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Temple, TX Hurricane Preparedness: Storm Debris (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
City Code § 15-9(e)
Special pickup fee
Set by City Council resolution
Utility emergency brush
No disposal charge, § 15-9(h)
Max Chapter 15 fine
$2,000 per day, Sec. 1-9

Summary

Temple collects storm-downed brush and bulk debris through its regular Solid Waste Division cycle, but out-of-cycle or storm-generated piles trigger a council-set special pickup fee rather than free emergency removal.

(e) A special pickup may be requested and/or required for out of cycle brush/bulk collection or to pickup items that are not normally collected with this service (remodeling, demolition or building materials or when there is no water service at location). Setting out an item on a "non-cycle" day will constitute a request for service and special pickup charges shall apply. Special pickup charges are set by resolution of the City Council.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Reformat).

Full Breakdown

Under City Code § 15-9(e), residents don't get automatic free storm-debris pickup outside the posted brush/bulk collection cycle: setting debris at the curb on a non-cycle day counts as a request for service, and a special pickup charge set by City Council resolution applies. Mixed piles of brush and bulky items also draw the special-pickup fee under § 15-9(d). The one carve-out is for franchised utility companies, § 15-9(h) exempts them from disposal charges specifically for brush generated while restoring service during an emergency, coordinated through the Director of Solid Waste Services.

Violations & Fines

Storm debris left in an alley or street outside the approved pickup process violates Sec. 15-16 and, under the Chapter 15 general penalty in Sec. 1-9, is punishable by a fine up to $2,000 per day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Temple pick up storm debris for free?
Not automatically. Brush or bulk items set out on a non-cycle day count as a special-pickup request, and the Council-set special pickup fee applies under City Code § 15-9(e).
Do utility companies pay to dispose of storm-related tree debris?
No. City Code § 15-9(h) exempts franchised utilities from disposal charges for brush cleared while restoring service during an emergency, as long as they coordinate with Solid Waste Services.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Temple

Building Safety: Building PermitsSignificant RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Artificial TurfFew RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Weed OrdinancesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree TrimmingSome RestrictionsBusiness Licensing & Operations: Tobacco Retail LicenseSome Restrictions

All Temple rules

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