FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I sign up for water service?
Come to City Hall at 290 E. Tyler, Canton, Texas. A $50 deposit is required for residence service.

When will I be billed?
As of November 1, 2009, there will be a two-cycle utility billing system.  Half the City will have their water meters read during the first half of the month, the other half will be read during the last half of the month.  Meters will be read on the following schedule:

Bill payments may be mailed to P.O. Box 245, Canton, TX 75103 or paid in person at 290 E. Tyler, Canton, Texas, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Who do I contact for service after hours?
If you need help with a water break, sewer problem, street repair, etc., please contact the Utilities Department at (903) 567-6677 during regular business hours. In the case of an after-hour emergency, contact the police department at (903) 567-4991.

What about ambulance service?
We have contracted with Champion EMS to provide ambulance service in the City of Canton. This fee allows us to have an ambulance presence in the City.  The ambulance fee provides for the availability of ambulance services to residents of Canton.  The contract requires Champion EMS to stage two ambulances in the area for emergency response.  If you subscribe, your insurance will be billed, and you do not have to pay anything as long as the service is deemed medically necessary by your doctor.  Service is provided for this area only and does include airlift.  You may also selection your destination, within reason, unless emergency personnel determine youneed to be taken to the nearest hospital.  If you subscribe and are billed inappropriately, please let Champion EMS know you are a subscriber with the City of Canton or call Julie Seymore at (903) 567-1841 for assistance.  If your insurance carrier determines the service was not medically necessary, you will be responsible for the bill.  You may contact the billing agency about correcting or modifying the coding of your bill and/or appeal the decision with your insurance carrier.

When will my trash be picked up?
Property south of Elm Street will have Monday pick-up.
Property north of Elm Street and Etheridge Farms Subdivision will have Friday pick-up.

Can I burn my trash at my house?
No outdoor burning is allowed without first obtaining a permit from the Fire Department. A non-refundable $10 permit fee will be charged for authorized burning for land clearing, bonfires or fires to control pests or disease. Contact the Fire Department at (903) 567-6477.

My street light is out or flickers on and off. How do I get it repaired?
Report the problem to (903) 567-2826, supply the address and we will notify the correct party. You may report the outage directly to your utility provider by phone.

What about my pets?
Pet ownership in the City is limited to 2 cats, 2 dogs, or a combination of the two. The ordinance prohibits loose animals, tethered animals unless a person is in attendance, livestock, chickens, venomous snakes, endangered species, vicious animals, etc. Recurring barking or noise is also restricted as a nuisance.

Where can I park my RV/boat?
RV/boat parking is permitted in the back yard or on a side yard of the property. You must meet the setbacks for the property when parking in the side yard (generally from 5-8 feet from the property line) and the vehicle should not extend past the front edge of the house.

Can I fish at Old City Lake or Mill Creek Lake?
Yes. Fishing is permitted in both lakes with a valid fishing license. Although boats are not permitted on Old City Lake, you may use a boat ramp on Mill Creek Lake after obtaining a permit from the Canton Police Department. The boat permit is $3 for a daily permit and $25 for an annual permit. Canton citizens, with proof of residence within the city, are given permits at no cost. Boats that are picked up and placed in the lake require no permit.

Does City Hall have records of marriage, birth or death?
No. Marriage licenses, birth certificates and death certificates may be obtained from the Van Zandt County Clerk at the County Courthouse, 2nd floor. Phone (903) 567-6503.

Where do I get my driver’s license changed/renewed?
You may go to the Texas Department of Public Safety on Highway 19 in Canton.

Where do I take my bulky trash items?
One bulk item per week will be picked up at your home up to one cubic yard.  The item will be picked up separately from your garbage.  All items must meet standards for acceptance by a landfill.  This includes refrigerators and freezers which must have CFCs removed by a certified technician(it will not be picked up without a technician-certified red tag), stoves and ranges, water heaters, swing sets, bicycles (without tires), scrap metal, copper and similar domestic appliances.  It excludes tires, batteries, paint, hazardous materials and construction debris produced by a commercial service provider hired by the customer.  The Transfer Station is also available to take bulky items from 8:00 a.m. Monday - 5:00 p.m. Friday (closed 12-1 for lunch). The Transfer Station is also open from 8:00 a.m. to Noon on Saturdays. For a schedule of fees, please see Transfer Station under Departments headings.

Do I need to obtain a building permit to get an accessory building/storage unit?
Yes. Building permits may be obtained from the Building Inspector at City Hall, 290 E. Tyler, Canton, from Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (903) 567-2826. Please keep in mind any accessory buildings located on your property must meet the guidelines for setbacks as required by the 1985 Zoning Ordinance. You may check with the Building Inspector about your setbacks.