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Frequently Asked Questions

2017 Proposed Annexation of


8.625 Square Miles in Dallas and Kaufman Counties

How can the public stay informed about the proposed annexation?
Online: Visit www.cityofmesquite.com/Annexation to get details of the proposed
annexation, view maps and more.
Email: Submit a Contact Us form located at www.cityofmesquite.com/ContactUs and
city staff will respond by email.
In-Person: The public may visit with City of Mesquite staff of the Planning Division
located at Mesquite Municipal Center, 1515 North Galloway Avenue.
By Phone: Call the City of Mesquite Planning Division at 972-216-6344.

Will the City of Mesquite have any public meetings on the proposed annexation?
Yes. There are public hearings scheduled for:
Monday, October 16, at 7 p.m., City Council Chamber, City Hall, 757 N. Galloway Ave.
Monday, October 23, at 7 p.m.,City Council Chamber, City Hall, 757 N. Galloway Ave
Thursday, October 26, at 7 p.m., Heartland Baptist Church, 8283 Union Hill Rd.
Monday, November 6, at 7 p.m., City Council Chamber, City Hall, 757 N. Galloway
Ave.

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Why is the City of Mesquite annexing more land?
Development in and around the Mesquite extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) is creating growth
pressure in the Interstate 20 corridor. Those areas of Kaufman County are unincorporated and
not subject to land use control. Annexation provides the City with the opportunity to ensure that
the eastern gateway into Mesquite is properly planned and regulated to the benefit of the city and
property owners.

Doesnt the City have to give three years notice in advance of its intent to annex new
territory?
Not in this case. A three-year annexation plan and notice are not required when there are fewer
than 100 tracts of land with a residence in the area to be annexed. Texas law makes this
rooftop exception for annexing sparsely populated areas. The proposed annexation includes
multiple areas with fewer than 100 rooftops.

Isnt this annexation governed by Senate Bill 6 that was enacted during the recent special
session of the Texas Legislature?
No. Senate Bill 6 does not take effect until December 1, 2017. Any annexation that is
completed prior to that date is governed by existing law.

What services will new residents receive?


The City will start providing police, fire and other emergency services immediately upon the
date of annexation. By law, the City cannot supplant existing contracts that solid waste collection
companies have with residents and businesses for at least two years. The City will perform
routine maintenance on local streets not under state jurisdiction. The City will also provide new
capital improvements when necessary to serve the area at the same level as other parts of
Mesquite with similar topography, land use and population density. Mesquite residents are
entitled to discounts and reduced fees on many recreation and athletic activities, as well as
facility rentals. Further details will be included in the Service Plan and become part of the
annexation ordinance to be adopted by the City Council.

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What land uses are permissible after annexation?
Current land uses can continue after annexation. However, the City will enforce regulations
pertaining to:
Sexually oriented businesses
Public nuisances (dilapidated structures, junk vehicles, etc.)
Flood control
Prevention of imminent harm to persons or property
Hazardous substances
Sale and use of fireworks

Will the discharge of firearms be prohibited following annexation?


The City cannot prohibit discharging certain firearms or weapons after annexation on properties
of at least 10 acres and more than 150 feet from any other residence or occupied building located
on another property. More restrictive rules apply for center fire or rim fire rifles or pistols of any
caliber. (See Local Gov. Code Sec. 229.002). The City may also grant a permit allowing for
certain limited discharging of firearms for lawful purposes under Sec. 10.9 of the Municipal
Code.

Will the City enforce code violations (high grass and weeds, trash and junk, etc.) in the
newly annexed area?
Yes. Nuisance codes will apply. However, inspectors will take into account that much of the
area to be annexed is rural in nature. Non-agricultural structures that are dilapidated or burned-
out will be subject to removal.

If I build a structure on my property, will I have to get a building permit?


The City of Mesquites building codes currently apply to all construction within the ETJ, and in
most cases, a building permit is required. That will continue regardless of whether property is
annexed. Mesquite will begin enforcing two other codes that are currently enforced by other
authorities. These include the International Fire Code, which ensures life and safety in
commercial and multi-family structures, and the Health Code, which ensures proper food
sanitation in restaurants and other establishments that serve food.

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What school district will my children attend?
School district boundaries are not affected by a persons city of residence. Residents whose
children attend Mesquite ISD, Forney ISD, Crandall ISD or any other school will continue to do
so. School district boundaries frequently overlap multiple city limit lines.

Will my postal address change to Mesquite, Texas?


Addresses will not change unless the City of Mesquite requests a change. If a change is
requested, the Postal Service will survey residents of the area regarding their preference.

What entity is responsible for establishing taxable values for land Mesquite may annex in
Kaufman County?
The Kaufman County Appraisal District (KCAD) will continue to appraise property.

When would property owners in the annexation area receive their first tax statements from
the City of Mesquite?
The first tax statements for the newly annexed area will not be issued until October 2018.

Will Mesquite supply water service to the newly annexed area?


Most of the homes and businesses within the areas planned for annexation are currently located
within the Markout Water Supply District or the Talty Water Supply District. By law those
districts are responsible for providing water service within their respective boundaries.

Once newly annexed residents begin paying City of Mesquite taxes, when can they expect
to have a sanitary sewer connection at their homes?
Property taxes are not the funding mechanism for the construction of sanitary sewer lines. Water
and sewer customers pay for the cost of sewer lines through separate charges for these services.
Customers not connected do not pay for services they are not receiving. Developers are
responsible for infrastructure construction in new residential subdivisions or commercial
developments. The density of development generally triggers construction of sanitary sewer

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lines. Residents of an existing development who want sanitary sewer extended to their home may
make a request to City Council. Staff would then evaluate the cost and number of homes in the
area the line would serve.

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