Lowry Crossing Resident Guide & FAQ
Practical Information for Everyday Life in Lowry Crossing, TX
Last Updated: April 2026
Trash & Recycling
Who provides trash service?
CARDS (rebranding to Ecowaste) provides weekly residential trash pickup for Lowry Crossing. Service is arranged through City Hall — contact 972-542-8678 to get set up. You'll receive a 96-gallon curbside trash cart (holds about 6-7 kitchen bags). Additional carts can be requested through the city.
What day is trash pickup?
Trash collection is weekly. Schedule changes due to holidays or weather are announced via the city's Robodial system and social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram). Contact City Hall at 972-542-8678 to confirm your pickup day.
Is there recycling service?
Lowry Crossing does not currently offer curbside recycling through the city trash contract. Residents can take recyclables to Collin County recycling drop-off locations. Contact City Hall for the latest information on recycling options.
What about bulk/large item pickup?
For bulk items, furniture, appliances, and large junk removal, you'll need to arrange private service. Country Cousins (local) and LoadUp both serve Lowry Crossing for bulky item removal and junk hauling.
Water & Sewer
Who provides water service?
Milligan Water Supply Corporation provides water to Lowry Crossing and surrounding areas. Milligan WSC is a non-profit, member-owned corporation established in 1965. They purchase all water from the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) in Wylie, TX.
Milligan Water Supply contact information
- Phone: 972-542-1143
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 1400 S. Bridgefarmer Rd., McKinney, TX 75069
- Website: milliganwater.com
- Note: Milligan's office is right next to City Hall on Bridgefarmer Road.
Does Lowry Crossing have city sewer?
No. Lowry Crossing does not have a municipal sewer system. All homes use individual On-Site Sewage Facilities (OSSF), which are septic systems. OSSF permits are handled by Collin County Development Services (not the city). Septic systems must comply with TCEQ regulations (Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 285).
Septic system requirements
- A permit is required to install, repair, or alter a septic system.
- Contact Collin County Development Services: 972-881-3125
- Septic tanks should be pumped every 3-5 years by a TCEQ-registered sludge hauler.
- Systems with aerobic treatment require maintenance company inspection every 4 months.
- The "10-acre rule" may exempt some properties from permitting — check with the county.
Electric & Gas
Who provides electricity?
Oncor is the electric delivery company for Lowry Crossing. You choose your own retail electric provider (REP) through the deregulated Texas market at PowerToChoose.org.
How do I report a power outage?
- Phone: 888-313-4747 (24/7)
- Text: Send "OUT" to 66267
- Online: oncor.com/outages
- Outage map: stormcenter.oncor.com (updates every 10 minutes)
- Sign up for alerts: Text "REG" to 66267 for MyOncor Alerts
Who provides natural gas?
Atmos Energy provides natural gas service. Contact: 888-286-6700 or atmosenergy.com. To report a gas leak or emergency, call 866-322-8667.
Property Taxes
What is the Lowry Crossing property tax rate?
The 2024 adopted tax rate is $0.14700 per $100 of assessed value (maintenance & operations only — no debt service). This is one of the lowest city tax rates in Collin County.
Who assesses property values?
The Collin Central Appraisal District (Collin CAD) appraises all property in Collin County, including Lowry Crossing.
- Phone: 469-742-9200
- Address: 250 Eldorado Pkwy, McKinney, TX 75069
- Website: collincad.org
How do I apply for a homestead exemption?
- Download the Residential Homestead Exemption Application (Form 50-114) from collincad.org
- Include a copy of your Texas Driver's License or State ID showing the property address
- Submit by mail (250 Eldorado Pkwy, McKinney TX 75069), in person, via the drop-box (24/7), or through the Taxpayer Portal online
- Filing period: January 1 – April 30 (late applications accepted up to 2 years after taxes become delinquent)
- This is a one-time filing — you don't need to re-apply each year unless you move
- Emailed applications are NOT accepted
- There is no fee to file
What exemptions are available?
- General Homestead — reduces taxable value for school taxes
- Over 65 — additional $15,000 exemption from Lowry Crossing + school tax freeze (only one spouse needs to be 65+)
- Disabled Person — additional $15,000 exemption from Lowry Crossing
- Disabled Veteran — varies by disability rating (10-29%: $5,000; 30-49%: $7,500; 50-69%: $10,000; 70-100%: $12,000)
- 100% Disabled Veteran — total exemption of homestead value
- You CANNOT claim both Over 65 and Disabled Person in the same year
How do I protest my property tax appraisal?
- File a protest with the Collin County Appraisal Review Board (ARB) by May 15 or within 30 days of the appraisal notice (whichever is later)
- Attend an informal conference with an appraiser
- If unresolved, the ARB will hold a formal hearing
- Further appeal options: Texas district court, independent adjudicator, or State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH)
Who collects property taxes?
The Collin County Tax Assessor-Collector collects taxes for all entities (city, county, school district, etc.) and sends a single consolidated bill. Bills go out in October; due February 1 of the following year.
Building Permits
Do I need a building permit?
Yes — Lowry Crossing requires permits for most construction including: accessory buildings, additions, awnings, carports, culverts, decks, driveways, electrical work, fences, foundation repair, HVAC, irrigation, patio covers, plumbing, sidewalks, water heaters, windows, pools, and more. When in doubt, call City Hall: 972-542-8678.
How do I apply for a building permit?
- Download the Building Permit Form from lowrycrossingtexas.org/services/permits.php
- Complete the form with project details
- Submit to City Hall with required documentation (plans, site diagram)
- Applications can also be emailed to [email protected] (Deputy City Secretary Angie Fulcher)
- For commercial projects, use the Commercial Construction Building Permit Form
What does a permit cost?
Refer to the Master Fee Schedule (June 2024). Common fees include:
- Plan Review: $150 residential / $260 commercial (2 sets of plans required at 11×17 + 1 CD)
- New Construction: $0.85/sq ft residential / $0.95/sq ft commercial (under roof)
- Fence Permit: $50 residential / $125 commercial
- Electrical Permit: $85 residential / $125 commercial
- Plumbing Permit: $85 residential / $125 commercial
- HVAC Permit: $85 residential / $125 commercial
- Accessory Building: $85 base + $0.10/sq ft (no fee for portable buildings ≤200 sq ft)
- Penalty for no permit: Double the standard permit fee (max $500)
Do contractors need to register?
Yes — all contractors (including subcontractors) must register with the City of Lowry Crossing before performing work. Contractor Registration Form available at City Hall or online.
What about pool permits?
Pools require BOTH a Collin County Development Services permit (for the OSSF/septic impact) AND a city building permit. Get the county permit first.
Code Enforcement
Who handles code enforcement?
Mark Gould, Building Inspector — 972-542-8678, [email protected]. Code enforcement covers building code violations, property maintenance, zoning violations, and ordinance compliance.
How do I report a code violation?
Contact City Hall at 972-542-8678 or email [email protected] (City Administrator Janis Cable). You can also email [email protected] directly.
Common code violations in Lowry Crossing
- Overgrown lots/weeds (Ch. 8 Offenses & Nuisances)
- Junk vehicles on property
- Building without a permit
- Fence violations (height, setback, material)
- Improper storage of materials/debris
- Sign violations
- Animal ordinance violations (chickens, livestock)
Law Enforcement & Emergency Services
Who provides police service?
The Collin County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement for Lowry Crossing. Lowry Crossing does not have its own police department.
- Emergency: 911
- Non-emergency: 972-547-5100
- Address: 4300 Community Ave., McKinney, TX 75071
- Constable Precinct 3: 972-881-3070 (serves civil process and patrol in the LC area)
Who provides fire service?
The Lowry Crossing Volunteer Fire Department responds to fires, accidents, medical calls, and rescues. Dispatched by the Collin County Sheriff's Office. Formed January 1984. Members include certified firefighters and EMTs.
What about animal control?
Collin County Animal Services handles animal control for Lowry Crossing.
- Phone: 972-547-7292
- Address: 4750 Community Ave., McKinney, TX 75071
- Report stray animals, bites, dangerous animals
Schools
What school district is Lowry Crossing in?
Lowry Crossing is divided between two school districts:
- Princeton ISD — serves most of Lowry Crossing (east/south)
- McKinney ISD — serves the western portion
Your specific school district depends on your address location. Check with each district or the Civic Hub's interactive map.
City Hall & Government
City Hall hours and contact
- Address: 1405 S. Bridgefarmer Road, Lowry Crossing, TX 75069
- Phone: 972-542-8678
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–1:00 PM / 2:00 PM–5:00 PM (closed 1-2 PM for lunch)
- City Administrator: Janis Cable — [email protected]
- Deputy City Secretary: Angie Fulcher — [email protected]
- Building Inspector: Mark Gould — [email protected]
When does City Council meet?
City Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month at City Hall. Meetings are open to the public per the Texas Open Meetings Act. Agendas must be posted 72 hours before the meeting.
How do I make a public information request?
Under the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), any resident can request public records. The city has 10 business days to respond. Submit requests to City Administrator Janis Cable at [email protected] or by mail to City Hall.
How do I get on the City Council agenda?
Contact City Hall to request time during the "Citizens' Comments" portion of the agenda, or submit a written request to have a specific item placed on a future agenda.
Living in Lowry Crossing — Practical Facts
Mailing address
Lowry Crossing does not have its own post office. Most residents have a McKinney, TX 75069 mailing address. Some residents near the eastern edge may have a Princeton, TX 75407 address. Both are normal — it's just how ZIP codes work.
What county is Lowry Crossing in?
Collin County, Texas.
Population and size
Approximately 1,720 residents. The city is a small Type A general-law municipality under Texas law.
What type of government does Lowry Crossing have?
Type A General Law Municipality — the city can only exercise powers explicitly granted by the Texas Legislature. This means the city operates under state law frameworks rather than a home-rule charter.
Internet and cable providers
Lowry Crossing is a rural area. Available internet providers typically include AT&T (fiber in some areas), Spectrum, and various fixed wireless providers. Check with individual providers for availability at your address.
Neighborhood covenants (HOA/deed restrictions)
Some Lowry Crossing subdivisions have their own HOA or deed restrictions that are separate from city ordinances. These are private agreements — the city does not enforce HOA rules. Check your subdivision's specific covenants.
Voting
- Lowry Crossing is in Collin County for election administration
- Municipal elections: May (odd or even years for council seats)
- Collin County Elections: 972-424-1460 or collincountytx.gov/Elections
- Register to vote: VoteTexas.gov
- Collin County uses "Vote Centers" — you can vote at ANY open polling location in the county, not just your precinct
Highway 380 / US 380
US 380 runs just south of Lowry Crossing and is a major east-west corridor. TxDOT has ongoing plans for widening and potential bypass routes. This is one of the most important infrastructure topics for Lowry Crossing residents. See the Civic Hub's Highway 380 Tracker for the latest updates.
Animals
Can I have chickens?
Lowry Crossing's animal control ordinance (Ch. 2) regulates keeping of animals. Chickens and poultry may be allowed depending on your lot size and zoning district. Generally, agricultural activities including keeping of livestock and poultry may be permitted in agricultural (AG) and rural estate (RE) zoning districts. Check the specific zoning for your property and any applicable subdivision deed restrictions.
Dog and cat regulations
- All dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies (Texas Health & Safety Code)
- Animals must not run at large — owners are responsible for keeping animals confined to their property
- Barking/noise complaints: contact Collin County Animal Services at 972-547-7292
- Dangerous dog rules: Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 822
Fences
Do I need a permit for a fence?
Yes — a fence permit is required in Lowry Crossing. Residential fee: $50. Commercial fee: $125.
What are the fence rules?
Fence regulations are in the Lowry Crossing Code of Ordinances, Chapter 3 (Building Regulations), Section 3.07 (Fences). Key rules include:
- Front yard fences: generally limited to 4 feet in height
- Side/rear yard fences: generally limited to 8 feet in height
- Material restrictions may apply
- Setback requirements from property lines
- Check the specific ordinance section for your zoning district
Emergency Contacts Quick Reference
| Service | Phone | Notes |
|---------|-------|-------|
| Emergency | 911 | Fire, police, medical |
| Collin County Sheriff (non-emergency) | 972-547-5100 | Law enforcement for LC |
| Constable Precinct 3 | 972-881-3070 | Civil process & patrol |
| Oncor (power outage) | 888-313-4747 | Or text OUT to 66267 |
| Atmos Energy (gas leak) | 866-322-8667 | Leave area immediately |
| Milligan Water Supply | 972-542-1143 | Water service |
| Collin County Animal Services | 972-547-7292 | Stray/bite reports |
| Poison Control | 1-800-222-1222 | 24/7 |
| City Hall | 972-542-8678 | Mon-Fri 8am-1pm, 2-5pm |
| Collin CAD (property taxes) | 469-742-9200 | collincad.org |
| Collin County Elections | 972-424-1460 | Voter registration |