1. ​What is an unimproved street or alley?
1. An unimproved street has an asphalt surface without existing curbs, gutters, or sidewalks. An unimproved alley has a dirt or gravel surface.
2. What types of improvements will the petition provide?
1. Alley improvements include 10 foot wide concrete pavement and any necessary storm drainage improvements.
2. Street improvements include concrete pavement with curbs, sidewalks, drive approaches, and any necessary storm drainage improvements.
3. Sidewalk improvements include 4 or 5 foot wide concrete sidewalks and barrier free ramps at intersections.
3. Who can sign an alley, street, or sidewalk petition?
1. Only the abutting property owners along alley or street may sign the petition
2. Tenants are not eligible to sign the petition
4. How many property owners are needed to sign the petition?
1. 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
2. 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.
5. How is the petition distributed to obtain the property owner’s signatures?
1. A sponsor (usually property owner or concerned citizen) is required to go door to door to obtain the signatures from the property owners.
2. The Department of Public Works will provide the sponsor with a list of the abutting property owners and a customized petition form.
6. Do all the property owners on the alley or street have to pay when the project is completed?
1. Yes, each property owner is assessed a portion of the cost of construction. 
2. Credit will be given for existing concrete such as sidewalks, drive approaches, or curbs and gutters.   
   
3. All projects are approved for design and construction through a Capital Bond Program.
7. How much is each property assessed?
1. 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.
2. The assessment rate changes as the cost of construction changes.
3. 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.
8. When and how can the assessment be paid?
1. Property owners will billed when the construction is completed.
2. The owner will receive a bill to pay within 30 days without interest.
3. 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?

1. The assessment is a lien on the property and a personal liability and charge against the owner of the property.
1. They must be settled before the property can be sold.
2. 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?

1. 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.
2. 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