Hurricane Season Begins June 1 / Emergency Management and City News Alerts
Hurricane season is just around the corner. Please visit the Emergency Preparedness page for tips and helpful links on making your home and family ready.
Want to receive immediate notifications for important events occurring in Southside Place? Please register online here and select to receive notification by email, text, or even both. Three hundred (325) residents have signed up to receive emergency alerts. Notifications for police activities, park, public works, are available also. Please help us keep everyone up to date on what's happening in Southside Place.
HouseWatch Program During Summer
Please contact the police department if you are leaving for the summer. Police personnel will be checking for packages and other items left at residential doorsteps. Or you may complete the online form here.
Swimming, Summer Camp, Tennis, Pickleball, Clubhouse
The 2023 Season Pass program is here! Over 150 season passes have been processed to date $500 for Southside Place families and $300 for Seniors. Lap swimming has begun. The pool is open on weekends. Summer Camp Session #1 starts June 7.
City-Wide Drainage Improvement Project Has Started Along Edloe Only / Harper and Auden to Follow in Fourth Quarter 2023
Total Contracting, Ltd. has started the much anticipated $7.8 million drainage and street improvement project along Edloe. Contract crews will continue working along Edloe during the summer months. Large concrete drainage pipes are being placed under the new street pavement along Edloe, Harper, and a portion of Auden. The last street and drainage project was completed in the late 1990s. Once complete in early 2024, the drainage system will exceed a two-year storm event. The new drainage system will also have an impact in reducing ponding by over five inches during a 100-year storm event. A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) information sheet has been distributed to residents and can also be found here.
Poor Farm Ditch Reconstruction Update
Harris County Flood Control District has completed 90% of the engineering plans. The new estimated reconstruction cost is $32 Million. Federal and county funding for this project is currently $14.5 Million. Funding opportunities and discussions with state and county officials continue.
Auden Drainage Improvements / 2025-2026
The proposed project will remove and replace existing undersized storm sewer laterals at the residential intersections of south Haper.
Yard Waste Recycling - Bio Bags
33-gallon Compostable Bio Bags are now available at city hall for purchase. Yard waste will be recycled into compost, mulch, and soil.
- When it starts
- Yard waste recycling will start on May 1
- What it includes
- The program will start in phases. Initially, only BAGGED grass, weeds, leaves, and twigs will be accepted. Maximum bag weight is 40 pounds.
- How you bag it
- Your yard waste must be placed in 33-gallon BioBags, special compostable bags which meet all specifications from Living Earth, as well as the handling requirements of the city's Public Works Department. BioBags are now available for purchase at City Hall. The bags may be purchased by the case (120 bags for $70) or by the box (10 bags for $6.) Because the bags are compostable, we suggest you store them in a climate-controlled area in your home.
- When and where it will be collected
- Yard waste will be collected on the same days as your trash. Please place your yard waste bag on the opposite side of your driveway from your trash; it will be collected at a different time from trash.
- What to tell your lawn service
- If your yard maintenance service typically leaves your yard waste bagged and on your property, please encourage them to use the approved bags. Otherwise, it will be collected with trash.
- What NOT to do
- Do NOT use any other bags except BioBags purchased from the city.
- Do NOT place contaminants in the bag - no dog waste or trash, paper, or plastics.
- Do NOT put your bagged yard waste at the curb anytime except during the approved window for trash, which is no earlier than 6PM on the evening before your trash is collected.
- Why is this important
- The city estimates that approximately 40% of our waste stream is comprised of yard waste. The cost per ton of recycling our yard waste is less than the cost per ton of trash disposal, so not only is yard waste recycling the sustainable choice, but it also saves the city money. Yard waste recycling is optional, but we strongly urge you to join your neighbors and help keep Southside green!
- Who to contact with questions
- Steve Kenney, Public Works Director, City of Southside Place 713-668-2341 or publicworks@southsideplacetx.gov
Leaf Blower Rules and Regulations
Please remember that Non-residents shall not operate any leaf blower on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays per city ordinance #168.
Commercial District Report
Dirty Dough will be opening in June near Starbucks. Lick Honest Ice Cream opens near I.W. Marks Jewelers.
Residential Tree Trimming Along Edloe in 2023
Please remember to trim trees and limbs overhanging residential streets. During the upcoming infrastructure project, contract crews will trim lower hanging limbs affecting equipment and vehicles assigned to the drainage and street project. City staff and the contractor will notify residents of such trimmings in advance.
New Southside Place Directory
The Southside Place Civic Club has updated the neighborhood directory. Delivery of directories will be by Friday, May 26, 2023. For questions regarding the directory please contact the Civic Club at sspcivicclub@yahoo.com.
Park Season Pass For 2023
The 2023 Season Pass program is here! A Season Pass is $500 for Southside Place families and $300 for Seniors.
Season Pass Application - Printable
Season Pass Online Application
2022 City Tax Bills are Due by January 31
City property tax bills for 2022 have been mailed. The Over 65 exemption is $185,000. "Homestead Exemptions Not Available" is printed on all residential bills. Tax bills become delinquent in February. Southside Place city tax bills are separate from your county bill. If needed, please drop off your city tax bill in the night deposit box. Please call us if you need an additional 2022 city copy.
Water Bill Auto Draft Sign-Up Sewer Rate Winter Averaging
Please join over 230 residents with the city water/sewer/garbage auto draft. Winter averaging occurs during the billing cycling months of December and February. The winter averaging sewer charge and new rates will change on the April bills.
City of Houston officials recently made a large annual rate adjustment for purchased treated surface water from $3.35 to $3.70 per 1,000 gallons in 2022. Southside Place Receives 80% of our drinking water from Houston. City expenditures for Houston surface water will increase by $50,000 in 2022-2023. Residential and commercial water rates will increase with the December bill.
Houston Surface Water Rate Increases Begins with October, 2022 Usage/Sanitation fee Increase
Southside Place purchases 80% of its drinking water from the City of Houston. Houston surface water rates are increasing over the next 5 years. Southside Place will be increasing utility rates starting with October water usage. Sanitation collection fees will also increase from $30 per month to $35.
$ 0.318768 Adopted Tax Rate and Budget News
The adopted 2022 tax rate s .318768 per $100 valuation. The tax rate has been reduced from .367833 in 2013 to the current rate in 2022. City debt includes monies for the clubhouse acquisition, Town Center, community pool, and 2008 water/sewer infrastructure improvements. The city acquired the clubhouse in June 2018 and the park grounds in October 2012. The 2022 tax rate remains lower than Bellaire. Capital projects for 2022 include water tank rehabilitation, clubhouse repairs, and sewer plant rehabilitation.
Southisde Place 2021 Water Report
The 2021 Southside Place Drinking Water Report is available at city hall and on the website. Southside Place purchases 80% of its drinking water from the City of Houston.
Budget and Capital Infrastructure Report and FY 2022-2023 Projects
A $200,000 water tank rehabilitation project along Bellaire Boulevard has concluded. Two additional water tanks will be repainted in January 2023. Wastewater plant concrete wall rehabilitation and repairs are scheduled in January 2023 at a cost of $60,000. Southside Place clubhouse roof replacement will take place later this year.
The 2022 Southside Place Tax rate is .318768 per $100 valuation. This rate has been the same for the last four years. Sanitation collection charges along with utility (water/sewer) rate increases from $30 to $35 per month. Utility (water/sewer) rate increases will begin with December usage. Winter averaging continues with December/February usage. The city of Houston is increasing surface water rates over the next five years. The City of Houston provides 80% of Southside Place's water.
New City Flood Prevention Ordinance Regarding Residential Construction
Harris County has provided new guidelines to all cities regarding flood prevention measures for residential construction. These regulations include the 500-year floodplain, and new construction methods. Please have your architect and builder contact city hall for additional information.
Who Knew Texas' Greatest Dog Hero was from Southside Place?
Southside presents a children's book, Happy: The True Story of a Stray Dog Who Became a Hero. This illustrated book recounts the story of a neighborhood dog who saved two Darcus Street families from a house fire in 1931 and set into motion the birth of our Southside Volunteer Fire Department. Happy's heroism also earned him the title of Texas' Greatest Dog Hero of 1931.
Pick up your copy of Happy and a "happy in Southside" t-shirt at City Hall.
* Royalties from book sales benefit the Houston SPCA
Sign Up with HCFCD to Receive Customizable Water Level and Rainfall Alerts
Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) has announced enhancements to their website to provide residents the option to receive automated alerts regarding water levels and rainfall via text message, email, or both.
Staff Contacts - 713-668-2341 City Hall Phone Number
| Department | Staff Contact | |
|---|---|---|
| Police Department | Chief McCall | dmccall@southsideplacetx.gov |
| Fire Department | Chief Serrano | firechief@southsideplacetx.gov |
| Building Department | Stephanie Leal | permits@southsideplacetx.gov |
| Utility/Water Payments | Stephanie Leal | permits@southsideplacetx.gov |
| Inspections | Stephanie Leal | permits@southsideplacetx.gov |
| Municipal Court | Olga Garza Donna Terrell |
olga@southsideplacetx.gov |
| Public Works - Water, Waste Water, Sanitation |
Steve Kenney | publicworks@southsideplacetx.gov |
| Parks and Rec - Pool, Clubhouse, Pavilion |
Andrew Deavers Donna Terrell |
adeavers@southsideplacetx.gov or call 832-509-4642 |
| Administration | David Moss | citymgr@southsideplacetx.gov |
| City Hall General Questions | David Moss | citymgr@southsideplacetx.gov |
City Election for Southside Place
Please contact City Secretary Olga Garza for questions or comments at 713-668-2341 or email her at olga@southsideplacetx.gov.
| City Election for Southside Place - Election Page | New Harris County Voting System - Video |
| Notice of General Election for Municipalities Order of Cancellation | For more information on the New Harris County Voting System, please see the video on the page above. |
Recycling FAQ's
- How do I put my recycling at the Curb?
- You may collect it all in one or more containers, for instance, in cardboard boxes that you plan to recycle anyway. Paper grocery bags are fine, too, but please do not use plastic bags!
- Do I have to separate the different types of recycling?
- NO, you may co-mingle your recyclables in one or more containers! There's no need to separate plastics from paper from metal from glass.
- Are plastic lids on plastic containers recyclable?
- YES, caps and lids smaller than 2" in diameter are recyclable but you must put them back on empty containers before recycling them. Larger lids may be recycled separately from their containers.
- Are plastic tubes, such as those used for shampoo, lotion or sunscreen, recyclable?
- Yes, plastic tubes are recyclable. For best results, snip off the bottom of the tube for easy rinsing.
- May I recycle the pump in my big plastic lotion bottle?
- You may! But your favorite lotion (or shampoo, cleaning product, etc) may offer a refill option for your pump bottle. Check it out.
- What about aerosol spray cans?
- Yes, these are recyclable. Make sure they are completely empty.
- What do I do with plastic bags that say they are recyclable?
- DO NOT recycle them with your other curbside recycling! Please go to plasticfilmrecycling.org to find out where you may recycle them. Many of the local grocery stores (HEB, Krogers, Randalls) offer bins at the entry way for recycling plastic bags.
- Are waxed cardboard drink/food containers (ie. milk, juice, egg whites) recyclable?
- Yes, just make sure the containers are free of food before recycling
- What happens if my recycling is contaminated with things that should not be recycled?
- The City's recycling is taken to Waste Management recycling facility in the City's compactor truck. If our recycling is contaminated, the City may be fined a surcharge for the entire recycling load, something we wish to avoid.
- Pizza boxes are made of cardboard, so they are recyclable, right?
- Yes, but pizza is inherently greasy, and this grease can soak right into the bottom of the cardboard box. Soiled cardboard cannot be recycled. But it's not all destined for the landill. Tear off the lid of the box, which is typically not soiled, and include only this part with your recyclables. If the bottom is soiled, it must go in the trash.
- Are wet paper and cardboard ok for inclusion with my other recyclables?
- For paper, it's a definite no. Wet paper will practically disintegrate before it can be sorted. In the case of cardboard, if it is damp from water it can be included with the other recyclables. If it is soaking wet and/or wet from anything besides water, the answer is no.
- If heavy rain is imminent on recycling day, please save paper and cardboard for the following week.
- Can I recycle paper mailing envelopes with plastic bubble-wrap lining?
- No. Consider buying regular envelopes and wrapping the enclosures with paper for extra padding.
- Are metal lids from glass jars recyclable?
- Yes, if separated from the jar, lids larger than 2" in diameter may be recycled. Put lids smaller than 2" in diameter in the trash, and never recycle jars with the lids attached. Separated lids less than 2" diameter get caught and can jam or damage recycling equipment.
- Can I recycle the heavy glass jars that many candles are sold in?
- No, these types of jars are made of heat-tempered glass (similar to Pyrex) and will not melt at the glass recycler.
- What about pottery and ceramics?
- Nope, same as above; these won't melt at the glass recycler.
Here are some Easy Swaps that will reduce both waste and the energy required to recycle. To get started pick one disposable to avoid, like single-use plastic bottles, or you can try to avoid the BIF Four : grocery bags, plastic straws, to-go coffee cups, and plastic water bottles.
Recommendations
- Sort the aluminum cans into a paper bag, this simple act of kindness helps the city employees.
- Please flatten the corrugated cardboard boxes, this helps the city employees work more efficiently. Wet paper is collected.
- Electronics may be recycled at Best Buys. Please visit Best Buy for more information.
- Batteries may be recycled at Battery Plus locations. Please visit Battery Plus Recycling for more information.
Yard Waste Recycling Questionnaire Responses
There were 102 responses to the Yard Waste Recycling questionnaire that was distributed in the last water bill. Below are the results from a few of the questions.
- Does your household currently perform some or all of its own yard care?
- If your household employs contractors to handle yard care, is the yard waste removed by the contractor?
- Are those days/time usually in compliance with the days/time specified for trash pick up?
- Would you be in favor of voluntary city-wide recycling of yard waste if it meant:
2022 Winter Storm Recovery Resources
As we all recover from the recent winter storms, the City of Southside Place would like to provide a quick reference to resident resources regarding recovery and important information.
Texas Disaster Impacts Self-Reporting Tool
In an effort to track the scale of the Winter 2021 Disaster at local levels, the State of Texas is collecting damage assessment data. The information collected will help officials across the state gain an understanding of damages for individuals throughout Texas during the recent winter weather.
To access the assessment tool, scan the QR Code below of visit the Reporting Website.
This report is voluntary and is not a substitute for reporting damage to your insurance agency, nor does it guarantee disaster relief assistance.
Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Relief Funds
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced that federal emergency aid is available to individuals and businesses who sustained losses during the severe winter storm last week. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help recover from the effects of the disaster.
Register online at www.disasterassitance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585 TTY.
Local Business Resources
Small Business Association Disaster Loan Assistance
The Small Business Association (SBA) has designated COVID-19 as a qualifying event for the provision of Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for businesses and private non-profits in affected communities that have sustained substantial economic injury. This is triggered when a business is unable to meet its obligations and to pay it’s ordinary and necessary operating expenses. EIDLs provide the necessary working capital to help small businesses survive until normal operations resume after a disaster. To apply for the Small Business Association Disaster Loan Program or for additional resources for small businesses please see the links below.
Apply for the Small Business Association Disaster Loan Program
Governor Order to Re-Open Texas
On July 29, 2021 Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA-38 regarding mask mandates.
Executive Order GA-38
On May 18, 2021 Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA-36 regarding mask mandates.
Executive Order GA-36
On March 2, 2021 Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA-34 regarding the continued state of Texas reopening.
Executive Order GA-34
On October 8, 2020 Governor Abbott issued Executive order GA-32 regarding the continued state of Texas reopening.
Executive Order GA-32
On September 17, 2020 Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA-30 and GA-31 regarding the state of Texas reopening.
Executive Order GA-30
Executive Order GA-31
On July 3, 2020 Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA-29 regarding the use of face coverings during the COVID-19 disaster.
Executive Order GA-29
On June 3, 2020 Governor Abbott announced Phase Three of the Open Texas Plan including information on outdoor events and updates on capacity levels.
Open Texas Plan
On April 27, 2020 Governor Abbott issued Executive Order to outline the re-open identified services in the state of Texas.
Executive Order to Re-Open
Governor's Report to Re-Open
State and Local Disaster Declarations
Governor’s Orders
Governor's July 29, 2021 Executive Order GA-38
Governor's May 18, 2021 Executive Order GA-36
Governor's March 2, 2021 Executive Order GA-34
Governor's October 7, 2020 Executive Order GA-32
Governor's September 17, 2020 Executive Order GA-31
Governor's July 3, 2020 Executive Order GA-29
Governor’s June 3, 2020 Executive Order GA-26
Governor’s May 5, 2020 Amended Executive Order GA-21 Expanded Re-Opening
Governor’s April 17, 2020 Executive Order GA-16
Governor’s March 31, 2020 Executive Order GA-14
Governor’s March 20, 2020 Executive Order GA-08
State Health Commissioner Public Health Disaster Declaration
Harris County Orders
May 21, 2020 Fourth Amended Stay Home Work Safe Order extending the Declaration of Local Disaster for Public Health Emergency until June 10, 2020. Executive Order
May 1, 2020 Amended - Stay Home Work Safe Order Phased Reopening by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo
April 27, 2020 Amended - Use of Face Coverings Order by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo
April 22, 2020 Use of Face Coverings Order by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo
April 3 Amended Order by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo
Amended Stay Home Work Safe Order by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo
Stay Home Work Safe Order by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo
Bike Safety
With the recent Stay Home orders there has been an increase in activity around the neighborhood, particularly bicycling. We encourage cyclists of any age to be safe and responsible as they enjoy their rides around the city. This video from AAA provides an introduction to bike safety and sharing the road with vehicles and other cyclists. You can also visit their website for more information on bicycle safety. If you have any questions or concerns you can contact the Southside Place Police Department.
Helpful Links
We have posted some information about COVID-19 and will keep it updated. You can also find answers to frequently asked questions about coronavirus in the links below.
Center for Disease Control (CDC)
Helpful Videos
Southside Place 2020 Water Report
The 2020 Southside Place Drinking Water Report is available at City Hall and on the website. Southside Place purchases 80% of its drinking water from the City of Houston.
2020 Drinking Water Quality Report
Poor Farm Ditch Presentation and City Drainage News
A Poor Farm Ditch presentation by the Flood Control District is available on the city website and at City Hall. Southside Place has submitted over $8 Million to the Texas Department of Emergency Management in drainage application funding requests for Edloe, Auden, and Harper Streets. Proposed projects are being reviewed by the state agency at this time. Comments and questions are welcome by email or phone at 713-668-2341.