Res 315 11/25/1957RESOLUTION NUMBER
A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ADOPTING A "WORKABLE PROGRAM
FOR THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS
At
IIIII:
WHEREAS, as a condition to certain prescribed Federal fi-
nancial and other aid and assistance, Section 101 (C ) of the Federal
Housing Act of 1949, 'as amended , requires the submission to the
Housing and Home Finance Administrator by each locality of a. work-'
able program (which shalt include an official plan of action, ,as it
exists from time to time, for effectively dealing with the problem
of urban slums and blight within the community and for the estab
lishment and preservation of a well-planned community with well--
organized environment for adequate family life ) for- utilizing ap-
propriate private and public' resources to eliminate„ - and prevent
the development or spread of, slums and urban blight, to encourage
Ye needed urban rehabilitation, to r ovi e for thepdorth redevelopment of
blighted , deteriorated , or slum areas, or to undertake such of the
T
aforesaid activities or other feasible community activities as may
be suitably employed to achieve the objectives of such a program;
and ,
WHEREAS', there has been prepared on behalf of the City
of Wichita Falls , for presentation to the said Housing and Home
Finance Administrator such a plan of action, which plan has been'
fully reviewed and considered by the governing body of said city,
which plan appears to be an acceptable and effective plan of action
for the aforesaid purposes; and ,
WHEREAS, it is the desire, purpose and intent of the
governing body of this city to utilize available appropriate private
and public resources to the end that our city may rid itself of and
prevent the development or spread of slums and urban blig ht and
undertake such of the aforesaid activities or other feasible com-
munity activities as ' may be suitably employed to achieve the ob-
ject ivies of such plan,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED-BY THE BOARD CF ALDERMEN
OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS; STATE OF TEXAS, that the hereinabove
mentioned "Workable Program", (a- copy of which is attached hereto)
less exhibits ) for said city be, and the same is hereby approved
and adopted as the official plan of action of our community for ef-
fectively dealing with the problem of urban slums and blight within
this community and for the establishment and preservation of a well-
planned community with well-organized environment for adequate`
family life, and the Mayor is hereby authorized and directed to pre-
sent such "Workable Program", together with all required supporting
documents and statements, to the Administrator of the Housing and
Home Finance Agency for approval pursuant to the provisions of said
Title I, Housing Act of 1949, as amended .
PASSED AND APPROVED this 25th day of November, A. D. 1957.
K. C. Spell )
Mayor
ATTEST
Gic Q r
Gen-.Henderson)
City C -rk
i L
W O R K A B L E P R O G R A M
F O R
C I T Y O F W I C H I T A F A L L S T E X A S
November 6, 1957
Mr. Albert Cole, Administrator
Housing and Home Finance Agency
Washington 25, D.C.
Dear Mr. Cole:
The City of Wichita Falls, Texas submits, herewith, five
copies of our Workable Program, together with certified copies
of the City Council resolution approving and adopting a Work-
able Program for the City.
It is felt that our Program will give you a comprehensive
picture of existing and anticipated conditions, indicating the
sincere faith and desire of both private and public representa-
tives to provide sound neighborhood and community development
for the City of Wichita Falls.
Sincerely,
Mayor K. C. Spell
This Workable Program was prepared under the direction of
the City Manager, with the cooperation and assistance of the
City Planning. Board, Urban Development Committees of the Wichita
Falls Chamber of Commerce and the Wichita Falls Home Builders
Association, City of Wichita Falls Housing Authority, City—
County Health Unit and Department Heads of the City of Wichita
Falls.
Completed November 6, 1957
T A B L E O F CONTENTS
Page
INTRODUCTION 1-2
ELEMENTS OF THE WORKABLE PROGRAM
1. CODES AND ORDIN14NCES 3-6
A. Building Code 3
B. Plumbing Code 3-4
C. Electrical Code 4
D. Fire Prevention Code 5
E. Other Codes and Ordinances 5-6
II. A COMPREHI SIVE COI UNITY PLAN 7-11
III, NEIGHBORHOOD ANALYSES 12
IV ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION 13-14
1_
A. Building Code 13
B. Plumbing Code 13
C. Electrical Code 13
D. Board of Adjustment 14
V, FINANCING 15
VI. HOUSING FOR DISPLACED PERSONS 16-17
VII. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION 15-19
INDEX OF EHIBITS 20-21
W O R K A B L E P R O G R A M
F 0 R
THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS TEXAS
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INTRODUCTION
The City of Wichita Falls, the County seat of Wichita County,
is located in north-central Texas on the banks of the Big Wichita
River, eighteen miles from the Texas-Oklahoma line. The first
citizens came to Wichita Falls in 1879. The City incorporated
in 1889 with a population of approximately 1,500 persons. The
1940 census indicated a population for the City as 45,112 with
a figure of 68,042 in 1950. Present metropolitan area population
is estimated at 110,000 with anticipated population, 1975, being
1_
198,600 persons. A generally diversified income source prevails
with oil, crops, livestock and general commerce and manufacturing
being the major income source.
The City operates under a council-manager form of government.
The council is composed of a mayor and six councilmen elected by
the city at large for terms of two years.
See Exhibit 1
The principal sources of employment in the community includes
manufacture of machinery, food products, apparel, petroleum pro-
ducts and non-manufacturing sources such as agriculture, retail
trade, service and construction. Employment in September 1950
Texas Employment Commission) was 36,376 and in September 1957
was 40,026.
1- November 6, 1957
Although the City of Wichita Falls is the home of more independent
oil companies than any other city in the United States and is known as
The Independent Oil Capital of the World", the City is many years
past the "Boom's stage. Additional diversification of income is witnessed
as follows:
Manufacturing - More than 140 manufacturing plants are located in
Wichita Falls which add $1 million dollars per month to the City pay
roll and produce near $50 million dollars worth of goods per year.
Agriculture - Wichita County has 135,000 acres in cultivation with
40,000 acres located in the Wichita Irrigated Valley. Principal county
crops are wheat, cotton, alfalfa and grain sorghums. Ranching, an
activity whose origin dates back to the earliest history of the area,
plays an important role in our economy. The Hereford has been the lead-
ing beef breed in this area, with several large breeding herds, whose
quality is nationally famous, being located here.
Churches - Church construction since world war two amounts to more
than $10,000,000 and attendance has increased 50 per cent since 1950.
More than 100 churches, representing 24 denominations are now establish
ed in our City.
Schools - Twenty elementary schools, three junior high and two senior
high schools serve Wichita Falls students with modern teaching facilities.
Passage of a $3,500,000 school bond issue in the fall of 1954 is pro-
viding for major expansions in the system.
Midwestern University along with Business, Nursing and other
specialty schools serve thousands of area students with higher
education.
2-November 6, 1957
I. CODES AND ORDINANCES
The City of Wichita Falls has the followin g applicable Codes
and Ordinances in effect:
A. Building Code
B. Plumbing Code
C. Electrical Code
D. Fire Prevent ion Code
E. Other Codes and Ordinances
A. The Building Code is the Southern Standard Building Code
revised 1953-54) and was adopted on the 31st day of March
1954, The nature of Ordinance #16$5 adopting the Building
Code is as follows:
An ordinance regulating the construction, enlargement, alter-
ation, repair, removal and demolition of buildings and struc-
tures and certain appurtenances thereto, and changes of
occupancy thereof; adopting the Southern Standard Building
Code (1953-54 revision) with certain changes therein and
additions thereto; providing for administration and enforce-
ment; repealing all ordinances and parts of ordinances in
conflict herewith; and making violation a misdemeanor punish-
able by fine not exceeding 0200.00.
See Exhibit 2
B. The Plumbing Code was adopted on March 31, 1954 by Ordinance
16$$ and involves the following:
3_ November 6, 1957
An ordinance providing for the protection of the public, and
the registration, licensing and bonding of persons engaged
in the business of "PLUMBING", or laboring at the trade of
PLUMBING"; requiring a permit for the installation or alter-
ation of plumbing and creating the office of Plumbing and
prescribing the duties of his office; defining certain terms
establishing regulations for the installation, alteration or
repair of plumbing; and the inspection thereof; provides
penalties for the violation and repealing confliction ordi-
nances. Be it ordained by the City Council of Wichita Falls,
Texas, that the Plumbing Code of the City of Wichita Falls,
as revised in the year 1935, shall be revised as of this date
1954 as follows by sections and articles.
See Exhibit 3
C. The Electrical Code, Ordinance ,#16$7, was adopted on March
31, 1954 and provides the following:
An ordinance providing for the installation and use of electri-
cal equipment in the City of Wichita Falls; to be cited as
the Electrical Code of the City of Wichita Falls; providing
for an Electrical Inspector; providing definitions; providing
for an Advisory Board, licenses and license fees, electricians
and contractors bonds; inspection and permit fees; duties of
inspectors; providing for applications for permits; providing
for the use of proper material and making it unlawful to use
defective material; providing for the size of circuits and
conduits; providing for lights indicating fire escape outlets;
4- November 6, 1957
providing for meter loops, temporary and outdoor wiring;
regulating fixtures; providing a penalty; providing a savings
clause and adopting the National Electrical Code and repeal—
ing all ordinances in conflict herewith.
See Exhibit 4
D. The Fire Prevention Code was adopted by Ordinance #1714 on
February 28, 1955 and provides the following:
An ordinance adopting a Fire Prevention Code prescribing
regulations governing conditions hazardous to life and property
from fire or explosions and establishing a bureau of fire pre-
vention and providing offices therefor and defining their
powers and duties.
See Exhibit 5
E. Other Codes and Ordinances
J.. 1. Housing Code
The City of Wichita Falls does not have a Housing Code.
We are well aware of the obvious advantages of such
minimum housing standards and in view of this deficiency,
corrective measures are being taken. The City Planning
Board, at City Council request, is now making preliminary
studies concerning this matter. The Planning Board and
Staff is seeking all available information and advice from
other cities as well as appropriate regional and national
organizations.
A suggested Housing Code will be submitted to the City
Council on or before March 1958 with adoption anticipated
on or before May of 1958.
5- November 6, 1957
Certain amendments have been adopted subsequent to original
approval of our various codes. It is felt that these amendments
have strengthened and up-dated our ordinances and provides codes
more applicable to local use.
Major amendments involve proposed changes in our Building
Code which include:
A. Addition of requirements governing plastics, plywood
and other new building materials which are presently
not included.
B. A statement to the effect that in any case in which the
local Code does not specifically control, then the
National Building Code shall have jurisdiction.
These amendments will be in effect prior to January 1958.
6- November 6, 1957
II. A COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY PLAN
The Planning Board of the City of Wichita Falls was established
on March 22, 1954 by Ordinance #1684 in accordance with State Enabl-
ing Legislature and the powers and duties of such body are set forth
in this ordinance, which is submitted as exhibit 6 of the Workable
Program. The City of Wichita Falls entered into contract with Hare
and Hare, Planning Consultants, of Kansas City, Missouri in 1948.
The Planning contract provided for completion of a Master Plan
for the City of Wichita Falls and was completed and accepted by
the City in April 1949. The Hare and Hare Plan contained the
following major elements:
A. Major Street Plan
B. Park and Schools Plan
C. Zoning Ordinance and Map
D. Platting Regulations
E. Off-street Parking
F. Transit
With the creation of a Planning Board and Planning Staff in
1954, revisions, addition to and expansions of the Master Plan were
initiated in order to provide a Plan more comprehensive in nature
and to "up-date!t the existing Plan. (Since the adoption of the
Hare and Hare Plan, population in the City of Wichita Falls has
increased almost 50 per cent with more than 20 per cent increase
in incorporated area.)
The City Planning Board is, and will continue to, devote
all available time and effort toward the expansion of our Master
7- November 6, 1957
Plan. From time to time, due to City growth and to changing
conditions, Master Plan adjustments will inevitably be necessary.
The Board, through its recommended changes, will keep the City
Council advised of such adjustments and additions in order to
provide the City of Wichita Falls with a modern, workable, and
complete guide for future growth.
The Master Plan for Parks and Schools was expanded in area
and scope to include elementary, junior and senior high schools as
well as park facilities ranging from the neighborhood playground
to regional park areas.
Our park-school policy, particularly elementary schools and
neighborhood playgrounds, operates under a joint or combination
site, rather than separate units. Park-school sites are located
centrally within the neighborhood with existing or proposed Major
Streets forming the boundary of the neighborhood.
Major elements of our Master Plan adopted and in effect are
1. Parks Plan
2. Schools Plan
3o Major Thoroughfare Plan
4. Secondary Street Plan
5. Standard Street Widths
6, Access Driveway Regulations
7. Subdivision Regulations
See Exhibit 6a
A. The Parks and Schools Master Plan
The Parks and Schools Plan was adopted by the City Council
8= November 6, 1957
in September 1956 and forty eight (4$) subdivision plats,
during the past year, have been affected by the Plan.
See Exhibit 7 and S
B. Ma. or Thorouare and Secondary Street Plan
The Street Plan was adopted by the City Council in August 1955.
All subdivisions, both industrial and residential, were veri-
fied against the Street Plan. Approximately thirty-nine (39)
plats have been affected by the Plan within the past year.
See Exhibit 9
C. Subdivision Regulations
These Regulations, adopted by the City Council in June 1955,
of course, affect all subdivisions created inside or within
five miles of the City Limits of Wichita Falls.
See Exhibit 10 and 11
D. Other Phases of Master Plan
Zenon Ordinance - After thorough study by the Planning Board,
City personnel and the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce, along
with informal hearings before interested citizens, a compre-
hensive Zoning Ordinance was submitted to the City Council in
May 1956.
Although there is some 'timing" conflict with other matters
water reservoir and general bond issue); City Council action
on a comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and Land Use Plan is
anticipated by June 1958.
See Exhibit 12 & 12a
The Land Use Plan
A survey has been made of existing lane use. A Land Use Plan,
and the proposed Zoning Map, have been completed. These
9— November 6, 1957
elements will be submitted for adoption along with the Zoning
Ordinance.
Transit and Transportation
No final analysis or recommendation has been made concerning these
phases of our Master Plan. Preliminary studies have been made.
The Planning Board, through the cooperation of applicable and
interested agencies, anticipate the completion of this project
by January 1959.
Parking
A study, particularly involving the Central Business District is
now being conducted by the Department of Traffic Engineering.
This survey involves both on and off-street parking. Results
of this study along with recommendations is anticipated this
month.
Capital Improvement Programing
A general bond election is proposed in 1958, This improvement
program, based on Master Plan requirements, includes Parks,
Streets, Sanitary and Storm Sewers.. Probably in a separate issue,
but also in 1958, is our proposed "Ringgold" water reservoir, and
new water filter plant proposed southwest of our City.
Air port Zoning
Preliminary study has begun on Airport Zoning. Although this
phase of our over-all plan will probably be somewhat delayed,
it is anticipated that the Planning Board will submit an Air-
port Zoning Plan to the City Council early in 1959.
10- November 6, 1957
III, NEIGHBORHOOD ANALYSES
The comprehensive plan for the Wichita Falls metropolitan
area has been developed on the principle of the neighborhood as
the unit of social life in the community; all of the various
component plans are drawn with this principle paramount.
Surveys are now being made as the initial step toward
restoration of blighted housing in Wichita Falls. The City Planning
Board has been given responsibility for the preparation of the
Neighborhood Analyses. All applicable phases of the Master Plan
will be utilized in these studies. It now appears that there are
five (5) potential project areas within metropolitan Wichita Falls.
It is anticipated that the Planning Board, working with public and
private agencies will complete these neighborhood analyses on or
before January 1, 195g.
After the creation of our Urban Renewal ' ,encY, information
and studies on the "neighborhood analyses" (made by the Board) will
be supplied to the agency. Adequate maps and statistics will be
included in such analyses to show the total and the neighborhood
blight conditions with "target" dates for planned improvements.
Wichita Falls housing statistics and facts are presented in
detail in the "1950 United States Census of Housing" which is
included herewith as an exhibit.
See Exhibit 13
11- November 6, 1957
IV. ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATIONS
The administrative personnel responsible for enforcement of
applicable codes and ordinances are as follows:
Building, Plumbing and Electrical Ccde are enforced by the
individual inspectors who are immediately responsible to the Director
of Public Works. Each inspector has one assistant. Two permit clerks
issue permits for the above named inspectors.
The Fire Marshal, operating in accordance with the Fire Prevention
Code, is assisted by three (3) full time inspectors.
The City is annual appropriation for codes administered and
enforcement activities is 544,832.00, which is supplemented by permit
fees. During the past year, inspections made and permits issued under
the above codes were as follows:
A. Building Code
PERMITS VIOLATIONS VIOLATIONS
INSPECTIONS ISSUED DETECTED CORRECTED
1,787 1,791 432 432
B. Plumbing Code
PERMITS VIOLATIONS VIOLATIONS
INSPECT IONS ISSUED DETECTED CORRECTED
1,780 1,780 200 200
C. Electrical Code
PERMITS VIOLATIONS VIOLATIONS .
INSPECTIONS ISSUED DETECTED CORRECTED
3,341 2,529 150 150
127 November 6, 1957
The above enumerated inspections indicate"finals" only. Build
ing permits, for example, require inspections on foundation, framing,
etc., which are not included in the above tabulations.
Board of Adjustment
Although the City of Wichita Falls, at present, does not have
a Zoning Ordinance in effect, (See Element II) there does exist a Board
of Adjustment. This Board meets regularly, and is primarily concerned
with appeals related to front and side yard requirements as prescribed
by the Building Code.
During the past year, the Board of Adjustment reviewed 12 cases.
Appeals were granted in 1 of these cases.
c.
13- November 6, 1957
V. FINANCING
The City of Wichita Falls recognizes and assumes its financial
responsibility in meeting the goal of its Workable Program.
The City has carried forward a steady expansion of personnel
in various fields of code enforcement. During the past two years,
we have added additional full time and competent inspectors in
the Building Inspection, Plumbing Inspection and Electrical
Inspection Departments. The Fire Marshals office also added two
full time inspectors within this period. The City operates a
municipally owned Water and Sewerage Department. The bonded
indebtedness of these Departments in 1957 was: Water Department
2,597,000, Sewer Department $725,000. The budget allotment for
planning activities amounted to $10,900.00,
The legal bonding limit of the City is limited only by the
1.
tax rate. A copy of the Audit Report of the City for the fiscal
year ending October 1957 is included in the Workable Program as
evidence of its ability to meet the goals of the Workable Program.
See Exhibit 14
14- November 6, 1957
VI. HOUSING FOR DISPLACED PERSONS
A. The City of Wichita Falls accepts the responsibility for assisting
all families displaced by governmental action, to relocate in
decent, safe and sanitary housing that is within their means.
B. The Housing Authority of the City of Wichita Falls has agreed to:
1. Make vacancies available to such displaced families, if they
are otherwise eligible. These families will be given priority,
in the selection of tenants, to fill vacancies as they occur.
2. To construct additional dwelling units, as needed for such
displaced persons.
The Housing Authority now has the following low-rent public housing
in operation.
White and Latin American occupancy 332 Units
Negro occupancy 168 Units
Total Units 500 Units
Contract to be let this week
October 18, 1957)
for negro occupancy 60 Units
Total Units 1958 560 Units
The Relocation Advisory Committee will have the primary responsi-
bility to assist displaced families to relocate, with priority,
in decent, safe and sanitary housing. It will seek the advice
and assistance of applicable, local, public and private organ-
izations in this placement.
15- November 6, 1957
C. The City of Wichita Falls also proposes the following measures:
1. Encourage the construction of additional private housing
in the community. If needed, special mortgage insurance
F H A 221) assistance will be requested of the Housing Home
Finance Agency. It is felt, that this mortgage insurance
might well fill a need for that group whose income is too
great for public housing qualifications,
D. Relocation Advisor . Committee
To aid in the relocation of displaced families and persons, a
Relocation Advisory Committee will be created. This Committee
will be composed of personnel representing such applicable agencies
as: The Real Estate Board, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Home
Builders Association, Mortgage and Savings and Loan Organizations.
Adequate representation will be assured for minority groups.
16- November 6, 1957
VII. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
The City fully recognizes the responsibilities of obtaining full-
fledged citizen participation in effectuating a long range Urban
Renewal Program and will seek the service and cooperation of all
facilities, groups and organizations available.
Active citizen participation has been urged in the past and was
a great influence in the creation of our blaster Plan.
Along with certain flaymanstt Boards directly associated with the
City such as the Board of Appeals, the Park, Planning, Traffic and
Welfare Boards, numerous civic and service organizations have and
are contributing much to the betterment of the City of Wichita Falls.
The Wichita Falls Home Builders Association working closely with
Texas Home Builders has been very active in the Urban Renewal activi-
ties. An Urban Development Committee, of the local Home Builders
Association, was formed and have had several programs and discussions
on the Urban Renewal Program. A program is planned in the near future,
open to interested parties, at which the guest speaker (Texas Home
Buildersv President) will discuss the Urban Renewal Program.
The local association of the American Institute of Architects
have shown a great interest in the proposed Urban Renewal Program
and will have a meeting devoted to this subject in the near future.
The Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce, as well as, the Southwest
Rotary Club of Wichita Falls have formed Urban Development Committees
which have had several meetings and programs related to Urban Renewal
for our City,
17 November 6, 1957
Every effort will be made through the above and similar organizations
and through the excellent cooperation of the press (See Exhibit 15)
and other media to enlighten the public and to gain public participation
in this program.
Citizen Advisory Committee
To guide and coordinate efforts of all interested parties and
agencies and to act as liaison between the City and the Public, a
Citizen Advisory Committee with necessary sub-committees will be
created. Membership of this Committee shall be composed of capable
representatives of such interested organization, as mentioned above.
Local Advisory Committee
When needed, (as Urban Renewal Projects are undertaken) Advisory
Committees shall be formed on the local level. This local Advisory
Committee will be composed of capable individuals within the Project
t„ area and shall lead activities applicable to the particular Project
area.
Urban Renewal, locally, is in its infancy. Once the 1big picture"
is in focus, however, the citizens of The City That Faith Built"
will fulfill the responsibilities of establishing and maintaining
sound neighborhoods for its inhabitants,
See Exhibit 16
18- November 6, 1957
a
INDEX OF EXHIBITS
INTRODUCTION
City Charter City of Wichita Falls Exhibit No. 1
I. CODES AND ORDINANCES
A. The Building Code Exhibit No. 2
B. The Plumbing Code Exhibit No. 3
C. Electrical Code Exhibit No. 4
D. The Fire Prevention Code Exhibit No. 5
II. A COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY PLAN
A. Ordinance #16$4 creating a Planning
Board Exhibit No. 6
B. Pilot Outline for the Revision of the
Master Plan Exhibit No. 6a
C, Parks and Schools Master Plan Exhibits No. 7 & g
D. Major Thoroughfare Plan Exhibit No. 9
E. Rules and Regulations Governing
The Subdivision of Land Exhibit No. 10
F. Zoning Ordinance City of Wichita
Falls Exhibit No. 11
G. Projection of Distribution of
Population City of Wichita Falls
and Metropolitan Area Exhibit No. 12
III. NEIGHBORHOOD ANALYSES
A. 1950 United States Census of Housing Exhibit No. 13
V. FINANCING
A. Audit Report, 1956 City of Wichita
Falls Exhibit No. 14
19— November 6, 1957
I N D E X O F EXHIBITS
VII. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
A. Newspaper coverage
Workable Program and Urban Renewal Exhibit No. 15
B. Minutes of meetings
Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce Exhibit No. 16
VIII. CITY COUNCIL'S ACCEPTANCE OF WORKABLE PROGRAM
A. Wichita Falls City Council Accepted
Workable Program by Resolution. Exhibit No. 17
20- November 6, 1957