911 Addressing

Brief History of 9-1-1 and the Department

  
Description
1985
Commission on State Emergency Communications (CSEC) was established
1987
House Bill 9-1-1 - Statewide 9-1-1 implementation structure was established (CSEC) Requiring Counties with Population > 120,000 to implement a 9-1-1 system Requiring Council of Governments (COGs) to develop regional plans
1989
House Bill 2807 Authorizing Commissioners Court to adopt uniform standards for 9-1-1 addressing
1989
9-1-1 Collin County Task Force established
1989
Collin County 9-1-1 Plan added to regional plan
1991
Addressing firm hired (Addressing Concept - RFP)
1991
9-1-1 Cut-Over ceremony | 9-1-1 available in Collin County
1992
GIS Department established (Information Services)
1993
Road Name Policy (CO# 93-808-07-12)
1995
Rural addressing becomes the responsibility of GIS
2002
Collin County Addressing Policy (CO# 2002-247-04-08)​

9-1-1 Related Commissioner Court Orders

  • 82-15-1-4: Assignment of County Roads
  • 82-27-1-12: Adopt County Road number system
  • 83-599-10-3: County Roads in Subdivisions
  • 88-419-05-09: Establish a 9-1-1 Plan
  • Memo to Court 03/89: Need for Addressing & House Bill 9-1-1
  • 89-087-01-03: Established a 9-1-1 Task Force
  • 90-924-11-12: RFP for Addressing Contract
  • 91-201-03-11: Addressing firm hired
  • 93-808-07-12: Road Designation Policy
  • 2002-247-04-08: Addressing Policy - Roads have only one designation
  • 2002-974-11-25: Addressing Policy - Address changes

Workflow of Address Assignment

  • Receive Address Application from Development Services
  • Assign the Address
  • Notify Development Services of Assigned Address
  • Inform the Appraisal District
  • Supply address to Post Office
  • Mail notification to the Citizen

Frequently Asked Questions

  
How should I display my 9-1-1 address?
Seconds count when emergency responders are trying to locate an address. Please follow the guidelines of the "Address Display Brochure (pdf)" to make sure your 9-1-1 address is displayed properly.​
How do I get a 9-1-1 address?
A 9-1-1 address is assigned when a structure is being built on or moved to a previously vacant site. The "9-1-1 Rural Address Application" is part of the Permit Application package – all submitted together to Collin County Development Services. Please visit the Permits links on the Development Services website or call them at (972) 548-5585.
If you need to find out the 9-1-1 address of an existing structure, call our office at 972-548-4192; however, if it is in relation to a permit, please contact Development Services directly at (972) 548-5585.
When do I need a 9-1-1 address?
Many types of structures require a 9-1-1 address, including some types of barns, shops, buildings and garages; businesses; all houses and/or mobile homes; as well as water and cell towers. When you apply for your building permit, one of the forms you must fill out is a "9-1-1 Rural Address Application". Permit packages are available through Development Services. Please visit the Development Services website or call them at (972) 548-5585.
Why do I need a 9-1-1 address?
When a dispatcher receives a 9-1-1 call, they need to be able to locate the caller. The dispatcher guides emergency responders to the location. In the case of "land" phones, a 9-1-1 address should be tied to it so that the dispatcher can see it automatically. This is especially important if the caller is unable to speak or unaware of the 9-1-1 address.
What is a 9-1-1 address?
A 9-1-1 address is the "physical" address of your structure. When you dial 9-1-1 from a "land" phone in an emergency, this is the location information that is available to a dispatcher.