New City of McAllen Ordinances, New Fees Go Into Effect October 1, 2011

New Re-Inspection Fees

Beginning October 1, 2011, the City of McAllen Building Code Compliance department will assess a $40 re-inspection fee for inspections that failed to meet code requirements in a prior inspection. The fee applies to inspections conducted by any city department, as adopted by ORDINANCE NO. 2011-46.

The following is a list of city departments that conduct inspections along with examples of some of the inspections performed:

■Planning Department (Landscaping and Parking.  See complete list and fees on mcallen.net)

■Fire Department (extinguishing systems, fire alarms, fire sprinklers, emergency equipment)

■Engineering Department (side walk, ramps, driveway, drainage on right of way)

■Health Department (general sanitation, equipment requirements, food preparation)

■Public Utility Department (water metering, backflow prevention)

■Pre-treatment Department (sizing of all traps and interceptors)

Steps to follow for a re-inspection:

1. Call voice automated prompt at (956) 681-1328.

2. Leave permit number, address, name and type of re-inspection needed.

3. Pay re-inspection fee. Fees are required in advance

New Backflow Preventer Ordinance

Beginning October 1, residents who have swimming pools and sprinkler systems and businesses such as restaurants, hospitals, clinics car washes and funeral homes will be required to have backflow preventers as mandated by the State of Texas and a new City of McAllen Ordinance.

A backflow preventer is a valve that prevents contaminants from polluting city water.

Once installed, backflow preventers must be inspected every year. The City of McAllen can provide a list of certified inspectors.

For more information about the new backflow preventer ordinance, contact McAllen Public Utility at (956) 681-1660 or visit their website at www.mcallen.net/mpu, then click on the MPU Departments icon, and then Transmission and Distribution tab.

 New Ambulance Ordinance

The City of McAllen has adopted a new ambulance ordinance that takes effect on October 1.

“The ordinance is set up to make sure that other ambulance providers, that are not contracted as emergency service providers (with the City of McAllen) meet the requirements of being equipped with medical equipment and personnel, as required by the Department of State Health Services," said McAllen Fire Chief Rogelio "Roy" Rubio.

The administrative staff of the McAllen Fire Department will be responsible for inspecting the ambulances that are seeking a permit to operate within the city limits of McAllen.

Each ambulance company will pay a $500 registration fee in addition to a $25 per vehicle inspection fee. Ambulance inspections will only take place in the months of October, November and December.

A successful inspection will be good for one year.