Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more.   

Home page
Search

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.

City Secretary

3

  • The Code of Ordinances are online. Look under the "Services" menu on our website. Copies of City Ordinances are available from the City Secretary's Office in City Hall.
    City Secretary

  • Agendas are posted in City Hall and on the City website 72 hours before all meetings.
    City Secretary

  • Open records requests must be made in writing by sending a letter to the attention of the City Secretary to City Hall (1725 Wilbarger Street, Vernon, TX 76384, by email, or by fax at (940) 552-0569.
    City Secretary

Community Development

3

  • Building, demolition, sign, HVAC, electric, and plumbing permits may be obtained at City Hall located south of the Wilbarger County Courthouse at 1725 Wilbarger Street.
    Community Development

  • Code enforcement complaints are received, documented, and inspected by the City Code Enforcement Officer. Complaints may be reported to City Hall at (940) 552-2581.
    Community Development

  •  Please contact the Community Development Department at (940) 552-2581 for more information.

    Community Development

Building Services

3

  • The City of Vernon requires that a permit be issued for all new construction, some remodeling projects, roofing, plumbing, electrical work, and placement of signs, carports, and fences. Accessory structures less than 120 square feet do not require a permit but must not be located in a front yard or street right of way and must not restrict visibility.
    Building Services

  • You will need to come to City Hall at 1725 Wilbarger Street to obtain a permit.
    Building Services

  • Yes, you need a permit to replace your fence, although minor repairs do not require one.
    Building Services

Code Compliance

3

  • One courtesy letter is sent per calendar year per property. If the issue is not resolved within the stated time frame, citations may be issued without further notice. If, after notification, the City mows the property, the property owner will be billed. If the bill is not paid a lien will be filed against the property at the Wilbarger County Clerk’s Office.
    Code Compliance

  • Yes. A property owner is responsible for any violations that may exist on their property.
    Code Compliance

  • Yes. Each property owner is responsible for keeping the alley cleaned and mowed to the midpoint of the alley.
    Code Compliance

Planning and Zoning

3

  • Pre-HUD manufactured homes (all manufactured homes built before June 15, 1976) are prohibited in the City of Vernon. HUD code-approved manufactured homes are allowed in any lawfully operated mobile home park. A manufactured home may also be located as a fixed dwelling unit in zoning district R-G and with a special use permit in R-2. A manufactured home must be skirted and properly tied down. A permit is required.
    Planning and Zoning

  • Some businesses can be operated out of one’s home as long as they comply with the City’s home occupation regulations. Please refer to the

    Planning and Zoning

  • Please refer to our Zoning Ordinance or visit City Hall where our official zoning map is located. It is usually a good idea to call or come by our office before you make a large real estate purchase or commitment.

    Planning and Zoning

Fire Department / EMS

3

  • In the case of a life-threatening emergency, we will dispatch a fire truck along with an EMS unit to provide extra assistance since all of our personnel are trained to provide at least Basic Life Support.
    Fire Department / EMS

  • Normally citizens are allowed to burn small piles of leaves or small limbs as long as the fire is out by sunset and the resident obtains a burn permit by calling the Fire Department. See the Fire Marshal's page on how to obtain a burn permit.
    Fire Department / EMS

  • Our average response time within the city limits is four minutes.
    Fire Department / EMS

Municipal Court

3

  • Read and follow the instructions on the white officer handout or contact the Municipal Court at (940) 552-2058.
    Municipal Court

  • Appearances can be made in person or in writing. If contesting, appearance must be made in person.
    Municipal Court

  • Vehicle registration is handled by the Wilbarger County Tax Office at (940) 552-9341. It is located at 1700 Wilbarger Street, Room #17.
    Municipal Court

Police Department

11

  • Please call (940) 552-2058 and ask to speak to the Municipal Judge and request information on how to handle your speeding violation.
    Police Department

  • You will need the date of the accident, the specific address of the accident, highway or street, where the accident occurred, and the name of any person(s) involved. There is a fee of $6 for accident reports and they must be paid for when you pick up the report. You may contact the Records Clerk at (940) 553-3311 for information, if needed.
    Police Department

  • Much of this information can be taken over the phone by calling the Police Department at (940) 553-3311 and speaking to an officer, or by coming to the police department in person. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may use the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (940) 552-5011.
    Police Department

  • The mailing address is: 1306 Main St., Vernon TX 76384
    Police Department

  • Yes, $6.00 for accident reports and $2.00 for offense reports. ALL fees must be paid in advance.
    Police Department

  • All information about people in the Wilbarger County Jail can be obtained by calling (940) 553-1351.
    Police Department

  • Permits can be obtained at City Hall. The address is 1725 Wilbarger St. Vernon TX 76384 and the phone number is (940) 552-2581.
    Police Department

  • No.
    Police Department

  • You can contact the Vernon Police Department at (940) 553-3311 and speak to someone in Administration: Chief or Lieutenant.
    Police Department

  • You will need to contact the communication/dispatch department at (940) 553-3311. They will need the license plate information in order to direct you to the correct wrecker service.
    Police Department

  • No, you will have to contact a locksmith, a wrecker service, or an auto dealership.
    Police Department

Public Works Division

7

  • See the link: Water Quality Report under "Quick Links" at the bottom of the page.

    Public Works Division


  • You may call the Public Works Department at (940) 552-9961 or email pwclerk@vernontx.gov and report the outage. 

    Or report it at the following link: https://www.aeptexas.com/outages/report/StreetlightProblem.aspx

    Public Works Division

  • You may call either Public Works at (940) 552-9961 or City Hall at (940) 552-2581, or after hours and weekends you may call the Vernon Police Department at (940) 553-3311 (please do not dial 9-1-1).
    Public Works Division

  • We are currently under Stage 1 Drought Contingency restrictions. Please use the following link to the Proposed City of Vernon Drought Contingency Plan 2019. Restrictions for Stage 1 can be found on page 9.

    Public Works Division

  • You should contact Waste Connections at 877-592-5030 and request bulky item pick up.
    Public Works Division

  • Contact David Templeton at 940-552-9961 ext. 5
    Public Works Division

  • You would want to notify Waste Connections at 877-592-5030
    Public Works Division

Water Department

3

  • If you go to drinking water qaulity report it will have the information you are needing.
    Water Department

  • Monday – Friday you may call (940) 552-9961 ext. 3, or call City Hall at (940) 552-2581. If after hours or weekends and holiday call the Police Department at (940) 553-3311 (do not dial 9-1-1), and report it to the dispatcher who will contact the on-call water department employee to respond.
    Water Department

  • Monday – Friday you may call (940) 552-9961 ext. 3, or call City Hall at (940) 552-2581. If after hours or weekends and holiday call the Police Department at (940) 553-3311 (do not dial 9-1-1), and report it to the dispatcher who will contact the on-call water department employee to respond.
    Water Department

Main City FAQs

5

  • We are currently under Stage 1 Drought Contingency restrictions. Please use the following link to the Proposed City of Vernon Drought Contingency Plan 2024. Restrictions for Stage 1 can be found on page 10.

    Powered by Froala Editor

    Main City FAQs

  • All government information is presumed to be available to the public. All requests for public information should be submitted in writing to City Secretary at City Hall, or by email. More detailed information and forms can be found on the City Secretary Public Information Requests page of our website.
    Main City FAQs

  • The City of Vernon Code of Ordinances can be accessed online under Services on our website. Copies can also be obtained from the CIty Secretary office at City Hall.
    Main City FAQs

  • Building, demolition, sign, HVAC, electric, and plumbing permits may be obtained at City Hall located south of the Wilbarger County Courthouse at 1725 Wilbarger Street.
    Main City FAQs

  • You may call the Public Works Department at (940) 552-9961 or email pwclerk@vernontx.gov and report the outage. 

    Or report it at the following link: https://www.aeptexas.com/outages/report/StreetlightProblem.aspx

    Main City FAQs

Board of Adjustment

3

  • A $100 fee is collected to apply to the Board of Adjustment.
    Board of Adjustment

  • The Board of Adjustment cannot and will not grant variances for construction in the right-of-way.
    Board of Adjustment

  • Any party or individual disagreeing with the decision of the Board of Adjustment may appeal such decision to the State District Court by filing a petition that sets forth why the decision is illegal, in whole or part, and specifying the grounds of the illegality. The City Commission cannot and will not hear appeals from the Board of Adjustment.
    Board of Adjustment

Planning & Zoning Commission

3

  • A $100 fee is collected to apply for a zoning change request.
    Planning & Zoning Commission

  • Regulations within the City of Vernon Zoning Ordinance dictate the placement of front yard carports. Please refer to the Carport Handout.
    Planning & Zoning Commission

  • Any party or individual disagreeing with the decision of the Planning & Zoning Commission may appeal such decision to the City Commission.
    Planning & Zoning Commission

Animal Control

6

  • All animals that are picked up at large are taken to the Wilbarger Humane Society located at 2801 Sullivan Street, Vernon TX 76384. Their phone number is (940) 552-5373. All animals are held for three working days without a tag, and five working days with a tag, after which, they are either adopted or humanely euthanized, depending on health and temperament.
    Animal Control

  • You can file a complaint with the Municipal Court. Note: You will be required to testify against your neighbor, should this matter come before the courts. Please call (940) 553-3311 for more information.
    Animal Control

  • Call the police department at (940) 553-3311 and ask to speak to the Animal Control Officer and make a complaint.
    Animal Control

  • Call the police department at (940) 553-3311 and ask to speak to the Animal Control Officer.
    Animal Control

  • Call the police department at (940) 553-3311 and ask to speak to the Animal Control Officer, or see Section 8-76 of the Code of Ordinances.
    Animal Control

  • All animals must have a valid rabies vaccination and can only be obtained through a licensed veterinarian.
    Animal Control

Criminal Investigations

5

  • Make a police report immediately, and then call your bank and your credit card companies right away.
    Criminal Investigations

  • The case must first be reviewed by a Sergeant to be assigned, please wait a few days to call. If you have additional information you can make a supplemental report with an officer.
    Criminal Investigations

  • The forgery affidavits must be notarized and should be delivered to the merchants to whom the checks were passed.
    Criminal Investigations

  • Every case is different, some require weeks of statements from witnesses, processing of evidence, and just the back log of cases sometimes increases the time it takes to get the case to the Grand Jury. Once the investigation is concluded the prosecution schedule is determined by the District Attorney's Office.
    Criminal Investigations

  • If you made a police report of the burglary when it happened, and you can identify your property, call the Vernon Police Department at (940) 553-3311 and ask to speak to an officer.
    Criminal Investigations

Crime Prevention

2

  • Call the Police Department at 553-3311 and speak to an officer or call Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (940)552-5011.
    Crime Prevention

  • Contact the Police Department at (940)553-3311 to file a police report.
    Crime Prevention

Emergency Management

3

  • We sound the Outdoor Warning System Sirens weather permitting on the first Wednesday of each month.
    Emergency Management

  • The Outdoor Warning System is designed to warn people who are outside to take cover due to hazardous weather conditions. The Outdoor Warning System is not designed to warn people inside homes or businesses. The best warning system for inside your home is a NOAA Weather Radio. These can be purchased for a minimal cost.
    Emergency Management

  • Yes. Public storm shelters can be found in the basement of the Wilbarger County Courthouse, Shive Elementary School, and McCord Elementary School.
    Emergency Management

Police Communications

1

  • If inside the Vernon city limits call (940) 553-3311 for Non-Emergency Situations or 9-1-1 for all Emergencies (ex. Ambulance, Fire or Police). If incident occurs outside city limits please call the Sheriff’s Department at (940) 552-6205 between the hours of 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday thru Friday, or 9-1-1 anytime.
    Police Communications

Police Community Service

5

  • You may call during regular office hours and schedule an appointment, but your problem could probably be handled promptly by a patrol supervisor.
    Police Community Service

  • You may call the police department at (940) 553-3311 and leave a message for the Chief of Police regarding the Professional Conduct of an Officer.
    Police Community Service

  • The Chief will speak to citizens about their concerns, but he does not do investigations. All investigations are done by Police Officers and/or Criminal Investigation Department.
    Police Community Service

  • The Chief of Police is in charge of releasing information to the media and/or the public. If the Chief is not available the Lieutenant will be the Designee.
    Police Community Service

  • You may speak to any on-duty supervisor. The Chief is notified of all complaints after they are filed.
    Police Community Service

Police Organized Crime Unit

3

  • If you wish to remain anonymous, you may use the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (940) 552-5011.
    Police Organized Crime Unit

  • Call the Police Department at (940) 553-3311 and officers will respond.
    Police Organized Crime Unit

  • Dates, times, when traffic is the heaviest, vehicle tag numbers, car descriptions, street addresses and names or descriptions of people involved.
    Police Organized Crime Unit

Police Patrol

3

  • The best method is to simply call the Vernon Police Department first at (940) 553-3311 and ask to speak to an officer. If you are unable to call you can come to the police department and report in person.
    Police Patrol

  • State Law requires all accidents on public property be reported as soon as possible.
    Police Patrol

  • Texas state law requires that you move your vehicle out of the traffic lane if you can do so safely.
    Police Patrol

Police Property Impound

1

  • You will need proof of ownership, insurance and identification to get car out of impound. If involved in a crime call the police department at (940) 553-3311 and ask to speak to the Evidence Tech. If for any other reason your vehicle was impounded contact Goodrum’s Wrecker Service at (940) 552-2842.
    Police Property Impound

Police Public Information

1

  • A copy of your report can be obtained and purchased by contacting the Records Clerk at (940) 553-3311.
    Police Public Information

Police Records

2

  • Contact the Wilbarger County Jail at (940) 553-1351.
    Police Records

  • We ask that you please call ahead because it helps us and you will not have to wait for us to find your report. A copy of your report can be picked up from the Records Clerk.
    Police Records

Police Sections

3

  • You can call Crime Stoppers at (940) 552-5011 and you never have to give your name.
    Police Sections

  • You can contact the Vernon Police Department at (940) 553-3311 and we will give you information regarding positions that are available. We can also direct you to where an application can be picked up and submitted.
    Police Sections

  • Arrested Adults are taken to the Wilbarger County Jail located on Hwy. 70 in Vernon. Juveniles, ages 16 and under, are taken to a designated Juvenile Detention and Interrogations location. These locations are the Vernon Police Department and/or the Wilbarger County Courthouse.
    Police Sections

Fleet Maintenance

2

  • Citizens may bring used motor oil and oil filters to a used oil station located behind the maintenance garage. There is no charge, you will need to fill out a log sheet that is readily available near the station.
    Fleet Maintenance

  • You may contact Mr. Allen Storek at (940) 552-9961 ext 2, or you may come to the Public Works facility / City Warehouse located at 2015 Oak St. in Vernon, Texas.
    Fleet Maintenance

Footer - 2019 FAQs

4

  • You may call the Public Works Department at (940) 552-9961 or email pwclerk@vernontx.gov and report the outage. 

    Or report it at the following link: https://www.aeptexas.com/outages/report/StreetlightProblem.aspx

    Footer - 2019 FAQs

  • Answer 

    Footer - 2019 FAQs

  • Answer

    Footer - 2019 FAQs

  • Answer

    Footer - 2019 FAQs

Contact Us

  1. City of Vernon
    1725 Wilbarger Street
    Vernon, TX 76384

    Phone: 940-552-2581
    Directory
  1. How can I report a street light not working?
  2. Current drought conditions or water restrictions?
  3. How can I make requests for public information?
Government Websites by CivicPlus®
Arrow Left Arrow Right
Slideshow Left Arrow Slideshow Right Arrow