New Minimum Building Standards (Chapter 8) Increase Public Safety Efforts

The City of Irving continues to be aggressive when it comes to addressing crime in the city and new apartment complex regulations endorsed by the City Council will enhance this effort.

Since January, the combined efforts of the community and the Irving Police Department have resulted in a 10 percent decrease in crime. This is in addition to the 7.1 percent decrease in crime in 2007, which was the lowest overall crime rate per capita in recorded history.

The new ordinance requires that lower-tiered apartment complexes participate in an abbreviated version of the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program. Managers must conduct criminal background checks on prospective tenants in an effort to exclude individuals who have a history of chronic criminal behavior. Most well-managed apartment properties already use this strategy to reduce the potential for problems. Ultimately, exceptions will be up to the discretion of the city’s local judge.

Apartment communities that voluntarily participate in the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program consistently report 23 percent fewer crimes. The Police Department will continue to work hard to enhance resident safety and security for the community.

Irving in Focus: Minimum Building Standards  | Letter to apartment owners | View Chapter 8 ordinance


Updated Oct.22