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1. How do I obtain a permit?

First, you will need to complete a permit application. We will ask you for your contractors license (if it applies) and for a copy of your General Liability Insurance Certificate.

Depending on the project, you may need to provide a site plan and/or project description. For new construction, you will need to provide two sets of plans and an elevation certificate. For new commercial construction, you will need to provide three sets of plans.

2. How much will my permit cost?

We base our permit fees on the estimated cost of construction for the project you are applying for. Projects below $2,500 will be charged the minimum fee of $25. Most projects over $2,500 will be charged 1% of the estimated cost of construction. Also, if your company is not registered with our city, you will be required to pay a registration fee.

3. Do you take credit cards?

Yes, we accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express. Additionally, we only accept cash, checks, or money orders (payable to the City of Nassau Bay).

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1. How do I submit an Open Records Request?

If you would like to request records via the Public Information Act, please complete the online City of Nassau Open Records Request form.

2. When does City Council meet and how do I view the meeting agenda?

The City Council of the City of Nassau Bay regularly meets the second Monday of each month at 7:00 pm. Meeting location is the Nassau Bay Council Chambers at City Hall, 1800 Space Park Dr., Suite 200, Nassau Bay, TX 77058.

City Council Meeting Agendas are posted continuously for at least 72 hours preceding the scheduled time of said Meeting. Agendas notices are posted at City Hall and are readily accessible to the general public at all times. Additionally, agendas are posted online to view and download. 

3. How do I access City Council Meeting minutes?

Minutes of the City Council are available online, following approval. Meeting minutes are generally approved at the following City Council meeting. 

4. How do I access Nassau Bay's Code of Ordinances?

Nassau Bay's Charter and Code of Ordinances are hosted online by Municode. 

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1. What are the other stages that storms progress through prior to becoming hurricanes?

The progressive levels of organized, disturbed weather in the tropics are:

• Tropical Disturbance: This is a discrete tropical weather system of apparently organized convection, 200 to 600 km (100 to 300 nautical miles) in diameter, originating in the tropics or subtropics, having a nonfrontal migratory character, and maintaining its identity for 24 hours or more.


• Tropical Depression: This is a tropical cyclone with a closed circulation in which the maximum sustained wind speed 38 mph or less.


• Tropical Storm: This is a tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed ranges from 39 to 73 mph. The convection in tropical storms is usually more concentrated near the center with outer rainfall organizing into distinct bands.

The wind speeds mentioned above are for those measured or estimated as the top speed sustained for one minute at 10 meters above the surface. Peak gusts would be 10% - 25% higher.

2. What should be included in a disaster supply kit?

The following items are recommended for inclusion in your basic disaster supplies kit:

• Three-day supply of non-perishable food


• Three-day supply of water - one gallon of water per person, per day


• Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries


• Flashlight and extra batteries


• First aid kit and manual


• Sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes and toilet paper)


• Matches and waterproof container


• Whistle


• Extra clothing


• Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including a can opener


• Photocopies of credit and identification cards


• Cash and coins


• Special needs items, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solutions, and hearing aid batteries


• Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers


• Other items to meet your unique family needs

If you live in a cold climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that you will not have heat. Think about your clothing and bedding supplies. Be sure to include one complete change of clothing and shoes per person, including:

• Jacket or coat


• Long pants


• Long sleeve shirt


• Sturdy shoes


• Hat, mittens, and scarf


• Sleeping bag or warm blanket (per person)

Be sure to account for growing children and other family changes.

3. My family doesn’t have a car. What should we do during an evacuation?

Whether for financial reasons or just because the need isn’t there, many families don’t own private transportation. When creating your disaster readiness plan, you need to consider other options for relocating to a safe place.

First, if you are in an evacuation zone in Texas, call 2-1-1 to be listed for evacuation needs. Then, decide:

• Do you have relatives who can pick you up?


• Do you have friends who can take you with them?


• Does your community have evacuation plans in place for those requiring transportation?

Once you know what your options are, you can better prepare for the possibility of an evacuation.

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1. Is my water meter reading correct? My bill seems higher than usual.

If you have concerns regarding your bill, please contact Customer Service at 281.333.4211 and we would be happy to review your bill with you and troubleshoot any errors.

2. What would cause my water bill to be higher than normal?

If you have an irrigation system, during especially dry months you may want to re-adjust the sprinkler heads to water less frequently.

You may have a leak on your side of the meter such as a running toilet.

If you fill your pool, that will be reflected in increased consumption for that billing cycle. We would be happy to help you evaluate the situation and determine if increased consumption is correct and if so, the cause and solution.

3. How can I pay my water bill?

You may pay your water bill in person at:
City Hall
1800 Space Park Drive
Suite 200
Nassau Bay, TX 77058

or you can pay you bill online. By establishing online access to your water account, you may track your consumption history, your payment history, make a one-time payment, or set up auto-draft from a credit card, debit card, or checking account. If you need assistance when setting up your online account, you may click on the "How To" icon on the right hand side of the page. You will need the 8 digit PIN number located at the top right hand side of your water bill under your water account in order to set-up your access. If you have questions you may contact the City Monday – Thursday 7:30 am to 5:30 pm and Friday 7:30 to 11:30 am at 281-333-4211. Click the following link to set up your account. More...

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1. How can I reach the Fire Marshal?

The Fire Marshal can be reached at 281.336.6290. The fire marshal’s office can answer questions concerning the fire code, plan review, scheduling inspections, and general fire safety questions.

2. Is it okay to burn a pile of debris or brush?

No, it is illegal to burn within the City limits. Under certain circumstances, permits can be obtained for cooking fires, religious gatherings, and certain events, but must be approved by the fire marshal’s office, prior to the event.

3. Are fireworks legal in the City?

No, the possession, carrying, use, or discharge of any fireworks within the City is illegal.

4. How do I file a complaint?

You may call 281.333.4211 and speak with the city receptionist. Ask her to fill out a service request and make sure you ask for the service request number for future reference. The service request will be routed to the appropriate department for action.

5. How do I request for a fire inspection?

Simply call 281.336.6290 and the fire marshal will schedule a fire inspector to visit your site.

6. What are the operating hours of the fire marshal’s office?

Typically, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, but under certain circumstances, we may inspect after hours.

7. How can I get a copy of the City Codes?

You may at any time visit our office to review the codes or you can review the City Code of Ordinances online.

8. What is the City’s ISO rating?

The City’s current rating is five. The fire marshal’s office is currently working to reduce the rating for the City so that all citizens can assure the lowest possible insurance premium for fire insurance coverage.

9. I need a permit. What should I do?

Visit the City Forms page for all City permits and applications.

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1. Frequently Asked Questions

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2. Frequently Asked Questions

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3. Frequently Asked Questions

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4. Frequently Asked Questions

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1. What questions should I ask the contractor?

This list is not meant to be all-inclusive, but to give you an idea of how much needs to be considered with the home elevation:

• How is our pool protected and left operational during the lift? Who is responsible for the mess made in the pool?
• How will the catwalk and egress routes impact my backyard since the pool is so close to the backdoor?
• Will my A/C units be elevated with the grant? How and what options do we have?
• Do you use steel to reinforce the slab? If not, what method do you use to reinforce the slab?
• Will you work with the customer in determining the placement of piers under the house? If not, who makes the decision?
• Do you recommend poured or cinder block columns? Why? Are you capable of doing either one?
• Will you do a pre-inspection of my property? Do you film it? Can I get a copy of the video after you make it?
• How does the ADA lift get installed on the house? Do we get a say on where it is installed?
• Does the contractor pay for the concrete floor in the crawl space and under what conditions?
• Is there a professional design consultant on staff to assist us with long-term plans?
• What are the costs per foot to elevate my home higher than the minimum height required?
• Do the installed CMU blocks in the wall prevent water from leaking into my crawl space? If not, will you work with me to ensure they are?
• Anything to do with your pool equipment and the upkeep of your pool. How is it protected and left operational during the lift. Who is responsible for the mess made in the pool?
• How will the catwalk and egress routes impact my backyard since the pool is so close to the backdoor
• Will my A/C units be elevated with the grant? How and what options do I have?
• Can I stay in my home after the initial push? Can the air stay on the entire time? Can I request that the 1^st push be delayed until a temp electrical pole is installed?
• Do you use steel to reinforce my slab? If not, what method do you use to reinforce the slab?
• Do you listen to the customer before placing peirs under the house? If not, who makes the call?
• Do you recommend poured or cinder block columns? Why? Are you capable of doing either one?
• Will you do a pre-inspection of my property? Do you film it? Can I get a copy of the video after you make it?
• How does the ADA lift get installed on the house? Do I get a say on where it is installed?
• Who covers the part of the slab left exposed after the home is elevated?
• How many homes have you done in NB?
• Is there a professional design consultant on staff to assist me with long-term plans?
• How is it determined if I get a slab poured under my house?
• What are the costs per foot to elevate my home higher than the minimum height required?
• Do the installed CMU blocks prevent water from leaking into my crawlspace? IF not, will you work with me to ensure they are?
• Certificate of Liability and what does it cover?
• Does liability insurance cover damaged pool equipment including pipes?
• Can our pool company repair the pipes or does yours?
• We have high voltage lines buried in conduit for exterior lighting. Will you be able to preserve them? Will liability insurance cover damage?
• Will driveway be repaired?
• How many high lifts over 20 feet have you done?
• How many lifts are you working on at one time in Galveston-Houston area?
• How many lifts in NB will you accept in one grant period?
• Will you have a full-time project manager in NB? What is his/her experience in elevation? How long has he/she worked for your company?
• How many crews will you have in NB?
• How many breakaway walls homes have you done? Any in NB?
• How much rebar is used to support the breakaway walls? Are they in the concrete blocks? Vents in breakaway walls?
• How far apart are the columns in the breakaway walls?
• Which engineering firm do you contract?
• Any licensed architects on staff on used as consultants?
• Any certified designer to assist with selection of materials/color?
• Are the steel beam supports galvanized or painted with rust-proof paint?
• Will you use poured concrete (from a pump truck) columns or use concrete blocks filled with concrete? How do you fill the concrete blocks with cement? How much rebar used within concrete blocks?
• Since our previous 2nd floor balcony becomes the 3rd floor, will you add a 2nd floor balcony?
• Will the A/C equipment be elevated on a platform continuous with the NEW 2nd floor balcony?
• Pool equipment is elevated on a wood platform. If the platform/deck is damaged beyond support will you build another?
• Is there still funding for enclosing walls on 3 sides?
• Preservation of certain landscape items? I have 3 favorite fruit trees to save.
• I have 4 external water spigots now. Will I be able to get the same number?
• Will electrical conduits and water pipes run on the inside walls and not on the exterior walls?
• Can we pay for MORE sprayed on insulation foam at the same time you apply?

2. How do I know if I am eligible?

Please email OEM@nassaubay.com to check your eligibility.

3. How long does the home elevation process take?

The process of physically elevating the home takes approximately 3-4 months. However, from the time the grant is applied for by the City of Nassau Bay, it takes approximately 2-3 years before your home will be elevated. The delay is due to Federal and State administrative processing before the money is sent to Nassau Bay. 

4. How much will FEMA pay for my home elevation?

The FEMA FMA grant is designed to cover 75%, 90%, or 100% of the elevation costs. The percentage is based off the classification of your home as an NFIP Repetitive Loss (RL) (75%), FEMA RL (90%, or FEMA Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL) (100%). Please email OEM@nassaubay.com to check your classification.

5. What does the FMA Grant cover?

Generally, the FMA grant is designed to cover the lift of the home to the base flood elevation (plus 2 additional feet per Nassau Bay’s requirements), extension of the electric & plumbing lines, disconnecting & reconnecting the pool equipment (if applicable), insulating the bottom of the slab (below livable areas - not the garage), minimum code compliant stairs for ingress and egress, elevation of HVAC equipment, CMU block for three sides of the home, and temporary living for approx. 120 days. On some occasions, an outside lift may be an eligible expense. 

Upgrades of the CMU block (bottom skirting) is not a grant eligible expense, nor is stucco or brick work.

6. Can the home be lifted higher than the BFE?

Some homeowners want to elevated the slab higher than the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) so that the bottom of their home can be used as a garage. This is allowed in most cases, but the additional expense is the homeowners.

7. Can the grant transfer if I want to sell the home?

Yes, the grant is transferable. The grant is with the home and not the homeowner. 

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1. Does the Police Department do fingerprints?

The Nassau Bay Police Department performs fingerprints as a public service on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00 am - 11:00 am and 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. The cost is $10 and you must provide your own fingerprint cards.

Please note: This service is limited to Nassau Bay residents or those who work in Nassau Bay. Individuals wishing to utilize this service must present proof of their residence/business in Nassau Bay.

2. How do I get a home inspection?

Contact the Police Department at 281.333.2212 during normal business hours to schedule an appointment and a certified crime prevention officer will come to your home and complete the inspection at no cost to you.

3. How do I get a copy of a police report?

You can go to the Police 2 Citizen Website and pull a free public copy of an offense/incident report. You can also come by the Police Department during normal business hours and fill out an Open Record Request at:
1800 Space Park Dr., Suite 200
Nassau Bay, TX 77058

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1. Am I responsible for water lost from leaks in my residential plumbing system?

The customer is responsible for repairing all leaks from the water meter to the house, as well as paying for the water lost. To keep your bill low, always keep your plumbing in good condition. If there is a leak near the meter and you think it is the City’s responsibility, call customer service at 281.333.4211 to report your concerns and arrange for a City inspection.

The most common causes of leaks are dripping faucets, leaking joints, and bad toilets. Slow drips can waste 170 gallons of water per day, or 5,000 gallons in a month. Underground leaks can be even more dangerous, and completely hidden. Water from a broken pipe may or may not come to the surface. Often, it can drain into sewer lines or storm drains through cracks and joints, leaving the customer none the wiser – until the bill arrives.

A water meter that runs constantly is a possible sign of a hidden leak. To check for hidden water leakage such as a leak between the water meter and the house, or within the house itself:

• Turn off all indoor and outdoor faucets and water using appliances.


• Go to your meter and observe it for 5 to 10 minutes. If the meter (dial or red gauge) continues to move, a leak is likely.

Toilet leaks are the hardest to detect. By the time you can hear a toilet running, it has probably been leaking slowly for some months. Leaks are caused by two things: misadjusted or worn floats, and worn flappers. Badly adjusted floats allow too much water to enter the tank. Excess water will flow down the overflow tube into the bowl. Remove the top of the toilet tank and look inside. The water should come to within 1/4 to 1/2 inch of the overflow tube. Adjust the float if necessary.

Detecting a bad flapper is more difficult. It should be smooth, not pitted, and fall back into the drain correctly and easily. Although you can drain the tank to feel the flapper, it is often easier to check using food coloring or flavored drink mix. This test will also detect a bad float.

If you have repaired a hidden leak or one in your toilet, you may be eligible for an adjustment. If this is the case, a request for an adjustment can be made by contacting Customer Service at 281.333.4211.

2. What if my water bill is unusually high? Can I get an adjustment?

The City of Nassau Bay may allow customers who have suffered an excusable defect to receive an adjustment to their bills. Credit will take the form of a rebate to the bill, not a refund. To qualify as excusable, a defect must be hidden, such as in a wall, underground, or in a toilet tank. Faucets are not considered hidden.

Request for a bill adjustment must be made in writing to customer service with a receipt for parts or repair bill, within six months of the repair. Customers may apply for no more than one such adjustment in any 12-month period for any one account.
Several things can prevent this adjustment:

• Ineffective repairs—sometimes the real problem is a second leak that needs to be repaired.


• Long term leakage—allowing a leak to continue for over three months raises the average consumption.


• A drop in actual consumption can mask the rise caused by the leak.

3. What can I do if I have an unusually high water bill and can not determine the presence of a water leak?

Sometimes, things happen for which there is no known explanation. After both the City and the customer investigate, if no one knows why the bill increased, the City of Nassau Bay will consider allowing any single-family residential customer who receives a water bill for any given month that is greater than 200% of the average usage of the customer, to request an adjustment of the bill.

The customer must make an application within six months of receipt of such bill and only one such monthly bill out of any 12 consecutive monthly bills may be adjusted. In order to request such an adjustment, the customer must make a written request to customer service.

Several things can prevent this adjustment:

• Continued high consumption is considered evidence of a leak, and no adjustment will be granted.


• Discovery of a reason for the high bill may warrant a different type of adjustment, or none.


• If the consumption (not dollar amount) was not over twice the average, no adjustment will be granted.

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1. Am I responsible for water lost from leaks in my residential plumbing system?

The customer is responsible for repairing all leaks from the water meter to the house, as well as paying for the water lost. To keep your bill low, always keep your plumbing in good condition. If there is a leak near the meter and you think it is the City’s responsibility, call customer service at 281.333.4211 to report your concerns and arrange for a City inspection.

The most common causes of leaks are dripping faucets, leaking joints, and bad toilets. Slow drips can waste 170 gallons of water per day, or 5,000 gallons in a month. Underground leaks can be even more dangerous and completely hidden. Water from a broken pipe may or may not come to the surface. Often, it can drain into sewer lines or storm drains through cracks and joints, leaving the customer none the wiser until the bill arrives.

A water meter that runs constantly is a possible sign of a hidden leak. To check for hidden water leakage such as a leak between the water meter and the house, or within the house itself:

• Turn off all indoor and outdoor faucets and water using appliances. 


• Go to your meter and observe it for 5 to 10 minutes. If the meter (dial or red gauge) continues to move, a leak is likely.

Toilet leaks are the hardest to detect. By the time you can hear a toilet running, it has probably been leaking slowly for some months.

Leaks are caused by two things:

• Misadjusted or worn floats


• Worn flappers

Badly adjusted floats allow too much water to enter the tank. Excess water will flow down the overflow tube into the bowl. Remove the top of the toilet tank and look inside. The water should come to within 1/4 to 1/2 inch of the overflow tube. Adjust the float if necessary.

Detecting a bad flapper is more difficult. It should be smooth, not pitted, and fall back into the drain correctly and easily. Although you can drain the tank to feel the flapper, it is often easier to check using food coloring or flavored drink mix. This test will also detect a bad float.

If you have repaired a hidden leak or one in your toilet, you may be eligible for an adjustment. If this is the case, a request for an adjustment can be made by contacting Customer Service at 281.333.4211.

2. What if my water bill is unusually high? Can I get an adjustment?

The City of Nassau Bay may allow customers who have suffered an excusable defect to receive an adjustment to their bills. Credit will take the form of a rebate to the bill, not a refund. To qualify as excusable, a defect must be hidden, such as in a wall, underground, or in a toilet tank. Faucets are not considered hidden.

Request for a bill adjustment must be made in writing to:
Customer Service
City Hall
18100 Upper Bay Road
Suite 200
Nassau Bay, TX 77058

Requests must also include a receipt for parts or repair bill and must be made within six months of the repair. Customers may apply for no more than one such adjustment in any 12-month period for any one account.

Several things can prevent this adjustment:

• Ineffective Repairs - Sometimes the real problem is a second leak that needs to be repaired


• Long-Term Leakage - Allowing a leak to continue for over three months raises the average consumption


• Drop in Consumption - A drop in actual consumption can mask the rise caused by the leak

3. What can I do if I have an unusually high water bill and cannot determine the presence of a leak?

Sometimes, things happen for which there is no know explanation. After both the City and the customer investigate, if no one knows why the bill increased, the City of Nassau Bay will consider allowing any single-family residential customer who receives a water bill for any given month that is greater than 200 percent of the average usage of the customer, to request an adjustment of the bill.

The customer must make an application within six months of receipt of such bill and only one such monthly bill out of any 12 consecutive monthly bills may be adjusted. In order to request such an adjustment, the customer must make a written request to customer service.

Several things can prevent this adjustment:

• Continued high consumption is considered evidence of a leak, and no adjustment will be granted
• Discovery of a reason for the high bill may warrant a different type of adjustment or no adjustment at all
• If the consumption (not dollar amount) was not over twice the average, no adjustment will be granted