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City Secretary’s Office:
Q:
My organization will be selling candy to raise funds or my organization is a
for profit wanting to go door to door to sell merchandise. Are there any
regulations?
A: Yes, you must contact
the City Secretary's Office, 281-471-5020 ext. 5021, for an
application/registration, at which time you will also be made aware of other
requirements that need to be met.
Q:
How do I reach the City Council or Mayor?
A: You may call the Mayor
or Council at 281-471-5020 ext. 5002, or write them at 604 West Fairmont, La
Porte, Texas 77571 You may also email them at
gillettm@ci.la-porte.tx.us.
For additional information regarding Mayor and Council, you may contact the
City Secretary's Office at 281-471-5020.
Q: How do I get a copy of
city records or information?
A: You may contact the City Secretary's
Office by phone, email or the public information request for is on the
city's website <www.ci.la-porte.tx.us>. The phone number to reach the City
Secretary is 281-471-5020 ext. 5021.
Q: Where do I file a
complaint?
A: Complaints can be placed on the Mayor's Hotline on the
City's webpage at <www.ci.la-porte.tx.us> or you may contact City Hall at
281-471-5020 and the receptionist will ring you to the appropriate
department.
Q: When are City Council Meetings and how do I sign up
to speak?
A: City Council Meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Monday's
of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers unless otherwise
designated. You may contact the City Secretary's Office to sign up to speak
at 281-471-5020 ext. 5021, or you may sign up prior to the meeting to speak
on an item that is posted on the agenda. In order to be placed on the
agenda, you must contact the City Secretary's Office 7 days prior to the
City Council Meeting.
Municipal Court:
Q:
Where is the Municipal Court Located?
A: The Municipal Court is
located at 913 S. 8th street, one block east of the intersection of Hwy 146
and Fairmont Parkway, next to the Police Department.
Q: Am I
eligible to take defensive driving for my citation?
A: When
requesting defensive driving at the court window you:
MUST :
Have a Texas driver license
Have
Current proof of personal liability insurance
Be 17 years of
age and over
MUST NOT:
Have
taken the course within the past 12 months for ticket dismissal purposes
Hold a commercial driver license
Be charged with: any
violation involved in an accident involving damage to a vehicle,
speeding 25mph or more, fail to stop or passing a school bus, fail to give
information or render aid, or any violation in a construction or maintenance
zone.
*Anyone under the age of 17 must appear in court and may request defensive
driving at that time.
Q: What is the difference between a guilty
plea and a no contest plea?
A: By entering a plea of GUILTY, you are
admitting that you committed an act that is prohibited by law and you have
no defense or excuse for the act. A plea of guilty may be used against you
in a civil suit for damages. By entering a plea of NOLO CONTENDERE (NO
CONTEST), you are not contesting the State’s charge against you. A plea of
no contest can not be used against you in a subsequent civil suit for
damages.
Q: What types of payments are acceptable?
A:
Payments may be made in person at the cashier’s window from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00
p.m. Monday through Friday. Method of payments accepted are cash, money
orders, and cashier’s check. No personal checks are accepted. Visa, Master
Card, Discover, and American Express are accepted. To make payments by
credit card, simply call the toll-free number 1 (877) 224-6076. This service
is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Q: What are the hours
of operation?
A: Business hours are Monday – Friday form 8:00 a.m.
until 5:00 p.m., except on holidays. Payments are accepted only until 4:00
p.m.
Q: How do I get deferred disposition for my ticket?
A:
Deferred disposition must be requested in person on the appearance date as
noted on the citation. The fees are based on the judge’s decision. You may
be required to pay an amount that exceeds the window fine.
Fire
Dept.
Q:
How do I join the La Porte Fire Department?
A: Come to Fire
Administration Building on 2nd St and fill out an application. We have a
recruit class once a year beginning at the end of February.
Q:
What are the requirements to join the La Porte Fire Department?
A:
Must live within the city limits of La Porte, and you must be 18 years of
age or older.
Q: I need a copy of a fire investigation report, who
do I call?
A: For a fire “investigation report” you would need to
call the Fire Marshal’s office 281-867-4603. If you are just wanting a copy
of the Fire Department run sheet you need to call Fire Administration Office
281-471-3607.
Q: Our school/scout troop/business would like to
tour a station, who do I call?
A: In order to schedule a tour of ANY
of the stations you would need to call the station direct.
Station #1 281-471-8808
Station #2 281-471-7930
Station #3 281-471-0647
Station #4 281-471-9526
Q: I have a small emergency, who do I
call?
A: There is no emergency that’s a small emergency. If you have
ANY kind of emergency you need to dial 911.
Fire Prevention
Q:
How many smoke detectors do I need in my house?
A: At least one
outside each sleeping area hallway in your home. You can have one in each
bedroom.
Q: How often do I need to change the battery in my smoke
detector?
A: At least once a year. Choose a special day like a
birthday, or anniversary. We recommend when you change your clocks in April
and October change your battery.
Q: How do I check my smoke
detector?
A: Press the test button on the detector. When the detector
sounds then will let you know that it is working. If the detector does not
sound, then check the battery.
Q: How long is a smoke detector
good for?
A: Life expectancy for smoke detectors is about 10 years.
Q: What size and/or type of fire extinguisher do I need for my house?
A: We recommend a 5lb. ABC multipurpose fire extinguisher.
Q:
Where should I place the fire extinguisher in my house?
A: In or near
the kitchen since most fires occur in the kitchen.
Q: How often
should I have my fire extinguisher checked?
A: Annually.
Q:
How often should I have my central air/heating unit checked?
A:
Annually. The technician will remove any lint build up, check for any cracks
in the system and verify that the heater is operating properly.
Q:
Do I need to have my fireplace inspected and/or cleaned every year?
A: Yes. The technician will check for cracks, remove any obstructions like
bird nests, and clean any soot that builds up from the previous year.
Golf Course
Q:
When do you start taking tee times for the week?
A: We begin
taking reservations on Mondays at 9:00 AM for the following seven days
(Tuesday through the following Monday).
Q: When does Twilight
rates start?
A: We have Twilight rates year round. Twilight times
vary throughout the year. Please call the golf shop for details
(281-471-4653)
Q: What is your dress code?
A: Denim and Tee
Shirts are okay, but please no cutoffs or sleeveless shirts.
Q:
What are the practice facility hours of operation?
A: Chipping and
putting greens stay open throughout the daylight hours. Driving range hours
are seasonal. From time to time, part or all practice facilities may be
closed for maintenance, weather or conditions. Please call golf shop for
details (281-471-4653).
Q: Do you have Senior and/or Junior rates?
A: We have senior rates available Monday-Friday before 11:00 AM for
non-resident seniors (65) or resident seniors (La Porte) (60)
excluding
holidays.
At this time we do not have a junior rate established. But, we
do have twilight rates that are very competitive.
Human Resources:
Q:
Are there any current job openings?
A:
The City's job line (281-471-5020 extension 5186) is changed on Monday and
Wednesday of each week to reflect current job openings. If there are no job
openings, the message states such.
Q: When is the next Civil
Service exam?
A:
This general knowledge exam is given toward the end of summer each year. It
is recommended that those interested in taking the exam turn in an
application.
Q:
How can I get specific information and a job description for a job I'm
interested in?
A:
Specific information on available jobs can
be obtained by visiting City Hall, 604 West Fairmont Parkway, La Porte,
Texas.
Q: Does the City of La Porte participate in helping with
Community Service hours?
A:
Yes. Anyone interested should contact the Municipal Court at 281-471-4683.
Q: What if the City damages my personal property?
A:
Contact City Hall at 281-471-5020 and speak to the Safety/Loss Prevention
Coordinator.
Parks:
Q: What are the hours for the Recreation and
Fitness Center?
A: Mon – Fri 5:30 am to 9:00 pm
Saturday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Q: What are the hours for the Senior Citizens Center?
A: Mon –
Thu 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Q: Do you have to be a citizen of La Porte to use Sea Breeze Park?
A: Yes
Q: What is the age limit for the Senior Citizens Program?
A: You or your spouse must be 60 years of age or older. The non-senior
spouse can participate with the senior spouse, only.
Q: Do you
have to come in person to reserve the Wave Pool?
A: Yes
Planning/Inspections:
Q: Can a mobile or
manufactured home be placed on a lot in La Porte?
A: Yes, under
certain circumstances.
· Property is zoned to allow single-family
dwellings; and
· The site has an existing mobile home and the City can
confirm it was constructed before 06-15-76;
The mobile home may be
replaced with a “manufactured home”. Installation shall comply with all
applicable city rules and regulations.
Also, when the zoning is
appropriate for single–family dwellings, a State certified “Modular or
Industrialized Home” can replace a mobile or manufactured home. Installation
shall comply with all applicable city rules and regulations.
Q:
Can I put a carport on my property?
A: Yes, a maximum of one (1)
detached carport structure per dwelling is allowed. Zoning regulations
address the size and placement of front and side yard carports.
· Minimum 5’ setback from the front or side property lines; and
· On a corner lot, carport shall not be located closer than 25’ from an
intersection. (Note: Distance is measured from the
intersection of the property lines common with the street right-of-way
lines.); and
· Maximum width of 25’.
Note: The above
regulations address properties without recorded building lines. Recorded
building lines may prohibit the placement of a carport.
Q: When is
a building permit required for remodeling?
A: A permit is required
whenever a proposed project involves structural, electrical, plumbing or
mechanical work To confirm if a permit is needed, please contact the
Inspection Division at @281-471-5020; Ext. 5073.
Q: Why do I need a
permit for an accessory (storage) building?
A: Accessory structures
vary in size. The building code addresses the need for permits and the
Zoning Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances addresses proper placement of
the structure.
Q: What is a “junk or inoperable” vehicle?
A: Chapter 34 of the City’s Code of Ordinances defines a junk vehicle as:
(1) Vehicle without a current inspection sticker or license plate; (2)
Wrecked, dismantled or partially dismantled or discarded; and (3)
Inoperable.
Q: How much does a building permit cost?
A: The
permit fee schedule is based on valuation. A permit fee can be obtained by
contacting the Inspection Division at #281-471-5020; Ext. 5073.
Q:
Does a building moved in from another location have to be brought up to
code?
A: Yes. In accordance with the city’s building code, a
structure is approved to be relocated with the requirement it be brought up
to code within ninety (90) days of the issuance of a moving permit.
Q: Is a permit and a fence enclosure required for an “above-ground” pool?
A: Yes. The 2000 Ed. of the International Residential Code requires a pool
permit and enclosure. Specifics may be obtained from the Inspection Division
by contacting #281-471-5020; Ext. 5073.
Q: Is a permit required for
a residential fence and if so, how tall can it be?
A: Yes. In
addition to identifying the proper placement, Zoning Chapter 106 of the
City’s Code of Ordinances also identifies a maximum height of six-feet (6’)
unless it is a wood fence. The fence may then be six-foot six-inches (6’-6”)
to allow for the installation of a rot board along the bottom of the fence.
Q: Can I have livestock on my property?
A: Yes. Zoning Chapter
106 of the City’s Code of Ordinances allows domestic livestock on
residential lots one (1) acre or larger in size. The ratio of animals to
acreage may be obtained by contacting the Inspection Division at
#281-471-5020; Ext. 5073.
Q: Why is there a deposit required for
the demolition of a structure on my property?
A: A deposit is
required to ensure an individual or company completes the proposed
demolition job. Should work be abandoned prior to completion, the deposit
will be used towards the completion of the work.
Q: How can I
schedule an inspection and how quickly can it be done?
A: The City
offers a 24-hourInspection Line - #281-471-9662. We ask that an individual
using the line leave the following information: Name, Phone Number, Permit
Application Number, Inspection Address and Type of Inspection Desired.
An inspection call received prior to 8am will be performed that morning.
Calls received between 8am and 1pm will be performed that afternoon.
Q:
Is a property survey required to build?
A: Yes on new construction.
Once a site is developed and a individual wishes to add an additional
improvement, a site plan and uncovering of property corner pins may be
adequate.
Q: Is a permit required for a portable sign and if so,
how long can I keep it on my
property?
A: Yes. Zoning Chapter 106
requires a permit for a portable sign. Signs are allowed a maximum of sixty
(60) days per year. Each permit is limited to no more than thirty (30) days
with an interim of twenty (20) days between permits.
Q:
Can a property owner perform his/her own work on their property?
A:
With the completion of a construction homestead affidavit, a homeowner may
obtain a permit for remodeling, repairs and additions to his/her home. This
affidavit waives the insurance and licensing requirements applicable to
contractors.
Planning/Planning:
CENSUS MAP
Q: Where can I get a Census
Tract Map of La Porte, or find out which Census Tract a piece of property is
in?
A: Contact the City of La Porte Planning Department at (281) 471-5020,
in the City Hall at 604 W. Fairmont Parkway.
DEMOGRAPHICS
Q: Who do I
contact for demographic information about La Porte?
A: The City’s Planning
Department at (281) 471-5020.
HOME OWNERSHIP
Q: Can the City help me
but a home?
A: Possibly, if you meet certain eligibility requirements. There
are programs that can help first time home buyers. Call the City’s Planning
Department for more information. Or, call Sheila Frye & Associates for
homeownership program at (713) 521-3502.
PLATTING
Q: Who do I contact
about subdivision platting?
A: Call the City’s Planning Department at (281)
471-5020.
POPULATION
Q: What is the current population of the City of
La Porte?
A: As per Census 2000, the City’s population is 31,880. For
demographic information, contact the Planning Department at (281) 471-5020.
ZONING
Q: How do I get information about the zoning of a property?
Contact the City’s Planning Department, (281) 471-5020.
Q: Where can I
get a zoning map?
A: Zoning maps are available and can be purchased from the
City. The Planning Department can also provide a letter of zoning for a
street address or, preferably, the legal description of a property. For more
information, contact the Planning Department at (281) 471-5020.
Q: Where
do I report a zoning violation?
A: Contact the Planning Department’s
Inspection Services at (281) 471-5020.
Police Department:
Q: Does
La Porte have a juvenile curfew?
A: The City of La Porte has a city
ordinance regarding juvenile curfew. The ordinance states:
It shall be
unlawful for any minor to knowingly remain, walk, run, stand, drive or ride
about, in or upon any public place in the city:
(1) Between the hours
of 12:00 at night (midnight) and 6:00 a.m. on any day of the week;
Or
(2) Between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on any day on which classes
are in session in the La Porte Independent School District.
There are
several exceptions to this ordinance with regard to emergencies, school and
work functions, and other situations.
Q: Where is the La Porte
Municipal Court located?
A: The municipal court is located at 913 S. 8th
street, in the same building as the police department. The court can be
reached at 281-471-4683.
Q: I was involved in an accident, where can
I get a copy of the report?
A: You can obtain a copy of an accident
report by contacting the records division at the La Porte Police Department.
Records hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. There is a $6.00
charge for accident reports.
Q: Who can I contact for information on
obtaining a restraining order?
A: Restraining orders are handled by the
Harris County Family Law Center in Houston. They can be reached at
713-755-5888.
Q: Are fireworks legal in the City of La Porte?
A:
No, you cannot possess or discharge fireworks within the city limits.
6. Do I have to have an alarm permit for my residence?
Yes, you
are required to obtain a permit from the City of La Porte if you have a
monitored alarm at your residence. There is a one time $35 charge for the
permit and annual renewal is $10. Contact city hall for further information.
Public Works:
Q: When does my
area of town get picked up for Garbage and Heavy Trash? How much can I
put out?
A: The City
garbage routes are on Monday/Thursday and Tuesday/Friday based on your
location. The heavy trash schedule is published and handed out with the
garbage bags in August. Additional schedules are available at City Hall
Utility Billing. You can also check the schedule on the Public Works
section of the City’s website. The maximum amount of heavy trash that
can be put out is 10 cubic yards, which is roughly half the size of the
heavy trash truck bed.
Q: Can I bring
my trimmed tree branches to Public Works?
A: You can bring
your tree branches and leaves to Public Works if you cut and bring them
yourself. This service is not available for commercial business, tree
trimmers, landscapers and other contractors. Debris from the clearing of
property is not accepted, only debris from single-family residences is
allowed.
Q: Do you still give out free mulch?
A: Mulch is
available on Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. It is also
available on scheduled recycling Saturdays. It can be loaded into pickup
trucks and residents can load small quantities. Mulch is available to
all City of La Porte residents as well as residents of neighboring
cities, schools, churches and non-profit organizations. At certain times
the amount of mulch may be limited and will be reserved for La Porte
residents only.
Q: Has my area been sprayed for mosquitoes? When is my area scheduled for
spraying again?
A: Public Works
maintains a spraying schedule for the city. It normally takes three full
nights to complete a cycle. During an abnormal breakout of mosquitoes,
the Public Works Department will spray the entire city twice.
Q: Can you do something about our ditch drainage? The water is not
flowing.
A: Any drainage
complaint generates a work order, and any work is scheduled as soon as
possible.
Q: Why has my
ditch not been mowed?
A: Our mowing
cycle takes six weeks to complete. Dependent on the weather, we maintain
our schedule as much as possible.
Q: Do I need to call a plumber for water leaks / sewer problems or can you
send someone out to check it?
A: If you are
unsure of the nature of the problem contact Public Works first, at
281-471-9650 during regular business hours. For problems at night and
during the weekend call 281-471-2141.
Purchasing:
Q: How do I get on the Bidder’s List?
A: Print and complete a vendor application from the website or contact
Purchasing at 281-471-5020 ext. 5124
Q: How do I obtain an appointment?
A: Purchasing schedules appointments with vendors on Tuesdays and
Thursdays between 9:00 am - 11:00 am and 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. We are
located at 2963 N. 23rd Street, La Porte, TX 77571.
Q: Is it possible to meet with individual departments to show new
products?
A: Purchasing will handle all appointments and distribute all information
to the appropriate departments. If interested, the department will
contact the vendor.
Tax:
1. What happens if I do not pay my taxes by the due date?
Penalty and interest shall accrue on the unpaid tax as follows:
February 7%
March 9%
April 11%
May 13%
June 15%
July 18%
On July 1st all unpaid taxes are turned over to delinquent tax attorneys
for collection and are also subject to a 15% attorney fee.
2. What are my responsibilities?
You must apply for the general exemption before the deadlines in the
appraisal district where your property is located. You must see that
your property is listed correctly on the tax records with your correct
name, current address and property description. You must pay your taxes
on time.
3. What exemption does the entities give& what are the tax rates?
Year City of La Porte La Porte ISD City of Morgan's Point City of
Shoreacres
2001 Tax Rate $0.71 $1.63 $0.32 $0.69071
Homestead 20% 20% + $15,000 20% -
Disabled $60,000 $10,000 + $30,000 $65,000 $7,500
Over-65 $60,000 $10,000 + $30,000 $65,000 $40,000
4. When are taxes due?
Taxes are due upon receipt and are due no later than January 31st
5. What is the local appraisal district?
Harris County Appraisal District (713) 957-7800 Web site www.hcad.org
Utility Billing:
1. What are your New Service Procedures?
At least one day’s notice prior to service start date.
2. What is the required deposit amount?
Residential deposits are $90.00 if you own the home, $125.00 if you are
renting the home, and a $10.00 service fee.
3. What are the due dates?
Cycle one bills are due between the 15th and 20th of each month, and Cycle
II bills are due between the 1st and 5th of each month.
4. When are garbage bag handouts?
Garbage bags are distributed once a year in February. You will receive a coupon in the mail explaining dates and pick
up time.
5. Where is the office location and hours?
604 West Fairmont Parkway, in City Hall building, Monday thru Friday 8:00
am to 5:00 pm.
Finance:
1. Who do I contact if I find out that I have a lien against my property?
Contact Angela Jones in the Accounting Division at 281-471-5020.
2. Who do I contact about NSF checks?
Contact Angela Jones in the Accounting Division at 281-471-5020.
3. What is the sales tax rate?
The current sales tax rate in our jurisdiction is 8.00%, which is
comprised of 6.25% for the State, 1% for the City, ½% for the La
Porte Development Corporation, and ¼% for Street Maintenance.
4. I received a bill from the City for ambulance services; however, it
should go to my insurance company. Who can I contact?
Contact Alice Keener in the Accounting Division at 281-471-5020.
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