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Building Department

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1. When is a permit needed when I do work or have work done on my property?

More than likely a permit is required. You will also need to have the permit before work begins. If you are not sure about whether or not you need a permit, please call the Building Department at 713-668-2341, ext 4262.

2. How much do permits cost?

They vary. Please verify the cost of each permit with the Building Department. They can be reached at 713-668-2341.

3. Do I need a permit to repair or replace a fence?

Yes, quite often you will need a permit to repair or replace a fence. A survey of your property is also needed. Please call us at 713-668-2341 with questions or comments.

4. Does my company need to have valid insurance before they can do any work in the City of Southside Place?

Yes, they must have a minimum of $300,000 of general liability to be able to do any type of work within the city.

5. Can I obtain permit applications online?

Yes, our permit applications are available online.

6. Do you take credit cards for permits and registration?

No. We take checks or cash.

7. Is Southside Place zoned?

Yes, land use and development rules and regulations for the single family and commercial districts are available at Town Center. The Land Use and Development document was updated and approved in 2003.

8. When do I need a Certificate of Occupancy?

You need a certificate of occupancy anytime an existing home is sold. Commercial properties also require a Certificate of Occupancy

9. Does the City have a Tree Ordinance?

Yes, it applies to construction related activities. If you have questions, you may call or email the Building Department at 713-668-2341

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Court

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1. Can I make a payment on line?

Yes, the City accepts payment online. Select the Online Payments button on the left to be redirected to the payment page.

2. Why am I unable to pull up my citation online?

First, if you are searching by Citation Number, check that all letters are in CAPS. The Citation Number is case sensitive. If you are still unable to view your ticket, it is possible the ticket is not yet in the system. Please contact the court for further information.

3. Why am I unable to pay my citation online?

If any of the following apply to your citation, you will be unable to pay online:
- you were under 21 years of age at the time you received the citation
- you were issued a citation for an alcohol or drug offense

If neither of these apply to your citation, please contact the court for more information.

4. Can I take Defensive Driving to have my ticket dismissed?

It must be a moving violation and you must be eligible to take the defensive driving class.

5. How do I know if I am eligible to take Defensive Driving?

If none of the following pertain to you, you will be eligible to take Defensive Driving:
Person's holding a commercial driver's license at time of offense; non Texas driver's license; speeding 25 mph or more over the posted speed limit; committing a traffic offense in a construction zone when workers are present; passing a school bus loading or unloading children; if you have taken the class for another ticket dismissal within 12 months or are currently taking the class for another ticket dismissal.

6. How long do I have to take the Defensive Driving class?

You have 90 days from the date you come in to request the Driving Safety Course (DSC) and sign the affidavit.

7. What are the requirements to take a Defensive Driving class?

1. Come to the Court Clerk window on or before your court date to request the Driving Safety Course or you may appear on your court date before the judge.
2. Plead guilty or nolo contendere (No Contest) and waive a jury trial.
3. Pay court costs in the amount of $109.00 unless the offense occurred in a school-crossing zone, then pay court costs in the amount of $134.00.
4. Present to the court a valid Texas Driver's license or permit.
5. Present to the court proof of financial responsibility in your name (automobile liability insurance.)

8. Can I show my proof of insurance at the clerk's window?

Yes.

9. Can I show proof that I have renewed my inspection sticker or registration sticker at the clerk's window?

Yes.

10. How do I reset my court date?

All court resets must be done in person no later than the Friday before your court date.

11. Can I reset my court date the same day I have court?

No, all resets must be done prior to the court date.

12. Can I reset my court date over the phone?

No, all court dates must be reset in person.

13. When do I have to pay the court costs?

When you come in to request the Driving Safety Course (DSC), you must pay the court costs at that time.

14. Can I be placed on a payment plan?

In order to be placed on a payment plan, you must appear in court on your court date before the judge.

15. Will I have to pay a fine if I have renewed my stickers?

That will be up to the judge. They look at how long the stickers was expired and how long it took you to get them renewed; if the charge is not dismissed with a fee, the judge might reduce the fine.

16. Is there a fee for using a credit card?

Yes, there is a $3.00 service fee when you use a VISA or MASTERCARD.

17. What credit cards do you accept?

Visa and Mastercard only.

18. Can I show up to court at anytime?

No, you must be on the docket. Therefore, you must come in on your court date.

19. Can I pay with someone else's credit card?

If you are going to pay with someone else's credit card the card holder must be present with a valid ID.

20. Can I bring a book or newspaper to court?

No, reading materials are not permitted in the court room.

21. Can I pay my ticket at any court?

No, if you received a ticket in the City of Southside Place you must come here to pay your ticket.

22. Can I be placed on deferred for my ticket?

You must appear in court on your court date and request referral from the judge.

23. Can I request my driving record on line?

Yes, just make sure to request #3A Texas On Line

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General

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1. Where can I purchase Southside Place USA shirts and coffee mugs?

Town Center has a variety of Southside PROUD items for sale. Mugs, shirts, keychains, and tumblers can be purchased.

2. Does the city offer after hour payments?

Yes, the police department accepts water bill, property tax and court payments 24 hours/7 days a week. A night deposit box is also available at the front door of Town Center.

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General FAQs

Show All Answers

1. Can I make a payment on line?

Yes, the City accepts payment online. Select the Online Payments button on the left to be redirected to the payment page.

2. Why am I unable to pull up my citation online?

First, if you are searching by Citation Number, check that all letters are in CAPS. The Citation Number is case sensitive. If you are still unable to view your ticket, it is possible the ticket is not yet in the system. Please contact the court for further information.

3. Can I take Defensive Driving to have my ticket dismissed?

It must be a moving violation and you must be eligible to take the defensive driving class.

4. How do I know if I am eligible to take Defensive Driving?

If none of the following pertain to you, you will be eligible to take Defensive Driving:
Person's holding a commercial driver's license at time of offense; non Texas driver's license; speeding 25 mph or more over the posted speed limit; committing a traffic offense in a construction zone when workers are present; passing a school bus loading or unloading children; if you have taken the class for another ticket dismissal within 12 months or are currently taking the class for another ticket dismissal.

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Parks & Recreation

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1. How do I register for classes?

You can register for classes online.

2. How do I rent a City facility?

We have a wide range of rooms and facilities available. We can accommodate your wedding reception, family party, or business meeting.

View Facility Rentals.

3. What classes and camps are currently available?

The Parks and Recreation Department offers a wide variety classes and camps throughout the year. For a complete listing, please view Classes and Camps.

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Police Department

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1. How do I sign up for House Watch?

You can sign up for the House Watch program online by clicking the quicklink on the home page or by clicking the link below, or if you can contact the police department 24/7 and give your information to the dispatcher. House Watch Form

2. How do I get a copy of an accident report?

Accident reports can only be obtained directly from Texas Department of Transportation CRIS (Crash Records Information System.) Accident reports CANNOT be obtained from the Southside Place Police Department.

To obtain a copy of an accident report, please follow the link below. You will need at least one of the following: Crash ID, Person Involved in Crash first and last name, Crash Date, County, and/or City.

CRIS

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Property Taxes

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1. How do I pay Southside Place Property Taxes?

City taxes can be paid in person or by mail at 6309 Edloe Houston, Texas 77005
City property tax bills are mailed to residents and businesses in October of each year.

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Public Works

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1. How often are water/sewer bills mailed to residents and businesses?

Every 2 months.

2. How do I report a water leak?

Please call 24/7 713-668-2341 and someone will be dispatched

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Sanitation

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1. How do I obtain extra sanitation black bags?

The special black bags can be purchased at Town Center for $35.00. Each roll contains 150 bags.

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Volunteer Fire Department

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1. What number do I call for an emergency?

Please call 911 in the event of an emergency.

2. How can I get Southside Fire Department at my Block Party?

Contact City Hall at 713-668-2341 and the information will be forwarded to the Fire Department. The Fire Department will contact you to see if you are interested.

3. Where should a Fire Extinguisher be placed in the home?

Having a fire extinguisher in the home is a good idea, but not mandated by the Southside Fire Department. If you have a fire extinguisher, it should be placed where it is easily accessible. The kitchen and garage are good sites for an extinguisher. However, do not place an extinguisher over the stove or buried in storage in the garage, but rather hang it on the wall no less than 4 inches or greater than 5 feet from the ground.

4. Are fireworks legal to discharge in the City of Southside?

No, this is a violation of City Ordinance.

5. My home has a sprinkler system. Are there things I should do to maintain the system?

Yes, please contact your sprinkler installer. An annual test of the back flow device will ensure your system is working.

6. My building has a sprinkler system. Are there things I should do to maintain the system?

If you own the building, you are required to see that the system is tested annually by a reputable contracted agency and the documentation of this test should be kept on file for the fire department to view in accordance with International Fire Code chapter 9. If there is a system in your building it must be in operational condition at all times. If you are a tenant or owner-occupant, there are other things you can do to be sure your system is ready in case it is needed. Never paint a sprinkler head. Each sprinkler head is designed to cover a certain amount of area in your building so before you build walls or large shelving units or stack storage to the ceiling, check with your fire inspector to be sure what you do won’t prevent the sprinkler head from doing its job. Also, never hang anything from a sprinkler head.

7. The Fire Department has been inspecting my building for many years and has never mentioned a violation in the past. Why are they indicating a violation this time?

Fire codes are updated regularly. Some of the things that cause changes in these codes may be a newer type of construction, a new construction method or an event that occurred where people were injured. Whatever the reason, when the codes are updated, it is necessary to inspect your facility under the most current code. This may result in a change from the previous year in your inspection.

8. What code does the City of Southside Fire Department use?

The 2006 edition of the International Fire Code.

9. My building has a fire alarm system. Are there things I should do to maintain the system?

If you own the building, you are responsible to see that the system is tested annually by a reputable contracted agency and the documentation of this test should be kept on file for the fire department to view. Also, it would help if someone who is likely to be in the building on a daily basis knows where the alarm panel is located. If you are a tenant or owner-occupant, there are other things you can do to be sure your system is ready in case it is needed. Never paint a detector surface. Each detector is designed to cover a certain amount of area in your building so before you build walls or large shelving units or stack storage to the ceiling, check with your fire inspector to be sure what you do won’t prevent the detector from doing its job. Also, never hang anything from a detector.

10. Our alarm system keeps going off unintentionally, isn't there something I can do about this?

Fire alarms seldom malfunction. Usually, if they are sounding, there is a reason. Sensing devices may need cleaning or replacement. Other reasons causing alarm activation may be as simple as a bag of popcorn that overcooked in a microwave, a co-worker smoking in an area where they shouldn't be, or dust from re-modeling. In all of cases, even though big flames were not shooting from the building and hoses were not needed to put the fire out, the system was doing its job of alerting everyone in the building to a possible danger of a fire. If your system activates, immediately leave the building and do not re-enter until the proper authority investigated the alarm and gives the all clear to enter the building. Take every fire alarm seriously, follow your established evacuation plan, leave the building until someone of authority (building maintenance, security, the fire department, etc.) tell you it is safe to return.

11. When I need a permit, whom do I call?

Call City Hall at 713-668-2341.