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1. How do I get my gas turned on?

The Building Inspection Division cannot release gas to Atmos without an inspection. A Plumbing Permit is required for a Gas Inspection. In order to obtain a Plumbing Permit, you must be a Homeowner or a Licensed Master Plumber. The Homeowner or Licensed Master Plumber will come to the City of Princeton to obtain a permit. The Homeowner or Licensed Master Plumber will do the work and call us for an inspection. Once it passes inspection, the City of Princeton will release the gas to Atmos.

2. What types of construction require a building permit?

Most construction and remodel jobs require permits. The best way to find out if you need a permit is to contact the City of Princeton Building Inspection Division at 972-736-6169 between the hours of 7 am and 4 pm, Monday through Friday.

Common types of permits include:

• Amusement (carnivals)
• Certificate of Occupancy
• Demolition
• Driveway and sidewalk
• Fence
• Foundation repair
• Irrigation systems
• New a/c or furnace
• New electric service or repairs
• Patio
• Patio covers
• Parking pads
• Pools, spas, and hot tubs
• Retaining walls
• Remodels
• Room additions
• Sewer or water line repairs
• Special promotion (commercial)
• Storage building
• Tent Permits
• Moving of buildings and heavy equipment

3. Can I get an extension on my permit?

Due to the specific circumstances of some projects, the Building Official can extend permit deadlines in some cases. Contact the Building Inspection Division at 972-736-6169 for more information.

4. Do I need a permit for my garage sale?

Yes. Permits for garage sales are required. Complete the Garage Sale Application (PDF).

Residents are allowed to hold two garage sales per year for no more than three days at a time.

5. How much does it cost to register as a contractor with the City of Princeton?

It costs $75 to register as a contractor with the City.

6. What types of contractors must be registered with the City of Princeton?

The following types of contractors must register with the City of Princeton:

• General contractor
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Mechanical
• Irrigation
• Sign
• Backflow

7. How will I know if my inspection passed or failed?

Inspectors will sign the inspection record for passed inspections or leave correction notices for inspections that have failed.

8. What is the cutoff time for a next-day inspection?

The cutoff time for a next-day inspection is 12 midnight on the business day before the inspection is needed. Monday through Friday, 7 am to 4 pm are considered business days.

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1. When is a Special Event Permit not needed?

No permits shall be required under this section for the following:

1. Private party upon private property when no public property or right-of-way is used.
2. Public school district sponsored and supervised events when school property is used.
3. The Armed Forces of the United States of America, the military forces of the state, political subdivisions of the state, and the forces of the police and fire departments acting within the scope of their duties.

2. Are additional permits required?

Potentially, if any of the following are true:

1. Tent permits, building permits, electrical permits, food establishment and handing permits, sign permits and all other permits and licenses required by ordinance or other law for specific activities conducted in conjunction with or as a part of the special event must be applied for separately.
2. Approval of a special event permit authorizes the city departments to issue permits for locations where the activity would otherwise be prohibited by ordinance.

3. Is security, crowd control and traffic control required?

An applicant shall provide police officers for security, crowd control and traffic control at the parade or special event in accordance with the following schedule:

Number of Participants or Spectators	Minimum Number of Officers
0 to 75	0
76 to 250	1
251 to 1,500	2
1.501 to 3,000	4
3,001 to 5,000	6
Over 5,000	6 plus 1 for every 1,000

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1. What is a novel coronavirus?

A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.

2. What is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. There are many types of human coronaviruses, including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. Current symptoms reported for patients with COVID-19 have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

3. How can I prevent COVID-19?

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. View the EPA-registered disinfectant products on the Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 list that have qualified under EPA's emerging viral pathogen program for use against SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
• Follow CDC's recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

More Information

For information about handwashing, see the CDC Handwashing webpage.

4. What treatments are available for COVID-19?

People with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For people with laboratory confirmed COVID-19, illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. For severe illness, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions. 

Seek prompt medical attention if your illness gets worse (for example, you have difficulty breathing). Before seeking medical attention, call your health care provider and tell them that you have, or are being evaluated for, COVID-19. Put on a facemask before you enter the doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital.

5. Can disinfectant spray or wipes be used on my skin to prevent spread of COVID-19?

No. Always follow the instructions on household cleaners. Do not use disinfect sprays or wipes on your skin because it may cause skin and eye irritation. Disinfectant sprays or wipes are not intended for use on humans or animals. Disinfectant sprays or wipes are intended for use on hard, non-porous surfaces.

View the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered disinfectant products on the Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 list that have qualified under EPA's emerging viral pathogen program for use against SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

6. Is the Fire Department offering any screenings for COVID-19?

The Fire Department is not providing assessments to the general public. This is due to our Departments limited resources, manpower, and for the safety of the City workforce. It is recommended that if any person believes they have signs and symptoms associated with COVID-19 that they seek professional evaluation by a physician.

7. How is the Fire Department handling their operations and service?

The Fire Department is following the local, state, and national recommendations related to personal hygiene, first responder personal protection, limited contact, facility and equipment control. The Fire Department is screening their own personnel and other City public safety personnel daily to assure our workforce is safe and capable of providing no interruptions in emergency services. The Department has also implemented internal procedures which adds additional levels of protection for their own families and friends. Normal prevention education programs and visits to the fire station for the public are suspended.

8. If I have an emergency what should I expect from the Fire Department?

Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are being performed as normal with some adjustments made to personal protection and contact. If you have signs and symptoms that can be associated with COVID-19 and that are non-life threatening, we suggest you isolate yourself, limit exposure to other people and monitor yourself for fever or more severe symptoms. We will always recommended being evaluated by a physician for non-life threatening conditions. For serious injuries or illness you should still use 911, and be prepared to answer additional questions designed to assist first responders in answering the call appropriately.

9. What is the non-test-based strategy for releasing cases and contacts from home isolation and quarantine?

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1. Do I need a permit for a fence and how tall can it be?

Permits are required on all fences built and repaired. Fences may be built up to eight feet in height from grade on the rear and side yards of the main structure using a schedule 40 steel post. Metal fences are not allowed in front yards. Barbwire fences are not allowed in the City. A $25 permit fee is charged.

2. Where can I put my accessory building, and what materials can I use to build it?

Accessory buildings such as patio covers, storage buildings, or detached garages may be built as long as they meet setback criteria for that lot. Building costs depend on the size of the building.

3. Do I need a permit to repair or replace my roof (shingles)?

A permit is required for any type of roof repair or replacement. Permits are priced at $90.

4. What are the sign placement requirements for signs?

Information for Signs can be found on the Code Enforcement Division page.

5. Who do I contact to report an open well or other unsafe structure?

Information regarding unsafe structures can be found on the Code Enforcement Division page.

6. Who do I call regarding swimming pool questions or to see if a pool permit has been approved?

For questions about residential and commercial pools, please call Development Services Department at 972-736-6169 option 4.

7. Who manages the food service industry and public health issues within the City of Princeton?

The Collin County Developmental Services, please call them at 972-424-1460.

8. How do I determine the zoning on a piece of property?

If you have questions, contact the Development Services Department at 123 W Princeton Drive or call 972-736-6169 option 4.

9. What are the setbacks, allowable heights, lot coverage, permitted lot size for a property, or the parking landscape and other requirements for my development?

To determine setbacks and other zoning information, call the Development Services Department at 972-736-6169 option 4.

10. Who do I call to report an animal bite or attack?

Please call the Police Department at 972-736-3901 who will contact Animal Control.

11. What can I do about a barking, whining, dog in the middle of the night?

Please call the Police Department at 972-736-3901 to investigate the noise disturbance.

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

Answer goes here...

2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

Answer goes here...

3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

Answer goes here...

4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

Answer goes here...

5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

Answer goes here...

6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

Answer goes here...

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1. What is a Public Improvement District (PID) ?

A Public Improvement District is a defined geographical area established to provide specific types of improvements or maintenance which are financed by assessments against the property owners within the area. PID's provide a development tool that allocates costs according to the benefits received. A PID can provide a means to fund supplemental services and improvements to meet community needs that could not otherwise be constructed or provided. Chapter 372 of the Texas Local Government Code authorizes the creation of PIDs by cities.

2. Why is a Public Improvement District created?

PID's are created to finance certain public improvements (roadway improvements and utility improvements) that are required for and provide specific benefits to property within the project. The proportionate cost of these authorized public improvements including debt issuance costs represents the assessments levied on the property within the PID to be collected from all benefited.

3. What is a Public Improvement District Assessment?

PID assessments represent a proportional share of the cost of the authorized public improvements allocated to each property type pursuant to the Service and Assessment Plan (SAP) approved by the City at the time the assessments were levied.

If you have any questions or would like additional information on any of the agreements please email Shawn Fort Director of Development Services.

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1. How do I take care of a ticket?

The Municipal Court, located inside of the Princeton Municipal Center will handle any type of process relating to citations issued by the Princeton Police Department. You may contact them by calling 972-736-2416 during normal business hours. The Princeton Municipal Center address is:

2000 E Princeton Drive
Princeton, Texas 75407

Hours

Monday through Friday
7 am to 4 pm

2. How do I report a crime?

If there is an emergency, call 911. For non-emergency service, please call the Princeton Police Department at 972-736-3901. 

3. Where do I renew my driver’s license?

Please contact the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) for information on driver’s licenses or identification card issuances or renewals. 

Visit the DPS website.

4. Do I need an alarm permit?

Municipal Code, Chapter 6 details the City policy for Alarm Permits. Both residential alarms and businesses with alarms are required to have a permit through the City of Princeton. Applications may be picked up at City Hall during normal business hours or follow this link to download the form.

Download the Alarm Permit Application (PDF) or pick up an application in Princeton City Hall at:

2000 E. Princeton Drive
Princeton, TX 75407

5. Does Princeton have a juvenile curfew law?

Yes. Section 46, Article II of the City of Princeton Code of Ordinances establishes a curfew for any person under the age of 17. Curfew hours are:

• Monday through Friday
  9:00 am until 2:30 pm
• Monday through Thursday
  11 pm to 6 am the following day
• Saturday and Sunday
  12:01 am until 6 am the following day

Offenses include:

• A minor (any person under 17 years of age) commits an offense if he or she knowingly remains in any public place or on the premises of any establishment within the city during curfew hours.
• A parent or guardian of a minor commits an offense if he or she knowingly permits, or by insufficient control allows the minor to remain in any public place or on the premises of any establishment within the city during curfew hours.
• The owner, operator, or any employee of an establishment commits an offense if he or she knowingly allows a minor to remain upon the premises of the establishment during curfew hours.

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1. Who activates the Amber Plan?

Police in the city or town where the incident occurs must decide if the case fits the criteria for activation (see Amber Plan Criteria). The radio and TV stations that broadcast the bulletin material do not participate in the decision-making process.

2. How are Amber Plan bulletins distributed to the various radio and tv stations?

All participating police departments have been provided with dedicated fax line numbers for WBAP and KRLD radio stations. When a police department decides to activate the Amber Plan, they send the two stations a written description of the child, the suspect, the suspect vehicle, the time and place of the incident, and any other relevant information. The two stations quickly verify the activation. Then, using the Emergency Activation System (EAS), an audio bulletin containing the police information is sent simultaneously to all participating radio and TV stations in Dallas/Fort Worth.

The bulletin is originated by WBAP and KSCS radio stations because of their designation as the primary EAS outlets for the Dallas/Fort Worth listening area. Once the bulletin is received, all Amber Plan radio and TV stations break from regular programming and repeatedly broadcast the information to listeners and viewers.

3. What Does EAS Stand For?

EAS stands for Emergency Activation System. It is more commonly used for the broadcast of severe weather and other civil emergencies. Each radio and TV station must have a working EAS monitor on-site in order to receive an operating license from the Federal Communications Commission.

4. Is the Emergency Activation System (EAS) always ready for use?

Yes. Amber Plan bulletins go out to all participating radio and TV stations regardless of station format or time of day.

5. Are Police Departments charged a fee for Amber Plan activations or involvement?

No. Police participation in the Amber Plan is free and open to any department in the North Texas area. Radio and TV station participation is voluntary and is done as a public service without commercial endorsement.

6. Who oversees the Amber Plan?

The Association of Radio Managers (ARMS) oversees the effort. To assure that Amber Plan bulletins are distributed in a timely fashion, ARMS conducts quarterly tests of the Emergency Activation System (EAS) Amber Plan notification process. To assure that police are following the guidelines for use, a committee of police officers meets each quarter to review all activations for the previous three months. The broadcast outlets do not participate in the decision to activate, and they have no role in the police review committee process.

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1. Who can make a complaint?

The person who believes that an employee has wronged them, and persons who observe an employee guilty of wrongdoing may file a complaint. Other persons may give statements as witnesses in support of another person's complaint.

2. How is a complaint made?

When a citizen has a complaint against a Police Department employee, they may contact any Police Department supervisor, who will forward the complaint to the appropriate person. Complaints that are relatively minor in nature will be directed to the employee's immediate supervisor. Allegations of serious misconduct will be forwarded to the Police Chief. A citizen may contact the Police Chief directly regarding any complaint.

The Texas Government Code requires that all complaints against police officers that may result in disciplinary action be in writing and signed by the person making the complaint. Complaints of misconduct that are less serious in nature need not be in writing. Complaints must be made within 30 days of the incident unless special circumstances exist. The Princeton Police Department takes all complaints seriously and will investigate each complaint received.

Forms & Documents

• Affidavit of Fact (PDF)
• Complaint Against Officer Form (PDF)
• Complaint Report (PDF)
  

3. What happens when a complaint is upheld?

When an investigation finds that the charges against a police employee are true, the Police Chief notifies the employee and may take one of the predetermined actions:

• Reprimand the employee verbally or in writing
• Suspend the employee without pay
• Demote the employee
• Discharge the employee

Employees can appeal the Department's decision to uphold a complaint and the decision to discipline an employee.

4. What happens when a complaint is not upheld?

Complaints must be supported by sufficient evidence. When the investigation cannot find the degree of evidence necessary to prove the employee acted improperly, the employee and the citizen will both be notified in writing.

5. What if you are not satisfied with the outcome?

You may appeal the findings of the internal or supervisory investigation to either:

• The Office of the Police Chief
  Princeton Police Department
  306 Main Street
  Princeton, TX 75407
  Phone: 972-736-3901
• The Office of the City Administrator
  City of Princeton
  123 W Princeton Drive
  Princeton, TX 75407
  Phone: 972-736-2416

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1. How do I report a streetlight out?

Call Texas-New Mexico Power Company at 888-866-7456.

2. How do I dispose of my household hazardous waste? Who do I contact?

Submit your request via our website's City of Princeton Action Center or call the City of Princeton, Code Enforcement at 972-736-2416.

3. How do I report a down tree, sight obstruction or illegal dumping in the City’s right-of-way?

Submit your request via our website's City of Princeton Action Center or call the City of Princeton, Code Enforcement at 972-736-2416.

4. I’m new to the City of Princeton. Who do I contact to set up water and trash service?

Submit your request via our website's City of Princeton Action Center or call The City of Princeton, Utility Billing at 972-736-2711.

5. I have a question concerning my utility bill. Who do I contact?

Submit your question via our website's City of Princeton Action Center or call the City of Princeton, Utility Billing at 972-736-2711.

6. What is the phone number to the RDF (landfill) at Highway 121 in Melissa?

The Landfill Gatehouse phone number is 972-837-4015.

7. My trash receptacle is broken. How do I get it replaced?

Submit your request via our website's City of Princeton Action Center or call the City of Princeton at 972-736-2711.

8. My trash or recyclables were missed. Who do I contact?

Submit your request via our website's City of Princeton Action Center or call the City of Princeton at 972-736-2711.

9. How do I contact Community Waste Disposal (CWD)?

Contact CWD Customer Service at 972-392-9300, option 2 or visit their website.