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1. How do I request a birth / death certificates and how much do they cost?

For birth and death certificates, please contact the Galveston County Health District GCHD at 409-763-7202 or visit the GCHD Birth and Death Records page. It is located at:
9850-A Emmett F. Lowry Expressway
Suite A102
Texas City, Texas 77591

2. Where can I locate upcoming election voting information?

Visit our Election Information page for more information on elections in the Texas City area.

3. Who is my commissioner?

To learn more about who currently serves as the commissioner of your district, check out the:

• City Commission and Mayor page
• City Districts Map page

4. When are meetings held?

Find out more about meetings of the City Commission by visiting the City Commission and Mayor page.

5. Where can I locate the agendas of the City Commissioner meetings?

Visit the City Commission and Mayor page, or the Agendas and Minutes page to find meeting documents.

6. Where can I view the Code of Ordinances?

Check out the Texas City Code of Ordinances online.

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1. Are recreational vehicles (RVs) allowed on the dike?

Yes. You can buy a RV pass for $30 (valid for the whole weekend).

2. Can I spend the night on the dike?

No. There is no camping or spending the night on the dike. Special events with authorization of the City's Recreation and Tourism Department may be granted.

3. Can I have a camp fire on the dike?

No. No open fires are allowed. Controlled fires within a barbeque grill will be allowed.

4. Can I drive on the beach?

Yes, but it is limited. Only street-approved vehicles or golf carts. Vehicles cannot exceed the posted dike speed limits and must be driven responsibly and with caution. However, no dune buggies, go-carts, four-wheelers, or motorcycles are allowed on the beach.

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1. What is the cost to get onto the dike?

During the summer months (first weekend in March to last weekend in October) there is a $10 charge per vehicle to enter the dike on weekends. It is free during the winter months and summer weekdays (Mondays through Thursdays, unless they are holidays).

On holiday weekends (Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday on the Fourth of July and Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday on Memorial Day and Labor Day) the fee will be $20 per vehicle per day.

2. Is it $10 per person or vehicle on weekends during the summer?

It is $10 per vehicle. $30 per RV for a weekend pass.

3. Can I drive onto the levee (Skyline Drive) and not pay during summer weekends?

No. The fee collection station is prior to the entrance onto the levee. The $10 fee will be charged to anyone who wants to pass the collection station.

4. Can I walk onto the dike and not pay during the summer?

Yes. The fee is only charged to those who drive a vehicle onto the dike. People who want to walk or run or ride bikes onto the dike do not have to stop or pay to enter the dike.

5. What form of payment is acceptable for the fee?

Cash only will be accepted as fee payment. The fee collection attendant will not take checks or credit cards.

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1. What are the dike hours?

The dike is open 24 hours.

2. Can I get onto the dike before 6 am when they start charging during the summer weekends?

Yes. However, if you leave and return, you will have to pay if you do not have a sticker.

3. Can I get onto the dike after 9 pm during the summer weekends and not have to pay?

Yes. The dike will remain open after 9 pm, and the fees will only be assessed during the hours of 6 am and 9 pm, so you will not have to pay if you enter after 9 pm.

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1. Can I buy a weekend pass for summer weekends when the fee is charged?

No. If you do not have a sticker, you will have to pay each weekend day during the summer.

2. Can I buy a season pass for summer weekends when the fee is charged?

No. If you do not have a sticker, you will have to pay each weekend day during the summer.

3. If I am new resident to Texas City, how can I receive my stickers?

At the time you sign up for City water or garbage service, you should receive your stickers, but if you live in an apartment, then you will need to present your Driver's license and a current lease to the Utility Department Customer Service Representative in City Hall.

4. If I live in an apartment, how will I receive my sticker?

Each apartment unit will receive one sticker for the unit. A tenant of the unit must present a valid Driver's License and a current lease to the Utility Department Customer Service Representative in City Hall.

5. How long are the stickers that are sent to residents in Texas City good for?

At least the first year. The sticker situation will be monitored and from time to time new stickers will be issued indicating an update in the program, and all vehicles will have to replace the old stickers with the new stickers. Notice will be provided and our website will be updated to help keep residents informed when this happens.

6. Can I give or sell my stickers to someone who is not receiving any?

No. The stickers are not to be sold or given away. The stickers for the dike are for the residents and Homestead property tax payers of Texas City who support all of the City services every day. The fee charged on the dike is for those who are not residents supporting the City services on a regular basis and who are receiving the benefit of the dike. The fee is minimal considering the cost of:

• Boat ramps and piers
• Use of beaches
• Access to calm waters
• Maintenance of the road
• The dike
• Garbage
• Proximity to:
  • Great fishing areas
  • The bay
  • Local services for food, gasoline, etc.

If the city continues to have increases in costs to maintain the dike and provide the service and not enough is offset by the revenue of the fees of our visitors, the free stickers for the residents may be discontinued.

7. I live in a garage / attic apartment. Can I get a sticker?

No. The person who has the utility account and the Homestead property owner should have received stickers. It is up to them as to who shares those stickers who live or lease within the property.

8. I want to ride my motorcycle onto the dike. Do I need a sticker or have to pay during summer weekends?

Yes. You either have to have a sticker affixed to the motorcycle on the right side in plain sight or pay to enter onto the dike during summer weekends.

9. I am a resident who lives on-site of a business, so my address is a business address. Can I still get a sticker?

Yes. The resident must bring a valid Driver's License that shows the business address and one sticker will be issued for that business location.

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1. Am I at risk from a hurricane?

Look at the color-coded map to find out. It shows the areas at risk from winds and storm surge associated with hurricanes. There are five of these risk areas, each shown in a different color and each corresponding to one of the five categories of hurricanes on the Saffir/Simpson Scales. The stronger the storm, the greater the inland impact will be and the more risk areas affected.

2. How will I know when to evacuate?

Your local officials will tell you. During a Hurricane Watch, listen to your radio or television constantly. Emergency officials can interrupt routine broadcasts to give special weather updates, warning messages, and evacuation information. Messages will also be disseminated through Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram.)

National Weather Service

For 24-hour weather broadcasts from the National Weather Service, tune to NOAA Weather Radio on the high-band FM frequency 162.55 megahertz (MHz) that broadcasts from Galveston, 162.40 MHz that broadcasts from Houston, or 162.425 MHz that broadcasts from Bay City.

3. Who should plan to leave early?

• Persons living on the coast, on barrier islands, or in low-lying or flood-prone areas
• Persons who live in manufactured housing
• Persons with special needs, including health or mobility-related concerns

4. What can I do to prepare for a storm?

While there are no sure ways to predict when and where a hurricane will come ashore in Texas, both cities and counties have emergency managers whose job is to prepare the community and its citizens for these storms and other disasters. For answers to specific questions you may have concerning hurricanes and preparing for them, contact your local Emergency Management Office.

5. How should I prepare for an evacuation?

Prepare by doing the following:

• Prepare a disaster supplies kit and pack it in your vehicle
• Make sure your car is in good repair and full of gas
• Secure your home:
  • Turn off the gas, water, and electricity
  • Board up the windows and draw drapes across them
  • Brace garage doors
  • Bring in or secure any loose objects in the yard
  • Lock all windows and doors
• If you have a boat, secure it on a trailer near your house and fill it with water
• Make arrangements for pets before you leave; most public shelters, and many hotels and motels do not allow them
• Leave a note telling where you plan to go
• Designate an out-of-area contact that family and friends can call to get information on your whereabouts
• Finally, designate a meeting point for your family should you get separated

6. What if I need help to evacuate?

Arrange beforehand with friends or family to help you evacuate. If you have no one to turn to or you have special needs, get in touch with your local officials now. They need to know who you are, where you live, and what kind of help you need so they can be ready to provide aid when a storm threatens.

7. How long will it take to evacuate?

That depends on the size of the storm and the number of people who evacuate. the chart on the reverse side will give you an idea, but keep in mind the times shown are only estimates. They assume that all evacuation routes are open and only show the time needed to move all traffic inland just beyond the threatened risk areas. It will take longer to reach a shelter location or your final destination.

Also, keep in mind, if the chart shows 10 hours, officials won't wait until the storm is 10 hours from landfall to begin an evacuation. Remember, the goal is to get everyone out of the threatened area before evacuation routes become impassable or unsafe due to flooding or high winds. This will happen when the storm is still many hours away from landfall. So, don't be surprised if there are no clouds and the sun is shining when local officials tell you to evacuate. Follow their instructions; your health and safety are their main concern.

8. Where should I go?

Inland, away from the coast. Use the evacuation routes shown on this map. Most of these roads are marked with blue hurricane evacuation signs. If you have friends or family at an inland location, arrange beforehand to stay with them. If you plan to stay in a hotel or motel, make reservations prior to departure to ensure you have a room. Cities and towns along the main evacuation routes may open public shelters, but these will be crowded and the creature comforts, limited. If you need to use a public shelter, listen to your radio as you are evacuating to find out where shelters are open.

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1. Who do I contact about a question with my bill?

You can contact the FRUSA at 800-244-2345 or EMS Administrator at 409-643-5705.

2. Why does a Fire Engine sometimes come when I call for an ambulance?

Depending on the nature of the, call Fire engine companies will respond with the ambulance to provide additional help if it is a serious call. If the ambulance from that district is already on a call, the Engine will respond to provide help until an ambulance from another station or from a Mutual Aid City (if all ours are out) can get there. Texas City Fire Department has paramedic capable Engines which means many times you will have paramedic help there before the ambulance arrives.

3. How many ambulance calls does Texas City have in a year?

There is on average about 8000 ambulance calls a year.

4. How many ambulances does Texas City Fire Department operate?

We operate three front-line units which consist of two BLS/MICU units at Stations 2 and 3 and a BLS/MICU Transport Rescue from the Central Fire Station. We have in reserve one Rescue truck and two ambulances that we can cross man in cases of emergency.

5. Does going by Ambulance get me into the Emergency room faster than going by private auto?

Admission to the Emergency room is based upon the severity of injury or illness regardless of how you get there. Someone with chest pains or difficulty breathing will go before someone who has a headache or a cut arm. The hospitals use a system called Triage where patients are evaluated and ranked with the more serious patient going first. Many ambulance patients will be sent to the waiting room if more serious patients are there.

6. What does it mean when a hospital is on “drive by”?

This means that for some reason the hospital has reached a level of patients where if any more are brought in they will experience extremely long wait times for treatment. Hospitals advise the ambulances of this so that they may go to another hospital that does not have as many patients. This is to provide the patient the best care as soon as possible.

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1. How do I file a Complaint?

1.    A Complaint may be filed by going to the City’s Website www.texas-city-tx.org . Select the “How do I…” tab and then select Submit: Report a Code Violation. You will be taken directly to the electronic form.

2.    Next choose a Category: “Buildings Complaints – “Working without permits” or “Code Enforcement”. This selection will route the complaint to the proper department.

3.    Next choose a Subcategory:

•    Working without a Permit 

•    Junk & Debris

•    Non-Complaint Junk & Debris

•    High Grass & Weeds

•    Junk/Abandoned Vehicle(s)

•    Substandard Structure(s) 

•    Miscellaneous Complaint(s)

    This selection will route the complaint to an assigned investigator.

4.    Next enter the location of complaint using the “Add a location to your request” mapping. It is easier if you use the “Locate by Map” feature and Toggle to full screen and enlarge the map to locate the exact location of the complaint. 

•    Please note that without an address, we cannot perform a site visit and may Decline the complaint. 

•    The “Locate by Address” will only work if the location has previously been entered into the system, such as by requesting a permit or recently constructed. Older homes may not be in the system.

5.    Next enter a Description of the complaint. This assists the investigator in ensuring your complaint is located and properly evaluated. Attaching an image is great if you can do that!

6.    Next enter your Contact Information.

•    If you choose to Remain Anonymous you will not receive any notifications of progress or resolution. 

•    If you enter your Name, Email and Phone number you will receive email notifications of progress or resolution in real-time as the complaint progresses. 

7.    Next answer the Security Code question and Submit the Request. 

2. What’s the easiest way to contact Neighborhood Improvement Services?

The easiest way is to email codeenforcement@texascitytx.gov. We have established an email group and by emailing to this address group someone will be able to answer your question or get you the information you are requesting.

3. I have entered my name, email and phone number. How will I receive notification on progress?

We have established Complaint Status Categories. As each complaint works through the Code Complaint Report Module, it is assigned a Status for tracking purposes:

•    Pending – Each complaint received is automatically assigned Pending status. This status indicates that an investigator has not yet reviewed the complaint.

•    Accepted – Complaint has been accepted for investigation and review by a Neighborhood Improvement Services Official. 

•    In Progress – The complaint is being actively worked as a Neighborhood Improvement Services Project. 

•    Completed – Case is closed with satisfactory result. This may be either by voluntary compliance or forced compliance. 

•    Canceled – A complaint may be canceled because we have received the same complaint from another citizen.

•    Declined – Upon investigation, an investigator was unable to identify a code violation. 

•    Occasionally, an investigator may provide an update during the In Progress status as available. 

4. How long may it take to resolve my complaint?

We hate to say it depends on the type of complaint, but that is the correct answer. A High Grass complaint or a junk vehicle complaint may take from three (3) to four (4) weeks. However, if the owner contests the Notice of Violation and requests a Court Hearing, the timeline may be significantly extended.  

Even if the owner does not request a Court hearing, a junk vehicle on private property requires an Abatement Order signed by a Judge before the junk vehicle may be removed. 

I thought the owner only has ten (10) days to comply?

That’s correct. However, if the owner does not voluntary comply an Abatement Order is required to force compliance on private property with all complaints except high grass. This extends the ten (10) days significantly.

For example: In the event of a high grass complaint that does not require an Abatement Order, after the ten (10) days, the property is placed on the abatement list for notification to the contractor, the contractor is notified [weekly or bi-weekly], and then, weather permitting, mows the property.  

If the complaint involves a substandard structure and is contested by the owner the court proceedings alone may take from two (2) to three (3) years to obtain a resolution before demolition may begin. 

5. What is a junk vehicle?

A vehicle that is self-propelled or a non-motored vehicle including but not limited to trailers and:

             (a) Does not have lawfully attached to it:

        1. An unexpired license plate; or

        2. Does not display a license plate, or

        3. A valid motor vehicle inspection certificate, or 

             (b) Is:

        1. Wrecked, dismantled or partially dismantled, or discarded; or

                  2. Inoperable and has remained inoperable for more than:

                          a. Seventy-two consecutive hours, if the vehicle is on public property; or

                       b. Thirty consecutive days, if the vehicle is on private property, or

    (c)     An aircraft that does not has lawfully printed on the aircraft an unexpired federal aircraft identification number registered under FAA aircraft registration regulations, or 

    (d)     A watercraft that:

        1. Does not have lawfully on board an unexpired certificate of number, and

        2.Is not a watercraft described by Section 31.055, Parks and Wildlife Code.

6. What is considered a high grass violation?

Grass or weeds that uniformly exceed twelve (12) inches in height

7. What happens if I don’t enter the correct address?

Often times we are unable to locate the violation and if unable to contact the complainant (chosen to remain anonymous) we will decline the complaint as unable to identify a violation.  

8. I want to file a complaint, but I don’t want to identify myself. Is that permissible?

Yes, it is. However, by remaining anonymous you will not be able to track the complaint or receive updates.

9. I want to file a complaint but am not very good with computers, How can I file a complaint?

You can go to Texas City Fire Department Administration, 1725 25^th Street, and complete a paper form, or request a form at City Hall, or go to the Library and a librarian will assist you with computer filing.

10. Does if help to submit photos with my complaint?

Very much so; as the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words.

11. What are the pool regulations in Texas City?

Generally, all pools in Texas must be in an enclosed fenced area at least 4 feet tall with no gaps of greater than 4 inches including between the ground and bottom of the fence.

12. Every time the complaint gets corrected the occupant does the same thing all over again. The City corrected a junk and debris case on private property and the owner started collecting junk again. How

This is a repeat or recurring violation. If the new violation is within the twelve month time period from when the City obtained an Abatement Order, the new violation(s) can be corrected using the original Abatement Order.  If the new violation is over twelve (12) months from the Abatement Order, a new Abatement Order must be obtained to correct the violation.

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1. How do I get a library card?

Anyone who resides in the State of Texas may obtain a free library card at Moore Memorial Public Library. Children under 14 must have a parent or legal guardian sign their library card application. Requests for new library cards must be made in person at the library circulation desk. Applicants will be asked to fill out a library card application and to show as proof of their current address:

• A valid Texas driver's license or identification card with a current address or one of the following:
  • Any piece of mail addressed to the applicant that has been received at their current address
  • A printed utility bill or statement that includes the applicant's current address

More Information

For more information, please call 409-643-5975.

2. What kinds of materials can I check out?

Please note patrons can check out up to four books per subject, four books per author and up to six entertainment DVDs at a time.  Available materials include:

• Print materials: Popular fiction, non-fiction, children's materials, magazines, large print books, dictionaries (assorted languages), language learning handbooks, study guides (GED, ASVAB).
• Audiobooks: Fiction and non-fiction audiobooks on disc.
• DVDs: Self-help, educational, travel, exercise, children's videos, entertainment films, television series and mini-series.
• Books in Spanish: Fiction and non-fiction books.

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1. How do I find a book or DVD?

In the catalog, click on Search/Home or New Search.

To Search by Title

1. Type in the title of the item, for example, Da Vinci Code
2. Click on the downward-pointing arrowhead beside words or phrases and select title
3. Click Search

To Search by Author

1. Type in the title of the item, for example, King, Stephen
2. Click on the downward-pointing arrowhead beside words or phrases and select author
3. Click Search

To Search by Subject

1. Type in the title of the item, for example, ghosts
2. Click on the downward-pointing arrowhead beside words or phrases and select subject
3. Click Search

Power Search

Another option is Power Search, which allows you to limit your search by additional parameters such as by only looking at DVDs or nonfiction material.

2. How do I place a hold?

Search for your item. Click on "Details" to get the item record. On the item record, click "Place Hold". Enter your User ID (your 14-digit library card number) and your PIN (your birthday, MMDDYYYY). Click "Place Hold".

3. How can I tell if something is available at the library?

The search results will note how many copies of that item are available and where in the library such as "2 copies available in Audio Visual." Otherwise, you will see "No copies currently available."

4. How do I locate an item in the library?

After searching for your item, click on "Details". Make a note of an item's call number and its location. For example:

Call Number	Copies	Material	Location
791.45 PAWNEE	1	New Book	New Book Shelves

This means the book is located on the New Book Shelves. Jot down the call number "791.45 PAWNEE" to track down the book's exact location on the shelf.

5. What is my User ID?

Your User ID is the 14-digit number on the back of your library card. It can contain a combination of letters, numbers and symbols. For example, PMML000012345% is a viable User ID.

6. What is my PIN number?

By default, your PIN is your birthday written out as eight-digit number: MMDDYYYY. For example, January 1st, 1950 would be written as: 01011950.

7. What do I have checked out? When is it due? Do I owe any fines?

You can find all this information by logging into your account. On the catalog page enter your User ID and PIN and click on "Login to the e-Library OPAC". The User ID and PIN boxes will disappear. Click on "My Account" and then "Review My Account".

8. How can I renew my materials?

Log into your account: on the catalog page, enter your User ID and PIN. Click on "Login to the e-Library OPAC". The User ID and PIN boxes will disappear. Click on "My Account" and then "Renew My Materials".

You will see a list of the items you have checked out. Click the check boxes beside the items you wish to renew. Then click "Renew Selected Items". You will then see a message on whether the items renewed successfully and their new due dates. You are allowed to renew items up to two times unless a hold has been placed on them by someone else.

9. How can I change my PIN?

Log into your account: on the catalog page, enter your User ID and PIN. Click on "Login to the e-Library OPAC". The User ID and PIN boxes will disappear. Click on "User PIN Change".

10. How can I notify the library that my address has changed?

Log into your account: on the catalog page, enter your User ID and PIN. Click on "Login to the e-Library OPAC". The User ID and PIN boxes will disappear. Click on "Change My Address". Enter in your new address information and then click "Send".

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1. Where can I find forms?

The library no longer receives paper tax forms. Please visit the IRS website, where forms, booklets and more information can be found.

Order tax forms by phone by calling 800-829-3676.

2. Where do I send my tax forms?

Refunds

If you are expecting a refund:

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Austin, TX 73301-0015

Payments

If mailing in with a payment:

Internal Revenue Service
P.O. Box 1214
Charlotte, NC 28201-1214

3. Who can I call for tax help?

The phone number for tax help for individuals is 800-829-1040. For help from the local IRS office in Houston, call 281-721-7021.

Tax help for the hearing impaired can be reached at 800-829-4059.

4. How can I view past tax returns?

Visit the IRS Get Transcript page, where you can view past tax returns online and print them out or order them by mail.

5. Where is the local tax office?

The closest tax office is located at:

8701 S Gessner
Houston, TX 77062

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1. If I want to pay for my warrants, what are my payment options?

Payment options for warrants issued by the City of Texas City Municipal Court of Record are as follows:

• Online via our Payment Portal
• Phone: 833-259-4014
• By mail or in person at:
  Texas City Municipal Court of Record
  004 9th Avenue N
  Texas City 77590

2. What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, credit card, and money orders (no checks).

3. After I pay, when will the information be removed from Department of Public Safety records?

The Department of Public Safety will clear holds on Driver’s Licenses within 7 to 10 business days.

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1. How do I file a Complaint?

Suspected code violations can be reported online.

Start a Service Report

Step by Step process to submit complaint

1.    Choose a Category: “Buildings Complaints – “Working without permits” or “Neighborhood Improvement Services”. This selection will route the complaint to the proper department.

2.    Next choose a Subcategory:

•    Working without a Permit 

•    Junk & Debris

•    Non-Complaint Junk & Debris

•    High Grass & Weeds

•    Junk/Abandoned Vehicle(s)

•    Substandard Structure(s) 

•    Miscellaneous Complaint(s)

    This selection will route the complaint to an assigned investigator.

3.    Next enter the location of complaint using the “Add a location to your request” mapping. It is easier if you use the “Locate by Map” feature and Toggle to full screen and enlarge the map to locate the exact location of the complaint. 

•    Please note that without an address, we cannot perform a site visit and may Decline the complaint. 

•    The “Locate by Address” will only work if the location has previously been entered into the system, such as by requesting a permit or recently constructed. Older homes may not be in the system.

4.    Next enter a Description of the complaint. This assists the investigator in ensuring your complaint is located and properly evaluated. Attaching an image is great if you can do that!

5.    Next enter your Contact Information.

•    If you choose to Remain Anonymous you will not receive any notifications of progress or resolution. 

•    If you enter your Name, Email and Phone number you will receive email notifications of progress or resolution in real-time as the complaint progresses. 

6.    Next answer the Security Code question and Submit the Request. 

2. What happens when I report a code violation?

Once a suspected code violation has been submitted, Neighborhood Improvement Services staff is assigned and an investigation takes place. Due to the different nature of submissions, investigation and resolution times may vary. For example, zoning violations typically require monitoring and collecting of information on the property and usually will take longer to reach a resolution.

Once it is determined that a violation has occurred, city staff will issue a notice of violation to the property owner outlining the necessary corrective action as well as a compliance timeframe. Re-inspections are then conducted to verify compliance

We have established Complaint Status Categories. As each complaint works through the Code Complaint Report Module, it is assigned a Status for tracking purposes:

• Pending – Each complaint received is automatically assigned Pending status. This status indicates that an investigator has not yet reviewed the complaint.
• Accepted – Complaint has been accepted for investigation and review by a Neighborhood Improvement Services Official.
• In Progress – The complaint is being actively worked as a Neighborhood Improvement Services Project.
• Completed – Case is closed with satisfactory result. This may be either by voluntary compliance or forced compliance.
• Canceled – A complaint may be canceled because we have received the same complaint from another citizen.
• Declined – Upon investigation, an investigator was unable to identify a code violation.
• Occasionally, an investigator may provide an update during the In Progress status as available.

3. How long may it take to resolve my complaint?

We hate to say it depends on the type of complaint, but that is the correct answer. A High Grass complaint or a junk vehicle complaint may take from three (3) to four (4) weeks. However, if the owner contests the Notice of Violation and requests a Court Hearing, the timeline may be significantly extended.  

 Even if the owner does not request a Court hearing, a junk vehicle on private property requires an Abatement Order signed by a Judge before the junk vehicle may be removed.

4. I thought the owner only has ten (10) days to comply?

That’s correct. However, if the owner does not voluntary comply, an Abatement Order is required to force compliance on private property with all complaints except high grass. This extends the ten (10) days significantly.

For example: In the event of a high grass complaint that does not require an Abatement Order, after the ten (10) days, the property is placed on the abatement list for notification to the contractor, the contractor is notified [weekly or bi-weekly], and then, weather permitting, mows the property.  

If the complaint involves a substandard structure and is contested by the owner, the court proceedings alone may take from two (2) to three (3) years to obtain a resolution before demolition may begin.

5. What is a junk vehicle?

A vehicle that is self-propelled or a non-motored vehicle including but not limited to trailers and:

               (a) Does not have lawfully attached to it:

                                1. An unexpired license plate; or

                                2. Does not display a license plate, or

                                3. A valid motor vehicle inspection certificate, or 

               (b) Is:

                                1. Wrecked, dismantled or partially dismantled, or discarded; or

                               2. Inoperable and has remained inoperable for more than:

                                               a. Seventy-two consecutive hours, if the vehicle is on public property; or

                                              b. Thirty consecutive days, if the vehicle is on private property, or

                (c)           An aircraft that does not has lawfully printed on the aircraft an unexpired federal aircraft identification number registered under FAA aircraft registration regulations, or 

                (d)          A watercraft that:

                                1. Does not have lawfully on board an unexpired certificate of number, and

                                2.Is not a watercraft described by Section 31.055, Parks and Wildlife Code.

6. What is considered a high grass violation?

Grass or weeds that uniformly exceed twelve (12) inches in height

7. What happens if I don’t enter the correct address?

Often times we are unable to locate the violation and if unable to contact the complainant (chosen to remain anonymous) we will decline the complaint as unable to identify a violation.  

8. What’s the easiest way to contact Neighborhood Improvement Services?

The easiest way is to email Neighborhood Improvement Services. By emailing this address group, someone will be able to answer your question or get you the information you are requesting.

9. I want to file a complaint, but I don’t want to identify myself. Is that permissible?

Yes, it is. However, by remaining anonymous you will not be able to track the complaint or receive updates.

10. I want to file a complaint but am not very good with computers, How can I file a complaint?

You can go to Texas City Fire Department Administration, 1725 25^th Street, and complete a paper form, or request a form at City Hall, or go to the Library and a librarian will assist you with computer filing.

11. Does if help to submit photos with my complaint?

Very much so; as the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words.

12. What are the pool regulations in Texas City?

Generally, all pools in Texas must be in an enclosed fenced area at least 4 feet tall with no gaps of greater than 4 inches including between the ground and bottom of the fence.

13. Every time the complaint gets corrected the occupant does the same thing all over again. What do I do now?

You may re-file a complaint. This is a repeat or recurring violation. If the new complaint is within the twelve month time period from when the City obtained an Abatement Order, the new complaint(s) can be corrected using the original Abatement Order.  If the new complaint is over twelve (12) months from the Abatement Order, a new Abatement Order must be obtained to correct the violation.

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1. What does a business receive for participating in Small Business Tuesday?

As a willing participant, your $25 investment provides:

• Email blasts from the City Chamber (even if not a member)
• You will be included in newspaper ads (over 20 mentioning the event and several listing each participating business.)
• A shopping party bus will travel to several participating strip centers just to carry shoppers on the evening of November 18 (contingent on if enough businesses join and there are distinct groups of businesses close to each other. So, make sure you and your neighbors join).
• Posters with your business name and address
• Bright green flags in front of your business indicating you are a participating business
• You will be on: 
  • The ShopTexasCity Facebook page.
  • City webpage
  • Chamber webpage
  • Local cable channels 16 and 17
  • Several electronic reader boards around town

2. What do I have to do to participate as a business?

Simply complete the Small Business Tuesday form (PDF) and email it to Justin Herter and send or deliver a check to:
Justin at City Hall
1801 9th Avenue N
Texas City, TX. 77590

Also, agree to host an open house at least during the hours of 4 pm and 7 pm on Tuesday, November 18. This may not be your normal business hours, so we appreciate the added time you put in to allow customers to visit your store and see what you have to offer. visit our tips for how to host a successful open house.

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1. How can we use that much water?

Upon receiving your water bill write down the date you received it and read your meter (visit the How to Read a Water Meter page to learn more). The difference between the time the City read it and the date you received it in the mail is approximately two weeks. After reading your meter, calculate the difference. If the current reading on the bill is higher than the reading you just read, call our office at 409-643-5923.

2. How can they read the meter when it's so dirty?

Since the meter is the lowest part in your yard it acts like a drain. Therefore, any moisture (rain, car wash, watering the yard) will create mud in the meter box. But, each month the meter reader wipes only the glass register to take the billing reading.

3. Upon a divorce, can I transfer the water bill into my name?

Only if the divorce decree denotes the ownership of said location to the individual can the water bill transferred into that name without a new deposit.

4. Upon death of spouse, can I transfer the water bill into my name?

Yes, with a copy of the death certificate and photo identification, the water bill can be transferred to the surviving spouse without a new deposit.

5. Can the water bill be transferred out of my parent's name into my name without a new deposit?

No. A new deposit, legal document(s) showing proof of ownership of said property and payment of any outstanding balance on the estate must be paid prior to start of water service.

6. How can my water bill be the same amount each month?

Since the City only bills in the thousands, it's not uncommon to have the same bill during the year. You may use 3,590 gallons of water, but the City will only bill 3,000 gallons of usage. Therefore, if you use 3,999 or 3,001 gallons of water, you are only billed 3,000 gallons of usage.

7. If my water is shut off, and I know I paid my bill, what can I do?

Please contact the Utility Billing Department at 409-643-5923 to check on your account. If the disconnect was not generated from this office, it is possible there is a water leak in your area. Please contact the Texas City Utilities Office at 409-359-5505 or after hours, or on weekends and holidays call 409-682-6846 to verify a possible leak.

8. What do I do when I'm experiencing a slow sewer drain, sewer back-up or see a water main break or leak?

Please contact the Texas City Utilities Office at 409-359-5505 or after hours, or on weekends and holidays call 409-682-6846 to verify a possible leak.