Frequently Asked Questions

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The Friends of the Haltom City Public Library:

• Support and co-host Summer Reading Club and other special events
•  Fund raise with the annual book sale, mini book sales, Flea for All Flea Market and Craft Fair
• Promote visibility for the library at City-sponsored events
• Volunteer at the library
• Advocate for the library

There are several different membership levels:
 Volunteer - no annual fee
 Individual - $10 per year
 Family - $15 per year
 Business - $50 per year
Paid members are eligible to vote in annual elections of officers and other official business. Individual, Family, and Business levels all have one vote. Volunteer level is a non-voting membership. Paying members are encouraged to volunteer if they are able.

If you are interested in joining the Friends of the Haltom City Public Library, download and fill out this Membership Form (PDF) and email it to friendsofthehcpl@gmail.com or stop by the Haltom City Public Library and fill out a form in person.

No, any building larger than 10 feet by 12 feet will require a building permit.

• Zoning Ordinance O-2002-032-15, Section 29, Paragraph D.4. - The total floor area of the detached garage on one lot shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the floor area of the main building on the lot, except that this requirement shall not limit the floor area of an accessory building to less than six hundred (600) square feet.
• Zoning Ordinance O-2002-032-15, Section 29, Paragraph D.5. - A detached garage shall not occupy more than fifty percent (50%) of the rear yard.
• Zoning Ordinance O-2002-032-15, Section 29, Paragraph D.6. - A detached garage that exceeds six hundred (600) square feet must meet the masonry requirement of the primary structure.
• Proper maneuvering surfaces (concrete or asphalt) must be provided from the street to the garage door opening.

Yes, Special Exception through the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

• Survey or Site Plan in 11 by 17 size format. If submitting 24 by 36 prints, 3 copies must be submitted of all Site Plans prints.
• Upload to our Online Action Center.
• The building permit process is a separate application and process.

Yes.

Upload to our Online Action Center.

Two copies, size 11 inches by 17 inches, if plans submitted are submitted to our office.

Twenty (20) days.

One hundred eighty (180) days.

Yes, 65% of the building permit fee was paid at the time of the project request.

Residential building permits are based on set fees. Fees can be found by looking at our Fee Schedule. Commercial building permits are based on the valuation.

Our Online Action Center.

Credit card and check payments are accepted, with a max limit of $1,000 for credit card payments.

Print from the project via our Online Action Center.

Yes, the contractor will need to register prior to submitting the building application. General contractors can register online. Please upload your driver's license and certificate of insurance with the City of Haltom City with an address as certificate holder when requesting registration.

Any service change out requires hard-wired smoke detectors and GFCI plugs.

No, a permit is not required.

Drive approaches will need to be permitted by a licensed and bonded right-of-way contractor. Flatwork that is for future construction requires a building permit with an engineer-stamped drawing. Any slab larger than 10'x10' will require a general repair permit and site plan.

IRC M1307.2

Only on new construction.

To verify structure meets the 2018 IECC Code.

New construction or additions (any livable/occupiable area).

1 inch is the minimum.

4 inches is the minimum.

• Brand or year of shingles
• Type of felt being used
• Lumber sheathing with a minimum thickness of five-eighths of an inch
• OSB or plywood sheathing (4 by 8) with a minimum thickness of seven-sixteenth inches (equals one-half inch)

Decking should be checked by the contractor before submitting an application. The decking inspection is to verify the thickness so you may proceed with the new felt and shingles. If the thickness is not met then the contractor/homeowner will have to contact the insurance company to get approved.

A short study can be downloaded here (PDF). The test will cover general knowledge topics including, but not limited to: grammar, math, and reading comprehension. The test is not specific to Haltom City and does not require knowledge of police procedures or penal codes. There are multiple free and paid Civil Service study guides available online and at bookstores; however, none are endorsed by the Haltom City Police Department other than the one provided here.

You will need to bring a valid government identification card, such as a driver's license or Armed Forces ID card. You will need to either wear or bring comfortable workout clothing for the physical fitness test. Water, a small towel, and a light snack are highly recommended. Water fountains and changing areas will be available for those who wish to utilize them.

• You will need to bring a valid government identification card, such as a driver's license or Armed Forces ID card.
• Wear or bring comfortable workout clothing for the physical fitness test.
  • Water, a small towel, and a light snack are highly recommended.
  • Water fountains and changing areas will be available for those who wish to utilize them.

No cellular phones, smartwatches, or other electronic devices will be allowed to be used during testing. Please leave any weapons in a secure location prior to entering the building.

A completed Personal History Statement (PHS), will be required. This will be completed digitally through our partner at Guardian Alliance.

Information on how to complete the PHS will be sent to you shortly.

If you score 70 or above, you will be escorted to another area to begin the row test. While you may change prior to this, it is recommended you come dressed to conduct the physical assessment. The rowing test is designed to determine the overall fitness level of an applicant. All applicants must pass the physical fitness test on the Concept2 Rower at the percentile calculated by the Texas Department of Public Safety that relates to the most current data set obtained from the Haltom City Police Department. The applicant's target time will be set according to their age, weight, and gender on the day of the exam.

Applicants not passing the entrance physical test on the Concept2 Rower will not be allowed to continue through the hiring process and may reapply during the next scheduled examination.

The Department's physical ability test consists of rowing 2000 meters on a Concept2 Rower with the damper set at level "5". Applicants cannot put their feet on the ground until they are finished.

• If the event is to be conducted on a public street or property and will require special traffic controls, a permit will be required.
• If any part of the event takes place on city property or right-of-way or requires the involvement of city personnel including the need for crowd control, a permit will be required.
• If the event involves the use of loudspeakers or amplifiers in a place that is not completely enclosed in a building, a permit will be required.
• If the event involves a fireworks display, a permit will be required.

• Contact the Haltom City Planning and Community Development Department for a special event permit application.
• Complete the application linked above, and attach all other necessary permits (i.e. health, electrical, etc.), along with the applicant's written agreement to indemnify the City of Haltom City against all claims of injury and the non-refundable application fee of $40 payable at the Haltom City Planning and Community Development Department for processing.
• An application must be filed not less than twenty-one (21) days before a special event is to begin.
• If the special event requires the use of City streets or other property for an event, the applicant shall provide liability insurance for a reasonable amount, taking into consideration the number of people and the risk involved.
• Once the application has cleared all appropriate City departments, the City will either approve or disapprove the permit request. You will be notified in either instance.

Haltom City's current tax rate (Tax Year 2025) is $0.557290 per $100 of assessed valuation.

No, the City is one of several taxing authorities. Visit our Property Tax Rate page to view tax rates for other taxing authorities in Haltom City.

The City has contracted with the Tarrant County Tax Assessor-Collector to collect property taxes on behalf of the City. The contact information for the Tax Assessor-Collector is:

Tarrant County Tax Assessor-Collector
100 E Weatherford Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76196-0301

Phone: 817-884-1100
Tarrant County Website

Contact the Tarrant County Appraisal District at 817-284-0024 or by visiting the Tarrant County Appraisal District website.

The total tax rate for goods purchased in Haltom City is 8.25%. The distribution of the tax is illustrated in the following table:

Contact the State Comptroller’s Office at 1-800-252-5555 or visit the Texas Comptroller website.

The City Council authorized a total budget of $147,825,819 in Fiscal Year 2024 to 2025.

The General Fund budget for Fiscal Year 2023 to 2024 is $44,158,982.

• Moody's: Aa3
• Standard and Poor's: AA

City of Haltom City currently has no Water and Sewer Revenue Bond.

The Employee Retention Credit is designed to encourage businesses to keep employees on their payroll. The refundable tax credit is 50% of up to $10,000 in wages paid by an eligible employer whose business has been financially impacted by COVID-19.

The credit is available to all employers regardless of size, including tax-exempt organizations. There are only two exceptions: State and local governments and their instrumentalities and small businesses who take small business loans.

Qualifying employers must fall into one of two categories:

1. The employer's business is fully or partially suspended by government order due to COVID-19 during the calendar quarter.
2. The employer's gross receipts are below 50% of the comparable quarter in 2019. Once the employer's gross receipts go above 80% of a comparable quarter in 2019, they no longer qualify after the end of that quarter. These measures are calculated each calendar quarter.

Employers can be immediately reimbursed for the credit by reducing their required deposits of payroll taxes that have been withheld from employees' wages by the amount of the credit.

Eligible employers will report their total qualified wages and the related health insurance costs for each quarter on their quarterly employment tax returns or Form 941 beginning with the second quarter. If the employer's employment tax deposits are not sufficient to cover the credit, the employer may receive an advance payment from the IRS by submitting Form 7200, Advance Payment of Employer Credits Due to COVID-19.

Eligible employers can also request an advance of the Employee Retention Credit by submitting Form 7200.

Updates on the implementation of this credit, Frequently Asked Questions on Tax Credits for Required Paid Leave, and other information can be found on the Coronavirus Tax Relief page.

Payments can be made through the Online Portal.

The toll-free number to pay by phone is 877-849-0088.

Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

City Hall
5024 Broadway Avenue
Haltom City, Texas 76117

Checks or money orders, made payable to Haltom City Utility Billing, should be mailed to:

P.O. Box 14247
Haltom City, Texas 76117

Bank Drafts

Download Bank Drafts Form (PDF).

Credit or Debit Card

Register your account in the online portal, then select "Additional Services" to enter credit/debit card information.

Accepts checks or money orders, made payable to Haltom City Utility Billing, 24 hours a day. Please note your account number or address in the memo/text fields.

Haltom City - City Hall
5024 Broadway Avenue
Haltom City, Texas 76117

Lead is a naturally occurring metal that can be harmful if inhaled or swallowed. It can be found in air, soil, dust, food, and water. (TCEQ, 2023)

The presence of lead in drinking water can come from three sources: lead service lines to a building, lead solder commonly used to join copper or cast iron pipes, or lead pipes, plumbing fittings, and fixtures within a building. Service lines are pipes that connect homes to water mains. Lead does not come from the surface water source that supplies your residence. However, the source water's temperature, pH level, and mineral content can potentially exacerbate lead leaching from pipes, fixtures, and solder into drinking water. (EPA, 2024)

Lead solder was commonly used to join copper pipes until 1988, when regulations limited its use. In older communities, the service lines may be made of lead. Corrosion of these service lines can release lead into the water supply.

The national lead ban was enacted in Texas in 1988, so plumbing installed before 1989 is at risk of containing lead in the lines, solder, or fixtures. You can check the recorded material of your service line by entering your address into our interactive Service Line Material Web Map <link to the web map>. If you think your home’s service line material has been mistakenly classified, please report the issue by calling 817-834-9036 or mailing LCRR@haltomcitytx.com

If your property does not use City water and relies on a well or another local source, the risk of lead contamination still exists. Lead contamination can come from the well components, the pump, and the pipes leading into your home, especially if they are made of or soldered with lead.

Living in an apartment complex does not exempt you from the risk of lead exposure. If the building is older and does not have updated plumbing, lead pipes or solder might be present. Furthermore, the complexity of plumbing systems in large buildings can make it difficult to control water quality.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) mandate regular sampling to test drinking water for lead. Samples are collected from various homes within the community, focusing on those most likely to have higher lead levels. Samples are collected from inside faucets that are most frequently used for consumption, such as kitchen or bathroom sinks. These samples are analyzed in certified laboratories to measure the concentration of lead. Utilities must report these findings to the state and the public. Haltom City’s P90 monitoring results have historically met state and federal safe drinking water levels for lead and have never been detected above 15 ug/L: the action level standard for lead in drinking water. P90 or 90th percentile value means that 90% of the samples taken over the year have lead levels at or below this value. Essentially, it indicates that only 10% of the samples had lead levels higher than this threshold, making it a benchmark for assessing overall water quality.

If the P90 lead concentration exceeds the TCEQ's action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb), the utility must notify the public and take corrective actions to reduce the lead levels (EPA, 2024). For reference, 15 ppb is equivalent to dissolving a drop of dye into a large swimming pool.  Haltom City’s historical P90 results have no readings detected over 15 ppb.

Lead exposure can occur through paint, industrial emissions, soil contaminated by past emissions or leaded gas, and certain imported products or foods.

These inspections are being completed to comply with a new state and federal regulation that requires all drinking water utilities in the United States, including in the state of Texas, to investigate and determine the material of the service lines in their water systems. Not all service lines will be inspected, and an inspection is not required for locations with documentation of service line material.

Inspections will most likely be conducted at the meter box and should not require digging in your yard. If digging is the only alternative to confirm the service line material, the City will promptly notify the resident. No digging will occur on private property without permission from the resident.

No. Crews will be working at the property’s meter box. Crews do not need to interact with residents, nor will they need to enter your home or disrupt water service to your house.

Crews will conduct a visual inspection to confirm the service line's material. Additional tests may be conducted to identify metallic metal plumbing materials further.

A service line is a pipe that conveys water between the water main located under the street into individual homes and buildings. The City owns the water main and service lines from the water main to the meter, and the property owner owns the service lines from the meter into the building, as shown in the figure below.

Lead is regulated in drinking water through the Lead and Copper Rule.  The EPA and the TCEQ released updated standards to protect communities from lead exposure in drinking water. These new standards, the ‘Lead and Copper Rule Revisions’ and ‘Lead and Copper Rule Improvements,’ mandate that all drinking water utilities in the United States, including Texas, must investigate whether lead service lines are present in their water distribution systems and plan for service line replacements. The new rules also update requirements for water sampling and response actions utilities must take if testing shows lead in their water. Please refer to the EPA Lead and Copper Fact Sheet for more information.

While the same rule regulates copper, copper does not carry the same health risk as lead and is not a focus of the new rule. The sole purpose of this new regulation is to protect communities from the risks of lead exposure from drinking water flowing through lead pipes. The City has no record of lead pipes and has performed inspections to verify the service line material for connections built before the federal lead ban.

The City is committed to replacing lead service lines in our water system as part of its Lead Service Line Replacement plan. If crews discover a lead service line, the City will take responsibility for replacing the City-owned portion of the service line from the main to the meter.

No, just because a service line contains lead, this does not mean lead is in the drinking water. The City will conduct water monitoring at locations where lead lines are found and test for lead in the water inside the home. The City currently conducts routine water monitoring for lead, and historical results show that lead levels meet safe drinking water standards.

 Unfortunately, no. The property owner is responsible for the private side of the service line. However, if you inform the Public Works Department at LCRR@haltomcitytx.com in advance that you plan to replace the private side of the service line, the City will prioritize replacing the public side of your service line.

As a first step, you will need to locate your plumbing lines. They can usually be seen at the pipe entering the water heater, attic, basement, or other utility areas where pipes are exposed.  A certified plumber can then help perform an inspection to locate plumbing lines and identify the material. Your service line, which connects your home to the water meter, is buried and will require excavation to expose a portion of the line.

It is the landlord's responsibility to maintain pipes.  If you are concerned about the material of the pipes, you can ask your landlord if they have a plumber verify your line materials.

Filters certified under NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for total lead removal, NSF/ANSI Standard 58 for reverse osmosis, and NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for fine particulates (Class I) effectively reduce lead in drinking water. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and maintenance to ensure the filter's effectiveness. Contact NSF International at 800-NSF-8010 or visit www.nsf.org for information on performance standards for water filters.

It is a common misconception that boiling water can remove lead, but it does not (TCEQ, 2014). Boiling water can increase the lead concentration since it causes some of the water to evaporate while the lead remains. The most effective way to reduce the risk of lead exposure from drinking water is to use a certified water filter to remove lead or to opt for bottled water for drinking and cooking.

• Run your faucet to ensure that the water that comes out is not stagnant.  If it hasn’t been used for several hours, run the water for three to five minutes (or longer if appropriate given construction practices in the communities served, make sure to check local guidelines to reference flushing protocols) to clear the water that has sat stagnant in the line. (To conserve water, consider catching the flushed tap water for plants or other household use, such as mopping floors.) (TCEQ, 2014)
• Always use cold water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula. Never cook with or drink water from the hot water tap, and never use water from the hot water tap to make formula. (TCEQ, 2014)
• Periodically remove and clean the faucet screen/aerator. While the screen/aerator is removed, run the water to eliminate debris. (TCEQ, 2014)
• Identify and replace plumbing fixtures containing lead. Brass faucets, fittings, and valves may leach lead into drinking water. All brass plumbing fixtures purchased before 2014 should be replaced. Products purchased after that date meet lead-free requirements. (TCEQ, 2014)
• Have a licensed electrician check your wiring. Your home electrical system may be attached to your service line or elsewhere in your plumbing. If this connection is electrified, it can accelerate corrosion. Check with a licensed electrician to correct ground faults and evaluate your local electric code to determine if your wiring can be grounded elsewhere. (TCEQ, 2014)
• Consider investing in a home water treatment device or alternative water source. When purchasing a water treatment device, ensure it is certified under NSF/ANSI 53 to remove lead. Search for certified products at NSF International or Water Quality Association.

NSF - https://www.nsf.org/certified-products-systems

Water Quality Association - https://find.wqa.org/find-products#/

• Do not boil water to remove lead. Boiling water will not reduce lead. (TCEQ, 2014)
• Do not attempt to change electrical wiring yourself. Improper bonding or grounding can cause electrical shock and fire hazards. (TCEQ, 2014)

While lead-contaminated water can pose a risk if ingested, it is generally safe for other household uses such as showering, laundry, and irrigation. Lead does not easily penetrate the skin and isn't readily absorbed during typical household activities. However, it's crucial to avoid using contaminated water for preparing baby formula or any other use where it might be ingested, especially by children or pregnant women. It's important to prioritize actions to reduce or eliminate lead from your water supply to ensure overall safety.

Yes, the source water obtained from the City water distribution system is safe to drink. Our Public Water System (PWS) meets all water standards the TCEQ sets. The City’s water source, City of Fort Worth, and the City of Haltom City, have both been rated “Superior” for excellence by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

There is no safe level of lead in drinking water. Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups, especially pregnant women, infants (both formula-fed and breastfed), and young children. Some health effects on infants and children include decreased IQ and decreased attention span.

Lead exposure can also result in new or worsened learning and behavior problems. The children of women who were exposed to lead before or during pregnancy may be at increased risk of these harmful health effects. Adults have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or nervous system problems. Contact your healthcare provider for more information about your risks.

Yes, lead contamination also affects animal health. Follow the same protocol listed above to reduce potential pet lead exposure.

The City developed an inventory of its service lines. Based on this inventory, the City was able to identify lines containing unknown material that could potentially be lead because the homes these lines service were constructed before the lead ban in 1988. Residents with lines of unknown material received letters and will be receiving them annually. If any lead or galvanized service lines are found in our system, the residents will be notified with annual letters as well.

If you want to replace the privately owned portion of the line, you will need to contact a plumber and cover the replacement costs. If the City side of the line also requires replacement, contact the City to coordinate replacement activities.

The City will replace all the publicly owned portions of service lines (water main to the meter) by 2037. While you are not required to replace your service line's private side (from the water meter up to your residence), it is highly recommended. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) emphasize that there is no safe level of lead exposure and advise against partial lead service line replacement. Lead pipes can corrode, releasing lead particles into the water supply. Galvanized pipes that are downstream of any lead pipe can absorb and release lead into the drinking water.

Please Share with Affected Residence

If you received a letter from the City, please share this information with anyone who drinks water served by this service line, especially those who may not have received this report directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this report in a public place or distributing copies by hand, mail, email, or another method.

•  "Unknown Letter" in English (PDF)
•  "Unknown Letter" in Spanish (PDF)
• "Unknown Letter" in Vietnamese (PDF)

The City developed an inventory of both the public and private portions of water service lines throughout the city and is informing customers if they are served by a lead, galvanized requiring replacement, or unknown material. If you did not receive a letter that means your service line is assumed to be non-lead by all available records.

To check the material of your service line, please download this Excel file. The city is also developing an interactive service line material map, which will be available by November 2024.