FAQs
Animal Services
Contact Animal Services, (903) 465-2422, or Morton Street Animal Hospital, (903) 465-4714 regarding retrieving your pet. Pound fees must be paid before animal can be released.
Responsible pet owners result in good canine and feline citizens. Pet owners are encouraged to:
- Identity your pets with tags and/or micro-chipping. If your pet is ever lost, identification will be crucial for returning them home to you.
- Spaying or neutering your pets will reduce the likelihood of them running away from home. This easy, cost effective step often improves animal temperament and response to training. In the big picture, it also helps reduce the number of stray and unwanted animals.
- Ensure your pet is up to date on all veterinarian recommended vaccinations. This gives your pets the best chance for a long healthy and happy life and reduces the spread of contagious diseases.
Be considerate and ensure that the manner in which you keep your pets does not result in a nuisance to others.
Call Emergency Services (903) 465-2422. City ordinance states that dogs are not permitted to run at large within the city. Dog owners are required to restrain their dog in a secure enclosure or with a tether.
No. All cats and dogs in City Limits must be vaccinated against rabies annually. New residents who have not had their dogs and/or cats vaccinated must do so within 10 (ten) days of moving to Denison.
Yes. A maximum of 6 chickens can be kept in an area providing 12 or more square feet per chicken. The area must be securely fenced to prevent escape. The chicken house/coop must be cleaned at least once every week and must be kept in clean and sanitary conditions at all times so it will not be foul or offensive to neighbors or a health hazard. Refer to city ordinance for more information.
City ordinance states potbellied pigs and pygmy goats may be kept only as pets.
Potbellied pigs are the only type of pig that can be kept inside City Limits. They must be vaccinated and have a valid application on file with Animal Services. No more than two potbellied pigs can be kept by one household. They must be kept indoors except for outdoor bathroom and exercise breaks.
Pygmy goats are the only type of goat that can be kept inside City Limits. Proof of vaccination and a valid application must be on file with Animal Services. No more than two pygmy goats can be kept by one household.
Yes. It is against City ordinance to abandon, neglect, or cause suffering to an animal. Call Emergency Services (903) 465-2422 to report suspected abuse.
Contact Emergency Services (903) 465-2422. An Animal Services Office will dispose of the remains in a safe and humane way.
Yes. Call Emergency Services (903) 465-2422.
The Animal Services Manager or their representative can officially designate a dog as a dangerous dog. If a report is received and the designation made, the dog owner, City Manager, Police department, and Fire department are notified within three days of designation. All parties are given a description of the dog and what conditions must be met because the dog is dangerous. The owner of a dangerous dog must register the dog as such and pay a fee, restrain the dog at all times with a leash and a muzzle, stay with and keep the dog in a secure enclosure at all times (i.e. fenced yard), and obtain liability insurance or show financial responsibility in the amount specified by state law to cover damages from injury that could be inflicted by the dog.
Call Emergency Services (903) 465-2422. Animal Services can set humane live catch-and-release traps for raccoons, skunks, armadillos, and opossums under and around your home.
DAWG is the City’s partner in homing and housing animals waiting to be homed. All adoptable animals at DAWG will be spayed or neutered and have their necessary shots by the time you take them home! Visit DAWG's website or call (903) 361-4211 for more information.
DAWG is the City's partner in temporary housing and caring for homeless pets, and finding forever homes for them. DAWG always welcomes and appreciates volunteers and donations. Please visit their website for more information.
Each year, 2.7 million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States. Adopting a pet will save a life, cost less than buying from a breeder or pet store, and provide you with a happy, healthy animal ready to love you completely! Visit the Human Society's website to learn about the benefits of adopting a pet!
Building
Yes, Please visit the Accessory Buildings page for specific information.
Yes, but you still need a permit and need to register as a homeowner if you occupy the home and have a homestead exemption, If you have not applied through the Grayson County Appraisal District for a homestead exemption or this is a rental property, you will have to register as a contractor when applying for a permit. For more information or to check if your house is homestead exempt, please contact the Grayson County Appraisal District at 903-893-9673.
You will need to get a plumber to put a pressure gauge on your gas line. Any appliance tied to the gas line will need to be brought up to code. The plumber will need to get a permit and call for the inspection. If the inspection passes, then we send a release to Atmos. You will need to contact Atmos Gas Company for service by calling 1-800-286-6700.
You will need a registered electrical contractor to pull the permit unless you have a homestead exemption from the appraisal office. Once you have a permit and pass inspection you will need to call your electric company to set up service, so they can tie the application and release together.
The main office is located on the 2nd floor of City hall: 300 W. Main St. Denison, TX 75020
The Building Department is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
This is a section of the City of Denison from the 700 Block of West Main to the 300 Block of East Main and from Gandy Street to Crawford Street. Any type of exterior work, including painting, is required to go before the Historical Preservation Board and also required to have a permit. If you have questions, please check with the city’s Planning and Zoning Department at planning@cityofdenison.com
Yes. This is considered the corridor development area. Any new construction, exterior remodel, on and off-premise signs, lighting canopies, awnings, landscaping, etc. in this area needs to go through the Planning and Zoning Department at planning@cityofdenison.com
Information can also be found in the Zoning Ordinance: Article V – Special Area Standards.
It depends on the type of permit being applied for, but the following are a general guideline:
- Scope of work (Detailed list of everything being done. Include materials)
- Owner and contractor's name and phone number
- Site plan, drawing, or floor plan
- Have a registered contractor registration
All permits are submitted online through MyGov where you will be required to upload plans.
Any time a new business is opened, a new building is built, a new business is opening in an existing building, ownership of the business changes, or changing business names.
The Inspection Department uses the certificate of occupancy (CO) for information to help identify potential hazards that may be encountered while responding to emergency calls by the Fire Department. The CO verifies that the structure conforms to the most current life and safety standards.
Permits will vary in cost according to type of application. Please refer to the fee schedule for further information.
The City of Denison accepts cash, check, and credit/debit cards.
Permits are good for six months or (six months after the most recent inspection up to one full year).
Sign Banner permits are only good for 30 days
Post the permit on the job site in a visible place at the front door or window.
Please Login to Mygov to request your inspections.
Yes, a permit is required on all signs. Refer to the Code of Ordinances for more information or visit our Sign Permit page.
Yes. Requirements for restaurants and temporary vendors can be obtained from the Grayson County Health Department and Environmental Health Division by calling 903-465-2878 ext. 241. Contact Fire Marshal by calling 903-465-2720 Ext: 2207 for Fire Department requirements. A Certificate of Occupancy is required from the Inspection Department by calling 903-465-2720.
All new windows must meet current code requirements. Under current 2015 IECC its a U-Factor of .35 or better and SHG of .25 or better (Lower number or better)
Yes. A certificate of occupancy permit is required and must be applied for through the Building Department. If you have questions, call 903-465-2720.
For more information or if you have questions, please call 903-465-2720.
The certificate of occupancy is required to be posted in a conspicuous location on the premises and shall not be removed except by the building official.
Yes, please visit the Fence Requirements page for specific information.
City Attorney
A Notice of Claim Form must be submitted to the City Clerk. This form may be obtained here: Notice of Claim Form.
Claims are filed with our insurance carrier and a determination is made from that office as to the City’s responsibility in your claim. You will be contacted directly by one of their representatives. This process may take up to three weeks. Please note that filing a claim does not guaranty payment.
Any person wanting to sell goods or services, or to solicit monetary donations door-to-door must apply with the City Secretary for a peddler's or solicitor's license and file a surety bond in the amount of $1,000.00.
The fee for issuance of the license is $50.00 and the license is valid for one (1) year.
Specific rules for door-to-door solicitation are set out in Chapter 15 of the City of Denison Code of Ordinances.
Contact the Denison Municipal Court in person at 300 West Main Street, Denison, Texas, 75020; or by telephone at (903) 465-2720, Ext 5004.
The City Attorney is not the Prosecutor for Municipal Court. To reach the Prosecutor, please contact the Municipal Court. Complainants, witnesses, and defendants may contact the Prosecutor on matters pending with the Municipal Court. However, defendants that are represented by legal counsel should make the contact through their attorney, since it is inappropriate and unethical for the Prosecutor or Municipal Court Staff to communicate directly with the defendant if they are represented by counsel.
It is inappropriate to contact the Judge of the Municipal Court outside of the Municipal Court’s regular business hours. If you have any question about the pending trial, the availability of witnesses, or any matter pertinent in your case, you may contact the Municipal Court by calling (903) 465-2720, Ext. 5004.
If you are interested in any vacant land owned by the City, please contact the City's Development Services Department at 300 West Main Street, Denison, Texas, 75020 (second floor at City Hall) or by telephone at (903) 465-2720, Ext. 2521. Please be ready to provide a street address or County Appraisal District Identification number at the time of your inquiry to the City. The City has no obligation to entertain requests to purchase City owned land. Nonetheless, if the City wishes to entertain a request to purchase land, it must follow procedures set out in the Texas Local Government Code governing sales of real property by municipalities. Upon receipt of your inquiry, the City will conduct an internal review to determine whether the property may be needed for future projects or whether the property is unneeded surplus property. If City staff determines that the property is suitable for disposition, it will seek authorization from the Denison City Council to advertise the property for sale to the highest bidder. The City Council reserves the right to accept the highest bid or reject all bids.
The City Clerk maintains all records related to board and commission appointments and the terms of office. If you are interested in volunteering to serve on a City board or commission, please contact the City Clerk in person at City Hall at 300 West Main Street, Denison, Texas, 75020 or by telephone at (903) 465-2720, Ext. 2437. You may review the eligibility requirements and standards or conduct applicable to most board and commission members in Chapter 2, Article II, of the City of Denison Code of Ordinances.
The Comprehensive Plan is located in Chapter 17 of the City of Denison Code of Ordinances and general zoning requirements and restrictions are located in Chapter 28.
If you have general questions about the applicability of any zoning regulations to your property, you may contact the City's Planning and Zoning Department at City Hall, 300 West Main Street, Denison, Texas, 75020 or by telephone at (903) 465-2720, Ext. 2519.
If you are unable to amicably resolve a barking dog situation with the dog's owner or caretaker, you may contact the City’s Animal Control Department at (903) 465-2720, Ext. 2315 during regular business hours.
After hours, you may call the Police Department's non-emergency number at (903) 465-2720, Ext. 5105.
No. The City Attorney has no authority or jurisdiction over such matters. The Office of the Attorney General of Texas has a Consumer Protection Division that you may file a complaint with.
No. It is not required that you obtain a permit or give the City advance notice of an activity. Please review the RULES FOR A LAWFUL PICKET, PROTEST & OTHER ASSEMBLY IN DENISON, TEXAS.
If you will let the City Attorney's Office know the date, time, and location of the activity, then we will inform the Police Department that there will be an activity and that you intend to abide by these guidelines.
First, call your cable provider. If they do not resolve the issue, you can contact the Federal Communications Commission at 1-800 CALL FCC (1-800-225-5322) or you can file a complaint online.
City Manager
Denison was established on September 23, 1872 and incorporated on March 7, 1873.
The offices of the city manager, city attorney, finance, city secretary, planning and zoning, public works, human resource, code enforcement and building, along with the Water Department and records are located at: 300 W. Main St. Denison, TX 75020
You can reach the City Manager’s Office by:
- Calling (903) 465-2720 x: 2440
- Completing the Contact the City Manager Form
- Emailing the City Manager
- Mailing the City Manager at:
P.O. Box 347
Denison, TX 75021
When you call the City’s main number (903) 465-2720, the auto attendant should be able to direct you to the appropriate department or directly to the staff you are looking for. If you know the extension for the person you are looking for, you may enter that when the auto attendant picks up.
Denison is a railroad town and was named after the Katy Railroad’s Vice President George Denison, who ironically never came to Texas.
Denison is located in Grayson County, Texas, and as of 2021 the population is approximately 24,705.
Community
You must fill out a request for an amplification permit. You may also need a request form for permission to block a street with City barricades. Online & printable permit applications.
The offices of the city manager, city attorney, Finance, City Secretary, Planning and Zoning, Public Works, Records, Human Resource, Code Enforcement and Building, along with the Water Department are located in the City Hall at 300 W. Main
Community Development
The Minor / Emergency Rehabilitation Program addresses five areas of work. Those areas are:
- Electrical
- Heating
- Level / support
- Plumbing
- Roofing
The maximum amount that can be spent on a project is $3,500. There are limited areas that can be addressed under emergency rehabilitation such as gas leaks, broken water pipes, some sewer problems, and heating issues. The maximum amount that can be spent on emergency projects is $1,000.
The demolition process starts with a call to the Code Compliance Manager at (903) 465-2720 Ext:2457. They will then determine that the structure is dilapidated and posts the house unsafe.
The location of the house determines what funds will be used to demolish the structure. The length of time from posting to demolition varies greatly due to a number of circumstances. The most time consuming task is to contact all of the people who might have an ownership in the property and have them sign a release to demolish the house. This task alone can take up to six months or more.
The Office of Community Development maintains maps from the Texas Department of Transportation with counts of traffic for a 24-hour period on some city streets. Requests can be made through the City Manager’s Office for additional counts on streets that have not been counted or to request current raw counts for a specific location.
Fire
No. Fireworks are not allowed within the city limits of Denison.
The Denison Fire Department recommends that you have at least one CO detector in every occupancy where wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, or other gas-fueled appliances are in use.
The Denison Fire Department does issue burn permits for clearing land for development. We have specific rules which must be followed, including notifying the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. For more information about outside burning or to report illegal burning please contact the Denison Fire Marshal’s Office by calling (903) 464-4427.
The Denison Fire Department recommends that there be a UL approved dual sensor photoelectric / ionization smoke detector in and outside of all bedrooms.
Fire reports can be obtained by submitting a Open Records Request. Simply click on the link below and fill out the required information:
You will need to know the date and time of the fire and the correct address where the incident occurred. There is a $5 charge for each record. Cash, checks, and money orders are accepted. For more information about fire reports, please call the Fire Department at (903) 464-4427.
Contact our ambulance billing company by calling 1-800-244-2345.
All Denison fire stations are open to the public. We are most pleased to show you the fire apparatus anytime you visit one of our fire stations. If you would like for a firefighter to talk to your school, church, or business organization or to schedule a tour of the fire station, please call the Fire Department at (903) 464-4427.
Contact our ambulance billing company by calling 1-800-244-2345.
A DNR Form, also called a Out of Hospital Do Not Resuscitate (OOHDNR) Form can be obtained from the Texas Department of Health.
Contact the Fire Dispatcher by calling 9-1-1 or (903) 465-1616.
The American Red Cross or the American Heart Association both offer CPR certification.
Please contact the Public Works Department by calling (903) 465-2720.
Katy Trail
Phase 1 is 1-mile (5,280 linear feet) in length.
There will be pole mounted solar lights at the trail heads but not along the trail itself.
Currently, there are no planned security phones. We are looking into adding emergency location trail markers along the trail.
Yes.
The trail is intended to be a shared use trail to accommodate walking, running, bicycling, users with dogs on leashes, wheelchairs, and strollers.
Yes.
The trail is intended to be a shared use trail to accommodate walking, running, bicycling, users with dogs on leashes, wheelchairs, and strollers.
Parking is available at Waterloo Lake Regional Park near the Dog Park area.
There is no parking available at the Day Street trail head area.
If you’ve lost something on the Trail, there are several things you can try:
- The Denison Parks and Rec Office has a lost and found, and your item may have been delivered there;
- The Denison Police Department patrols on the Katy Trail often recover lost items, so check with them;
- Sometimes items are dropped off at the Denison Parks and Recreation Office at City Hall. Give us a call at 903-465-2720 to describe and claim your item.
Directions to Day Street Trail Head (North Trail Head – Phase 1)
Take your best route to Crawford Street/Verna Lane intersection.
Turn south onto Verna Lane
Turn east onto W. Day Street
Travel approximately 375 feet (.07 miles)
The Katy Trail Phase 1 Trail Head is on the south side of the road.
Directions to Waterloo Lake Drive Trail Head (South Trail Head – Phase 1)
Take your best route to Waterloo Lake Regional Park
Travel to the south end of the park, near the Dog Park.
Parking is available near the Dog Park.
The south end Katy Trail Phase 1 Trail Head begins at the intersection of Waterloo Lake Drive and Lang Avenue.
The trail moving further south ends at Loy Lake Road until construction of Phase 2 is complete.
Library
It's simple to get a library card!
Stop by the circulation desk in the library.
Bring your photo ID and proof of current address.
Children under 16 will need to have a parent or legal guardian with them.
Children's accounts must be linked to the parent or guardian account.
Who Qualifies for a Library Card?
To qualify for a free library card, you must be a Grayson County resident. Non-residents may purchase an annual membership at the following rates:
$10.00 - Individual
$40.00 - Family
Yes, the library is open Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.
Yes, the play space is available.
Main Street
Please view the historic preservation and building permits webpage.
Contact the Main Street director by calling (903) 464-4452 and view business start-up information for details.
A 20% tax credit is available for a building rehabilitation of a certified historic structure. There is also a 10% credit available for rehabilitation of nonhistoric, nonresidential buildings built before 1936. For details, view incentives.
Various programs are offered through the city, Denison Development Alliance, and the Denison Development Foundation.
View Section 28.39: CA - Central Area District and Section 28.49: Use Regulations for more information.
Ordinance numbers 4168, 4199, 4205, and 4335. View the Code of Ordinances Chapter 30 for more information.
Section 28.59 gives definitions and regulations of signs.
A list of things inspected by the fire marshal prior to issuing an occupancy permit are provided in the Fire Inspections - Are You Up To Code brochure.
A list of tips and safety measures from electrical to hazardous material are included in the Fire Department Inspections Program brochure.
Contact the Main Street Director for details on how you can purchase one or more of these affordable signs.
NTRA Chlorine
Yes, both forms of chlorine are effective and safe for people and animals to drink, for cooking and bathing, watering the garden, and for all other common uses. However, precautions must be taken to remove or neutralize chloramines and free chlorine during the kidney dialysis process, in the preparation of water for fish tanks and ponds, and for businesses requiring highly-processed water. A de-chlorination procedure optimized for chloramine removal will work equally well with free chlorine.
People and businesses that normally take special precautions to remove chloramines from tap water, such as dialysis centers, medical facilities and aquatic pet owners, should continue to take the same precautions during the temporary switch from chloramines to free chlorine.
Most customers will not need to take any precautions as the water remains safe to drink and is treated according to both state and federal standards.
Kidney Dialysis - Just like chloramines, free chlorine must be removed from water used in kidney dialysis machines. We advise customers who are dialysis patients to call their physicians or dialysis centers if there are any questions.
Fish Owners - Like chloramines, free chlorine is toxic to fish. Fish owners need to remove chlorine, ammonia and chloramines from the water before use with tropical fish. Local pet stores carry water conditioners that remove chloramines and free chlorine. If customers have questions, we recommend contacting their pet store for information and detailed instructions.
NTRA personnel will forcefully draw the chlorinated water through fire hydrants located all around the service area for a couple weeks. Hydrant flushing also helps to wash out sediments that have collected in water mains throughout the distribution system.
Chloramine is a disinfectant used in drinking water to remove bacteria and viruses that can make you sick. It is made up of chlorine and ammonia.
Free chlorine is a slightly stronger disinfectant than chloramines and may be used to remove more resistant bacteria and viruses that may be found in the water distribution system.