Frequently Asked Questions

For births within the past 75 years and deaths within the past 25 years, only the immediate family members to the person whose name is on the birth certificate or death certificate are eligible to request a copy. All those with any other relationship to this person must provide legal documentation, such as a court order establishing guardianship. If you are the legal representative of a qualified applicant, send us a release which documents a direct and tangible interest in the record you are requesting.

Any of the following relationships by blood or marriage are considered to be immediate family members: 

• Brother
• Child
• Grandparent
• Parent
• Self
• Sister
• Spouse

When a spouse or step-parent is requesting a birth certificate they must bring in a certified copy of the marriage license to prove the relationship in order to request their spouse’s or step-children’s birth certificate.

If you would like to request vital records from other states, visit the National Center for Health Statistics website for more information.

A photocopy of the applicant’s valid government-issued photo ID. The following are some examples of acceptable forms of ID:

• Government employment badge or card
• Military ID
• Prison ID
• State-issued driver’s license
• State/city/county ID card
• Student ID

If the applicant does not have a photo ID, an alternative would be to send a photocopy of the photo ID of an immediate family member, who will then become the applicant. Another option is to send photocopies of two documents with the applicant’s name, such as a utility bill, a recent paycheck stub, an employment or organizational ID, or a Social Security card. One of the documents must have the applicant’s signature. Applications received without photo ID or acceptable alternatives cannot be processed.

Birth certificates and death certificates are not open records. Access to birth certificates is restricted to qualified applicants for 75 years from the date of birth, and access to death certificates is restricted for 25 years from the date of death. An ID is required to prove your identity and to prove that you are a qualified applicant.

Our office has records from the present to the mid 1800s for births or deaths that were filed in Victoria County. Out of county birth records dating back to 1926 may also be available.  A death certificate for a death that occurred in another Texas county are not available from our office, but can be purchased in the county in which the death occurred or from the State.  If you need a certificate for an out-of-state birth or death, visit the National Center for Health Statistics website for more information.

Reservations may be made by the public up to 12 months in advance. These reservations are accepted via telephone at 361-485-3215, after midnight, on the first day of each month. All phone reservations are date and time stamped and processed on a first come-first served basis.

Reservations may still be made in the Business Office but these are considered secondary to online and phone requests.

Requirements

• Telephone and email requests must submit a signed contract and 25% non-refundable down payment within the same business day, otherwise the request will be voided.
• Customers must be in good standing with no outstanding balance due.

Down Payment

A 25% non-refundable down payment is due when the rental contract is signed.

Deposits

Deposits are included in the rental fee total and help cover items such as cleaning, damage, or any items needed during events which are not included on the contract but for which there is a usage fee. 

Deposit Refunds

Deposit refunds are processed and refunded within 10 to 30 business days after event date.

All rental fee balances are due 60 days prior to the event. Personal checks are accepted until the 60-day deadline.

Payments after 60 days can be made by credit card (Visa, Master Card and Discover accepted), money order, or cash, and are subject to late fees and cancellation.

Our staff is happy to accommodate walk-in visitors whenever possible, however it is best to call ahead at 361-485-3215 to determine availability of the space you are interested in touring, due to busy reservation schedules. 

If the facility is in use by another customer, undergoing cleaning, or being renovated, it may not be available for viewing.

A rental day is from 8 am until midnight.

Additional fees may be charged for time used by customer for cleaning after midnight.

Rental entitles the lessee to:

• Full usage of the facility, lobby and restroom facilities
• Free parking, heat and air
• Any amenities designated for each room

Staff, Tables & Chairs

Operations staff is also on duty during your event. Tables and chairs are available for an additional fee (setup is included in rental of tables and chairs).

Kitchens include usage of:

• Commercial refrigerator
• Electric ranges
• Ice machine
• Service counter in the Annex Kitchen
• Sinks

Special Note

Please note that dumping food, grease, or other solid products into sinks or drains will result in the loss of a portion of your deposit refund.

Early entry may be purchased for up to 3 hours before, at an hourly rate, before 8 am, or you may choose to rent the day prior to your event at half of the regular rental rate. 

A half price day can be used for event setup only between the hours of 8 am and 8 pm.

Most fire-safe decorations are allowed; for safety questions contact the Fire Marshal at 361-485-3460 or our offices at 361-485-3215. 

Decorations may not be attached to any surface with tape, tacks or by any means that will damage walls or floors. Please visit the Community Center Rules and Regulations page for prohibited items.

Operations staff are on duty during all events. They are on hand to:

• Assist the lessee with requests for equipment
• Answer questions and supply information concerning cleaning requirements
• Cleanup spills and safety hazards
• Service restrooms
• Empty trash barrels and replace trash liners as needed

Staff is in charge of clearing the building of patrons and securing the property post-event.

The Community Center has limited storage available. A storage fee would apply to rental items brought in before the event or set up day or left behind after an event. 

For storage size limitations, contact the Business Office at 361-485-3215.

Alcohol usage is at the discretion of the lessee and can be on a ’bring your own bottle’ or concession sale basis. 

Containers

Cans and plastic cups are preferred; no glass is allowed. 

Sale of Alcohol

The sale of alcohol requires a temporary permit from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). All TABC regulations apply. 

Security hired through the Victoria Police Department is required as well.

Persons wanting information on obtaining off-duty police officers for security work may contact the Chief’s Administrative Assistant at 361-485-3714 regarding off-duty work.

There are some jobs or events that our officers are not allowed to work. The number of officers required may also change based on the type of event, location of event, or the number of guests expected.

Yes. All events held at the Victoria Community Center must contact the Fire Marshal’s office at 361-485-3460 a minimum of 14 days prior to the event. The Fire Marshal will discuss:

• Building capacity
• Fire exits
• Fire lanes
• Fire safety

Cleaning must be completed and all items removed from the building by midnight.

We ask you leave the facilities/grounds as you found them to avoid additional charges for excessive cleaning required by Community Center staff.

Garage sale permits are $10. If purchased through the City of Victoria website, there is an additional $3 convenience fee added to the price of the permit.

Garage sales can be held once every six months at the same address unless a change of occupancy has occurred, in which the new occupant could conduct a sale at the address. Please contact the City Secretary’s Office to purchase a permit for an address for an address you recently moved to for which a garage sale has been held less than six months previously.  Documentation of the recent move may be required.  

A garage sale can be held for up to three consecutive days.

You must have your permit before opening your garage sale; therefore it could be purchased on the day the sale is to begin as long as the sale is not opened before the permit is purchased.

To purchase a garage sale permit you need the address of where the sale is to be held, the name of the owner or occupant, and the days in which the sale is to be held.

Garage sale permits can be purchased through City of Victoria’s website, by calling the City Secretary’s Office at 361-485-3040, or in person at the City Secretary’s office inside City Hall, which is located at:
105 W Juan Linn Street
Victoria, TX 77901

There is an additional $3 convenience fee when purchasing the permit through the website or over the phone.

The next available date for a garage sale is printed on your permit or you can check your availability on the City of Victoria’s website in the City Secretary’s portion of the website. You may also verify the next available date for a garage sale by calling the City Secretary’s office at 361-485-3040.

You do not need a garage sale permit for an estate sale if the sale is held inside the home and no sale items are viewable from the street.

You do not need a City of Victoria garage sale permit if conducting your sale outside of city limits.

By City Code definition a “‘garage sale’ shall mean a sale or an offer for sale of miscellaneous items to the general public, upon residential property not otherwise being used for commercial purposes.”

You cannot place or project signs, sign structures, or sign supports over any public property or right-of-way (sidewalks and intersections); or place signs upon trees, rocks, bridges or utility poles. Questions should be directed to Code Enforcement at 361-485-3330.

If you are unable to hold your sale because of rain or emergency, you must notify the City Secretary’s office before noon on the first day of the sale, or the following business day before noon if the City Secretary’s office is not open on the first day of the sale. The permit will have to be returned to the City Secretary’s office and will be held for up to 60 days to reschedule, after which time a new permit must be purchased. 

Under no circumstance (including rain) will permit dates be changed or time extended once you have started your sale.

Typically, a structure can be built as far from the street as desired, as long as the structure does not encroach on any building setbacks.

For more information on a specific property, please call Development Services at 361-485-3320.

Fences can be a maximum of 8 feet in height, however a fence that crosses a front building setback line shall be required to transition down to 3 feet in height. For lots with no platted front building setback line, a distance of 20 feet shall be used.

For more information on what is appropriate or acceptable when building a fence, access the Building Guide (PDF).

Building setbacks are determined either by Platting or Fire Code. If your property is platted, the building setbacks will be shown on the plat, which can be requested by calling Development Services at 361-485-3360.

Yes, above-ground pools do require a permit. Permits are required to ensure that the area has been fenced off.

Site plans and platting documents are approved by Planning Services, building plans and permits are approved by the Development Center. These are separate divisions within Development Services.

The separate plans can, however, be reviewed concurrently. Plat approval is required prior to site plan approval and site plan approval is required before building permits may be issued.

Submitting Plans

Information on how to submit plans to both departments may be found by referencing our Development Guide.

Yes a street closure does require a permit/Letter of Approval.

Parades & Block Parties

Permits for parades and block parties, are issued by the Police Department; to access the necessary forms, visit the Police Department Documents and Forms page.

Construction Related

Requests for construction related street closures must be submitted to Celeste Menchaca. For more information or to submit a construction related street closure request, please email Celeste Menchaca.

The request needs to include:

• Purpose of closure
• Name of streets to be closed
• Name of cross streets that intersect closures
• Dates and times of closures
• Contact name, number, and address

The State of Texas has guidelines that must be followed regarding accessible ramps to structures; inquiries would need to check the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations Architectural Barriers/Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) for requirements.

For More Information

For more information, access the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) of the Architectural Barriers Act Article 9102, Texas Civil Statutes (PDF).

Yes, if you or your family own and live at the property and have registered with the Victoria County Appraisals District for Homestead Exemption.

Yes. To submit a request, please access the Building Permit Application (PDF).

Asbestos Survey

Depending on project, you may also need an asbestos survey.

Asbestos Survey Requirements

Building owners and contractors must provide the city with evidence that asbestos surveys have been conducted on portions of buildings affected by the planned renovation or demolition by a person licensed under the Texas Asbestos Health Protection Act.

Licensed Asbestos Inspectors

To access a current list of licensed asbestos inspectors, you may:

• Contact the City of Victoria Development Center
• Contact the Texas Department of Health’s Asbestos Program in Austin, TX by phone at 800-572-5548
• Visit the Texas Health and Human Services Asbestos Program page

Only if the storage building exceeds 200 square feet, although the building must not be placed within lot setbacks and easements running through your property.

No, within your property lines your can repair concrete, or pave your driveway.

If, however, you are working in the City right-of-way or approach into the street, this will need approval and permitting.

For residences, all electrical plugs under 42 inches from floor shall be tamper resistant, unless located behind major appliances.

Generally no; however masonry columns/fences or fences with electrical components require permits.

Additionally, fences should never extend beyond a property line, and all fences must follow the height requirements found in the Building Guide (PDF).

For fixing and improving upon an existing manufactured home, the Texas Manufactured Housing Division needs to be notified for any requirements and/or inspections.

Manufactured Housing Division Contact

• Call the Manufactured Housing Division toll-free customer service line at 800-500-7074
• Visit the Texas Department of Community and Housing Affairs, Manufactured Housing Division page

Building setbacks are determined either by Platting or Fire Code. If your property is platted, the building setbacks will be shown on the plat, which can be requested by calling Development Services at 361-485-3360.

The VMPO is responsible for conducting the urban transportation planning process that allows Victoria County to receive federal and state transportation funds. 

This is accomplished through three processes and plans, the: 

• Metropolitan Transportation Plan
• Transportation Improvement Program
• Unified Planning Work Program

For More Information

Visit the Plans and Reports page to learn more about these processes and plans.

Transportation is important to everyone. Your ability to travel affects where and how you live, work, and play. 

The VMPO provides a cooperative forum for the planning and allocation of millions of dollars in state and federal transportation funding. The organization also helps citizens speak with one voice to their local, state, and federally elected officials on transportation related issues. 

Most importantly, effective public involvement insures tax dollars are used in accordance with the greatest needs and desires of the people.

City and County residents can utilize the City’s Landfill to drop off additional items that will not fit in your cart. For additional information on what they accept contact:

Republic Services
18141 FM 1686
Bloomington, TX 77901

Phone: 361-489-3611

Hours

Monday through Friday
7 am to 5 pm

Saturday
7 am to 11 am, last vehicle accepted at 10:30 am

Sunday
Closed

If you need tree limb or larger item picked up please complete the Larger Item/Tree Limb Collection form or if you need your trash picked up please fill out the Report a Missed Collection form.

Not Guilty Plea

The defendant is informing the court that he or she denies guilt or has a defense in the case and that the state must prove what it has charged in the complaint.

If you choose to plea "Not Guilty", you have a right to a jury trial, unless you waive that right and request a trial by judge. By setting your case for trial, you are giving up your right to require that your case be dismissed through a mandatory Driving Safety Course. If you wish to receive a trial, please fill out the electronic form online, complete the Plea of Not Guilty Form (PDF) and appear in person at the City of Victoria Municipal Court. or submit your request by mail. The court will then set you for a Pretrial court date to discuss your case(s) with the prosecutor. If you and the prosecutor do not come to an agreement during the Pretrial conference, you will then proceed to your trial setting.

Guilty

A plea by which a defendant confesses to the crime with which the defendant is charged, or the verdict by which a defendant is convicted.

No Contest/Nolo Contendere

A plea in which the defendant does not contest the charge. Nolo contendere has the same legal effect as a guilty plea; however, it may not be used against the defendant as an admission of guilt in a civil suit based upon or growing out of the act upon which the criminal prosecution is based.

If you choose to plea "Guilty" or "No Contest", you can pay your charge off in full, start a payment plan, or your offense may be eligible for driving safety course or a deferred disposition. Get driving safety course information here and deferred disposition information here.

The cost will vary. View a list of the fines (PDF) here. 

Please note: Not all fines are listed on the chart. For any fine not listed, you may call the Municipal Court for more information at 361-485-3050. You can also check on our online payment system.

We accept cash, money order, cashier's check, and debit or credit cards including MasterCard, Visa, Discovery and American Express. If paying with a debit or credit card, a processing fee will be assessed.

Please note: personal and business checks are not acceptable forms of payment. 

The following forms of picture identification are acceptable for persons conducting business at the customer service windows:

• Government-issued Driver's License or Identification Card 

• Foreign Government-issued Driver's License or Identification

• Military Identification Card or Badge;

• Government Issued Passport; 

• Texas Department of Corrections Parolee Card;

• Concealed Handgun License

Please note: Acceptable forms of identification must be government-issued and include necessary identifying information.

Your citation may be eligible for a payment plan. In The minimum needed to start a new payment plan is $50 and it will be $50 monthly until your charge or charges are paid in full. To make a payment arrangement, you must appear in person at the City of Victoria Municipal Court with proper identification or submit your request by mail.  If you have an active warrant, a payment plan option is no longer available. You would need to appear for an open docket before the judge to discuss various options. Please visit this site for options on how to clear your warrant. 

Please note: Payment arrangements can not be set up over the phone or by someone other than the person who received the citation.

Your ticket may be eligible to dismiss through a Driver’s Safety Course. To find out more information regarding eligibility, please visit the Driving Safety Course Page.

Your citation may be eligible for a Deferred Disposition. Deferred Disposition is an option that will keep your citation from being reported as a conviction on your driving record and will be dismissed if all terms required are successfully met. If any requirements are not met and you cannot provide a satisfactory reason why at a hearing before a judge, you will be found guilty and a conviction will be reported to the Texas Department of Public Safety. 

Please note: not all violations are approved for Deferred Disposition. 

Criminal convictions may result in any of the following based on your circumstances: 

• Increased insurance costs or cancellation
• Loss of driver’s license
• Loss of educational opportunities
• Loss of job
• May affect immigration status
• Penalties assessed by the Texas Department of Public Safety

Credit for time served can only be granted by the Judge. If you were recently incarcerated on an offense(s) from the City of Victoria Municipal Court, you will have an arraignment date where you will need to appear in person before the Judge in order for time served to be granted.

City Code violations that are filed with the Municipal Court are class C misdemeanors punishable by a fine up to $500 plus court costs and restitution (if applicable).

City Code violations can be issued by a variety of different departments including: 

• Code Enforcement
• Fire Department
• Police Department
• Victoria County Animal Services Officers

In most instances, you will be notified by a summons to appear in court. Failure to appear to make disposition of the charge(s) pending against you will result in a warrant being issued. Get more information regarding City Ordinances here. 

The City of Victoria Municipal Court is a safe harbor court and you will not be arrested for a City of Victoria Class C warrant when appearing for a court docket. For information on how to clear a warrant, please visit the "How to Clear a Warrant" page.   

Municipal Courts in Texas are not required to appoint a court-appointed attorney. You would be able to hire an attorney, or seek assistance from Legal Aid. You may look for an attorney through the State Bar of Texas website or contact the Texas RioGrande Legal Aid for more information about Legal Assistance. 

Court costs and fees are required by the State Legislature. The court is required to collect them upon a finding of guilt or plea of guilty or nolo contendere (no contest).

A jury trial consists of 6 citizens who will determine the outcome of your case based on the evidence set forth by the State (prosecutor). A trial by judge consists of a judge hearing the case and determining the outcome based on the evidence set forth by the State (prosecutor).

You may want to consult an attorney for more information if you have additional questions.

Requirements to Keep a Case off Your Record

• Successfully complete a Driving Safety Course (if eligible)
• Successfully complete a Deferred Disposition, similar to probation (if eligible)
• Have case dismissed by showing appropriate proof of Compliance (if eligible)
• Plea Not Guilty and receive a Not guilty verdict at a trial

Helpful Documents

• Compliance Dismissals Chart (PDF)
• Defenses to Prosecution (PDF)
• Driver’s Safety Course vs Deferred Disposition (PDF)
• Driving Safety Course Affidavit Form (PDF)
• Municipal Court Schedule of Fines (PDF)
  Please note: The fine chart is subject to change and not all fines are listed.
• Handicapped Parking Dismissal Form (PDF)
• Motion for Continuance (PDF)
• Plea Form (PDF)

Helpful Links

• McCreary, Veselka, Bragg and Allen, P.C. (MVBA) Collection Agency
• Texas Department of Public Safety
• Texas Department of Public Safety Driver’s License Eligibility
• Texas Department of Public Safety Failure to Appear
• Texas Education Agency Approved Courses
• Texas Approved Minor in Possession of Alcohol Education Course
• Texas Approved Minor in Possession of Tobacco Education Course
• Victoria County

Self-Help Resources

• Texas Law Help
• Texas Court Help
• Finding An Attorney
• Texas Law Libraries
• Texas Statutes
• Legislative Process

View a helpful page of resources that we have compiled to assist individuals in resolving parking and traffic ticket related issues.

County residents can recycle too! Learn more about your options by visiting the Victoria County Website.

There are recycling opportunities available to commercial businesses through Waste Management.

You may take large recyclable that will not fit in your cart to the Waste Management Recycle Center. You must have proof of residence in the form of a water bill and identification card with you when you arrive to drop off recyclables at the Waste Management Recycle Center.

City and County residents can utilize the City’s Compost facility to drop off additional yard waste. For additional information on what they accept contact Garden-Ville.

Compost Facility - Garden Ville
18545 FM 1686
Bloomington, TX

Phone: 361-897-1500

Hours

Monday through Friday
7 am to 5 pm

Saturday
7 am to 1 pm last vehicle accepted at 12:45 pm

Sunday
Closed

In today’s world firefighters do more than just put out fires. Nearly all of the Victoria Fire Department staff is certified by the Department of State Health Services as an EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, EMT-Paramedic, or Licensed Paramedic. Certain types of critical medical calls (unconscious persons/ major trauma to name a few) automatically have a fire company respond with the ambulance. 

With critical patients the more help the better as treatments can be given quicker, scene times are reduced, and the patient is in the Emergency Room faster. Fire companies also respond to both critical and non-critical medical calls if the ambulance assigned to that particular area is not available. Basic lifesaving care can be started by the fire company in a matter of a few minutes in some cases those minutes can be the difference between life and death for the patient.

You may request a fire station tour for you or your group by submitting a Special Events Request Form - Education. Please be aware that tours may be interrupted, delayed, or canceled without notice due to emergency calls.

Ambulance billing has become a very complex item over the past several years. Working with Medicare, Medicaid, insurance companies, and self paying customers would require us to employ several people specialized in that area and dedicated to nothing other than billing. A more efficient and cost effective method is for us to contract with a third party to do all of our billing issues. We use Emergicon to provide this service.

Any billing questions should be directed to Emergicon at:

Emergicon
P.O. Box 610287
Dallas, TX 75261-0287

Phone: 877-602-2060

A multi-purpose fire extinguisher is best for the home. Look for the rating to be at least 2A:10B:C on the label. This extinguisher can be used on any type of fire commonly found in the home. It will often be labeled A-B-C.

To request a station tour or to schedule a fire engine to visit your site, submit a Special Events Request Form - Education. Please be aware that tours may be interrupted, delayed, or cancelled without notice due to emergency calls.

Fire can travel unseen in areas that appear to be untouched by the original flames. Embers can drift through voids and smolder, heat can be transmitted along wiring, metal pipes, or nails and ignite materials inside ceilings or walls.

We would rather cause some additional minor damage to make sure none of those things are happening than to come back to another structure fire that is causing thousands of dollars in damage and putting lives in danger.

The Victoria Fire Department does not remove bees unless there is imminent danger to a person. If such a situation exists, firefighters destroy the bees and the hives. To have bees removed, look in the Yellow Pages under Beekeepers.

Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 911 operator. The Victoria Fire Department thinks pessimistically when they respond to citizens in need of help. In other words, the firefighters are prepared to deal with the worst that could happen.

A computer selects the closest unit to respond to an incident. The fire department’s philosophy is to get our firefighters there as soon as possible. In preparation for the worse case scenario, an ambulance often is dispatched as well.

There may be multiple fire department vehicles on the scene for what appears to be a "simple" incident. However, in emergency services we have learned that if we assume something is "simple," we can be horribly mistaken. Plus, we respond as fast as we can prepared to encounter the worst. The winner in these situations will always be the citizen who needs help.

As explained in the previous answer, sometimes several units are dispatched to the same incident. The first unit may have arrived on the scene, surveyed the situation and informed the dispatcher that the situation was under control. All other responding units were canceled and put back into service, ready to take another call.

Most likely, when you see an emergency vehicle go "Code 3" (lights and siren) through an intersection and then slow down and turn the emergency lights off, they have been canceled from the call they were going on.

Instead of calling 911, feel free to contact our non-emergency line at 361-573-3221 and the call takers will determine if it is appropriate for an officer to respond or return your call. They may also be able to help you or refer you to the right place. View our Police Department Staff Directory for more contact information. 

Often times individuals will request a "Clearance Letter" on themselves for business, work, travel, etc. The Victoria Police Department (VPD) Records Section only provides the information found in the VPD records management system.

An individual can only request a background check for themselves and in person. They have to fill out a form, provide a valid Texas drivers license or ID and must have lived in Victoria for the past 4 months or have been a resident of Victoria at one time. The cost is $7.50. The background check will only cover the City of Victoria and does not include Victoria County or the State of Texas. The only charges that go on the background are arrests that resulted with a conviction.

Records Section Contact Information

VPD Records Section is located in the City Hall building at:
105 W Juan Linn Street
Victoria, TX 77901

The telephone Number for VPD Records is 361-485-3700.

Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Searches

Arrests, prosecutions and the disposition of the case for persons arrested for Class B misdemeanor or greater violation of Texas criminal statutes are available for purchase by visiting the Texas Department of Public Safety Website.

We are interested in hearing about what we are doing right so we may continue quality services. You may visit our Service Request page to share information regarding any compliments you have for our employees. You may also email the Office of the Chief of Police or call at 361-485-3714.

To file a complaint against a member of the Victoria Police Department you may email the Internal Affairs Unit, talk in person during business hours, or call at 361-485-3714.

The Victoria Police Department is always happy to provide a speaker for your event when possible. If you are interested in having a speaker for your organization or would like to request a course be offered for your organization email the Police Department or call 361-485-3808.

All courses are offered completely free of charge. Courses are scheduled and held periodically in the Community Room at Victoria Mall. Due to limited seating in the Community Room, we do ask that anyone planning to attend a course, register by calling the Community Engagement Unit.

Courses are also available upon request for civic organizations, churches, or businesses, that would like an officer to come to their location and deliver one of these courses.

Topics Available

Some of the topics offered are:

• Active Crime Prevention
• Avoiding Scams
• Burglary Prevention (Residential Security)
• Identity Theft Protection
• Motor Vehicle Safety
• Robbery Prevention

Yes - feel free to call our Investigations Division at 361-485-3730 and they should be able to refer you to the right person. But remember that if you have information you can submit an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers.

Feel free to call our Investigations Division at 361-485-3730 and they should be able to refer you to the right person.

Download the Street Blocking Application/Permit (PDF). Feel free to contact our Chief’s Administrative Assistant at 361-485-3714 with any questions.

In compliance with the Code of the City of Victoria, Sections 22-7 - the information shown below shall be furnished in writing and the Street Blocking Permit Application shall be submitted at least ten days in advance of the proposed event to the Victoria Police Department if the event is on a public street or to the City Parks and Recreation Department if the event is within Riverside Park.

Where to Submit the Application

Submit the Application to the following as appropriate:

Public Street
Victoria Police Department - Chief of Police
P.O. Box 2086
Victoria, TX 77902-2086

Riverside Park
Victoria Parks and Recreation
476 McCright Drive
Victoria, TX 77901

The Parade Permit Application (PDF) can be found here.

Code

In compliance with the Code of the City of Victoria, Sections 22-30 through 22-39 - the information shown below shall be furnished in writing and the Parade Permit Application shall be submitted at least ten days in advance of the proposed parade to:
Victoria Police Department - Chief of Police
P.O. Box 2086
Victoria, TX 77902

Persons wanting information on obtaining Off-Duty Police Officers for security work may contact the Chief’s Administrative Assistant at 361-485-3714 regarding off-duty work. There are some jobs or events that our officers are not allowed to work. Also the number of officers required may change based on the type of event, location of event, or the number of guests expected.

Visit the Defensive Driving webpage for the City of Victoria Municipal Court to see if you are eligible and for more information.

The Victoria Police Department (VPD) does have a Ride-Along Program where interested citizens may ride with an on-duty police officer. The restrictions can be found on the VPD Policy. For more information on the VPD Ride-Along Program as well as the Application form and the VPD Ride-Along Policy.

Yes - absolutely! All callers remain anonymous and will receive a code number for identification purposes when he\she contacts Crime Stoppers anytime of the day or night - 7 days a week. Tips to Crime Stoppers may be submitted by telephone call, through the web or with the P3 Tips smartphone app.

The anonymous tip line for Crime Stoppers is 361-572-4200 - do not give your name! The Investigations business line where you can ask to speak with our Crime Stoppers Detective (not anonymous) is 361-485-3730.

The Police Department has a full-time Crime Victim Liaison who assists victims of violent crimes through our Victim Assistance Program. The goal of this program is to:

• Assist victims of crime
• Protect and advocate the rights of victims
• Provide resources and referrals in our area
• Prevent further victimization

Victims are notified of their victim rights through our Victim Assistance Information Booklet which in most cases is provided by the responding officer at the scene of the incident.

Statewide Services

There are many local or statewide services as well. For more information click on our Victim Services webpage.

Texas Laws

View the Texas Laws and Statutes - found on a website maintained by the Texas Legislature. Most of the Criminal Laws are found in the Texas Penal Code, however some are within other codes such as the Health and Safety Code for drug/narcotics violations. Most traffic laws are found in the Transportation Code beginning primarily at Chapter 501.

Victoria City Ordinances

View the City of Victoria Code of Ordinances - found at Municode.com. The information here is provided to Municode by the City Secretary’s Office. You can look through the chapters in the left navigation or use their "Search" for a specific topic.

The Internal Affairs Unit answers directly to the Chief of Police.

No, we encourage the reporting of inappropriate conduct by members of the department. However, if you deliberately make a false complaint against any Police Department member, you may be prosecuted criminally and/or be held civilly liable.

When the investigation of a complaint reveals the accusations are true and should be sustained, the Chief of Police may take one of the following actions depending on the nature of the violation and the member’s discipline history:

• Corrective Counseling
• Oral Reprimand
• Written Reprimand
• Suspension Without Pay
• Demotion
• Termination

a Unidad de Asuntos Internos responde directamente al jefe de policía.

No, nosotros animamos que informen la conducta inadecuada de los miembros del departamento. Sin embargo, si usted deliberadamente hace una reclamación falsa contra cualquier miembro del Departamento de Policía, usted puede ser procesado criminalmente y/o ser hallado civilmente responsable.

Cuando la investigación de una reclamación revela que las acusaciones son verídicas y deben ser sostenidas, los supervisores del empleado pueden tomar una de las medidas siguientes dependiendo de la naturaleza de la violación y de la historia disciplinaria del miembro:

• Asesoramiento correctivo
• Descenso de rango
• Reprimenda escrita
• Reprimenda oral
• Suspensión sin paga
• Terminación

• Please bring donations of books to the library, during regular hours of operation; for more information on location and hours, visit the Public Library Directory.
• For assistance with larger donations, stop by the Administrative office or call 361-485-3304 to schedule an appointment.
• We may not be able to accept excessively large donations such as a "truck load." 
  • Additionally, once our inventory needs have been met, we may decline to accept donations.

We do not determine the value of the donation. A letter can be provided designating how many paperbacks and hardbacks were donated.

Depending on the quality and condition of donated items, they will be:

• Put into the general collection of the library
• Put into our book sale
• Given away

No; however it is helpful to have that information in case we need to re-contact you for additional information.

Not unless you specifically request it. If you want to talk to the officer, tell the dispatcher when you call in.

• Internet access
• Your library card number
• PIN (available at the Service Desk if you do not already have one)

A Home Security Survey is an inspection of your home. The inspection will cover items such as type of lighting, doors, locks, and windows.

You will learn what areas of your home need security improvements and how to make those improvements. Also the inspection may qualify you for a reduction in your home owner’s insurance premiums.

First, contact your Insurance agent to verify whether or not they offer a reduction in home owner’s insurance premiums, if you have your home inspected. Then you will complete a checklist provided by the Victoria Police Department. After the list is completed, you will contact the Community Engagement Unit at 361-485-3808. 

An Officer will schedule a time to do the inspection. After passing the inspection, the Officer will give you a copy of a form provided by the Texas Department of Insurance. You will take your copy to your agent for the reduction.

Any improvements needed to pass the inspection will be at the home owner’s expense. The Victoria Police Department does the inspection free.

The Victoria Police Department has Community Engagement Officers who are certified with the Texas Department of Insurance. Only these Officers can perform the inspection and sign the necessary form for the reduction.

If your insurance does not offer the reduction, you can still have the inspection. The inspection will still provide you with recommendations on how to make your home "harder" to burglarize. While the Victoria Police Department cannot guarantee you won’t be burglarized, our recommendation should discourage burglars.

To obtain a checklist (PDF), you may come by the Victoria Police Department's Training & Recruiting Office located in the Victoria Mall next to the Food Court or you may download a copy. If you have any other questions or concerns, please email the Community Engagement Unit or by calling 361-485-3808 Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm.

VIN Etching is offered completely free of charge. We are able to offer this service free to the public because the Victoria Police Department obtained a grant from Texas Department of Transportation (Automobile Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority) which funds the VIN Etching program.

In order to have your vehicle etched, you will need to show a current valid driver’s license and proof of insurance card. Also the registered owner will need to be present to sign a waiver for the etching.

Periodically the Victoria Police Department Crime Prevention Officers will hold events around the city/county where the public can have their vehicles etched, or you can call and set up an appointment (available appointment dates and times change without notice).

Virtual Reference Library

Think of TexShare Databases as your own virtual reference library. It’s electronic "shelves" are stocked with:

• Current newspapers and magazines
• Encyclopedias
• Literature
• Medical information
• Reference books
• Technical, business and scientific journals

For More Information

For more information or to see if a material you desire is available, view the list of TexShare Databases.

For login information, please contact the Information Desk at 361-485-3302. You will need to provide your library card number or driver’s license number to verify your account.

Yes. If the crash was investigated by the Victoria Police Department, you may purchase the report online through Police Reports at LexisNexis.

In the event that you encounter any of the above listed issues, please call us and an officer will respond to the scene to assist you.

Again, please contact us and an officer will respond to assist you.

The CR-2 Crash Report form will serve this purpose and should be provided to the insurance company.

The CR-2 Crash Report forms can be obtained from the Victoria Police Department or at the VPD Crime Prevention Unit located in Victoria Mall next to Sears. The forms at the Crime Prevention Unit can be located on the brochure rack next to the office entrance, and are marked as “Crash Report Forms.”

In order to receive email notifications for job openings that interest you, sign up for notifications, enter your contact information and check in the box next to each department you are interested in. The Human Resources Department will then send you email notifications for job openings that interest you. We also post new job openings on our Facebook page. 

Select the Check your Application Status . A form will appear asking for your contact information and the position or department you applied for. Enter the information in the blanks and the Human Resources Department will notify you by phone or email on where you stand in the application process.

Selected applicants will be requested to successfully complete additional documents such as the Personal Information and History Packet. You will find a link to the Personal Information and History Packet in the job posting through the City of Victoria website. Once the link has been opened a blank fillable PDF version of the form will appear. We recommend you saving this blank document to your desktop and then re-opening it from your desktop. Enter your information into the document and save frequently to be sure no information is lost.

You will immediately receive a confirmation number upon successfully submitting your application. You will also receive an email confirmation that your application was received. Your application will be reviewed by Human Resources and released to the Hiring Manager(s) depending on qualifications.

No. Submit all documentation via the online application system and we will ensure that it gets to the Hiring Manager(s).

If you are unable to complete an application at any given time, you may save it and resume your session at a later time or date. Please note that you will not be considered for a position if your application is in a draft mode.

New job openings are updated through the Human Resources office daily.

The time that it takes to complete an online application depends on several factors, including the amount of work experience and education you have to enter, how fast you type, etc. You should allow 30 to 50 minutes for the total process. You can expedite the process by collecting important information (i.e. educational information and dates, work experience and dates, certifications, etc.) in advance before you start creating your application.

Email addresses are a required component of the online application system. If you do not have an email address, you may create one through one of the many free email providers

Yes. You may use these same documents to apply for other positions by clicking on the job posting that you want to apply for and logging into your account. Your past application will automatically populate. If you wish, you may also customize your application or resume at this time.

The Human Resources Department is committed to making the application process as quick and user friendly as possible. We have two computers in our office that are available for you to utilize in order to get your application submitted. Our friendly staff will assist you in getting your application started and will answer any questions you may have. If you forgot your password to your account, give us a call at 361-485-3500 and we will be happy to reset it for you.

The Victoria Police Department is always happy to provide a speaker for your event when possible. If you are interested in having a speaker for your organization or would like to request a course be offered for your organization email the Police Department or call 361-485-3808.

All courses are offered completely free of charge. Courses are scheduled and held periodically in the Community Room at Victoria Mall. Due to limited seating in the Community Room, we do ask that anyone planning to attend a course, register by calling the Community Engagement Unit.

Courses are also available upon request for civic organizations, churches, or businesses, that would like an officer to come to their location and deliver one of these courses.

Topics Available

Some of the topics offered are:

• Active Crime Prevention
• Avoiding Scams
• Burglary Prevention (Residential Security)
• Identity Theft Protection
• Motor Vehicle Safety
• Robbery Prevention

Lieutenant Eline Moya is currently designated as the Victoria Police Department (VPD) Public Information Officer for media releases. You can email the VPD Public Information Officer or you may call 361-485-3723.

Neighborhood Watch is much more than adding and using good locks. It is more of a state of mind or a level of awareness, because you are the extra eyes and ears to detect crime in your neighborhood. Criminals are always interested in where the police are. In a good Neighborhood Watch, criminals will also be leery of the homeowners because they know the homeowners are watchful and will be prepared to act by reporting to the police and their neighbors.

Our Crime Prevention Unit can let you know if there is already an established Neighborhood Watch in your area. If not, you can volunteer to be a Block Captain or Neighborhood Watch Coordinator.

Helpful Resources

For more information on Neighborhood Watch - contact 361-485-3808 or email our police officers.

Since 1994 the Victoria Police Department (VPD) has afforded its citizens an opportunity to experience our department in a fun and unique way. Through the Civilian Academy, citizens are exposed to many facets of law enforcement that have never been offered to citizens before.

The Civilian Police Academy is an 11-week program designed to give the participants a working knowledge of the Victoria Police Department. It consists of a series of classes and discussions held once a week, on Tuesday evenings from 6 until 9 pm, and two Saturday mornings. Classes are free and are held once a year.

Graduates can continue their academy experience by joining the VPD Civilian Academy Alumni Association. The Alumni maintain close ties with the VPD and assist the department in various community programs and projects.

Helpful Resources

Learn more by calling our Community Engagment Unit at 361-485-3808.

Periodically the Victoria Police Department Community Engagement Unit along with the Civilian Police Academy Alumni sponsor an event that includes child fingerprinting. The children are printed and the fingerprints (and sometimes footprints) are given to the parents to be kept in a safe place.

Helpful Resources

Call our Community Engagement Unit at the Training & Recruiting office located in Victoria Mall near the Food Court at 361-485-3808 for more information.

A Home Security Survey is an inspection of your home. The inspection will cover items such as type of lighting, doors, locks, and windows. You will learn what areas of your home need security improvements and how to make those improvements. Also the inspection may qualify you for a reduction in your home owner’s insurance premiums.

Helpful Resources

For more information on Home Security Surveys - call at 361-485-3808 or email the Police Department.

Learn about VIN Etching on our VIN Etching page. 

The Victoria Police Department (VPD) Investigations Division has procedures to ensure the proper registration of all persons required to register as a sex offender who are living within the City of Victoria and to ensure compliance with Chapter 62 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Using the Registration

The sex offender registration or verification process is conducted at the VPD on dates and times posted by the Investigations Division. Currently that is only on Tuesdays noon to 2 pm and Thursdays 10 am to noon or by appointment by calling 361-485-3730. No Exceptions. The registering detective will determine if the sex offender is a new registered sex offender; verifying their information periodically; or reporting their change of status. The detective will then follow the appropriate procedure.

Regardless if the person is at the VPD to register, verify or change status - the registering detective shall always require a photo ID and proof of address from the sex offender. The photo ID must show the current address or show proof from Department of Public Services that their current address has been changed.

Registration Searches

The Department of Public Safety has created searches for Texas Public Sex Offender Registry. These searches allow the public to search the registry for sex offenders registered in Texas.

Reports of criminal activity taken by Victoria Police Department Police Officers are assigned to a follow-up investigator. If the offender is determined, but the person has not yet been arrested, then the investigator is responsible to work up the case, gathering witness statements and other evidence. This may take some time but once a thorough investigation is complete, the investigator sends a case packet to the Prosecutor’s Office for review. The Prosecutor then determines if a case should be accepted and recommends to a judge that a warrant be issued.

Yes, the crime must have happened in our jurisdiction which is within the Victoria city limits. If it happened outside the city in Victoria County, then you would need to contact the Victoria County Sheriff’s Office. If the incident occurred elsewhere, contact the law enforcement agency for that jurisdiction.

The owner or someone with apparent authority to act for the owner gives someone either oral or written communication that entry onto the property is forbidden (this can be residential or a business).

Normally, Victoria Police Department (VPD) Officers will assist in this "notice" by using a VPD Criminal Trespass Warning form to be filled out during the officer’s investigation and the residents, property owners or business persons who have trespassers at their residence, property, apartment complex, business property, etc, will sign the form. The officer will then request the person to whom the warning is directed to sign the form acknowledging that they may not return to that specific location for a certain time frame (generally no more than a year).

If the person returns, that person may be subject to arrest or the officer may work up a criminal case on the individual and request that charges be filed through the local Prosecutor’s Office.

Section 30.05 of the Texas Penal Code

Texas Penal Code § 30.05. Criminal Trespass. (a) A person commits an offense if he enters or remains on or in property, including an aircraft or other vehicle, of another without effective consent or he enters or remains in a building of another without effective consent and he:

• Had notice that the entry was forbidden
• Received notice to depart but failed to do so

The offense of Harassment is defined by the Texas Penal Code. In order to prove that a person committed an offense the investigator must prove the elements of the offense. This is often difficult without evidence.

Harassment Packet

A mail in Harassment Packet may be found by viewing the Victoria Police Department (VPD) Documents and Forms webpage. Instructions are in the packet and the entire packet must be completed before the VPD will investigate the alleged offense. The VPD investigator is then responsible to work up the case by gathering any other evidence necessary. This may take some time, but once a thorough investigation is complete, the investigator sends a case packet to the Prosecutor’s Office for review. The Prosecutor then determines if a case should be accepted and recommends to a judge that a warrant be issued.

Texas Laws

View the Texas Laws and Statutes - found on a website maintained by the Texas Legislature. Most of the Criminal Laws are found in the Texas Penal Code, however some are within other codes such as the Health and Safety Code for drug/narcotics violations. Most traffic laws are found in the Transportation Code beginning primarily at Chapter 501.

Victoria City Ordinances

View the City of Victoria Code of Ordinances - found at Municode.com. The information here is provided to Municode by the City Secretary’s Office. You can look through the chapters in the left navigation or use their "Search" for a specific topic.

Yes, if you or your family own and live at the property and have registered with the Victoria County Appraisals District for Homestead Exemption.

Yes, above-ground pools do require a permit. Permits are required to ensure that the area has been fenced off.

Yes a street closure does require a permit/Letter of Approval.

Parades & Block Parties

Permits for parades and block parties, are issued by the Police Department; to access the necessary forms, visit the Police Department Documents and Forms page.

Construction Related

Requests for construction related street closures must be submitted to Celeste Menchaca. For more information or to submit a construction related street closure request, please email Celeste Menchaca.

The request needs to include:

• Purpose of closure
• Name of streets to be closed
• Name of cross streets that intersect closures
• Dates and times of closures
• Contact name, number, and address

Generally no; however masonry columns/fences or fences with electrical components require permits. 

Additionally, fences should never extend beyond a property line, and all fences must follow the height requirements found in the Building Guide (PDF).

Yes. To submit a request, please access the Building Permit Application (PDF).

Asbestos Survey

Depending on project, you may also need an asbestos survey.

Asbestos Survey Requirements

Building owners and contractors must provide the city with evidence that asbestos surveys have been conducted on portions of buildings affected by the planned renovation or demolition by a person licensed under the Texas Asbestos Health Protection Act.

Licensed Asbestos Inspectors

To access a current list of licensed asbestos inspectors, you may:

• Contact the City of Victoria Development Center
• Contact the Texas Department of Health’s Asbestos Program in Austin, TX by phone at 800-572-5548
• Visit the Texas Health and Human Services Asbestos Program page

Only if the storage building exceeds 200 square feet, although the building must not be placed within lot setbacks and easements running through your property.

For fixing and improving upon an existing manufactured home, the Texas Manufactured Housing Division needs to be notified for any requirements and/or inspections.

Manufactured Housing Division Contact

• Call the Manufactured Housing Division toll-free customer service line at 800-500-7074
• Visit the Texas Department of Community and Housing Affairs, Manufactured Housing Division page

No, within your property lines your can repair concrete, or pave your driveway.

If, however, you are working in the City right-of-way or approach into the street, this will need approval and permitting.

For residences, all electrical plugs under 42 inches from floor shall be tamper resistant, unless located behind major appliances.

Building setbacks are determined either by Platting or Fire Code. If your property is platted, the building setbacks will be shown on the plat, which can be requested by calling Development Services at 361-485-3360.

Building setbacks are determined either by Platting or Fire Code. If your property is platted, the building setbacks will be shown on the plat, which can be requested by calling Development Services at 361-485-3360.

Typically, a structure can be built as far from the street as desired, as long as the structure does not encroach on any building setbacks.

For more information on a specific property, please call Development Services at 361-485-3320.

The State of Texas has guidelines that must be followed regarding accessible ramps to structures; inquiries would need to check the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations Architectural Barriers/Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) for requirements.

For More Information

For more information, access the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) of the Architectural Barriers Act Article 9102, Texas Civil Statutes (PDF).

Site plans and platting documents are approved by Planning Services, building plans and permits are approved by the Development Center. These are separate divisions within Development Services.

The separate plans can, however, be reviewed concurrently. Plat approval is required prior to site plan approval and site plan approval is required before building permits may be issued.

Submitting Plans

Information on how to submit plans to both departments may be found by referencing our Development Guide.

Fences can be a maximum of 8 feet in height, however a fence that crosses a front building setback line shall be required to transition down to 3 feet in height. For lots with no platted front building setback line, a distance of 20 feet shall be used.

For more information on what is appropriate or acceptable when building a fence, access the Building Guide (PDF).

Who to contact depends on where the vehicle is stored.

Stored Vehicles on a Public Street

If the vehicle is being stored on a public street then you may contact the Police Department in two ways:

• Call our non-emergency number at 361-573-3221 to have an officer respond. These calls are prioritized and response may be delayed.
• Place a Customer Service Request through the City website.

Junked Vehicles on Private Property

• Contact the City of Victoria Code Enforcement Office; call 361-485-3330 or visit the Code Enforcement page.
• Place a Customer Service Request through the City website.

Through the Victoria Police Department Records office, copies of some police reports may be sold (if the document is able to be released). For other documents and information, a Public Information Request form may be needed. Public Information Request Forms (which includes police reports and body cam videos), may be found here on our Documents page.

Requesting Reports

Police reports available weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm.

Please allow at least 2 working days for reports to be processed from the date of occurrence before you request copies. Copies may be requested by mail or in person and payment must be received prior to the release of the documents.

Crash Reports

The reports for crashes investigated by the Victoria Police Department may be purchased online for $8.50 at Police Reports at LexisNexis or for $6 if purchased in person at the Victoria Police Department Records Section which is in the City Hall Building at 105 W Juan Linn Street in downtown Victoria. Get more information on Crash Reports investigated by the VPD.

• Report/Document Copies: $0.10 page
• Certifying Document: $2 (additional)
• Clearance Letters: Local Criminal History: $7.50 (Must provide Texas photo ID)
• Offense Reports: $0.10 page

Cuotas de Copias de Reportes

Por favor deje pasar por lo menos 2 días para que los reportes sean procesados desde la fecha de lo ocurrido antes de que solicite una copia del reporte.

Reporte de Accidente

Los reportes de accidentes investigados por el departamento de policía de Victoria se pueden comprar en línea por $8.50 en Police Reports at LexisNexis o por $6 si se compran en persona en el departamento de policía de Victoria, Sección de Archivos que está ubicado en el edificio de City Hall en el 105 W Juan Linn Street en el centro de Victoria. Haga click aquí para más información de reportes de accidentes investigados por el VPD.

• Reporte / Copi as de documento: $0.10 por pagina
• Certificación de documento: $2 (adicionales )
• Carta de Acreditación: Historial criminal local: $7.50 (Tiene que proveer identificación con fotografía)
• Reporte de Ofensa: $4
• Copias Certificadas: Agregue $2 adicionales al costo del reporte.

Yes. If the crash was investigated by the Victoria Police Department, you may purchase the report online through Police Reports at LexisNexis.

Fingerprinting services are available at the Victoria Police Department, located at 306 S. Bridge Street.

• Call 361-485-3788 to make an appointment.
• Fee: $5 first card - $2 each additional card charge.  The Police Department can only accept cash or check.

Cards

• Generally, most fingerprint cards are provided by the requestor.  Please confirm with the entity requesting fingerprints prior to arrival.  If a card is not supplied, the Police Department will have one available.
• You must show a valid photo ID to be fingerprinted.
• The Records Section will direct you to the Crime Scene Unit for printing.

Note: Police personnel cannot provide fingerprinting for immigration purposes. For information about immigration fingerprinting requirements, please visit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Servicios de huellas dactilares

Los servicios de huellas dactilares están disponibles en el Departamento de Policía de Victoria, ubicado en 306 S. Bridge Street.

• Llame al 361-485-3788 para programar una cita.
• Costo: $5 primera tarjeta - $2 por cada carga adicional de la tarjeta. El Departamento de Policia solo pueded aceptar efectivo o cheques.
  

Tarjetas

• Generalmente, la mayoría de las tarjetas de huellas dactilares las proporciona el solicitante. Por favor confirme con la entidad que solicita las huellas digitales antes de su llegada. Si no se proporciona una tarjeta, el Departamento de Policía tendrá una disponible.
  
• Debe mostrar una identificación con fotografía válida para que le tomen las huellas digitales.
• La Sección de Registros lo dirigirá a la Unidad de Escena del Crimen para su impresión.

Nota: El personal de policía no puede proporcionar la huella dactilar para propósitos de inmigración. Para información sobre requisitos de la huella dactilar de la inmigración, visite por favor U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

You can view our latest Crime Statistics and Annual Crime Report.

Victoria Police Department has a crime alerting and mapping service that provides easy to read incident crime maps and automated alerts to the citizens of the City of Victoria.

Often times individuals will request a "Clearance Letter" on themselves for business, work, travel, etc. The Victoria Police Department (VPD) Records Section only provides the information found in the VPD records management system.

An individual can only request a background check for themselves and in person. They have to fill out a form, provide a valid Texas Drivers License or ID and must have lived in Victoria for the past 4 months or have been a resident of Victoria at one time. The cost is $7.50. The background check will only cover the City of Victoria and does not include Victoria County or the State of Texas. The only charges that go on the background are arrests that resulted with a conviction.

Records Section Contact Information

VPD Records Section is located in the City Hall building at:
105 W Juan Linn Street
Victoria, TX 77901

The telephone Number for VPD Records is 361-485-3700.

Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Searches

Arrests, prosecutions and the disposition of the case for persons arrested for Class B misdemeanor or greater violation of Texas criminal statutes are available for purchase by clicking here on the Texas Department of Public Safety Website.

Yes, currently. However, funeral escorts will no longer be offered starting April 14, 2025.

Funeral Escort Service

The Victoria Police Department, provides funeral escort services which provide high visibility and traffic control from the service location to the burial site, thus allowing the entire cortège to formally arrive safely at the final destination

Funeral homes are required to notify the Records Section for the City of Victoria Police Department a minimum of 24 hours prior to the escort time and date. The request will include the time, date, location of the service, and location of the burial. This information should faxed to the Records Section at 361-576-9553, or via telephone 361-485-3700.

Exceptions

Requests for services on Sundays or Mondays should be received no later than 9 am on the Friday preceding the escort date.

If a funeral escort originates outside the city limits and enters the city, or originates inside the city limits and travels outside the city limits, it will be the responsibility of the funeral home to contact the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction outside the city limits along the path of escort route to assume responsibility for the escort once the procession leaves the Victoria city limits.

Helpful Resources

• Fee: $100 (to be invoiced by City of Victoria)
• Please note on the times escorts are not available (peak patrol times):
  • Monday through Friday
    7:30 to 8:15 am
    11:45 am to 1 pm
    4:30 to 5:30 pm

We are not allowed to give that opinion. You may request the crime activity in that area by filling out an Open Records Request or go viewing our Crime Map.

Through the Victoria Police Department (VPD) Records office, copies of some police reports or statistics may be sold (if the document is able to be released). A Public Information Request form may be needed. Public Information Request Forms (which includes police reports and body cam videos), may be found here on our Documents page. You can view our latest Crime Statistics and Annual Crime Report. LexisNexis is a crime alerting and mapping service that provides easy to read incident crime maps and automated alerts to the citizens of the City of Victoria.

• Victoria Police Department: Law Enforcement and Crime Prevention within the city limits of Victoria
• Victoria County Sheriff’s Office: Enforces laws within Victoria County. Serves writs and processes of the courts; and houses prisoners in the County jail.
• Victoria Fire Department - Arson Investigators: Fire prevention and investigation within the City of Victoria. The Fire Marshal’s Office is responsible for determining the origin and cause of fires within the city limits.
• Victoria County Fire Marshal: Fire and arson investigations, fire inspections and life safety fire code enforcement within Victoria County
• Victoria County Constables Offices: Law Enforcement within Victoria County as well as subpoena witnesses, act as bailiff, execute judgments and service of civil process.
• Victoria County Contact Page: Contacts for other Victoria County Offices
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Law Enforcement throughout the State of Texas including:
  • Criminal Investigations
  • Driver Licensing
  • Highway Patrol
  • Texas Rangers
• Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission: Licensing and Enforcement/Audit and Investigations
• Victoria College Police Department: Campus security including:
  • Asset protection
  • Building access control at Victoria College
  • Crime prevention
  • Emergency preparedness
  • Law enforcement
  • Subsequent investigation
• University of Houston in Victoria (UHV) - Police: Investigates and handles crime and public safety-related incidents at UHV.
• Federal Bureau of Investigation - FBI - Corpus Christi Office: Jurisdiction over violations of more than 200 categories of federal law. The major ones are: 
  • Civil Rights
  • Counterintelligence
  • Cyber Crime
  • Organized Crime
  • Public Corruption
  • Terrorism
  • Violent/Major Thefts
  • Weapons of Mass Destruction
  • White Collar Crime
• U.S. Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms - Corpus Christi Office: Protects communities from:
  • Acts of arson and bombings
  • Acts of terrorism
  • Criminal organizations
  • The illegal diversion of alcohol and tobacco products
  • The illegal use and storage of explosives
  • The illegal use and trafficking of firearms
  • Violent criminals
• United States Marshals Service - Victoria
  • Asset Forfeiture
  • Federal Court Security
  • Fugitive Operations
  • Prisoner Operations
  • Prisoner Transportation
  • Tactical Operations
  • Witness Security

Review the Victoria Police Department Entry Level Job Descriptions. 

On our Recruitment and Training page is a wide variety of information related to our job application process. This includes sub-pages detailing our Applicant Procedures, Rejection Criteria and Victoria Police Department (VPD) Job Descriptions.

Applications

City of Victoria applications for all VPD positions must be completed online by visiting the City of Victoria Human Resources Job Openings. At this website, prospective applicants must create an account and follow all instructions regarding the position for which they are applying.

The Human Resources Office is located at:
700 N Main
Suite 101
Victoria, TX 77901

They are open between the hours of 8 am to noon and 1 to 5 pm, Monday through Friday and can be reached for questions at 361-485-3500.

Requirements

The Police Department must adhere to requirements set out by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) as well as the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services policies.

Applicants for Police Officer Trainee with the Victoria Police Department, to be sent to the Victoria College Police Academy by the Victoria Police Department (VPD), must meet the Academy’s physical fitness entrance requirements.

Helpful Resources

• Police Academy Physical Fitness Entrance Requirements (PDF)
• Victoria College Police Academy
• VPD Recruitment / Training webpages

Texas Laws

View the Texas Laws and Statutes - found on a website maintained by the Texas Legislature. Most of the Criminal Laws are found in the Texas Penal Code, however some are within other codes such as the Health and Safety Code for drug/narcotics violations. Most traffic laws are found in the Transportation Code beginning primarily at Chapter 501.

Victoria City Ordinances

View the City of Victoria Code of Ordinances - found at Municode.com. The information here is provided to Municode by the City Secretary’s Office. You can look through the chapters in the left navigation or use their "Search" for a specific topic.

Traffic concerns may be reported several different ways. If this is happening right now and is a potential hazard which needs an officer to respond then call 911. If this is an ongoing issue in your neighborhood or a problem on a particular street or intersection in town, then feel free to report that in one of the following ways:

• Place a Customer Service Request through the City Website
• Visit the Victoria Police Department Facebook page and send us a private message. We will be happy to forward that message to the proper area within our department as soon as possible.

Stored Vehicles on a Public Street

If the vehicle is being stored on a public street then you may contact the Police Department in two ways:

• Call our non-emergency number at 361-573-3221 to have an officer respond. These calls are prioritized and response may be delayed.
• Place a Customer Service Request through the City Website by choosing the Police group on that page

Junked Vehicles on Private Property

• Contact the City of Victoria Code Enforcement Office at 361-485-3330
• Place a Customer Service Request through the City Website by choosing the Code Enforcement group on that page

The City Attorney’s office is located on the second floor inside City Hall. The address for City Hall is P.O. Box 1758, Victoria, Texas, 77902.

The Mayor does not have an office inside City Hall, but you may send mail to the address above for City Hall for the Mayor, and you may call the City Manager’s office to leave a phone message for the Mayor at (361) 485-3030. All mail and phone messages are forwarded to the Mayor by the City Manager’s office.

You may send an email directly to the Mayor or any City Council member by visiting this webpage:

http://www.victoriatx.gov/501/City-Council

If you want to speak directly to all Council members, every City Council meeting includes the opportunity for citizens to address Council during Citizen Communication. City Council meetings occur on the first and third Tuesday of every month at 5:00 p.m. in Council Chambers which is located at 107 W. Juan Linn (across from Fossati’s Deli).

No. The City Attorney does not represent individuals in private legal matters. Attorneys in the office only represent City officials, departments, agencies, and employees in the course of their official acts or business. For general questions or if seeking legal representation, please call the Texas Bar Association at 1-800-252-9690. Additionally, you may be able to obtain free legal services through the Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid – Victoria Office by visiting www.TexasLawHelp.org .

The City of Victoria’s Code of Ordinances is accessible on-line here:

https://library.municode.com/tx/victoria/codes/code_of_ordinances

Hard copies of codes or a particular ordinance may also be obtained from the City Secretary’s Office on the first floor inside City Hall.

Yes. City Staff ask City Council to make changes to City code via Ordinance placed on a City Council agenda which is then passed by a majority vote of Council members. Most Ordinances changing City Code must begin with a public hearing and then be read a second and third time at the subsequent City Council meeting.

The City Charter provides that citizens may create legislation by initiative. “Any ordinance initiated by the people may be submitted to the City Council by petition signed by qualified voters of the City of Victoria equal in number to ten percent or more of the qualified voters of the City.” More information can be found in the City Charter or by contacting the City Secretary’s office.

The City’s prosecuting attorney is responsible for representing the state of Texas in Class C misdemeanor cases before the Municipal Court. Examples of Class C misdemeanor cases include traffic and non-traffic offenses, animal control violations, code violations, and juvenile offenses.

The City’s prosecutor represents the state of Texas, not individuals, in court proceedings.

Please visit the City’s Municipal Court webpage at: http://www.victoriatx.org/217/Municipal-Court .

The City Attorney’s office offers a webform for filing claims that may be found here:

 http://www.victoriatx.org/190/Claims

Reports or complaints concerning any violation of law occurring in the City should be made to either the Victoria Police Department by calling (361) 573-3221 for non-emergencies or Code Enforcement at (361) 485-3330. In case of an emergency, call 911.

The City Attorney is appointed by the Victoria City Council. The attorneys in the office provide legal advice and services to the City Council, its officials, departments, employees, boards, and commissions. The City Attorney enforces the City’s municipal codes. The District Attorney is an elected official who investigates and prosecutes criminal activities throughout Victoria County.

The City Charter gives citizens the right to petition for an initiative by proposing an ordinance that does not conflict with any laws, the Constitution of the State of Texas, or the Charter.  The proposed ordinance may not appropriate money or authorize the levying of a tax. An ordinance proposed by the people may be submitted to the Council by petition.  The petition should be signed by at least 10% of the qualified voters in the City of Victoria.

The City Charter states the “initiative petition papers shall contain the full text of the proposed legislation in the form of an ordinance with a descriptive caption.” Each person signing the petition must sign his or her name in ink or indelible pencil.  To be a valid petition signature, the petition must also contain the signer’s printed name, voter registration number, residence address, and date of signing.  Each page of the petition shall contain an affidavit stating that the affiant circulated the petition personally and that each signature on the petition was made in his or her presence and is the genuine signature of the person whose name it claims to show.

Within twenty days of being filed, the City Secretary shall examine the petition and determine whether it contains the required number of valid signatures.  The Charter stated that the “City Secretary need not examine, and shall declare void, any petition paper which does not have attached thereto the affidavit of the person who circulated it as required” (see question above).  After completing the examination of  the petition, the City Secretary shall certify the result of the examination to the Council at the next regular meeting and state the number of signers found on the petition to be qualified to vote and the number found to not be qualified to vote.  If the petition for initiative is insufficient, the “City Secretary shall notify the person filing the petition, and the petition may be amended within ten days from date of such notice by filing a supplementary petition upon additional papers signed and filed as provided for an original petition,” as stated in the Charter.  The City Secretary shall examine the amendment within ten days and certify the amended petition as to its sufficiency.  The Charter states “if the amended petition is found insufficient, the City Secretary shall return the petitions to the person who filed them, without prejudice to the filing of a new petition for the same purpose.”

After receiving the an authorized initiative petition certified by the City Secretary to be sufficient, the City Council shall pass the initiated ordinance without amendment within sixty days after the date of certification to the Council; submit the initiated ordinance without amendment to a vote of the qualified voters of the City at a regular or special election to be held on the next uniform election date which occurs not less than 60 days after the date of certification of the petition to the City Council; or submit to a vote of the qualified voters of the City at such election the initiated ordinance without amendment, and in the alternative an ordinance on the same subject proposed by the City Council.  

When you receive a citation, you will receive a summons to appear before the Judge in Court. When you appear for court, you may contest a citation, request a deferred disposition if you are eligible, or pay your violation. You may view the Municipal Court procedures by visiting this link.

The options to take care of your citations are as follows:

• Contesting a Ticket
• Deferred Disposition
• Payment Information

You may find laws regarding animal services violations in a few different locations.  

City limits:

For violations within the city limits, you may pull up the Municode by clicking here.

Outside city limits:

For violations outside of  city limits, you may view the violations by clicking here.

State laws:

The city and county ordinances are determined through state law and can be found clicking here.

Victoria County Animal Services responds to incidents regarding dog bites or vicious animals.  

During business hours:

To report an incident, you may contact Victoria County Animal Services at (361) 578-3564 during their operating hours which are Monday-Thursday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Friday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. 

After hours:

If you are reporting an incident after hours, on weekends, or holidays, you may contact the Victoria Police Department for incidents occurring within city limits at (361) 573-3221 or the Victoria County Sheriff’s Office for incidents outside of city limits at (361) 575-0651.

Contesting a Citation

You have a right to a jury trial, unless you waive that right and request a trial by judge. By setting your case for trial, you are giving up your right to require that your case be dismissed through a mandatory Driving Safety Course. If you wish to receive a trial, appear in person at the City of Victoria Municipal Court, submit your request electronically through this form, or print out the Plea of Not Guilty Form (PDF) and submit your request by mail:

City of Victoria Municipal Court
P.O. Box 1758
Victoria, Texas 77902

Paying a Citation

If you are not wanting to contest your citation, you are eligble to pay your citation in full through this payment portal here or you may contact the court for further information. Please call the Municipal Court at (361) 485-3050 or by e-mail at courtclerk@victoriatx.gov.

Animal Services responds to a variety of concerns. Some of the concerns are listed below:

• Abuse/Abandoned/Neglect/Cruelty to animals
• Aggressive animals
• Animals trapped in live traps
• Animals in vehicles
• Animal bites
• Assist Police Officers
• Barking dogs
• Dead animals
• Loose dogs
• Loose livestock
• Report of wild animals such as bats, raccoons, skunk, or snakes inside business establishment or residential area
• Request for immediate euthanasia of ill or injured animals
• Surrender of animals

For information regarding any of the above concerns, please contact Victoria County Animal Services at (361) 578-3564. 

Victoria County Animal Services and Victoria Police Department have the ability to enforce animal control violations. Citations may be issued to the pet owner or another person who is taking custody of the animal.

You may be issued a citation at the location, it may be mailed or posted on the door of your address, or it may be issued when picking up the animal from Victoria County Animal Services.

When the citation is filed, the court will send a summons in the mail via certified mail and regular mail notifying you of a court date and time for you to appear.

You may request a copy of a police report or event report at the Records Department of the Victoria Police Department. Their office is located in the Police Department at 306 S. Bridge St. in Victoria Texas. You may contact them at (361) 485-3700 or by e-mail at policerecords@victoriatx.gov. You may also file a request for information by clicking on this link. 

Victoria County Animal Services Department is under the supervision of the Victoria County Commissioners’ Court. The contact information for the Victoria County Commissioners’ Court can be found by clicking on this link.

If your concern is an issue related to a city ordinance or state law violation, you may file a citizens complaint with the City of Victoria Municipal Court. The document needed to file the citizens complaint can be found by clicking on this link. You may also call the Victoria Police Department at (361) 573-3221 for an incident occurring within the city limits or the Victoria County Sheriff’s Office at (361) 575-0651 for violations occurring outside of city limits.

If you are wanting to file a report of a dangerous dog or a serious bodily injury case, you may file an affidavit with the Court by clicking this link.

If you are seeking damages or restitution for an incident that occurred due to an animal, you may contact the Justice of the Peace courts for information regarding filing a small claims. Information for that can be found by clicking this link. 

You may call Municipal Court Administrator Tiffany Totah at (361) 485-3050 or send an e-mail to csprogram@victoriatx.gov.

The City of Victoria receives funding each year from a $1.50 child safety fee that is assessed when residents register their vehicles in Victoria County. State law regulates allowable uses for the fund. 

Non-profit, non-taxing organizations or entities operating within the city limits of the City of Victoria are eligible to apply and receiving funding. Additionally, the non-profit organization must operate a program in one or more of the following acceptable use categories:

• Programs designed to enhance child safety and/or intervene and prevent child abuse
• Programs designed to intervene and/or prevent drug and/or alcohol and/or substance abuse with a target audience of children, defined as under the age of 18 under TEX. Code of Criminal Procedure 58.301

The eligible use categories include the following:

• Child Safety Intervention and/or prevention
• Child Abuse Intervention and/or prevention
• Drug, alcohol and/or substance abuse Intervention and/or Prevention for Children

Applications for FY 2024 open on Monday, July 29, 2024, and will close on Friday, August 16, 2024 at 5:00 pm. Applications not submitted by this deadline will not be accepted. Applications missing any of the required documentation will be rejected. Applications for this program will be opened annually as long as the funding is available. Applications may be submitted by emailing csprogram@victoriatx.gov.

While attending an application workshop is not mandatory, it will be viewed favorably during the application review process. Information on how to participate in the Applicant workshops can be found below. 

The City of Victoria Municipal Court will be hosting three applicant workshop sessions regarding the Child Safety Application process on the following dates:

• July 31, 2024 at 11:30 AM
• August 7, 2024 at 5:30 PM
• August 14, 2024 at 11:30 AM

Organizations who are interested in applying can attend in person at 107 W. Juan Linn Street in Municipal Court Chambers or virtually through Zoom. Attendance at an Applicant Workshop is optional but will be considered favorably during the application review process.

Child Safety Fund Applicant Workshop (PDF)

Virtual Attendance:

Online: https://victoriatx.zoom.us/j/83018988182?pwd=MDmOpmkxGuwQb0XCj5fPSrXrYYQfKY.1

Meeting ID: 830 1898 8182 Passcode: Grants

One tap mobile: +13462487799,,83018988182#,,,,*936515#

For information regarding this program, please contact Municipal Court Administrator Tiffany Totah at (361) 485-3050 or submit an electronic inquiry through this link. You may also send an e-mail to csprogram@victoriatx.gov.

Eligible organizations must submit a completed Child Safety Fund application, most recent copy of IRS 990, a copy of the agency's IRS tax-exempt designation letter, and a completed copy of the Child Safety Fund Program Budget form. The documentation can be found at www.victoriatx.gov/childsafetyprogram. 

Incomplete application submissions or reimbursement requests may result in a rejection of funding requests being reviewed or delay reimbursements from being issued. Please ensure to submit the correct documentation to avoid application rejections or delay in reimbursement. If you have any questions on the application or reimbursement paperwork, please e-mail csprogram@victoriatx.gov.

You may appeal the Child Safety Committee's funding decision by submitting the Appeal Form (PDF). The appeal form must be submitted by Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 5:00 pm and can be submitted to csprogram@victoriatx.gov.

Once awarded funding, you may submit your request for reimbursement quarterly by submitting the Post Event Quarterly Reporting Form. This form can be found in the forms section at www.victoriatx.gov/childsafetyprogram.  Additionally, you must submit proof of expenditures such as receipts, proof of payments, and/or bank statements. Reports are due January 20th, April 20th, July 20th, and October 20th. You may get reimbursed for your entire fund after the first quarter, or you can choose to request small reimbursement amounts throughout the year. 

AT&T and Sparklight are both installing private fiber optic broadband networks in Victoria. These networks will be able to deliver high-speed internet using fiber-to-the-home technology.

No. These are private investments by private internet providers.

Fiber network installation is an ongoing process as fiber companies expand their reaches to include more potential customers. Both companies will work continuously throughout the next year to install their networks, and they will likely expand further sometime in the future.

During the installation, high-speed internet access will gradually become available to more homes as more neighborhoods are added to the networks.

Internet providers make decisions about where to place their networks based on population density, internet adoption rates and other factors. You can contact Sparklight or AT&T directly to determine whether your neighborhood is included in their network plans.

Both AT&T and Sparklight offer those who are interested the chance to sign up to be notified if/when fiber is available where they live:

• AT&T: www.att.com/NotifyMe
• Sparklight: www.sparklight.com/fiber

During the initial phase of installation, both providers are planning to concentrate their efforts on the north side of Victoria for economic reasons. The Victoria Broadband Commission is exploring solutions that would encourage internet providers to install their networks in underserved areas.

Before the installation occurs, crews will visit neighborhoods and leave notes on doors to inform residents of the installation schedule.

Depending on the location, the providers will either install cables belowground (in the public right-of-way along streets) or hang them from utility poles.

Crews will stay on the public right-of-way, where the installation will take place. If the public right-of-way is fenced off, they will contact you to request access. Crews will not enter your property without your permission.

If the crews are installing aboveground cables, they may trim nearby trees that are hanging into the public area. This is a routine practice in aboveground utility installation.

Possibly, if both companies are planning to provide internet in your area. AT&T and Sparklight are both private companies, so they will each install their own cables.

AT&T and Sparklight are planning to use Quest Contracting and Onyx Contractors, respectively. Any utility vehicles that come to your area will be marked with the names of the contractor crews or the internet providers.

If you are unsure whether a crew is legitimate, you can reach out to Sparklight or AT&T for verification. You can call AT&T at 361-884-8288 or Sparklight at 903-312-4866. 

Because the networks are being installed by private companies, you should reach out to the companies directly if you have any questions. You can call AT&T at 361-884-8288 or Sparklight at 361-433-0056.

More information about AT&T Fiber: www.att.com/internet/fiber-is-coming/

The City of Victoria’s 2024 Community Center and Fairgrounds Master Plan calls for an expansion that would allow Victoria to attract larger events like concerts and rodeos.  Additionally, the updated existing facility will also be able to hold multiple large private and community events at the same time. 

It was determined that the $35 million project could be financed by a combination of existing financial resources and one new additional option. The existing resources are certificate of obligation bonds from the City’s existing capital improvement plan, existing sales tax funds from the Victoria Sales Tax Development Corporation, and existing City hotel occupancy dollars. In addition, the Mayor and City Council have proposed creating a new Venue Tax on hotel rooms and car rentals. The Mayor and Council voted unanimously in February 2025 to ask Victoria voters to consider the Venue Tax on the May 3 election ballot to supplement the existing financial resources available in order to reach the $35 million needed for the full expansion and renovation.

The proposed expansion plans include the addition of a new 3,000-fixed-seat covered arena with the ability to increase capacity to 4,500 for concert style events. The renovation and reorganization of interior spaces within the existing Community Center would enable the current building to host several unique/large events simultaneously while also updating technological capabilities. The Master Plan also calls for updated lighting, sound, a kitchen, restrooms, air conditioning, and disability access to improve the patron experience. Lastly, site upgrades include enhancing the fairgrounds, lighting, adding RV hook ups, improving drainage and increasing parking availability. 

The Venue Tax is designed to create a source of funding to help finance venue projects as outlined by State Law. Our venue project is the Victoria Community Center.  The Venue Tax would be a 2 percent on hotel room nights in Victoria and a 5 percent daily tax on car rentals in the city.

The Venue tax will not affect any Victoria resident’s property tax rate or bill. It will be paid by those staying in hotels inside city limits,  which are largely out-of-town visitors. The motor vehicle tax will be paid by anyone renting a car within Victoria city limits. 

Up to an estimated $35 million.

The new Venue Taxes are estimated to cover approximately $11 million of the total cost of $35 million. Other funding sources for the project will primarily include certificate of obligation bonds from the City’s existing capital improvement plan, existing sales tax funds from the Victoria Sales Tax Development Corporation, and existing City hotel occupancy tax dollars.

Improvements to the fairgrounds will include adding RV hookups, lighting, and permanent outdoor restroom facilities. Other general site upgrades include improved parking, lighting, and circulation flow.

Building a completely new facility that relocates and replicates what is currently existing would cost around $80 million, not including the cost of purchasing land, compared to $35 million to expand and renovate the existing Victoria Community Center.  

The Venue Tax will not affect the property tax rate and will be paid exclusively by anyone renting a hotel room or a renting avehicle in Victoria. Certificiates of Obligation (COs) are expected to be another funding source. However, costs associated with the COs are stemming from retiring debt. 

The new arena would be built behind the existing arena, with barn and stall access off to the immediate side.

The design would start in June 2025 and be completed by the end of the calendar year. Construction would begin in March 2026 at the conclusion of the 2026 Livestock Show. Substantial completion is expected by January 2027 in time for the 2027 Livestock Show. 

The Community Center's renovation is expected to occur in phases. This will allow the facility to continue to host public and private events.

North Street is currently being scheduled in the Capital Improvement Plan. The section of North Street in front of Patti Welder Middle School between Laurent and Ben Jordan is being prioritized and will be rebuilt in 2026-2027. It is expected that the section of North Street in front of the Community Center will occur after that. 

No. Both of the new venue taxes being considered are regulated by state law and must be used for improvements of the adopted venue project, the Victoria Community Center. 

In 2024, Victoria had over 3,000 hotel room night stays from events alone, and the Community Center itself had more than 11,000 visitors who traveled more than 50 miles to come here.

Bexar, Cameron, McLennan and Harris are among the Texas counties that also charge a 5 percent Venue Tax on motor vehicle rentals. The City of San Antonio charges a 2 percent Venue Tax on hotel rentals that was used for their Convention Center expansion.

On the contrary, the Venue Tax will help the City to fund this project without taking away funds from other important projects. In essence, the venue tax creates a new funding source that will have little to no impact on our residents, allowing existing funds to be used for roads, salaries, and other ongoing City initiatives.

Event organizers looking for smaller venues will still have options at other businesses and locations across Victoria. However, the largest alternative venue for a concert or staged presentation has a fixed seating capacity of 3,200. The new Community Center arena will be expandable up to 4,500, offering an option for larger events that was previously unavailable. Similarly, the new Community Center Expo Hall (former arena) will provide banquet space for 900+, offering a new option for larger banquets in Victoria.

The taxes can be retired but can also continue to be utilized for improvements of the venue project if the project is re-authorized.

The scope of this project focuses on the Community Center and immediate fairground area, only. Improvements to the Adult Sports Complex and any additional sports-centric field improvements in the adjacent area are not part of the scope of this project. Those improvements are to be considered at a later date.

No. All of the funding for this project is from specialized sources that must be used for specific purposes. Under state law, the Venue Tax can only be used for a venue project, existing hotel tax funds can only be used to promote tourism, and Victoria Sales Tax Development Corporation funds can only be used for community and economic development. Similarly, Certificates of Obligation (CO bonds) can only be used for one-time expenses/capital projects and cannot be utilized for salaries or any recurring expenditures.

Yes. The improvements to the facility—including technological improvements, reorganizing of spaces and expanded venue capacity—are intended to allow the facility to host many different types of events that could not be hosted before, as well as hosting multiple events at the same time.

The City considered the pros and cons of private investment in developing the upfront capital funding plan. We are planning to pursue naming rights opportunities in the future to generate ongoing revenue for operations and maintenance in order to keep rental costs low.

The $11M revenue projection is based on annual revenue produced by hotels and car rental businesses in Victoria. This revenue is estimated at approximately $700K per year, which will be used to pay off the referenced $11M cost over time.

The City is required to maintain a reserve in our debt service fund to help cover payments if annual revenues fall short for any particular year. This is how the City currently manages its existing debt service funds as well. The City has never had an issue of not being able to fulfill a debt service payment from this fund; however, if the reserve were to fall short, any additional funds needed would come from the overall Hotel Occupancy Tax fund, since the Venue Tax’s revenue bond mechanism is paid out of this fund.

The stormwater drainage utility is a dedicated City service that manages how rainfall runoff flows through Victoria’s drainage system. It functions like other City utilities (water, wastewater, trash pickup) but focuses solely on drainage infrastructure, maintenance, regulatory compliance and flood-risk reduction.

Currently, Victoria does not have a stormwater drainage utility or drainage fee. Because of this, the City is limited in its ability to perform drainage work, and the minimal amount of projects we do perform must compete with general City services for funding.

By establishing a stormwater drainage utility:

• The City can have consistent, reliable, dedicated funding for drainage needs, including implementation of the storm drainage master plan.
• Other City funds can redirect money back toward their core functions.
• The community will benefit from more robust maintenance, improved drainage performance and reduced flooding risk.

The City’s current stormwater management program complies with minimum federal and state environmental regulations to protect water quality and meet permit requirements. However, the City does not have a dedicated fund for improvement and maintenance of stormwater infrastructure.

It will fund the day-to-day care and long-term improvement of Victoria’s drainage system above and beyond current service levels.

• General maintenance: mowing drainage ditches, culvert clearing/repairs, storm drain cleaning
• Capital projects: improvements at key outfalls and drainage channels citywide
• Emergency response: quick removal of blockages and localized flooding issues

View future drainage projects that would be funded through the new fee.

No. It is a utility fee, like what residents already pay for water or sewer service. Unlike property taxes, utility fees are tied directly to the services provided and must be used for needs related to the utility—in this case, maintaining and improving the City’s drainage system.

The City is proposing a flat fee of $5 for all residential utility bills. Other properties (commercial, apartments, etc.) will be billed based on each property’s impervious area, which are surfaces that do not absorb water, such as roofs, driveways, and pavement.

Impervious surfaces affect the City’s drainage by preventing water from being absorbed into the ground. Because the stormwater drainage utility fee is based on impervious area, each property’s fee is measured according to the property’s impact on the City’s drainage system.

An impervious surface is any surface that does not allow stormwater to pass through. Roofs, paved driveways/walkways and swimming pools are all examples of impervious surfaces.

Stormwater drainage utility fees are calculated using a billing unit called an equivalent residential unit (ERU), which is equal to the median impervious area of a single-family home. Victoria’s ERU is 3,200 square feet.

The proposed fee for Victoria is $5.00 per ERU each month.

Residential

All non-commercial residential properties will be billed a flat fee of $5.00 (1 ERU) per month.

Other

Other properties (businesses, apartment complexes, etc.) will be billed based on the number of ERUs that make up the property’s impervious area—surfaces such as roofs, driveways and pavement that do not absorb water. 

To calculate the stormwater drainage utility fee for properties other than non-commercial residential properties:

Impervious Square Feet ÷ 3,200 = your ERUs (minimum 1 ERU per property)

ERUs × $5.00 = stormwater drainage utility fee

Examples:

• Small shop: 3,200 (or less) impervious sq ft → 1 ERU → $5/month
 • Mid-size business: 34,171 impervious sq ft → 10.6 ERUs → $53/month
 • Large retail center: 1,773,540 impervious sq ft → 554 ERUs → $2,770/month

A $5.00/ERU monthly rate is lower than or comparable to many cities within our region.

The following properties are exempt under state law and City policy:

• State agencies 
• Victoria ISD properties
• College/university campuses
• Unimproved lots with no impervious cover
• City of Victoria properties 

Unless listed above, tax-exempt properties are not exempt from the fee. This is because the stormwater drainage utility fee is not a tax; it is a utility fee that is paid for a service, similar to water or sewer service.

The stormwater drainage utility fee will be listed as part of your City of Victoria utility bill. If you are not already a City of Victoria utility customer, you will receive a bill for this fee.

The City will bill the apartment property owners. The apartment owners may require residents to pay a share of the fee through their utility bills or rent.

City officials explored the possibility of implementing a tiered structure for residential properties. At this time, the City is recommending a flat rate in order to reduce administrative costs and to keep residential rates low while ensuring a straightforward fee system for residents.

Drainage project goals for the first five years of the program are based on a $5 flat residential fee. Council may choose to explore a tiered system at a later date.

For the purposes of the stormwater drainage utility, duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes are considered non-commercial residential properties and will be billed the same flat fee as a single-family residence. Properties accommodating five or more families (such as an apartment complex) are considered to be commercial properties and will be billed using the ERU calculation based on the impervious area.

The owner of the property will receive the bill.

Yes. Victoria’s drainage system includes roadside ditches, culverts, channels, outfalls, curbs and gutters that move stormwater away from neighborhoods and roadways. All residents benefit from this system regardless of whether their neighborhoods have underground storm drains.

Yes. Any property that has a building or other impervious cover will be billed, regardless of whether the building currently has other utility service.

Yes. Homes with a pier-and-beam foundation are still considered to be impervious because the roof is an impervious surface that directs the flow of rainwater and impacts our drainage system.

Yes, you have to pay the fee if your property is within City limits.

The purposes of the stormwater drainage utility and Drainage District #3 are different. The sole purpose of Drainage District #3 is to maintain (not improve) the flow capacity of natural creeks and outfalls within its boundaries. By contrast, the stormwater drainage utility will be tasked with both day-to-day maintenance and long-term improvement of the entire drainage system, including capital projects and emergency response.

No. Unlike water usage charges, the stormwater fee is not based on rainfall volume or how much runoff is generated during any particular storm. It is a fixed monthly fee based on the type of property and/or impervious area.

The City is not recommending a credit system at this time, although this may be explored later. It should be noted that rain barrels only capture a limited amount of rainwater and may overflow during heavy rain events, so their impact on stormwater drainage is limited.

The initially adopted rate of $5/ERU will remain in place for at least five years. After that time, the rate may be reviewed periodically by the City Council. Updates could occur if drainage needs, system costs or capital project requirements change. As with any other City fee, any adjustment would follow the public process for fee setting and budget decisions.

The City will bill the utility account holder—that is, the party responsible for paying the utility bill. If the bill is paid by the property owner, the owner may require tenants to pay a share of the fee.

In most cases, yes. Standard gravel surfaces are compacted over time and do not allow water to soak in effectively. Because they shed runoff much like pavement, gravel areas are treated as impervious surfaces unless they are part of a specially engineered pervious system.

Property owners with detention or retention ponds will be given the opportunity to request a variance, which will include providing proof that the pond eliminates discharge of stormwater into the City’s water system.

It is important to note that retention ponds and detention ponds operate differently in terms of stormwater drainage.

• In most cases, retention ponds do not produce runoff if they are appropriately designed and maintained. (Texas Local Government Code 552.044)
• By contrast, most detention ponds only reduce the impact of flood events, which means they are unlikely to be eligible for a variance.

If the impervious area increases or decreases due to construction, redevelopment or demolition, the number of ERUs associated with the property may increase or decrease accordingly. The City will update your billing information as part of the site plan and permitting process.

Property owners may appeal if they believe their property’s impervious area is incorrect. The property owner may be required to provide documentation or evidence to support their appeal.

Currently, the City is only able to fund about $500,000 worth of drainage projects per year (including general maintenance and one-time projects) using existing funding sources such as property taxes. 

The City has more than $129 million worth of unmet drainage needs identified in the 2021 storm drainage master plan. The City also maintains approximately 50 miles of box culverts, more than 100 miles of roadside open ditches and associated driveway culverts and 93 miles of major drainage ways and outfalls. The stormwater drainage utility fee will generate an estimated $2.5 million per year for ongoing drainage needs.

In addition, using our general fund for drainage needs means that drainage projects are essentially competing with our other needs, leaving less funding for other City projects. Having a dedicated funding source for drainage will help to close our current funding gap while leaving other funds available for streets, public safety, employee pay and other needs.

Another benefit of the stormwater drainage utility fee is that it is based on each property’s impervious area—that is, how much of the property is covered by structures that prevent stormwater from being absorbed. This means that the amount that each resident pays for the City’s drainage needs will be a reflection of how much their property impacts our drainage system.

It is important to note that property tax revenue only accounts for a fraction of the City’s total budget, less than the total cost of public safety services alone. The City’s budget includes various individual funds that are legally dedicated to specific needs, and revenue from the stormwater drainage utility fee will function similarly to these specialized funds.

To learn more about different City funding sources and how they are used, visit www.victoriatx.gov/budget.

If you have questions about the proposed stormwater drainage utility or the associated fee, please let us know using this form.