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Welcome to
The Code Compliance Connection!
September 2025
Small Actions. BIG Impact.
At Code Compliance Services, we believe that small actions can spark big changes in our communities.
This newsletter is your source for updates, tips, resources, and inspiring stories that show how Code is working each day to help keep our city safe, clean, and thriving.
In this edition, you’ll find details on the two Community Clean Trash-Offs happening this month, the revamped Director’s Message video series, updates on the Tri-City Hospital demolition, our new Small Actions, BIG Impact employee spotlight and more!
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Director's Message
From the field to the office, Code Compliance Services is making a difference every day by working together to keep Dallas safe, clean, and thriving.
In this month’s Director’s Message, Code Compliance Director Chris Christian reflects on the lessons he has learned since joining CCS, the accomplishments and positive changes he has implemented, and his leadership philosophy and guiding principles.
He also shares what excites him most about the future of the department, and even a personal hobby that many may not know about.
Click here to view this edition of our Director's Message.
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Events Calendar
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September 1
Labor Day
Code Compliance Services will be closed in observance of Labor Day. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
For more City of Dallas department closures click here.
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September 2
Opening Ceremony:
2025 Dallas Golden Games
Old City Park
Registration is underway through September 5 for the Dallas Golden Games, taking place September 3–13. This Olympic-style competition showcases athletes ages 50 and older in 11 sports and leisure events, including track and field, pickleball, swimming, tennis, billiards, bowling, dominoes, and chair volleyball.
The opening ceremony on September 2 at City Park will feature the always-popular Parade of Athletes.
Find event details and schedules here.
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
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September 4
Pop Out with Code!
Catch us out and about in your neighborhood!
McDonald's
2215 S. Buckner Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75227
9 a.m.- 11a.m.
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September 9
Food Safety Training
This resource is designed to assist individuals and groups involved in unsheltered feeding events by providing clear access to training opportunities and compliance requirements. This is part of our ongoing efforts to educate and support volunteers serving the Central Business District (CBD), promoting safe and responsible food handling practices.
Join us for our virtual Food Safety Training (Chapter 17-1.6) on the first Tuesday of each month to learn safe and responsible food handling practices.
9:00 a.m. - noon
Register here: https://forms.office.com/g/8dtFtX3aub .
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September 13
Community Clean Trash- Off:
Harry Stone Recreation Center
2403 Millmar Dr.
Dallas, TX 75228
Dispose of bulk trash, tires, household hazardous waste, and documents for shredding—free of charge!
Our citywide cleanups have removed thousands of pounds of debris, helping keep Dallas cleaner, safer, and more beautiful.
7 a.m. - 11 a.m.
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September 18
Main Street Garden Park
Come see us at Main Street Garden Park for Dallas Live in the Park!
Experience smooth jazz and good vibes within the community! Code Compliance will be there to assist with any Code concerns, questions, or suggestions. Stop by our tent to pick up your free giveaway items while supplies last.
6 p.m.- 8 p.m.
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Required: Scrap Tire Training (STEP)
3212 N. Winnetka Ave.
All business owners, managers, and new agents must attend one of the required training sessions to maintain compliance with the City of Dallas Scrap Tire License Program.
Register Here: Required Scrap Tire (STEP) Training Registration
10:00 a.m.- noon
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September 20
Resident Code Academy
Join the City of Dallas Code Compliance Services to learn more about common code violations and the services provided by the Code team.
Click here to register for Resident Code Academy starting September 1.
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September 27
Community Clean Trash- Off:
W.H. Adamson High School
309 E. 9th St.
Dallas, TX 75203
Dispose of bulk trash, tires, household hazardous waste, and documents for shredding—free of charge!
Our citywide cleanups have removed thousands of pounds of debris, helping keep Dallas cleaner, safer, and more beautiful.
7 a.m. - 11 a.m.
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What's Happening in Code?
Dallas Mosquito Abatement: Public Health in Action
The City of Dallas is committed to protecting residents from mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile Virus (WNV).
Our Consumer Health Team sets mosquito traps at 90 locations citywide every week to monitor activity and detect any presence of the virus. If a trap tests positive, we immediately increase surveillance in that area and may conduct ground spray operations to reduce the risk. These sprays are carefully managed, and our two-person teams shut off equipment near “Do Not Spray” properties, people, pets, or bodies of water to avoid unnecessary exposure. We use special gravid traps that target mosquitoes most likely to carry disease, helping us respond quickly and effectively.
Residents can help by dumping standing water, reporting mosquito concerns to Dallas 311, and signing up for spray alerts at www.dallascitynews.net/press-room, where notices are posted 24 hours in advance.
Together, through city monitoring and community action, we can reduce mosquito risks and keep our neighborhoods safe.
For more information, contact the Consumer Health Division at (214) 670-8083.
Texas Senate Bill 812: The Sergio Lopez Food Allergy Awareness Act
 Retail Food Establishments in Texas must comply with Texas Senate Bill 812, also known as The Sergio Lopez Food Allergy Awareness Act, effective September 1, 2023, as well as food labeling regulations designed to protect customers with allergies or sensitivities.
If your menu items contain any of the nine major allergens—milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, or sesame—you must clearly list them. Use the common name (for example, “milk” instead of “casein”) or include a “Contains” statement after the ingredient list.
Allergen labeling applies to all foods you serve, including packaged items, sauces, and baked goods. Prevent cross-contact by following proper storage and preparation practices.
Accurate labeling keeps your customers safe and helps your business stay in compliance.
City of Dallas Summer Internship Program
The Code Compliance Department was proud to host Priyanka Sharma and Alexandra Amaya as part of the City of Dallas Summer Internship Program.
During their internship, their research and innovative ideas helped strengthen public health initiatives and enhance community outreach efforts.
We celebrated their valuable contributions and the positive impact they made during their time with the department.
The FOUR D's:
Dress. Deet. Drain. Dusk to Dawn.
Remember the Four Ds:
DRESS
Wear long, loose, and light-colored clothing outside.
DEET All Day, Every Day
Whenever you're outside, use insect repellents that contain DEET or other EPA approved repellents and follow instructions.
DRAIN
Drain or treat all standing water in and around your home or workplace. Standing water can be found in swimming pools that are not kept clean, ponds, pet watering dishes, birdbaths, potted plants, old tires, empty containers, toys and clogged rain gutters.
DUSK/DAWN
Limit outdoor activities during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Tri-City Hospital Demolition Underway
The long-abandoned Tri-City Hospital site at 7525 Scyene Road is finally coming down.
Vacant for nearly 20 years, the property had become a persistent eyesore and hotspot for vandalism, break-ins, and other unsafe activity.
Demolition began on July 15 and is scheduled to be completed by late September.
This long-awaited project will clear the way for future development that will bring value and positive change to the surrounding community.
We’ll continue to provide updates as progress is made.
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Code 101: Top 5 Common Code Violation:
Litter
In this video series, you’ll get an inside look at how our employees work to protect the health and safety of Dallas residents. To kick things off, our team is sharing some of the most common code violations we see in the community and how we can work together to prevent them.
Click the video below to learn how to report litter in your neighborhood.
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Code Compliance District Offices
Central Code District
320 E Jefferson Blvd. Room 218
Dallas, TX 75203
Phone: 214-948-4088
Northeast Code District
7901 Goforth Rd.
Dallas, TX 75238
Phone: 214-670-9703
Northwest Code District
9803 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75235
Phone: 214-670-9713
South Central Code District
320 E. Jefferson Blvd., Room LL14
Dallas, TX 75215
Phone: 214-948-4587
North Central Code District
7901 Goforth Rd.
Dallas, TX 75238
Phone: 214-670-9703
Southeast Code District
2721 Municipal St.
Dallas, TX. 75216
Phone: 214-671-0978
Southwest Code District
4230 W. Illinois Ave.
Dallas, TX 75211
Phone: 214-670-6860
To learn more about our Code divisions, what they do and how they can support you click the link below.
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Recap and Rewind
Take a look back at all of the work and engagement that has happened over the past month with our various Code Compliance Divisions!
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29th Mayor's Back to School Fair
Code Compliance Services had a blast at the 29th Mayor’s Back to School Fair!
We shared community resources, played trivia, busted some Code myths, and sent the kids home with prizes and school supplies to kick the year off strong!
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Kiest Park Community Clean Trash- Off
Our Kest Park Community Clean Trash-Off was our biggest one yet!
Code Compliance Director Chris Christian stopped by and rolled his sleeves up to help keep the community looking its best.
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Serving the Community with Heart 💙
Our leadership team spent time giving back last month at The Stewpot pantry, supporting the community we’re proud to serve every day.
A heartfelt thank-you to our friends at The Stewpot for welcoming us and providing this meaningful opportunity to make a difference!
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Code Community Education Classes
At the West Dallas Multipurpose Center, Neighborhood Code Representative Olga Sauceda led a bilingual Code Class, engaging residents with practical tips and guidance to help maintain safe and well-kept neighborhoods. The class covered common oversights that residents often encounter and offered helpful strategies for addressing them, empowering the community with knowledge to take pride in their homes and surroundings.
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Grand Opening of the District 4 Community Office with Councilman- Elect Maxie Johnson
We were honored to attend the opening of the new District 4 Community Office with Councilman-Elect Maxie Johnson.
Targeted Community Programs Manager, Keaira English, proudly represented Code Compliance Services at this event.
This new space will serve as a hub for connection, resources, and collaboration—helping strengthen our community and bringing City services closer to residents.
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Deep Ellum Community Update
Code Compliance Services joined Mayor Pro Tem Jesse Moreno, the Deep Ellum Foundation, the Dallas Police Department, and Transportation & Public Works for a community update at the Deep Ellum Community Center.
The meeting addressed ongoing City efforts in Deep Ellum following a community call-to-action earlier this summer. Mayor Pro Tem Moreno and City staff provided updates, answered community questions, and shared next steps to support neighborhood safety, cleanliness, and quality of life.
Code Compliance Director Chris Christian represented the department, reinforcing our commitment to working alongside residents, businesses, and partners to keep Deep Ellum safe, clean, and vibrant.
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Annual State Fair of Texas Food and Beverage
Vendor Meeting
The Consumer Health Division, in partnership with key stakeholders, recently hosted the State Fair of Texas Vendor’s Meeting with more than 200 concessionaires in attendance. The meeting highlighted the shared responsibility of protecting public health and ensuring a safe, enjoyable fair experience for all visitors.
Discussions centered on public safety, fire prevention, and the permitting process, with a strong focus on food safety protocols designed to prevent foodborne illnesses. Vendors were reminded of the critical role that handwashing stations, proper food handling credentials, and strict adherence to safe food temperatures play in consumer protection.
Each operation is required to have a State Certified Food Protection Manager on duty during all hours of operation, and all employees handling food must hold a valid food handler license. The importance of maintaining proper sanitation practices was emphasized, including the use of gloves, soap, hand sanitizer, test strips, and approved methods for wastewater disposal.
City staff also shared tentative inspection schedules with concessionaire owners to ensure smooth coordination throughout the fair. The meeting closed with a message of appreciation, recognizing vendors as vital partners in maintaining compliance and reinforcing the City of Dallas’s commitment to collaboration, safety, and public trust during one of the most celebrated events of the year.
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Our quarterly employee spotlight highlights team members who go above and beyond to make a difference in our community and workplace. This month, we’re excited to feature our very first honoree, Bashar Ammari celebrating his dedication, passion, and the small actions that create a big impact!

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Keep Dallas Beautiful
View some of the upcoming Keep Dallas Beautiful events and volunteer opportunities!
Use the link below to explore ways to volunteer with Love Your Block and other amazing initiatives making a difference in Dallas.
To volunteer with Keep Dallas Beautiful, visit our Linktree and click ‘Volunteer Sign Up’ to join activities or use the links below.
Volunteer Spotlight: The Winston School
Back to school, back to clean!
The Winston School has adopted the Preston Royal Branch Library through the Adopt-A-Spot program. Their commitment helps keep this beloved community space clean, welcoming, and beautiful for everyone.
Thank you to The Winston School for stepping up and making a difference in Dallas!
View the Adopt- A- Spot Dashboard
Click the link below to view our Adopt-A- Spot Dashboard to select an area of Dallas that you would like to volunteer at.
Check often as new locations are added to the map.
Grab some volunteers and help Keep Dallas Beautiful!
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Ongoing Initiatives
Litter Free Zone: Texas Smile Dental Center
Texas Smile Dental Center was one of the first businesses to join our Litter Free Zone initiative. Since then, they have continued to uphold their commitment to Keep Dallas Beautiful.
We greatly appreciate Texas Smile Dental for helping keep our community—and our smiles—cleaner and brighter!
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Litter Free Zone
Join the Effort to Keep Dallas Beautiful!
We’re inviting small and independent businesses to take part in our Litter Free Zone program—a citywide initiative committed to keeping Dallas clean, one storefront at a time. By maintaining a litter-free business front, you set a positive example and inspire others to do the same. Together, we can create cleaner, more vibrant neighborhoods across our city.
Interested in participating or know a business that might be?
Contact us at ccscommunityoutreach@dallas.gov to learn more and get involved.
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Community Hand Tool Program
Does your non-profit organization or group need gardening tools to complete a beautification project?
Code Compliance can help by providing free access to our tools.
Email ccscommunityoutreach@dallas.gov for more information.
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Helping Hands Program: Sanitation
What is Helping Hands?
Helping Hands provides valet collection service at no additional cost for physically disabled or impaired residents who do not have an able-bodied person living at home with them. This service will allow Sanitation Crews to go on their property to relocate their roll carts to the point of service, service the roll cart, and place them back.
Requirements
- Must be a Dallas Sanitation customer
- Have a safe and accessible collection point
- No able-bodied household members to assist
- Helping Hands application signed by a physician
- Completed Declaration of Special Need form
Who is Affected by this Change?
Click here to use the interactive map to check your address.
More Information and How to Apply
Visit dsan.us/helpinghands or create a Helping Hands service request online through the Dallas Sanitation or Dallas 311 mobile app or by calling 3-1-1.
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CODE IS POWERED BY YOU!
Explore career opportunities that empower you to make a difference!
Visit often and apply early!
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