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Building Department

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1. How do I request an inspection?

Inspections my be requested by phone by calling 713-668-2341. All inspections will be scheduled for the following business day and must be called in by 4:00PM. 

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Can I obtain permit applications online?

Yes, our permit applications are available online.

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

Yes. Visa or Mastercard is accepted with a convenience fee. 

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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 online?

Yes, the City accepts payment online. Select the Online Payments button below or click here to be redirected to the payment page. You must be over 21 to pay online.

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 (i.e. SSP01234). 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 at 713-668-2341 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 $144.00 unless the offense occurred in a school-crossing zone, then pay court costs in the amount of $169.00.
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?

If you received a citation for Fail to Maintain Financial Responsibility and wish to present your proof of insurance, you must appear on your court date and present your documents to the prosecutor. 

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

In order for a registration renewal to be considered, you must present the renewal receipt from the county in which your vehicle is registered and you must have paid the late penalty to the county. The fee will be listed with the itemized fees on the receipt. Please contact the court to determine your eligibility.

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. The court cost for DSC is $144.00 unless the offense occurred in a school-crossing zone, then the amount is $169.00

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 sticker?

That will be up to the judge. They look at how long the sticker was expired and how long it took you to get it 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 4% service fee when you use a credit card.

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 at your court time. 

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. The City of Southside Place Municipal Court is located at 6309 Edloe, Houston, TX 77005.

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

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

23. Can I request my driving record on line?

Yes, you may request your driving record online at www.texas.gov. Make sure to request #3A.

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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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Police Department

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1. I am leaving out of town for vacation. Does the Southside Place Police Department offer any services to protect my house while I am away?

Yes we do. Sign up to put your residence on our Vacation House Watch list here. Signing up for our Vacation House Watch program ensures that your home will receive extra patrol while you are away. 

2. 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

3. 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

4. Does the Southside Place Police Department offer tours?

Please contact our main office at 713-668-2341 to inquire about scheduling a tour. 

5. How do you get a copy of a Crash Report?

Please visit the Crash Records Information System (CRIS) wesbite. Once at the website, you will need to enter: the name of the person or company involved in the crash, the Driver's License/Identidication Card number of a person involved, or the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle involved. Be mindful that it can take up to 14 days for a crash report to be submitted. The cost for a Crash Report is $6.00.

6. I need to have my fingerprints taken for employment purposes. Will the police department do this for me?

The Southside Place Police Department no longer handles any fingerprinting for volunteer, employment, or TSA purposes. Applicants and interested persons are directed to Identigo. The website will ask you for the reason behind the search and your zip code. This will help locate the closest facility. The cost is generally around $10.00

7. How do I file a police report?

Call Southside Place Police at 713-668-2341. The information you give over the phone determines whether or not a police officer will be dispatched to speak with you in person. 

8. Does the Southside Place Police Department participate in Crime Stoppers?

Yes. The Crime Stoppers phone number is 713-222-8477(TIPS). For additional information, visit Crime Stoppers. 

9. Do Southside Police officers work with other law enforcement agencies?

Yes. Southside Place Police have a MOU (Mutual of Understanding) with West University Place Police Department, Bellaire Police Department, Harris County Pct. 1 Constable's Office, Harris County Sherrif's Office, Houston Police Department, The Department of Public Safety as well as all Federal Agencies. Southside Place Police work collaboratively with all police departments within their jurisdiction to solve criminal cases. 

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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.

2. Does Southside Place send a separate tax bill statement?

Yes, city taxes are a separate statement from the Harris County statement. Southside Place is one of a few Harris County cities that mail separate statements. 

3. What is the 2020 tax rate?

Southside Place tax rate is .318768 per $100 valuation.

4. Does the city offer any exemptions for Over 65 residents?

Yes, the city offers a $185,000 exemption.

5. Are you a Disabled Veteran?

A disabled veteran is entitled to an exemption from taxation of a portion of the assessed value of a property the veteran owns. This exemption is based on a schedule set by the state and ranges from $5,000 up to $12,000 depending on the disability rating. 

6. Are you a 100% Disabled Veteran?

If you are a veteran who receives 100% disability compensation due to a service connected disability or have a determination of individual unemployability from the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs, you are entitled to an exemption from taxation of the total appraised value of your residence homestead. Surviving spouses of veterans who qualified for this exemption or who would have qualified for this exemption if it was in effect at the time of the veteran’s death are also eligible with certain restrictions. Also included are the surviving spouse of a U.S. armed services member killed in action or an eligible surviving spouse of a first responder killed in the line of duty. 

7. What is the proposed 2021 tax rate and hearing?

Southside Place has proposed a tax rate of .318768 per $100 valuation. The proposed tax rate public hearing and notice of tax rate increase is scheduled for Thursday, September 30 at 7:00 PM at City Hall. 

8. How is my tax bill calculated?

Your property value is determined by the Harris County Appraisal District, then multiplied by the tax rate set by each taxing unit assessed on your property.

Market Value - Cap - Appraised Value - Exemptions = Taxable Value X Tax Rate / 100 = Tax

9. When is my property tax bill due?

Property tax payments are due by January 31 in order to be considered timely.

10. What if I do not get a bill?

Contact City Hall at 713-668-2341.

11. My account is not in my name, can I wait to pay my taxes until it is in my name?

A property tax account does not have to be in your name to pay the taxes A name/address change does not reset the due date; therefore, it must be paid on or before the due date in order to avoid late fees. 

12. Can you reduce my late fees?

Late fees are set by state property laws.

13. How do exemptions save you money?

Exemptions reduce the taxable value of your property. Exemptions do NOT eliminate taxes. To apply, download the exemption application from www.hcad.org. 

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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

3. I am a new resident of Southside Place. How do I dispose of my boxes after moving in?

When you are done unpacking, we will provide a special pick up for boxes. The boxes must be broken down and neatly stacked by the curb. Just call City Hall at 713-668-2341 when you are ready for pick up.

4. How can I tell if I have leaks in my home plumbing system?

• Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes at all, you probably have a leak.
• Identify toilet leaks by placing a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If any color shows up in the bowl before you flush, you have a leak.
• Examine faucet gaskets and pipe fittings for any water on the outside of the pipe to check for surface leaks.

5. How concerned should I be about a leaky toilet?

A leaky toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons of water a day. A common reason toilets leak is that the toilet flapper has become worn and no longer seals closed once the toilet has filled.

6. What outdoor activity uses the most water?

Almost 40% of total residential water consumption is from water used for landscape irrigation and swimming pools

Water lawns during the early morning hours or evening when temperatures and wind speed are the lowest. This reduces the losses from evaporation.

Water your lawn only when it needs it. If you step on the grass and it springs back up when you move, it doesn't need water. If it stays flat, it does need water. 

7. What indoor activity uses the most water?

Inside the home, water use is fairly evenly distributed among appliances, but nearly 30% is flushed down the toilet. A typical household of four uses 400 gallons of water per day. Clothes washing generally accounts for about 25-30%, followed by showers around 20-25%, and faucet use (washing dishes, brushing teeth, etc) is approximately 20%.

8. How can I conserve water with my swimming pool?

If you have a pool, keep the water level a bit lower to minimize splashing, and use a cover if possible to slow evaporation. An average-sized pool can lose about 1,000 gallons of water per month if left uncovered.

9. How can I conserve water with my landscape irrigation?

If you water your grass and trees more heavily, but less often, this saves water while building stronger roots making your lawn and landscaping more drought-tolerant. Agronomists recommend water lawns so that they received 1-1.5 inches of water per week.

One of the easiest and most efficient ways to conserve water used for landscape irrigation is by replacing traditional sprinkler system controllers with a controller that has a rain sensor or weather-based controller. You will save water (and money!) by not watering when it rains. 

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Recycling

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1. How do I put my recycling at the Curb?

You may collect it all in one or more containers, for instance, in cardboard boxes that you plan to recycle anyway. Paper grocery bags are fine, too, but please do not use plastic bags!

2. Do I have to separate the different types of recycling?

NO, you may co-mingle your recyclables in one or more containers! There’s no need to separate plastics from paper from metal from glass. 

3. Are plastic lids on plastic containers recyclable?

Yes, caps and lids smaller than 2" in diameter are recyclable but you must put them back on empty containers before recycling them. Larger lids may be recycled separately from their containers.

4. Are metal lids from glass jars recyclable?

Yes, if separated from the jar, lids larger than 2" in diameter may be recycled. Put lids smaller than 2" in diameter in the trash, and never recycle jars with the lids attached. Separated lids less than 2" diameters get caught and can jam or damage recycling equipment.

5. Are pizza boxes recyclable?

Yes, if the box is clean and if any soiled part of the box is removed prior to recycling.

6. Are waxed cardboard drink/food containers (ie. milk, juice, egg whites) recyclable?

Yes, just make sure the containers are free of food before recycling. 

7. Are plastic tubes, such as those used for shampoo, lotion or sunscreen, recyclable?

Yes, plastic tubes are recyclable. For best results, snip off the bottom of the tube for easy rinsing.

8. What do I do with plastic bags that say they are recyclable?

DO NOT recycle them with your other curbside recycling! Please go to a plasticfilmrecycling.org to find out where you may recycle them. Many of the local grocery stores (HEB, Krogers, Randalls) offer bins at the entry way for recycling plastic bags.

9. What happens if my recycling is contaminated with things that should not be recycled?

The City’s recycling is taken to a Waste Management recycling facility in the City’s compactor truck. If our recycling is contaminated, the City may be fined a surcharge for the entire recycling load, something we wish to avoid. 

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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.

12. What if I smell gas in my home?

You will need to get out of the house and then call 9-1-1 for the Fire Department from outside of the house or from a neighbor's house. The use of a phone could cause the gas to ignite if you called from inside the house.

13. How often should I change the batteries in my smoke detector?

We recommend you change the batteries in your smoke detectors every 6 months. An easy way to remember is to change the batteries when you reset your clock for daylight savings time. 

14. Why do you block traffic lanes at auto accidents - more lanes than are necessary?

It's for the safety of our personnel and our patients. Blocking extra lanes keeps our personnel safe when they go back to our apparatus to get more equipment and it helps protect the victim we're trying to stabilize. 

15. Why do firefighters get upset when you drive over fire hoses?

The fire hose is the lifeline of a firefighter when fighting a fire. If you drive over it, the hose can be damaged, and any firefighter at the end of a nozzle will have the water interrupted - possibly causing injury or death.

16. What should I do when I see or hear an emergency vehicle coming towards me when driving?

When it is safe to do so, you should pull over to the right and stop until all emergency vehicles have safely passed. If you cannot safely maneuver to the right, simply stop and stay stopped so the vehicles can go around you safely. Depending on the emergency, multiple apparatus may be responding. Be sure to check for additional emergency vehicles prior to pulling back out into traffic.

17. My smoke detector or Carbon Monoxide detector is chirping, what does that mean?

Most modern smoke detectors will chirp to alert you the batteries are low and you should replace the batteries and test your detector. Detectors can be purchased at any hardware or large commercial department store. Did you know your detector has a life span? Check it for an expiration date to ensure your safety.

18. Does the Fire Department fill fire extinguishers?

Southside Place Fire Department is not equipped to fill fire extinguishers at this time. However, you can find local fire extinguisher businesses in the yellow pages to refill them. 

19. Why do firefighters break out windows and cut holes in the roof during a fire?

Firefighters ventilate smoke, superheated, poisonous, or explosive gases for safety and visibility. This allows firefighters to get inside the building to find and extinguish the fire, thereby reducing property damage. This also reduces the chance of a possible dangerous explosion. The environment inside a burning building is not like the movies portray it. Often firefighters cannot see their hands in front of their faces. They crawl to try and remain below smoke and heat and feel their way through the hostile environment. Reducing the smoke in the building allows more efficient rescue and extinguishing of the fire.