’re reducing fire hazards, preventing unsanitary conditions, keeping pests/vermin down, and protecting property values on every block.

Need help or a path forward?
Call City Hall at (254) 725-6114. We’ll explain permit options, timelines, and exactly what you need for safe, compliant utilities.

The Good Neighbor Series

11/12/2025

11/05/2025

10/29/2025

10/22/2025

10/15/2025

10/08/2025

09/17/2025

09/10/2025

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Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm