Ordinances

The City of Kress is responsible for protecting our community's health, safety and welfare through effective enforcement of codes and ordinances. The City ordinances are complied and presented to the Mayor and City Council for motion of adopting during open public meetings. Ordinances are presented in PDF, TXT, and when orginal image scans. 

We are currently working hard to update & upload files. Thank you for being patiences with us during this time. You may visit city hall during hours of operation for any open records request, questions, comments or concerns.

 

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Ordinances?

Ordinances are legally binding local laws adopted by the City Council. They allow the city to:

  • Set standards for safety, public behavior and accountability for all residents.

  • Regulate land use, zoning, and building requirements

  • Establish rules for utilities and city services

  • Address issues like noise, animals, property upkeep, and public nuisances

  • Enforce penalties when rules are violated

Once adopted, ordinances become part of the official governing rules of Kress.

Why Do We Need Ordinances?

Safety

Clear rules for buildings, roads, animals, and property conditions keep residents safe.

Fairness

Everyone follows the same rules, preventing conflicts and protecting property rights.

Order and Cleanliness

Ordinances help maintain a clean, livable, and respectful neighborhood environment.

Local Control

They allow Kress and not outside agencies to decide what is best for the community.

How Ordinances Are Created

1. Proposal

An ordinance may be proposed by a:

  • City Council member

  • Mayor

  • City staff

  • Citizen (through a request to council; council decides whether to move forward)

2. Drafting

City officials prepare the ordinance language, ensuring it follows Texas law.

3. City Council Review

The ordinance is placed on a City Council meeting agenda. Residents may offer comments during the public comment period (following meeting rules). For more information on public meetings visit the City Council Piblic Meetings page. 

4. Readings and Consideration

Most ordinances require one or more readings/explanations at council meetings before a vote.

5. Council Vote

The City Council votes to approve or deny the ordinance. During the event of a tie the Mayor may vote.

6. Adoption

If passed, the ordinance becomes official law and is recorded in the city’s ordinance records.

7. Public Access

Once adopted, ordinances must be available to the public.
The City of Kress provides access through City Hall and posted public notices. 

Open Records

How Ordinances Are Enforced

Ordinances are typically enforced by:

  • City staff

  • Code enforcement

  • Law enforcement (depending on the issue)

  • Municipal Court (for violations requiring fines or hearings)

Enforcement is meant to ensure compliance, not punish residents, whenever possible.

How Residents Can Participate

Your voice helps shape the local laws that guide Kress.

Residents can be involved in the ordinance process by:

Attending City Council meetings

Giving respectful input during public comment

Contacting the Mayor or City Council members

Reviewing posted draft ordinances or notices

Asking questions at City Hall for clarification

The Goal of City Ordinances

City ordinances exist to maintain a safe, peaceful, well-organized community where residents can thrive and are accountable. They help ensure that Kress remains a place where families feel secure, property is protected, and the community can grow responsibly.