The Town of Fairview was incorporated in 1958 with a population of 50. Since that time, it has grown steadily to today's population of a little more than 10,000. The community is marked by large houses on large lots, expansive open spaces, numerous horse farms, excellent schools, rolling hills, vast hardwoods, beautiful creeks, and the extensive Fairview Town Center shopping area and mixed-use center.
The Town of Fairview Zoning Defense Fund was created by the Town at the request of Town residents and others because of potential litigation between our small community and the giant wealthy Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). Put simply, the LDS church is attempting to force the Town to accept a Temple and steeple that would dominate the Town due to its size and is totally out of proportion to the surrounding residential area. If this issue goes to court, we would be David fighting Goliath.
All donations are VOLUNTARY and go toward legal costs and related expenses incurred by the Town and its attorneys in defending the Town’s zoning ordinances, including costs for preparation and defense against any litigation initiated by or involving the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), its individual members and/or other interested parties in relation to the disputed zoning matter.
Donations to this fund are NOT REFUNDABLE.
The Town is not able to provide legal or tax advice, but the Town does not believe that any donations made to this fund would be tax deductible or otherwise result in favorable tax treatment. Please consult with a licensed attorney or qualified tax professional if you have any questions.
After this matter has been concluded, including any litigation and related appeals, and after all legal costs and related expenses, including but not limited to legal fees, judgment, awards and other associated costs, have been paid in full, any money remaining in the Town of Fairview Zoning Defense Fund will be donated to the Friends of Fairview First Responders Association.
If you wish to make a donation, please visit the donation management website.
Scan the QR code above with your smart phone camera to link to the donation site.
FAQs
Why was this zoning defense fund established?
On Aug. 6, 2024, the Fairview Town Council denied without prejudice an application for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a Religious Facility. The proposed Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) temple, which was the subject of the application, did not conform to height restrictions of the proposed building site in the residential (RE-1) zone, nor was the application consistent with other churches approved by the Town and constructed in the RE-1 zone.
The Town anticipates further action related to this case, including potential litigation.
Some residents have expressed interest in helping the Town fund these costs and asked the Town to create a mechanism for receiving donations.
Can I make an anonymous donation?
The Town of Fairview will not publish a list of donor names. However, as the Town is subject to open records requests through the Public Information Act (PIA), and billing information, including name, billing address and amount of donation, is required for credit card processing of donations, donors’ names billing address and amount of donations may be disclosed to anyone who submits a PIA request, unless the Texas Attorney General rules otherwise. Financial account information, such as credit card numbers, expiration dates and security codes, will not be disclosed.
Can I make a cash donation or write a check?
Cash and check donations will not be accepted.
Can I include a donation with my water bill payment?
No. Donations will only be accepted through the official donation fund site.
Is my donation tax deductible?
The Town is not able to provide legal or tax advice, but the Town does not believe that any donations made to this fund would be tax deductible or otherwise result in favorable tax treatment. Please consult with a licensed attorney or qualified tax professional if you have any questions.
What will happen to unused money?
After all anticipated litigation has been resolved, including any potential appeals, and after all legal costs and related expenses, including but not limited to legal fees, judgments and awards, have been paid in full, any money remaining in the Town of Fairview Legal Defense Fund will be donated to the Friends of Fairview First Responders Association.
I received a phone call, text or email asking for a donation to this fund. Can I trust that it’s legitimate?
All donations must be made through the official Zoning Defense Fund site. The safest way to access the site is through the link provided here. Email and text messages can be spoofed to look real, so it’s hard to know if they are legitimate.
Fairview’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting is undergoing a wondrous transformation.
Fairview Town Center and the Town of Fairview are partnering this year to ensure a grand-scale multiple-stage event that will delight everyone, no matter their age.
A new, enormous Christmas tree shining with countless brilliant lights will be the centerpiece of the initial gathering on the west side of Town Hall. Carolers will kick off the festivities at 5:45 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30 in front of the Town Hall fountain.
After Mayor Henry Lessner welcomes visitors and helps a very special guest flip the switch to light the Town Hall tree, a parade featuring a drumline, spectacular vehicles and a horse-drawn carriage will lead the way as we jingle all the way down the promenade to Part 2 of the evening: Fairview Town Center mall’s own tree lighting extravaganza.
Face painters and balloon twisters will be set up alongside games with prizes, a bounce house, a gingerbread-themed slide, crafts, giveaways and live reindeer – all part of the sparkling Christmas festivities enveloping the shopping center’s Park. Santa and Mayor Lessner will light the mall’s towering Christmas tree – it’s even bigger than Town Hall’s new evergreen!
Entertainers will take the stage at The Park for a lively evening filled with music and cheer. Visitors will be treated to refreshments and are encouraged to share the joy by bringing a toy to donate. The Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County will distribute the toys to children in need.
Bring your family to Fairview Town Center for free family events that will delight all ages.
6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29
Warm up for the holidays with this sweet Christmas classic. Fairview Town Center presents a free showing of “Elf” in the Park at Fairview Town Center.
Nov. 23-Dec. 23, visit with Santa at Fairview Town Center in a relaxed environment at a time that works for you - using your personal camera! Your $10 booking fee includes a dedicated time slot for your family with Santa, a gift for each child and a Santa’s Helper who will be happy to use your personal camera to snap photos of your family. 100% of the booking fees will be donated to Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County.
Friendly leashed pets are welcome.
Reservations must be made online. There are no refunds, if you must reschedule you can do so through your account by selecting an open date and time until there are no appointments left.
All appointments will be located at 183 Town Place, two doors down from NASR Bros. Jewelers.
6:30 p.m.Thursdays between Dec. 5 and Dec. 19 at Profound Foods in Fairview Town Center, 163 Fountain Court
Your ticket includes a cookie decorating kit, Santa visiting each table, a gift bag for each child, story time with Santa, and a photo area where children will be able to sit on Santa’s lap for photos using your personal camera. These events run approximately two hours.
Limit 2 Under 2 tickets per paying adult.
These are event tickets and ARE NOT REFUNDABLE. If you must reschedule to another date, you can do so through your online booking account so long as there are spots left at the event on the date you wish to attend. EVERYONE must have a ticket. There are no “no eat” or “photo only” tickets for these events. These events intended for families and are not suitable for playdates or daycares with one adult and multiple children.
Menu: Cookies & Cocoa, Coffee, or Hot Cider
Purchase tickets at FairviewTownCenter.com.
9 a.m. Saturdays between Dec. 7 and Dec. 21 at Profound Foods in Fairview Town Center, 163 Fountain Court
Includes: Breakfast, visit with Santa at table, gift bag for each child, story time with Santa, photo area with Santa, where guests may use their own camera. Limit 2 Under 2 tickets per paying adult.
These are event tickets and ARE NOT REFUNDABLE. If you must reschedule you can do so online through your booking account so long as there are open spots at the event on the date you want to attend. EVERYONE must have a ticket. There are no “no eat” or “photo only” tickets for these events. These events intended for families and are not suitable for playdates or daycares with one adult and multiple children.
Price:
Full Buffet: $35
Under 2 years old: Free
Everyone must have a ticket.
These tickets are for an event and are not refundable.
1-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14 at the Fairview Town Center Park, 329 Town Place
Benefitting the Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County (CACCC), enjoy hours of fun and entertainment.
$20 for an all-inclusive wristband. $15 for each additional wristband. (Purchase wristbands onsite.)
Bring a new unwrapped toy to help children served by CACCC.
1:00 pm – Weebo Clown Magic
1:30 pm – Holiday Games & Prizes
2:00 pm – Goode Time Carolers
2:30 pm - Holiday Games & Prizes
3:00 pm - Juggling Duo Show
3:30 pm – Holiday Games & Prizes
4:00 pm – Goode Time Carolers
4:30 pm – Holiday games & prizes
5:00 pm - Fusion Performance
6:00 pm – Gregg Ka-Zam Magic Show
Activities:
Face Painting
Balloon Twisting
Holiday Craft
Bounce House
Life Size Snow Globe
Petting Zoo
Holiday Characters & Photo Op
Pony Rides
Snow Area
In March of 2023, the Fairview Town Council held its annual retreat. As part of the retreat, a discussion took place regarding revising the content of the town's vision and mission statements and its core values and focus areas. At the July 11, 2023, Town Council meeting, the council ratified the revised vision and mission statements, core values and focus areas located below. The ratification of this language establishes the foundation to what will ultimately become the town’s revised Strategic Plan. As the Strategic Plan evolves, updates and information can be found on this page.
VISIONFairview, a premier place to live and work with a unique and vibrant quality of life.
MISSIONFairview:
· Promotes high quality economic and community development,
· Embraces the natural features of the community,
· Maintains open community communication, and
· Delivers efficient, quality municipal services with a professional, well trained work force, for the benefit of residents, businesses and visitors.
FOCUS AREASInfrastructure, Public Safety, Economic and Community Development, Community Engagement and Fiscal Responsibility.
CORE VALUESIntegrity, Caring, Responsive, Innovation, Trust, Excellence
Integrity - We deal honestly and respectfully with each other and the public at all times. We conduct ourselves in a manner that is ethical, legal and professional, with the highest degree of honesty, respect and fairness.
Caring – We care about the wellbeing of our employees, residents, and visitors. This is demonstrated in our interactions with citizens and customers and our commitment to our employees.
Responsive – We engage our community, with a focus on listening to and supporting their needs, and delivering high quality, efficient services.
Trust - We strive to be worthy of the community’s trust. Providing effective and equitable solutions to citizens’ needs, and building a culture that is developed through the open exchange of ideas, hard work and strong teamwork all contribute to building that trust.
Innovation – We value progressive thinking, creativity, flexibility and adaptability in service delivery. We develop creative solutions as a team and share leading practices that enhance the value of services provided for our community.
Excellence - Our work is characterized by its quality and by the diligence with which it is carried out. We proactively seek to solve problems in advance. We promote openness and transparency in our operations ensuring that we are accountable for our actions at all times.
A petition to request an incorporation election for Fairview was submitted to the county judge and commissioners’ court on April 21, 1958. The petition contained the following thirty-three names: Edgar Bush, V. W. Glover, Joe Hooper, C. A, Ostrawn (sp?), M. E. Travillion, L. W. Bryson, Mrs. L. W. Bryson, Mrs. W. H. Ellenburg, W. M. Bush, Mrs. W. M. Bush, E. A. Hooper, Elsie Hooper, Mrs. V. W. Glover, P. L. Barksdale, Mrs. P. L. Barksdale, H. L. Lowry, Mrs. H. L. Lowry, L. M. Nelson, Mrs. L. M. Nelson, Mrs. J. F. Summers, H. J. Petefish, Mrs. H. J. Petefish, Mrs. Robert R. Miller, Mr. Robert R. Miller, Mrs. Clyde Geren, George Apple, Mrs. George Apple, H. L. Knight, Mrs. H. L. Knight, B. C. Knight (?), C. H. Murray, J. K. Wa(?)
Fairview came into existence following an election held at what was called the Fairview Grocery on May 7, 1958. Ordered by Collin County Judge W. E. Button after submission of a petition, the purpose of the voting was to determine whether or not the Town of Fairview would be incorporated as a town. The ballot choices were simple: “Corporation” or “No Corporation.” A total of fifty ballots were cast, with only two of those opposing incorporation. Judge Button signed the order incorporating Fairview on May 12, 1958.
According to accounts, the town’s name might just as easily have been Wetsel because there were two communities included in the incorporated land – Fairview and Wetsel. The latter community began when Henry Wetsel, a Pennsylvania immigrant and carpenter by trade, sold his grist and flour mill in McKinney (a three- to five-oxen operation described as a “first-class ox mill”) and head right a square mile of land four to five miles south of town. That land is memorialized today as the Henry Wetsel Survey. He built his cabin on the Fisher and Sawyer stage road that ran from Austin through McKinney on its way to the Red River. One account suggests Henry operated a new grist mill on the northwest corner of today’s Stacy Road and SH 5 beginning in about 1850. Either here or at his McKinney mill he lost an arm in a terrible accident. He also supposedly built a two-story house with large cedar trees in the front yard on the west side of the stagecoach road, and brought Bermuda grass back from East Texas and had the first lawn of its kind in the area. This story seems not to ring true, however. Lawns were not really “invented” for many more years, so the grass story may have more accurately described one of Henry’s descendants.
Fairview's total sales tax rate is 8.25%, which includes one percent (1%) for local economic and community development. Fairview maintains one of the lowest ad valorem rates in the Metroplex and is ranked as one of the lowest tax rates out of 675 Texas municipalities reporting tax rates to the Texas Municipal League.
Property tax rate comparison:
Fairview consistently maintains one of the lowest property tax rates for a full service municipality in Collin County. Texas is one of only four states that does not have a corporate income tax and one of only seven states that does not have an individual income tax.
Additional Information about Tax Rates and Demographics
372 Town Place Fairview, TX 75069 | 
972-562-0522 | Map It
General Email Inquiries: info@fairviewtexas.org
We are open from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m Monday-Friday.
This is the Official Website of the Town of Fairview.
