Universal City's Relaxed Approach to Building Safety: What's Allowed

Every city handles building safety a little differently. In Universal City, Texas, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Elevator Maintenance

Elevators in Universal City are regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation under TDLR elevator rules and require annual inspections.

Key details: Regulator: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Governing Law: H&S Code Ch. 754, 16 TAC 74. Safety Code: ASME A17.1 as adopted by TDLR. Inspection Frequency: Annual.

The rules around elevator maintenance in Universal City lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Lead Paint

Homes built before 1978 in Universal City are subject to federal EPA RRP lead-paint rules; contractors disturbing painted surfaces must be certified.

Key details: Applies To: Pre-1978 housing. Certification: EPA RRP contractor certification. Disclosure Rule: 42 USC 4852d. Disturbance Trigger: 6 sq ft interior / 20 sq ft exterior.

Universal City is more permissive than most cities when it comes to lead paint. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Universal City gives residents more room on building safety. 2 of the 2 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

These rules come from Universal City's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.