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City Secretary's Office

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1. May I get copies of a Birth and/or Death Certificate at City Hall?

No. Vital Statistics must be obtained through the Tarrant County Clerk's Office located at 100 E. Weatherford in Fort Worth. Please call 817.884.1111 for more information. Vital Records

2. How do I get registered to vote?

You can get a voter registration application from City Hall and from the Watauga Public Library, which is located at 7109 Whitley Rd. Once the information is completed, send the application to the Registrar of Voters at:
100 W. Weatherford St.
Room B-90
Fort Worth, TX 76161-9817

Tarrant County Voter Registration

3. I have moved. How do I change my voter's registration?

If you are a registered voter in Tarrant County and you have moved to another address within the county, you can change your voter's registration by completing the information on the back of your voter's registration card and mailing it to:
Registrar of Voters
100 W. Weatherford St.
Room B-90
Fort Worth, Texas 76161-9817 Tarrant County Voter Registration

4. How can I speak to the City Council Members?

You can contact the City Secretary’s Office to request contact from the City Council. If you would like to address the City Council during a City Council Meeting, you must submit a Request to Speak Form to the City Secretary prior to or at the City Council Meeting. You may speak during the Citizen's Open Forum at the next Council Meeting. Speakers are limited to three (3) minutes.

City Council Members - Contact Information

5. How can I file a liability claim?

Contact the City Secretary at 817.514.5825. Claim forms are available online for printing or you may fill out the online form and submit electronically.
City Claims

6. Where can I get information about city elections?

The city secretary is the elections administrator for city elections. Her office is located at:
City Hall
7105 Whitley Rd.
Watauga, TX 76105

She can also be reached by phone at 817.514.5825. Election information can also be obtained online at the following webpage. Elections

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FAQ's for fire inspections

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1. 1. Why should I have an annual evaluation?

The Watauga Fire Code requires that every business receive a fire inspection at least annually. These inspections greatly reduce the occurence of injury and fire in your business.

2. 2. What are the most common issues noted by the Fire Inspector?

Portable fire extinguishers that need to be annually inspected by a state-licensed company

Non-operational emergency lighting and exit signs. In most cases a battery or light bulb needs to be replaced. These can be purchased at most home improvement stores.

Extension cords are used instead of UL-listed surge protectors.

Boxes and other combustibles are stored up to the ceiling or in front of exit doors.

Exit door is locked or obstructed during business hours.

Address and suite number are not displayed on the entry and rear door.

Combustible materials, boxes, and other similar items are stored in the mechanical/ electrical room or in front of the electrical panel. 

3. 3. What can I do to prevent fires in my business?

Read through these FAQ's for preventative measures you can take to keep your business fire safe.

4. 4. How does the Watauga Fire Department help?

This page is designed to educate you and save you time. The Watauga Fire Department can answer any questions you might have, or if you would like a trained and skilled Inspector to come to your business, just ask! You can call (817) 514-5880 for assistance.

5. 5. What are some good house-keeping tips on how to prevent fires at my business?

Remove trash to a covered dumpster away from the building every day.

Keep hallways, corridors, and aisles clear of storage and clutter.

Keep exit doors clear and free of clutter.

Ensure that exit signs are illuminated.

Remember to turn off small appliances.

Do not use electrical extension cords for permanent operations. For heavy duty equipment contact an electrician. A store bought circuit breaker strip plug can be used for minor electrical equipment.

Keep all storage 24 inches from ceiling, 18 inches from sprinkler heads.

Prohibit smoking in your building. 

Store combustibles more than 36 inches away from the electrical box.

Store combustibles more than 36 inches from heat producing appliances.

Keep outside brush, weeds, and other combustibles away from the building.

Dispense flammable and combustible liquids in a properly ventilated area using safety cans or original containers.

Assign someone to check these things daily and create a maintenance log.

6. 7. How can I contact the Fire Marshal?

Call us at (817) 514-5880 or e-mail bhatfield@wataugatx.org

7. 8. How can I be more prepared for any fire that might happen at my business?

Post your building"s evacuation plan.

Know at least two ways out of your work area.

Conduct regular fire drills.

Know where the fire extinguishers are and how to use them.

In case of fire, always use the stairs to exit, never use an elevator.

Keep exits clear.

Keep hallways, stairs and exits clear of trash, cleaning supplies, and other storage.

Report locked or blocked fire exits to building owner and the Fire Department.

Watauga Fire Department offers classes on Fire Safety in the Workplace and Fire Extinguisher training. Please call (817)514-5880 or go to the department website.

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Finance

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1. What holidays affect my garbage collection days?

The only two holidays affecting trash and recycling collection are Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. If your service is on these days, service will be on the day following the holiday and all service days following the holiday (for that week only) will move to the next day.

2. Can minors appear in court without a parent?

Persons 16 and under must appear before the judge with a parent or guardian for any Class "C" misdemeanor. Any parent or guardian who fails to appear in court with their child may be issued a citation for failure to appear.

3. How do I get on the city's list of bidders?

Register as an interested vendor on our website by filling out the online Subscribe to Bidders List Form. You can also send the information to:
Deby Woodard
Purchasing Agent
7105 Whitley Rd.
Watauga, Texas 76148
Fax: 817.281.1991

The city uses DemandStar for bids.

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Fire / EMS

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1. Can I burn trash or tree limbs on my property?

No. The International Fire Code 2018 edition prohibits any open burning within the city limits other than for special ceremonies or cooking.

2. Which current fire code is used by the City of Watauga?

The 2018 edition of the International Fire Code is currently used. The city also has adopted a select number of amendments suggested by the North Central Texas Council of Governments.

3. Can I request a tour of the fire station?

As part of its fire education/prevention efforts, the fire department welcomes groups or individuals to tour the fire station. The average duration of a station tour is 30 minutes. You may schedule a tour by contacting Battalion Chief Randy Barkley at 817.514.5791.

4. I called for an ambulance; why did the fire truck respond?

In the City of Watauga, the ambulances are part of the fire department. All fire engines are equipped with much of the same lifesaving equipment that you would find on the ambulance; the firefighters are trained to deliver emergency medical care prior to the arrival of the ambulance, as all of our emergency response personnel are dual certified as paramedics and certified firefighters. Many times the engines arrive minutes before the ambulance.

5. How can I get a burning permit?

The International Fire Code 2018 prohibits any open burning of brush, trash or debris within the City of Watauga.

6. I’d like to become a Watauga firefighter; what do I need to do?

Minimum Requirements:

• Certified or certifiable Firefighter/Paramedic OR
• Currently have a Texas Paramedic License / Certificate issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
• Education requirement minimum is High School diploma or GED
• Age 18 -39 (Civil Service Requirements)

If you meet the above requirements, the City of Watauga will announce a testing date to conduct a general aptitude written examination for entry-level firefighter, followed by a physical agility test.

The physical agility test elements will include:

• Ladder climb
• Kaiser sled
• Hose drag
• Equipment carry
• Dummy drag

7. What number should I call if I need the fire department?

For any emergency, you should dial 9-1-1. This will connect you with the Communications/Dispatch Center located in North Richland Hills. The Center will determine the proper agency and type of equipment that needs to respond to your situation. Be prepared to answer the call taker’s questions about your location and what type of problem you’re having.

8. Who takes care of fire hydrants?

Fire hydrants are installed and maintained by the Public Works Department. The City water utility directly charges customers for Public Fire Protection to pay for the production, storage, transmission, sale and delivery of water for public fire protection purposes.

9. Why do the firefighters take the fire trucks to the grocery store?

The firefighters are working 48 hour shifts, beginning at 7a.m. each day. They are required to purchase their own meals and typically pool their money for the day’s meals. The units and personnel are always available to respond when they are at the grocery store.

10. Why does the fire department inspect buildings?

The fire department inspects buildings to ensure they remain free from hazards that may endanger the occupants. The inspections are required by Texas Statutes and Fire Codes. Most buildings are inspected once per year. The inspections are performed by the Fire Marshal and firefighters working in the fire stations, who have special training in building construction, fire detection and alarm systems and fire suppression systems.

11. When I call for an emergency, why do I have an ambulance or fire truck from another City?

During the course of a day it is not unusual for two or three emergencies to occur at the same time. If our ambulances or fire trucks are busy, we will dispatch a unit from another city. This mutual-aid works both ways; therefore our ambulances and fire trucks are commonly dispatched to neighboring municipalities as well.

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Human Resources, Civil Service & PIO

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1. How do I apply for employment?

View information on employment on the following webpage. Employment

2. Who do I contact for employment verification?

Contact Human Resources at 817.514.5826 or 817.514.5819.

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Library

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1. Hours of Operation

Library hours of operation:

    Monday & Thursday:  12:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

    Saturday:   12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

    Sunday:  Closed 

Curbside services will continue to be available until 30 minutes before closing.  Curbside services include requested item pick-up, mobile print, faxing, and copying.  

Call 817-514-5865 if you need assistance with research or placing items on hold.  Please call 817-514-5864 for curbside pick-up.  

2. How much does a library card cost?

Library cards are free to all Watauga residents. Proof of residence is needed when registering. Watauga Public Library has reciprocal agreements with North Richland Hills, Bedford, and Hurst. Cards will be issued to the residents of these cities at no charge, and residents of Watauga may receive a card from these libraries at no charge. Library cards issued from the MetroShare libraries in Benbrook, Burleson, Decatur, Forest Hill, Haltom City, Haslet, Keller, Richland Hills, Roanoke, and Saginaw to their residents may be used at the Watauga Public Library. All other non-residents may obtain a card for an annual fee.

3. How old does my child have to be to get a library card?

We must have a parent's signature for all children under 18, so it is up to the parents to decide at what age their child may get a card.

4. How many books/DVDs may I check out?

There is a limit of 15 DVDs per card. There are no limits on books except 3 per subject. On first use of a card, three items may be checked out.

5. Does the Library have eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines?

Yes. eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eComics/eGraphic Novels are available through OverDrive via North Texas Libraries-On-the-Go and are easy to access via the Libby app.  You will need a Watauga Library card to access these services. Click the Online Databases link on the Library main page to access these resources.

6. Can I renew my books?

Each item may be renewed two (2) times.  We offer an auto-renewal service for any items that do not have requests or if your account has no fees of $5.00 or more. Materials may also be renewed by phone at 817.514.5864 during library hours or through your on-line library account.  

7. Can I place a hold on a book?

Yes, residents of Watauga may request any title listed in the shared online catalog (Benbrook, Burleson, Decatur, Forest Hill, Haltom, Haslet, Keller, Richland Hills, Roanoke, Saginaw, and Watauga). Non-resident reciprocals are limited to Watauga Library materials only. Requests can also be placed by a staff member at the Checkout, Reference, or Youth desk.  Patrons can place their own requests through our online catalog.

8. Do you have a fax machine?

Yes, the Library has a self service kiosk or a library checkout staff will fax to any domestic fax numbers for patrons. The charge is $1.00 per page.

9. When is Story time? Do you have any programs for toddlers?

Watauga Public Library offers two types of preschool programming: Toddler Time for children ages 18 to 36 months and Story time for children ages 3 to 6. Both of these programs are regularly held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:00 am and 11:00 am respectively. Our goal is to provide children with an enjoyable library experience based upon books. We supplement our programs with stories, songs, finger plays, felt board displays and puppet shows.

10. Watauga Public Library is a Family Place Library. What does that mean?

Expanding the traditional role of children's services, a Family Place Library builds on the knowledge that good health, early learning, parental involvement, and supportive communities play a critical role in young children's growth and development.

11. What do you have for children during the summer?

A summer reading club for all ages (0 to adult) is available, with incentives for reading during June, July and August and activities are planned for families and children ages 5 to 14.

12. Do you have any books on phonics?

Yes. We have an entire "Easy Reader" section that is designed to help young children learn to read. These books are located on the back low row of shelving as you enter the children's department and each book has an orange "Easy Reader" sticker used as an indicator.

13. Can newspapers and magazines be checked out?

Newspapers do not check out. We do check out most adult magazines and all children's and teen magazines (except the current issue) for three weeks.  eMagazines are available via OverDrive and the Libby app.  

14. Do you have resources to help children learn foreign languages?

Yes. We have books, CDs, DVDs, kits, and the on-line database Pronunciator. Our coverage extends to Spanish (both South American and Castilian), French, German and Italian. Additionally, we have resources to help Spanish-speaking youngsters learn English. Please call the Youth Desk 817-514-5866 with any questions.

15. Do you offer tutoring?

The Brainfuse online service offers live tutoring, job coaching and an Adult Learning Center Monday-Sunday from 2:00 pm - 11:00 pm. The Library also has its own adult English as a Second Language tutoring program. Call 817-514-5865 for more information. 

16. Do you have Internet available for the public?

Yes, the Internet is available to the public with a Watauga or MetroShare (Benbrook, Burleson, Decatur, Forest Hill, Haltom City, Haslet, Keller, Richland Hills, Roanoke, and Saginaw) library card. A network printer is available at 15 cents per page for black/white copies or 35 cents per page for color copies. We also have a mobile print service by either downloading the free app EFI PrintMe Service, uploading your file to printme.com, or emailing your file as an attachment to print@printme.com.

17. Do you offer GED classes?

The Library offers a GED class during the school year, in association with the Fort Worth Independent School District. There are no GED classes in the summer. For information and to register, call 817-402-7555. GED instruction is also available online through the Learning Express Library database. A Watauga Public Library card is required to access this database. Please call 817.514.5865 to ask for the password to access Learning Express via the TexShare Databases. 

18. Do you offer ESL classes?

The Library offers ESL classes during the school year, in association with the Fort Worth Independent School District. There are no ESL classes in the summer. For information and to register, call 817-402-7555 . All classes are free.

19. Do you have Microsoft Office installed on the computers?

Yes, we have Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher). Public computers DO NOT save work. You may bring your own flash drive to save your documents, or you may purchase one at the library. A networked printer is available. Printouts are 15 cents per page for black/white or 35 cents per page for color.

20. Do you offer Computer Classes?

Goodwill offers classes on Microsoft Word products approximately every other month. Call 817-514-5865 to learn about future classes. 

You can always ask one of the librarians for one-on-one help.

21. Do you have back issues of the Fort Worth Star Telegram?

We keep paper copies of the Star Telegram for one month.

22. Am I able to access the library's catalog from my home?

Yes, if you have internet access at your home you may access the online catalog at  https://catalog.wataugatx.org/ or from the library's main webpage.

23. How can I find out if the library has a certain book?

You can search the catalog online from your home or call the Reference Desk at 817.514.5865 and the librarian will be happy to search for you. Hours are Mondays and Thursdays, 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Saturdays, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm and Sundays closed.

24. Does the library need volunteers?

We are not currently offering volunteer positions for adults at this time.

25. Can the library help me with my community service hours?

The Library may accept teens who need to work community service hours for a variety of reasons including honor society requirements. All volunteer opportunities are contingent upon staff schedules. Potential volunteers may be turned away if all volunteer positions are full. In most cases volunteers work one 2-hour shift per week. Please call 817.514.5866 for more information.

26. Can youth volunteer at the library?

Yes, the Youth Department needs junior volunteers, age 13 and older, to assist with a number of tasks, especially during the summer reading program. Call 817.514.5866 to volunteer.

27. Does the Library have English as a second language (ESL) material for adults?

In addition to the popular Pronunciator online and ESL classes, the Library has Ingles sin Barreras and a number of books, compact discs and DVDs to help you learn English and prepare for citizenship. Ask at the Reference Desk, 817-514-5865 for more information about classes or resources.

28. Does the Library have a meeting room I can rent?

When the meeting room is not scheduled for Library or City of Watauga related activities, it may be made available to Watauga community groups or organizations that are under non-profit and non-sectarian sponsorship, as well as community groups and organizations in surrounding cities. It is not intended for regular meeting of community organizations. It may be reserved a maximum of two times per year. The meeting room rents for $30/hr plus a $50 deposit fee. Please call the Reference Desk 817-514-5865.

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Municipal Court

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1. When is my court date?

Currently, all court dates are by appointment only. Please contact the court by the answer date on the front of your citation to find out how to schedule your initial appearance, or you can request a court date using our online request form: https://www.cowtx.org/FormCenter/Court-29/Court-Hearing-Request-Form-for-violation-174.

2. Can I request to take a driver safety course?

To request a driver safety course, you cannot have completed a driver safety course within the past 12 months or possess a Commercial Driver's License. You may make your request by mail or by personally appearing in the Court Office prior to your court date. If you wish to mail in your request, please call 817.514.5715 for specific mailing instructions.

3. Am I eligible for Deferred Disposition?

To be eligible for Deferred Disposition, you cannot have received Deferred Disposition or taken a Driver Safety Course in the past twelve months. If under age 25, you must appear on your court date to request Deferred Disposition from the Municipal Court Judge. Persons with a Commercial Driver's License are not eligible for Deferred Disposition. If you qualify, you may make your request on our website, mail or by personally appearing in the Municipal Court Office prior to your court date. Please contact the court office to see if you qualify and/or for specific mailing instructions at 817.514.5715

Deferred Disposition Request form

4. Can minors appear in court without a parent?

Persons 16 and under must appear before the Judge with a parent or guardian for any Class "C" Misdemeanor. Any parent or guardian who fails to appear in court with their child may be issued a citation for failure to appear.

5. What would happen if I failed to appear on my court date?

If you fail to appear on your scheduled court date, an additional charge of failure to appear can be added and a warrant issued for your arrest.

6. What is the Dress Code?

What should I wear?
The court setting is formal and business or business casual clothing is appropriate.
• No hat, caps, bandanas, etc. (excluding religious headwear)
• No tube tops, tank tops, halters, midriffs, muscle shirts, or short shorts. No flip flops are allowed.
• Any item of clothing that displays offensive, vulgar, racist, sexist, gang related, obscene language and/or graphics
• Clothing must cover all undergarments.
• No provocative/revealing clothing that may disrupt/distract court proceedings.
• The Court reserves the right to refuse to hear any case from those who fail to abide by the dress code.
All cell phones and pagers must be turned OFF while court is in session.

7. What if I can't pay for my citation?

If you are unable to pay the amount owed, without undue hardship to yourself or your dependent(s), you may request a hearing before the Judge to consider your ability to pay and discuss any 

non-monetary compliance options available to you. Please contact the court for more information.

8. Can I get my ticket dismissed?

Some citations may be dismissed if taken care of by your original court date. Too see all eligible compliance dismissals, click here.

If you received a citation for Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility and you had insurance coverage on the date and time the citation was issued you may email your proof to the court. It is your responsibility to follow up with the court to make sure that the proof was received and that the court was able to verify your proof and failure to follow up may result in a warrant for your arrest. 

9. How do I contest my citation?

If you believe you are not guilty or that your citation was given in error, you may contest your citation. You will need to request a court date either in person at the court window or by submitting the online court hearing request form.

10. How do I turn in my driver safety course documents?

You can submit your driver safety course completion certificate and driver's record to the court via fax, mail, email, or in person at the court window.

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Parks & Community Services

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1. What are the membership fees for the Community Center?

Hector F. Garcia Community Center membership fees:

Residents:

• Adult (Ages 18-59 ) - $60
• Youth (Ages 17 and under) - $25
• Family (2 adults/2 youth) $140 - $20 each additional youth
• Senior Citizen (Ages 60 and up) - $30
• Senior Center (Ages 60 and up) - $15

Non Residents:

• Adult (Ages 18-59) - $125
• Youth (Ages 17 and under) - $60
• Senior Citizens (Ages 60 and up) - $65
• Family (2 adults/2 youth) $280- $20 each additional youth
• Senior Center (Ages 60 and up) $15

Memberships are annual. (one full year from the date of enrollment.)

2. What are the hours of operation at the Recreation Center?

The hours of operation at the Recreation Center are:

• Monday - Thursday: 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Friday: 6:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday: Closed

3. Where is the Recreation Center located?

7901 Indian Springs Rd. Watauga, Texas 76148

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Police

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1. Is it legal for a person to go through the trash receptacles of others?

Trash that is placed at the curb for pick-up is considered abandoned property and therefore a reasonable expectation of privacy would not exist.  However, entering or removing trash from a dumpster that is located on private property against a building, house or in an area marked with a “no trespassing” sign could result in a citation for trespassing. If any behaviors are a concern, a person may contact the police department at 817.514.5897.

2. Can I operate my ATV or electric bicycle on the sidewalk?

It is unlawful for any person to ride any motor vehicle on any public sidewalk in the City of Watauga. See Code of Ordinances Section 40-3.

The City of Watauga does not have an ordinance nor is there a state law preventing the operation of an “electric bicycle” on a sidewalk. An electric bicycle is defined in Texas Transportation Code Sec. 541.201

3. How do I know which side of the street to park on?

An operator who stops or parks on a two-way roadway shall do so with the right-hand wheels of the vehicle parallel to and within 18 inches of the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway. See Texas Transportation Code Sec. 545.302.

4. How can I get a copy of an accident report?

Contact the Records Division of the Watauga Police Department at 817.514.5870, located at 7101 Whitley Rd., Watauga, Texas 76148 or the Texas Department of Transportation at the link below.

• Texas Department of Transportation

5. What is the City’s police recruitment procedure?

Individuals who wish to pursue a career as a Watauga Police Officer can visit the city website; review the requirements and register to be notified of our next entrance exam.   

• Requirements

6. What are the legal parking distances from crosswalks, driveways, fire hydrants and other vehicles?

An operator may not stop, except momentarily to pick up or discharge a passenger, stand, or park an occupied or unoccupied vehicle: in front of a public or private driveway; within 15 feet of a fire hydrant; within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection; within 30 feet on the approach to a flashing signal, stop sign, yield sign, or traffic-control signal located at the side of a roadway. See Texas Transportation Code Sec. 545.302.

7. Does a crosswalk have to be marked?

Not necessarily, “Crosswalk” means: the portion of a roadway, including an intersection, designated as a pedestrian crossing by surface markings, including lines; or the portion of a roadway at an intersection that is within the connections of the lateral lines of the sidewalks on opposite sides of the highway measured from the curbs or, in the absence of curbs, from the edges of the traversable roadway. See Texas Transportation Code Sec. 541.302.

8. What can I do if my vehicle breaks down on the street and is unable to be moved?

You must take all reasonable measures to have your vehicle towed off of the street and get it repaired. You may contact the Watauga Police Department to assist you if your vehicle is causing a hazard to other vehicle operators.  Call 817.514.5897 for non-emergency or 911 if you need emergency assistance.  

9. Can I park on my own lawn?

No. All parking must be on an approved parking surface. See Code of Ordinances Section 40-262.

10. Where can I find the concealed and open carry laws and signs to post at my establishment?

Laws regarding concealed and open carry can be found the Texas Penal Code Sec. 46.02.  Signs that meet the required language and size can be purchased on numerous retail websites. Texas Penal Code 30.06 and 30.07 provide detailed information pertaining to sign-age.

11. I have a neighbor who is regularly causing a considerable amount of noise. What can I do?

The City of Watauga has a noise ordinance found in Chapter 26 of the Code of Ordinances that prohibits noises considered unreasonable, loud or disturbing.

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Public Works

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1. Do I need a permit to put up a fence?

A fence permit is required if you are putting up a new fence, changing from one kind of fence to another (wood to chain link, etc.) or if you are changing the location of the fence. 

2. Do I need a garage sale permit and how much do they cost?

A permit is required for a garage sale. A garage sale permit can be acquired at the Watauga Police Department. Permits should be purchased at least 12 hours in advance of the sale and cost $5.00.

Garage Sale Application

3. Do I need a permit to put up a storage shed and what are the restrictions?

A permit is required to put up a storage shed. Sheds must be smaller than 200 square feet or they must be bricked. They must be five feet from each property line (fence) and at least 10 feet from the house if being placed on a cement slab, 15 feet if it is not. They may be no taller than 12 feet. A drawing must accompany the permit with a location of where the shed will be placed in the yard. Permit costs are based on the cost of the construction of the shed.