Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Towns offer storm recovery tips

Hailstones from the destructive storm on March 26, 2017 submitted by Wendy McCue from Argyle.

As southern Denton County residents and business owners surveyed the damage left behind in the wake of Sunday hail storm and Wednesday’s storms, officials from area towns offered advice to their residents that we have compiled below.

Argyle

The Town has received a number of questions regarding roofing contractors coming to the area after last night’s storms.

Please note, the Town of Argyle does not endorse or recommend any contractors. However, all roofing contractors must be registered with the Town before conducting business in Town Limits.

Anyone going door-to-door must first be registered with the Town as solicitor.

Please contact Town Hall at 940.464.7273 with any additional questions.

Bartonville

Our town was hit pretty hard with hail last night and many people suffered damage as a result. This is the perfect time for unscrupulous roof contractors to take advantage of you.

Although roof repair and/or replacement does not require a permit from the Town of Bartonville, please be aware that fraudulent, unqualified contractors or “storm chasers,” come from all over the country looking for vulnerable consumers. With resources, materials and contractors limited due to these recent storms, homeowners might try and seek a quick and easier road. Here are some things you can do to protect yourself:
  • Avoid door-to-door solicitors.   All solicitors must obtain a permit though the Bartonville Police Department.  If a solicitor comes to your door, ask to see their permit.  If they are unable to provide an identification card you should call the Police Department 940-349-1600, extension 9 and report the activity.
  • Don’t sign any document until you’re sure you’ve chosen the contractor you want.
  • Avoid contractors willing to help “save your deductible,” which is unlawful.
  • Ask for referrals from neighbors and others you trust.
  • Make sure the company actually exists by looking them up on a third-party directory, such as a printed telephone or business association directory. The number provided by the contractor may just be for show, and scam artists may even set up websites with false information about their operation.
  • Check the reputation of the contractors by looking at service-referral websites such as the Dallas-area Better Business Bureau (free) or Angie’s List (free information and contractor listings but a paid subscription is required to view contractor ratings and reviews). Look for a local street address, not a post office box. Check how long the company has been in business and look for memberships in local and national trade associations.
  • If a subcontractor identifies as being with a large company, call the contracting company to make sure the sub is being truthful.
  • Ask all contractors to confirm they have proof of general liability insurance and workers-compensation coverage. Once you choose a contractor, ask to see proof.
  • Ask contractors you’re considering for references to other jobs they did 12 to 24 months ago so you can determine whether the work has held up.
  • Get three estimates in writing, which gives you an opportunity to check for consistency in the scope of work. Avoid bids that are either much higher or lower than the other two.
You can also visit www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/02… for some helpful information about hiring contractors.

Copper Canyon

Due to recent storms, several homes have been damaged and require repairs. If you are having roof repair or replacement please have your contractor register with the Town at 940-241-2677. The contractor will obtain a permit and your roof will be inspected by the Town Building Inspector.

Double Oak

The Town of Double Oak and surrounding areas were hit hard with hail during the recent storm and many people suffered damage as a result. This is the perfect time for unscrupulous roof contractors to take advantage of you.  As the homeowner, you need to be confident a reputable contractor is working on your property.

A permit is required from the Town of Double Oak to repair and/or replace a roof and the permit must be visible from the street for the Building Inspector.  Please be aware that fraudulent, unqualified contractors or “storm chasers,” come from all over the country looking for vulnerable consumers. With resources, materials and contractors limited due to these recent storms, homeowners might try and seek a quick and easier road. Here are some things you can do to protect yourself:

Avoid door-to-door solicitors.  All solicitors must obtain a permit though the Double Oak Police Department.  If a solicitor comes to your door, ask to see their permit.  If they are unable to provide an identification card you should call the Denton County Dispatch at 972-434-5500 to report them.

  • Don’t sign any document until you’re sure you’ve chosen the contractor you want.
  • Avoid contractors willing to help “save your deductible,” which is unlawful.
  • Ask for referrals from neighbors and others you trust.
  • Make sure the company actually exists by looking them up on a third-party directory, such as a printed telephone or business association directory. The number provided by the contractor may just be for show, and scam artists may even set up websites with false information about their operation.
  • Check the reputation of the contractors by looking at service-referral websites such as the Dallas-area Better Business Bureau (free) or Angie’s List (free information and contractor listings but a paid subscription is required to view contractor ratings and reviews). Look for a local street address, not a post office box. Check how long the company has been in business and look for memberships in local and national trade associations.
  • If a subcontractor identifies as being with a large company, call the contracting company to make sure the sub is being truthful.
  • Ask all contractors to confirm they have proof of general liability insurance and workers-compensation coverage. Once you choose a contractor, ask to see proof.
  • Ask contractors you’re considering for references to other jobs they did 12 to 24 months ago so you can determine whether the work has held up.
  • Get three estimates in writing, which gives you an opportunity to check for consistency in the scope of work. Avoid bids that are either much higher or lower than the other two.

You can also visit www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/02… for some helpful information about hiring contractors.

  • If you live in a HOA please verify with the HOA regarding their requirements.

Please feel free to contact Double Oak Building Official Charlie Wright 972-539-9464 with any questions.

Flower Mound

Tree Debris: Curbside brush pickup is available on standard collection days through Republic Services. Total collection amount is limited to 3’x3’x12’. Brush must be cut in four-foot lengths and tied into bundles, not to exceed 50 pounds. Tree limbs should be no larger than 8 inches in diameter. If you have tree limbs larger than this, please split into smaller pieces, utilize the free access to the landfill (see below), or call Republic Services directly at 817.317.2000 for a special pick-up at an additional cost.

Landfill Access: Do you have a large amount of debris you need removed more quickly? Residents may take up to 10 cubic yards to the Camelot Landfill for free once per month with proof of residency (a driver’s license/government identification AND a current water bill). Residents may access the landfill Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 to 11:30 a.m. Camelot Landfill is located at 580 Huffines Blvd. in Lewisville. Residents can also schedule a special pickup for an additional fee by calling Republic Customer Service at 817.317.2000.

Fences: If your pool fence is down, please immediately install temporary 4-foot-high safety fence, which is available at box stores (Lowe’s, Home Depot, etc.). Four-foot by six-foot fence panels are acceptable to set out for curbside pick-up on your collection day. Please ensure there are no nails sticking out. Bulk pick-up should not exceed 4-cubic yards on your bulk collection day.

Code Enforcement: Code Enforcement will not issue any trash and debris or bulk waste notices in relation to storm damage for a minimum of two weeks, unless there is a safety concern. As usual after such storms, Code Enforcement staff will monitor properties; and, as long as they are making regular progress they will not be issued a citation.

For any additional questions related to storm clean-up, including fencing, please call 972.539.SERV (7378).

Highland Village

Many areas of Highland Village were impacted by the heavy hail storm that moved through Denton County on Sunday, March 26. If your roof was damaged and in need of repairs or replacement, here are the guidelines to help you through the process.

All roof replacements require a permit (check “other” on application)

  1. Permit is $100
  2. Permit MUST be posted on the property visible from the street  prior to performing roof replacement
  3. Homeowners are responsible to ensure the contractor hired has secured a roofing permit prior to allowing the contractor to perform the work on their property.
  4. An inspection is REQUIRED upon completion of roof replacement
  5. Access to the attic is required for the inspection.

All roof contractors are required to be registered with the City of Highland Village.  Please confirm with your roofer or general contractor that they are registered with the City or you can contact to the City to verify.

  1. Contractor Registration form must be filled out and completed
  2. Copy of the Company’s Owner drivers license
  3. $150 Registration fee
  4. Permits shall be submitted at City Hall Permits and Inspections department located at 1000 Highland Village Road

If you live in a HOA please verify with the HOA regarding their requirements.

Your roofing or fence contractor is required to haul off the trash and materials from the roof or fence replacement. If your contractor does not remove the debris, you will be charged an additional fee by Waste Management.

The City has a solicitors ordinance requiring businesses to obtain a permit before going door to door to sell a service or product. If a business comes to your door ask them to show you their solicitors permit. If they do not have one, inform them the City requires they have a permit. You can also contact the police at the non-emergency number, 972-317-6551, and provide them the description of the solicitor and their vehicle.

Highland Village city ordinance requirements for commercial door to door solicitors include:

  • Solicitors are required to obtain a Highland Village Solicitor Permit.
  • Solicitor permits are required to be carried in plain view with inspection upon request.
  • No soliciting at residences which have a “No Solicitors” notice posted.
  • No soliciting before 9 a.m. or after sunset, Monday through Saturday, or anytime Sunday or holidays.
  • No misrepresentation the permit is a city endorsement or recommendation.
  • No continued soliciting once informed of no interest.
  • Solicitors must leave when instructed.

Lantana

Unfortunately, for the second time in six years, Lantana has been hit with a major hail storm. As you begin the process of restoring your home, here are a few points from the Community Association to assist you.

Roofing

  • Vendor signs are not permitted. Please do not allow any roof or general contractors to put signs in your yard. Signs will be removed and thrown away.
  • Make sure your roofer is registered with the Fresh Water Supply District. You will not need a permit to replace your roof, but your roofer will need to be registered with the District. Click here for a list of registered roofers.  The FWSD can reached at 940-728-5050.
  • If you are replacing your roof with the same color roof, you will not need to get approval from the Community Association. Additionally, the following colors are pre-approved: Weathered Wood, Black, Slate, Hickory and Barkwood. If you are changing to a color other than the pre-approved list you will need approval prior to installation.
  • The approved shingles are asphalt, minimum 3-ply, minimum 30 year warranty architectural shingle. Three tab shingles are not permitted. Please be aware of the shingle your contractor is proposing.
  • Turbine vents are allowed but must be painted to match the roof.
  • Please be aware that the Community Association has not and will not make any recommendations for roofing companies. If a roofing company tells you that they were sent by the Community Association, they are not being honest with you.

Fencing

  • The only approved stain for wood fences is Ready Seal Redwood #20.
  • Please make sure your contractor power washes and sands any hail pot marks before staining the wood fence.
  • The approved paint for the metal fencing is Sherwin Williams Satin Bronzetone Enamel.

Garage Doors, Gutters and Light Fixtures

  • If you are changing out your garage doors, gutters or light fixtures and are using the same model, no approval is needed from the Community Association. However, if you are changing the style/design approval is needed prior to installation.

Paint

  • If your home has to be painted, approval is only need if you are switching colors.

We want the restoration/repair of your home to be as seamless as possible. If you have any questions or if we can be of assistance, please call the Community Association office at 940-728-1660.  If you do have to submit an item for approval, the modification request form can be found on www.lantanalive.com under Resident Services, Resource Center and then Forms.

CTG Staff
CTG Staff
The Cross Timbers Gazette News Department

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