Frequently Asked Questions

A permit is required prior to beginning work. Even painting and small cosmetic projects generally require a floodplain development permit. If you are not sure about whether or not you need a permit, please call the Permitting Office at 713-662-8230 or send an email to inspections@bellairetx.gov.

Permit costs depend on a variety of factors. Please review the department fee schedule to get an idea and verify the cost of each permit with the Permit Department. They can be reached at 713-662-8230 or send an e-mail to inspections@bellairetx.gov. 

Yes

Only a floodplain development permit is required to repair or replace a fence. A survey of your property is required along with a permit application which you can submit via the SmartGov portal. You may refer to Sec. 24-512 for regulations on fences.

Yes, a permit is required to replace windows and window frames. 

No permit other than a floodplain development permit is required to paint a house.

Yes. Homeowners may get a "Homeowners Building Permit" only if your home is listed under Harris County Appraisal District as your homestead to repair a roof or remodel the house. A copy of the declarations page of the homeowner's insurance will also be required.

Yes. A minimum of $300,000 of general liability insurance is required to be able to do any type of work within the city.

Yes. Permit applications are available online via the SmartGov portal. 

Yes. Registration forms are available online via the SmartGov portal. 

All inspection requests are to be made online at https://ci-bellaire-tx.smartgovcommunity.com/Public/Home. If you are having trouble scheduling an inspection online, please call the Development Services front desk staff at 713-662-8230.

The cut off time to request an inspection for the next business day is 3 p.m. Requests received after 3 p.m. will be scheduled for the following business day. 

• 2024 International Building Code (IBC)
• 2024 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
• 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
• 2024 International Fire Code (IFC)
• 2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
• 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC)
• 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC)
• 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC)
• 2024 International Residential Code (IRC)
• 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC)

Residential construction sites must maintain several items at all times. These items include perimeter fencing, silt fencing, a metal roll-off trash container, and one (1) sign with the name of the builder and the site address (with an area no greater than eight (8) square feet). If a site is not maintaining these items, please report it to the Building Official via SeeClickFix. You may also call 713-662-8232 or email buildingofficial@bellairetx.gov.

The City has an ordinance limiting the amount of fill that can be added to a lot. No more than a 1% slope from the back of the curb or 8” of dirt may be brought in. For more information, contact the Building Official at 713-662-8232 or e-mail buildingofficial@bellairetx.gov. 

Yes, a permit is required to have a garage or estate sale and be obtained by completing the Garage & Estate Application and providing a driver's license or utility bill. The application can be obtained through the SmartGov portal. Each residence shall be allowed two garage or estate sales per calendar year. Please refer to Chapter 15 of the Code of Ordinances for Garage and Estate Sale regulations. 

Any residence with living space above the 2^nd story will require an automatic fire sprinkler system. In addition, some homes may require fire sprinklers if the distance from the driveway to the rear of the building exceeds 150 feet. The Fire Marshal will review any application to determine if a fire sprinkler system is required which will then require a permit which can be accessed via the SmartGov portal. Please contact the Building Official for more information at 713-662-8232 or e-mail buildingofficial@bellairetx.gov.

An elevation certificate is a Federal Form used to certify the finished floor elevation of a house or garage. If one exists in the City records, you may request a copy from by submitting a public information request to the City Clerk. If one is not available, you can contract with a Texas Registered surveyor and they will provide one for you.

An elevation certificate can identify your flood zone. If you do not have one, you can see what flood zone your property is by using FEMA's National Flood Hazard Layer Viewer.  Type in your address and the interactive map will produce a colored overlay to identify the flood zone. Blue is Zone AE, the 100-year flood zone, and orange is Zone X, the 500-year flood zone.

If you require further assistance, please contact the Development Services Department at 713-662-8230 or the Harris County Flood Control Office at 713-684-4000. The flood plain maps are also available through the Harris County Flood Control's website at www.hcfcd.org.

Yes, Bellaire is a zoned community.

Zoning is the way governments control the physical development of land and the kinds of uses for which each individual property may be used. Zoning laws typically specify the areas in which residential, industrial, recreational or commercial activities take place. For example, an R-1 residential zone allows only single-family detached homes to be built in its district. On the other hand, the UV-D zone provides for a mix of commercial, office, civic and entertainment uses.

No, the City of Bellaire does not enforce deed restrictions.

You will need to visit the Harris County Clerk's Office. You can check their website for information on locations, phone numbers, and hours of operation. You will need to take the legal description of your property with you, and that can be obtained by visiting the Harris County Appraisal District's website at www.hcad.org.

You will first need to know what your Zoning District designation is which can be looked up on the City's zoning map. Once you know that, you can refer to the setback sheet or Chapter 24 of City's Code of Ordinances. If you have questions or need clarification, please feel free to contact the Development Services Office at 713-662-8240 or zoning@bellairetx.gov.

A document, which may include a graphic description of a tract of land by metes and bounds, giving dimensions of all easements, setbacks, subdivision names, streets, alleys, squares, parks, other public areas, and giving dimensions of all lots or tracts contained therein, pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 212, Municipal Regulation of Subdivisions and Property Development and/or the City of Bellaire Code of Ordinances. A plat is a survey that contains all of the above information on a particular piece of land or subdivision.

A Certificate of Occupancy is required prior to the occupancy of a new construction house, or a house that is being leased. The occupant or the seller/landlord must come to the Development Services Office and apply for a certificate of occupancy. Commercial properties also require a Certificate of Occupancy and for each tenant within, if applicable. The application for residential and commercial certificates of occupancy can be found online via the SmartGov portal. 

You may not store it in front of the house, or even in the driveway, unless it is behind the front building line. Please refer to the City's Code of Ordinances for more information or contact the Code Compliance Officer, Linda Barbour, at 713-662-8237 or e-mail: lbarbour@bellairetx.gov.

Please use SeeClickFix to report a concern. 

For more urgent matters, you may also contact the City's Code Compliance Officer at 713-662-8237 or lbarbour@bellairetx.gov to report the problem. Please leave detailed information and your name and contact numbers so the Code Compliance Officer can be in touch if there are questions regarding your concern. 

No. The City's Zoning Regulations prevent a building located in a residential district from being used strictly as a business or an office. A room in the home or garage may be used as an office as long as the owner of the business is living in the house. Under all circumstances, the zoning regulations are meant to preserve the integrity of the residential neighborhood.

Yes, and it applies to construction-related situations that would require a tree disposition permit as well as existing, protected trees where construction is not ongoing. You can refer to Chapter 9, Article XI of the City's Code of Ordinances for more information.

A tree permit is required for removal of, or damage to, any protected tree.

Protected tree means:

(1)    A significant tree anywhere in the city;

(2)    A large tree, excluding low-value trees, located within any of the following:

          a.    A front yard;

          b.    A street side yard (of corner sites); or

          c.    A right-of-way area; and

(3)    When there is a permit in effect for development or pre-development activity on any subject site, "protected tree" includes all large trees located on that subject site.

Significant tree means a large tree with a diameter of 12 inches or more. In case a tree is removed, it is presumed to have been a significant tree if the diameter of the stump is 12 inches or greater, measured in any direction (also see definition of large tree).

Large tree means a tree with a diameter of six inches or more. In case a tree is removed, it is presumed to have been a large tree if the diameter of the stump is six inches or greater, measured in any direction.

Yes. Bellaire has a strict sign code, and most signs require prior approval and permit for installation. The application for a sign permit is available online via the SmartGov portal. For more information, call the City's Development Review Coordinator at 713-662-8240 or email malejos@bellairetx.gov.

No. Such types of signs are prohibited within the Bellaire City limits. To view all prohibited signs, refer to Sec. 24-1008 of the City's Code of Ordinances.

No, as long as your caterer/food truck only serve the people at your party. Members of the public are not allowed to walk up and order food. 

Digital books, digital audiobooks, comics, and movies are available for loan through Overdrive and Hoopla apps with just your Bellaire City Library card. Your library card must be current and not have a fine of $10.00 or greater. There is no cost to borrowing e-books and there are never any fines.

If the material is put in the book drop before the library is opened the next day, it is considered to have been returned on the previous day. In other words, if your movie is due on Tuesday and you put it in the book drop before 9:00 am on Wednesday, it is not considered overdue.  Most library material can be renewed by visiting your library account, calling the library during open hours or coming into the library.

All material checked out from the Bellaire City Library must be returned to Bellaire City Library. Fines will be charged until the material is returned to Bellaire.

Fax service is available for $1.00 per page for local calls, $2.00 for long distance calls and $3.00 for international calls.

Harris County Tax Department - 713-368-2000 the nearest location for Bellaire is at 6000 Chimey Rock Road.

On October 1, 2018, City Council adopted the property tax rate of $0.4313 per $100 of valuation.

65 and older exemption $135,000 Disabled exemption $135,000 Homestead exemption 20% of market value of residential homesteads with a minimum exemption of $5,000

Website: www.bellairebiz.org  Phone: 713-668-4164  Address: 5158 Spruce, Bellaire, Texas 77401

You can obtain a parking permit from the Development Services Department by completing the application through the SmartGov portal. There is no cost for the permit. 

We have one City-Wide garage sale per year and it is the last Saturday in April. Garage Sale permits are waived for this City Wide Event. You can call to have your address listed and posted on the website. Call 713-662-8222 for more information.

The population from the 2010 Census is 16,855. The City was incorporated in 1918 and founded in 1908.

City Hall is open from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday through Friday, excluding City holidays.

You can come to City Hall or the City Library and get a voter registration form. Or you can visit the website below to download an application.

You can get information from any Harris County Annex location. The nearest one to the City of Bellaire is 6000 Chimney Rock (it is listed under personal records) or call 713-755-6436. Or visit the website below.

12220 Gessener at West Airport or visit the website below.

You have to fill out a public information request and submit it to the City Clerk. The request may be submitted online by following the link below or the form can be picked up at Bellaire City Hall.

Yes. All private rentals must be made one month prior to the rental date desired. Payment must be paid in full two weeks prior to the rental date. When payment is made and contract is signed, the facility is officially reserved. For more information please contact 713-662-8242 or 713-662-8280.

The Mosquito Control Program uses Ultra-Low-Volume (ULV) fog to control mosquito populations in Bellaire. Spraying typically begins in May and lasts until October. The City may continue to spray later in the year to reduce mosquito populations. 

The spraying occurs weekly: Tuesday nights after 10:00 pm, in all areas inside and outside Loop 610.

The spraying cycle can be adjusted due to weather or other conditions. 

The City offers a “No Spray Request” for citizens who do not want spraying near their homes. Please click here for a "No Spray Request Form" or contact the Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Department at the number/email below to request the form.  

The City also adds larvicide dunks to the storm inlets monthly when the mosquito fogging begins. (Typically May - October)  These dunks work to kill mosquito larvae before they become airborne. 

We do our best to minimize the impact of the Mosquito Control Program on other insects and pollinators. The Ultra-Low-Volume (ULV) fog targets smaller insects like mosquitos, and we spray at night when mosquitos are most active and pollinators are typically dormant. We also offer the No-Spray Request for those who do not want the fog near their homes.

If the West Nile Virus is detected in Bellaire, the Harris County Mosquito & Vector Control Division will begin their mosquito spraying protocols in our community to help prevent the spread of the disease.   The City will continue the Mosquito Control Program as scheduled.

If you have questions about the Mosquito Control Program, contact the Parks Superintendent at 713-662-8285 or 713-662-8280 or email Parks Superintendent.

• No Spray Request Form
• MasterLine Kontrol 30-30 MSDS
• Summit Mosquito Dunks MSDS
• Mosquito Control FAQs
• Truck Spraying Information from the CDC
• Prevent The Bite
• Are You Raising Mosquitos In Your Yard?
• Harris County Public Health Pollinator Health and Mosquito Control

No. All park facilities are first come – first served. However, Bellaire-Zindler Park and Loftin Park have areas that can be reserved for private events. For more information, please visit the Park Rentals page.

If you have a park maintenance request, contact the Park Superintendent by phone at 713-662-8285 or 713-662-8280.

If the accident occurred in the City of Bellaire you can obtain a copy of the report online by visiting The Texas Department of Transportation website , or come to the Bellaire Police Dept. 5110 Jessamine Mon.-Fri 8am-5pm, or by mail, sending a check or money order along with a self-addressed & stamped envelope.

Please see attached link.

Alarm permits and renewals can be obtained at https://www.cityalarmpermit.us/Pages/Home.html?CityId=4uhprxE31cM= (effective Fall 2025).

Please visit this website.

Contact Officer Chase Liccketto at 713.662.8296 or by email at cliccketto@bellairepolice.com.

The Utility Billing service window is located in Customer Service on the first floor of City Hall at 7008 S. Rice Ave, Bellaire, TX 77401.

Our normal office hours are 8:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday, excluding holidays. 

The phone number is 713-662-8253.

Yes, the email address is utilitybill@bellairetx.gov. 

Owner/tenant applicants must know who they are buying/renting the property from to initiate service. Applicants must go to the Utility Billing service window and fill out a contract in person. If the home is a new build construction or if you are tenant, you must have of Certificate of Occupancy issued by City of Bellaire Permits Department prior to moving into the home and prior to establishing a City of Bellaire utility account. There is a service fee and a deposit due at the time of service request. Residential deposits are refundable (applied as an account credit) after 12 consecutive months of good pay history. Commercial deposits are released upon termination of account if the account is paid in full.

No. City ordinance requires garbage service for each residential account with water service.

No. All active contracts are billed for services. If you will be out of your home for an extended period of time, you can request to terminate your service. To reinstate service, you will be required to pay a service fee and deposit as described above in Item 5.

When you sign up for service with the City, you agree to pay for services rendered at the particular address. If you do not notify us that you are moving and desire to terminate services, we will continue to bill you unless the new occupant comes in to open an account and initiate service. Even if you move, you are contractually responsible for charges at the address until services are terminated.

Payments are due before 5:00 pm of the second Friday of each month.

We have several payment options available to you.

• You can pay in person at the Utility Billing service window.
• If you receive a paper bill in the mail, you can mail your payment in the envelope you received with your bill.
• You can pay online using a credit card (one-time or recurring) by clicking the following link: Pay Online Now
• You can pay over the phone using a credit card: 713-662-8253.
• You can sign up for automatic bank payment drafts. The form is located here: Link to Form
• You may drop off your payment at the Utility Payments box in front of City Hall at 7008 S. Rice Avenue. 

We accept cash, personal checks, money orders, and most major credit cards. Click Here to Pay Online

Yes, recurring payments may be set up. There are two (2) methods:

- Automatic credit card payments by following the instructions located here: Link To Instructions (PDF)

- Automatic bank payment drafts using the form located here: Link to Form (PDF)

Yes, you are encouraged to sign up for e-billing to receive a PDF copy of your bill via email instead of a paper copy of your bill. Sign Up for E-Billing Here! We have provided instructions on the steps to follow to receive your bills via email. 

Yes, each month meters are read for billing purposes. Most meters are electronic smart meters which are read automatically without a person needing to gather a manual reading.

No, the City does not reduce water bills due to leaks or any type of pool filling. The account holder is responsible for all water that has passed through and registered on the meter.

The monthly solid waste fee allows up to six (6) garbage bags to be picked up per home per regular garbage day. The homeowner may purchase a sticker to be placed on the garbage bags in excess of the allowed six (6) bags for collection. Stickers may be purchased for a small fee at the Utility Billing service window.

You can purchase a recycling bin at the Utility Billing service window.

Click the link for the City's utility rates: City Utility Rates

Your water meter measures your monthly water use, but there is no meter on your wastewater line. During the winter months, residential customers use the least amount of water with almost all water usage going directly into the sanitary sewer system, so the metered water usage is a good indicator of wastewater. In the summer months, there is significantly more water usage that does not go into the sanitary sewer system, such as water used watering lawns, filling swimming pools, and washing cars. Each year we calculate a typical month’s wastewater usage by averaging the winter months and we use that usage as your wastewater volume for billing throughout the remainder of the year. Typically, this results in substantial savings for residents during the summer months.

The City has developed a Leak Detection and Water Conservation Guide which may be helpful in determining if you have a leak and how to identify the source of the leak. Our resident utility portal (see item #22 below) has leak detection alerts that can notify you via email, text, or phone call of potential leaks identified. Go to the Resident Utility Portal to register.

The City has developed a Water Meter brochure describing the advanced metering infrastructure water meter system and how to read your water meter.

Our free online resident utility portal enables customers to see their water usage in real time, see bill estimates based on current water usage, and receive customized alerts regarding abnormal usage and potential leaks. You are encouraged to register and take advantage of this powerful tool. Go to the Resident Utility Portal to register.

Yes. You can access your last twelve (12) bills by clicking here. We have provided instructions on the steps to follow to access your bills.

Yes. Generally, we will only disclose your information to persons named on the account. In 2021, the Texas legislature passed H.B. 872 amending the Texas Utility Code to make utility customer information confidential by default. You have the right to request the City disclose your information under the Public Information Act, which you can do by completing a Request for Disclosure of Information Maintained by the City of Bellaire Utility Billing Department and returning the form to the Utility Billing department by email (utilitybill@bellairetx.gov) or U. S. mail (Utility Billing Department, 7008 S. Rice Ave., Bellaire, TX 77401).

An unusually high utility bill might be caused by a leak or increased use of an irrigation system. We recommend all customers register for our free online resident utility portal which enables customers to see their water usage in real time, see bill estimates based on current water usage, and receive customized alerts regarding abnormal usage and potential leaks. Go to the Resident Utility Portal to register. The City has developed a Leak Detection and Water Conservation Guide which may be helpful in determining if you have a leak and how to identify the source of the leak.  If you did have a high water bill due to a leak, you should know the City does not reduce water bills due to leaks or any type of pool filling. The account holder is responsible for all water that has passed through and registered on the meter. If you still have questions on your bill, you can contact the Utility Billing office between 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday, excluding holidays, at 713-662-8253 or utilitybill@bellairetx.gov.

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 a year or you are currently taking the class for another ticket dismissal

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

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 Drivers license or permit.

5. Present to the court proof of financial responsibility in your name (automobile liability insurance).

No, you must appear before the judge on your court date.

No. If you have renewed your sticker, you will have to appear in court on your court date before the judge and present him with proof that your sticker has been renewed.

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

To reset a trial date, you must post a cash bond in the amount of the citation or file a motion for continuance.

No, all court dates must be reset in person. If you are attending court for the first time and have an arraignment date, the reset will be for one week and one time only. If you need more time, you must attend court on the given court date and talk to the judge about a later date.

When you come in to request the Driving Safety Course (DSC), you must pay the court costs at that time. If you are unable to pay the DSC, you will have to appear in court before the judge.

No, all warrants must be paid in full.

Yes, the City accepts payment both over the phone and online.

That will be up to the judge. They look at how long the sticker 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.

Yes, there is a $3.00 service fee when you pay using a credit card.

We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.

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

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

No, the check must be in the name of the person that received the citation and no temporary checks are accepted.

No, cell phones are not allowed in court room at all - even if they are turned off.

No, electronic devices are not allowed in the court room - even if they are turned off.

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

No. If you bring your children with you to court, let the bailiff know and the judge will see you at the end of the docket.

No, marriage licenses must be obtained at a county courthouse. You may contact the Bellaire City Library for further information at 713-662-8160.

No. If you received a ticket in the City of Bellaire, you must come here to pay your ticket

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

No, you must contact the Bureau of Vital Statistics.

Yes. You must be sure to request #3A.

Any vacancies within the City of Bellaire are listed on this site under Job Postings.

Yes. Please apply only for posted job openings. Notice that there is a special form for Police Department positions.

We have an online application system.

In the following areas, the residents are required to maintain from the curb or edge of the street to the property line: 5500 – 8300 Blocks of Newcastle: From Beechnut Street to Glenmont Drive 4900 – 5000 Blocks of Glenmont: From S Rice Ave to Anderson Street 4500 – 4600 Blocks of Fournace: From Newcastle to IH610 Feeder Road 4700 – 5000 Blocks of Fournace: From IH610 Feeder Road to S Rice Ave 7800 Block of Chimney Rock: From Evergreen to Braeburn 4700 – 4900 Blocks of Jessamine: From IH610 Feeder Road to S Third 7800 Block of Alder: From Evergreen to Braeburn; Both sides 4300 – 4400 Blocks of Bissonnet: From Railroad Tracks to Newcastle 4600 Block of Bissonnet: From IH610 Feeder Road to Wilmington; South side only; From the intersection of Bissonnet and IH610 S to 250 feet on the East side of IH610 Feeder Road 4500 Block of Glenmont: From Newcastle to 100 ft West of Newcastle; South side only 4300 Block of Bellaire Blvd: From Railroad Tracks to Mulberry Lane, between sidewalk and curb; North side only IH610 Feeder Road 5200 Block through 8300 Block: From West Park to Beechnut St

Your schedule is based on your address. There is no collection on holidays. Click on the following link to find your schedule:

Your schedule is based on your address. There is no collection on holidays. Click on the following link to find your schedule:

Click on the following link to find your schedule.  There is no collection on Holidays.

Garbage bag stickers can be purchased for $1 each in the Utility Billing Department located in City Hall at 7008 S Rice Avenue, Bellaire, TX 77401.

Additional curbside recycling bins can be purchased for $10 each in the Utility Billing Department located in City Hall at 7008 S Rice Avenue, Bellaire, TX 77401.

Click on the following link:

Contact the Utility Billing Department located in City Hall at 7008 S Rice Avenue, Bellaire, TX 77401. The phone number is 713-662-8250. They will get one to you.

There is no solid waste and curbside recycling collection on scheduled City holidays. City holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving (Thursday and Friday), Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

Please help maintain the appearance of the City by not putting garbage and trash out earlier than 6:00 p.m. the day before your regular collection day. The City's collection services begin at 8:00 a.m.

Please click on the link below.

No, the City does not provide paper shredding services. 

You will need the ID number on the pole and the address where it is located. Click on the following link:

Yes, it is. The City of Bellaire drinking water is rated "Superior" and meets or exceeds all Federal (EPA) drinking water requirements.

SeeClickFix - Bellaire is an easy way for residents to report concerns directly to the City and have department staff follow up to resolve the issues. Please use an exact address, description, and photo (if possible) to give as much information to City staff so they can investigate and determine the best way to address your concerns. You are encouraged to enter your email address on reports to get automated updates on the status of your issue as City staff work to resolve it. This system is best suited to respond to service requests like potholes, street lights, broken playground equipment, etc., that can be assigned to staff and addressed promptly. Issues requiring immediate attention or those dealing with public safety should be reported directly to the City at 713-662-8222 or Bellaire Police non-emergency line at 713-668-0487 as this system is not monitored 24/7. Call 911 for an emergency.

This system is best suited to respond to service requests like potholes, street lights, broken playground equipment, dead animal in the street, etc., that can be assigned to staff and addressed promptly. Issues requiring immediate attention or those dealing with public safety should be reported directly to the City at 713-662-8222 or Bellaire Police non-emergency line at 713-668-0487 as this system is not monitored 24/7. Call 911 for an emergency.

Issues threatening public safety or things needing immediate attention (like downed wires or tree limbs in the street) should be reported directly to the City at 713-662-8222 or Bellaire Police non-emergency line 713-668-0487 as this system is not monitored 24/7. Things that require long-term planning, a larger discussion, a community process, or involve multiple departments or non-City entities should be directed to the appropriate department by phone call or email.

The City receives hundreds of requests per day, and departments do their best to respond quickly. If you submitted a request and it hasn't been resolved, or there has been no communication about what to expect in several days, please call 713-662-8286, and a staff member will look up your request and connect with City staff to get an update for you.

Yes.

Proposition A assuming $40 M of debt was issued at one time: The estimated maximum annual increase in the amount of taxes that would be imposed on a residence homestead in the City with an appraised value of $100,000 to repay the debt obligations to be authorized, if approved, based upon assumptions made by the governing body of the City is $47.21.

Proposition B assuming $30 M of debt was issued at one time: The estimated maximum annual increase in the amount of taxes that would be imposed on a residence homestead in the City with an appraised value of $100,000 to repay the debt obligations to be authorized, if approved, based upon assumptions made by the governing body of the City is $35.41.

Both propositions assuming $70 M of debt was issued at one time:  The estimated maximum annual increase in the amount of taxes that would be imposed on a residence homestead in the City with an appraised value of $100,000 to repay the debt obligations to be authorized pursuant to the Propositions, if all Propositions are approved, based upon the assumptions made by the governing body of the City in each of the respective voter information documents prepared for each of the Propositions, is $ 82.62.

$40 Million - The Cypress Ditch project is the top priority of the Bellaire Regional Drainage Improvement Program as determined by input from the Flood Hazard Mitigation Task Force, City Engineer, and drainage consultants. 

In July, the council hosted a workshop on the bond election.  Below is a link to the Cypress Ditch improvements report discussed at the workshop.

Cypress Ditch Improvements Report

$30 million - The current wastewater treatment plant and Bellaire lift station are at or have reached their useful lifespan.  Repairs and rebuilding to keep the facilities operating are estimated to be far more costly than decommissioning the treatment plant. 

Wastewater Treatment Plant Solutions:

A   Rebuild Wastewater Treatment Plant: $100 Million

B   Rehab Wastewater Treatment Plant: $71.5 Million

OR

C   Demo Wastewater Treatment Plant and connect to City of Houston WWTP: $29.5 Million

Projects included in this bond:

• Pay impact fees to Houston to connect to their wastewater treatment plant
• Decommission and demolish Bellaire's wastewater treatment plant
• Build a new lift station and force main from Bellaire's WWTP to Houston's WWTP
• Rebuild the Bellaire Blvd lift station
• Rehab/replace collection lines
• Potential heavy maintenance on our water storage tanks and backup generation at our water plants

The City of Bellaire engaged HDR Engineering to perform a condition assessment of its wastewater treatment plant (“WWTP”) and three lift stations. The study's results were presented to council in July  2024. Below are the links to the executive summary and technical memo.

HDR Executive Summary - Condition Assessment Bellaire Wastewater Treatment Plant and Lift Stations

Technical Memo Wastewater Facility Improvements Cost Estimate

The anticipated use of the water portion of the bond is heavy maintenance of our elevated and ground storage tanks and backup generation at our drinking water plants. No plan is being discussed to move entirely to the City of Houston surface water, and Bellaire has no plans to decommission any of our three groundwater wells.

Cities can sell bonds to pay for larger capital projects.   Bonds are sold to investors who are looking for a stable return in the future on the money they invest today.  The city commits to repay the bondholders with interest over a specific period (often twenty five years).  Because the repayment is several years, the city only uses bonds for projects with multiple years of life, like drainage, street improvements, parks, and facilities.  

Early Voting: Begins October 21 

Election Day: November 5, 2024

Voting Locations: https://www.harrisvotes.com/Vote-Centers

Voting Information: https://www.harrisvotes.com/

Bellaire City Hall is not an early voting location.

Please email us at 2024bond@bellairetx.gov.

The City of Bellaire owns and operates a Wastewater Treatment Plant located at the City’s Southeast corner. This plant treats residential and commercial wastewater from toilets and drains. Once treated, the water is released back into the Braes Bayou for recirculation into the natural water cycle. 

The Wastewater Treatment Plant has reached its useful life.  We have contracted with a third party, HDR Engineering, Inc., to assess the condition of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. We are at a point where something needs to be done to continue treating wastewater safely and efficiently for the Bellaire community. 

We have obtained a report from a third party, HDR Engineering, Inc., on costs associated with rebuilding, rehabbing, or decommissioning the plant. We passed a bond in Nov 2024 authorizing $30 million for water/wastewater facility improvements. No bonds have been sold for this to date. 

The City Council must decide on one of three different options to continue treating Bellaire’s wastewater safely and effectively.  

1 - $107 Million - Rehab/replace plant on existing site

2 - $131.7 Million - Construct a new plant on the adjacent site (Public Works yard)

3 - $11.48 Million - Decommission plant and connect to City of Houston’s plant

You can apply online through the City’s alarm permit portal: https://www.cityalarmpermit.us/Pages/Home.html?CityId=4uhprxE31cM=

An alarm system is any device or system designed to summon police or law enforcement in the event of a burglary, robbery, or similar emergency.

•  It can be manual (activated by a person) or automatic.

• Exclusions:
  • Car alarms
  • Local-only alarms that sound only inside the building
  • Alarms installed by the federal, state, or local government

• Visit the Alarm Permit Portal and select the "Apply for Permit and Pay Online" option.
• If you have already registered your alarm system, have your permit number ready,  and select the "Pay Your Bill Now Credit Payment" option to renew.
  • If your alarm permit number is not on file with PM AM, you will need to register as a new customer. 
• Call PM AM Customer Service: 866-552-9032 if you have any questions regarding your alarm permit number.

Yes. A permit is required if you operate a burglar, robbery/hold-up, or fire alarm system in Bellaire.

The property owner or person in control of the property is responsible for obtaining and maintaining the permit. Alarm companies themselves do not need permits.

Operating an alarm system without a valid permit is a violation of city ordinance. The person in control of the property may be subject to prosecution and could face fines or other enforcement actions.

If you purchased a security alarm permit within the past year, please contact PMAM at 1-866-552-9032 to inform them and avoid being charged an additional permit fee.

No. Standalone carbon monoxide detectors and local smoke alarms (that only sound inside your home and don’t notify police or fire) do not require a permit.

Yes. One permit cannot cover all alarm types.

• Burglar/Fire/Medical alarms = 1 permit
• Hold-up alarms = 1 permit

If you have more than one alarm of the same type on the same premises, you can usually cover them under a single permit.

• The first 3 false alarms in a 12-month period do not result in a fine.
• 4^th/5^th false alarm is $50 each, 6^th/7^th false alarm is $75 each, 8^th false alarm or more is $100 each.
• Excessive false alarms may also lead to a permit suspension or revocation.

If your permit is revoked, you must disconnect the alarm system and surrender the permit. You may reapply, but reinstatement may require a deposit and inspection.

PMAM Corporation is the City of Bellaire’s authorized contracted vendor for managing alarm permits and fees. Yes, it is safe to pay through their secure site. As always, please use the official link provided by the City or contact PMAM at 1-866-552-9032 if you have additional questions.