A Guide To The Housing Code
General Requirements
The purpose of the McAllen Housing Code is to provide, minimum requirement in maintaining all existing residential structures to ensure public health, safety and welfare and to protect neighborhoods against dilapidation or deterioration influences.
The owner or owners designated agent shall be responsible for the maintenance of the building, or structures. Additions or alteration to the structure or change of occupancy shall be done in accordance with the procedures and provisions of the International Residential Code. (new)
The Housing Inspector shall enforce the provisions of the code by patrolling the neighbor or through nuisance complaints that are called in by our citizens.
Sanitary Facilities required
Every dwelling unit shall contain not less than a kitchen sink, lavatory, tub or shower, all in good working condition and properly connected to an approved water and sewer system
Hot and cold water supply
Every dwelling unit shall have connected to the kitchen sink, lavatory and tub or shower an adequate supply of both cold water and hot water. All water shall be supplied through an approved distribution system connected to a potable water supply.
Water Heating Facilities
Every dwelling unit shall have water heating facilities which are properly installed and maintained in a safe and good working condition and are capable of heating water to such a temperature as to permit an adequate amount of water and maintained in a safe and good working condition and are capable of heating water to such a temperature as to permit an adequate amount of water to be drawn at every required kitchen sink, lavatory basin, bathtub or shower, at a temperature of not less than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Minimum storage capacity of the water heater shall be 30 gallons.
Electrical lights and outlets required
Every habitable room or space shall contain at least two separate and remote convenience outlets, and bedrooms shall have, in addition, at least one wall-switch-controlled ceiling or wall-type light fixture. In kitchens, three separate and remote convenience outlets shall be provided, and a wall or ceiling type light fixture controlled by a wall switch shall be required. Every such outlet and fixture shall be properly installed, shall be maintained in good and safe working condition, and shall be connected to the source of electric power in a safe manner.
Minimum Requirements for Electrical System
Every electrical outlet and fixture required by this article shall be installed, maintained and connected to a source of electric power in accordance with the provisions of the electrical code of the city.
Foundation
The building foundation system shall be maintained in a safe manner and capable of supporting the load which normal use may cause to be placed thereon. A foundation is substandard if:
- The unit has a dirt floor;
- The floor moves under normal stress, due to improper reinforcement; or
- Supporting piers are not of one solid-piece construction.
Exterior Walls
Every exterior wall of a dwelling unit shall be free of holes, breaks, or loose or rotting boards or timbers, to the extent that such conditions might admit rain or dampness to the interior portions of the walls or to the occupied spaces of the building. All exterior wood surfaces, other than decay-resistant woods, shall be protected from the elements and decay by painting or other protective covering or treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I call to report a dilapidated structure?
To report a dilapidated or nuisance property please call 956-681-3111 or report the violation online at McAllen 311.
What permits are required to demolish a dilapidated structure?
A demolition permit will be required for the demolition contractor and sewer plug permit will be required for the plumbing contractor.
Submittal documents for the demolition permit will consist of the following:
- Application
- Site Plan
- Asbestos Survey (if applicable)
The fee for a demolition permit is:
Residential = $39.60
Commercial = $79.80
General Requirements
Roof
Shall be structurally sound and maintained in safe manner and have no defects which might admit rain or cause dampness in the walls or interior portion of the building.
Means of Egress
Every dwelling unit shall have safe, unobstructed means of egress, with minimum ceiling height of seven feet, leading to a safe and open space at ground level.
Stairs, Porches and Appurtenances
Every inside and outside stairway, porch and any appurtenance thereto shall be safe to use and capable of supporting the load that normal use may cause to be placed thereon,and shall be kept in sound condition and good repair.
Windows and Doors
Every intended opening in a structure shall be covered with a window, exterior door, basement or cellar door, or hatchway, as applicable, which shall be substantially weather tight, watertight and rodent proof, and shall be kept in sound working condition and good repair.
Interior Floor, Walls and Ceilings
Every floor, interior wall and ceiling shall be safe to use and capable of supporting the load which normal use may cause to be placed thereon.
Structural Supports
Every structural element of the dwelling shall be maintained structurally sound and show no evidence of deterioration which would render it incapable of carrying loads which normal use may cause to be placed thereon.