- What is an unimproved street or alley?
- An unimproved street has an asphalt surface without existing curbs, gutters, or sidewalks. An unimproved alley has a dirt or gravel surface.
- What types of improvements will the petition provide?
- Alley improvements include 10 foot wide concrete pavement and any necessary storm drainage improvements.
- Street improvements include concrete pavement with curbs, sidewalks, drive approaches, and any necessary storm drainage improvements.
- Sidewalk improvements include 4 or 5 foot wide concrete sidewalks and barrier free ramps at intersections.
- Who can sign an alley, street, or sidewalk petition?
- Only the abutting property owners along alley or street may sign the petition
- Tenants are not eligible to sign the petition
- How many property owners are needed to sign the petition?
- An acceptable petition minimally requires signatures from 2/3rds (66.7%) of the property owners with at least 50% of the frontage on the alley or street.
OR - An acceptable petition may be signed by 50% of the property owners who own at least 2/3rds (66.7%) of the frontage on the alley or street.
- How is the petition distributed to obtain the property owner’s signatures?
- A sponsor (usually property owner or concerned citizen) is required to go door to door to obtain the signatures from the property owners.
- The Department of Public Works will provide the sponsor with a list of the abutting property owners and a customized petition form.
- Do all the property owners on the alley or street have to pay when the project is completed?
- Yes, each property owner is assessed a portion of the cost of construction.
- Credit will be given for existing concrete such as sidewalks, drive approaches, or curbs and gutters.
- All projects are approved for design and construction through a Capital Bond Program.
- How much is each property assessed?
- A property owner is assessed an amount based on zoning, frontage, width of improvement, and whether the improvement is along the front, side or rear of the lot.
- The assessment rate changes as the cost of construction changes.
- The actual cost is determined by an enhancement valuation study that is conducted prior to construction to determine the amount the street, alley, or sidewalk improves your property value.
- When and how can the assessment be paid?
- Property owners will billed when the construction is completed.
- The owner will receive a bill to pay within 30 days without interest.
- The owner may make monthly payments over a period of 1 to 10 years with annual interest rate that will not exceed 8%.
9. What will happen if the assessment is not paid?
- The assessment is a lien on the property and a personal liability and charge against the owner of the property.
- They must be settled before the property can be sold.
- The City may exercise its option to foreclose the lien on a non-homestead property.
10. How are street, sidewalk, and alley projects funded for design and construction?
- Validated petitions are ranked in the order they are received and will be listed on ranked on the Petition Needs Inventory for inclusion in a future Capital Bond Program.
- The ultimate design and construction of the project is dependent on the ability of the City of Dallas to provide the necessary funds in a future Bond Program.
For more information contact:
Department of Public Works
Petition/Assessment Section
320 E Jefferson Blvd, Room 307
Dallas, TX 75203
214-948-4123