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1. What is this site? It is a collection of links and maps that provide the public with information about current and future street construction downtown. The site is updated anytime new information is available . It is linked to other sites that also provide valuable data about street conditions downtown. For example, TxDOT's "Current Accidents" page gives a list of any and all reported accidents on highways throughout the city.

2. Who do I call if ...?

    a. If the problem is noise and you believe that the noise is above the noise ordinance then HPD asks that you call 832-394-0000. This number should only be used for noise complaints and is not to be used for emergencies or in anyway to replace calling 9-1-1. Calling this number will allow a rapid response by an officer with a noise meter to hopefully arrive while the noise is occurring.

    b. If the problem is that a lane or street is closed that you do not believe should be closed, a water or sewer utility is not in service, a sidewalk or crosswalk is not useable, or other issue then call 311. The 311 operators have information to call the responsible parties to have the issue investigate.

3. Who can I call with questions and concerns?

d. At the City of Houston call 311 or email 311@cityofhouston.net.

4. Why aren't signal lights timed to speed up traffic? The City is constantly at work maintaining the lights. The new intersections and many of the old ones are interconnected and function together. Some traffic signals at intersections that are not heavily traveled are not connected to the system and therefore will not be sequenced to allow traffic to flow with few stops. If you notice a consistent problem call 311 or email 311@cityofhouston.net and report the exact location and nature of the problem.

5. I know the City issues permits for many things but which ones affect us?

    a. The Right of Way Occupancy Permit grants the contractor the privilege of closing lanes or streets in locations where a need has been justified. The permits include the hours and the day that the lane(s) or street may be closed. Often in downtown it requires a uniformed peace officer to assist with traffic. The permit must be available on site for inspection. 

    b. The Street Cut Permit is an additional permit required of nonpublic projects that allows the bearer to cut the pavement in a specific location for a specific purpose. This permit is backed by a new ordinance that defines the responsibilities of the contractor and the company that hired the contractor to install or maintain private underground facilities in the right-of-way. The contractor must have a sign at the site that provides contact information and other pertinent data. 

    c. There is a new ordinance for a permits that are being considered, the Street Obstruction Ordinance, regulating temporary closure, was issued in December 2002. As approved by City Council it gives strength to many of the policies that Public Works has in effect today to control the degree and manner of lane and street closures. Click Here to learn more.

    d. A Building Permit provides for a contractor to build what is on drawings approved by the City. It does not grant the right to be in the right of way nor close lanes. A dumpster for a building project cannot occupy a lane without a current Right of Way Occupancy Permit.

6. I have been told that a permit can waive some things like the noise ordinance. Is that true and what do the permits NOT do? A permit CANNOT waive any ordinance such as the noise ordinance. If there is a noise problem and someone at a construction site tells you the contractor has a permit that overrides the noise ordinance then you should call HPD at 713-308-8000. Provide HPD any information you can and send any info about the officer to the City of Houston. It is also very helpful to note the company name on the trucks, equipment or hardhats so the managing agency can address the misrepresentation or misunderstanding of the permit with the responsible company.

7. Who issues permits? Different groups in the City's Department of Public Works and Engineering issue permits. The Traffic Management Department issues the permit that allows for lane or street closures. Any requests for lane or street closures during peak traffic times from Monday to Friday are reviewed and approved by the Central City Mobility Task Force lead by the Director of Public Works. The Downtown District, METRO, TMC and Midtown MD participate in the task force so decisions are made about closure requests that considerers all the impacts to the community.

8. Who is responsible for trash collection in Downtown? To provide an organized and coordinated method to collect and remove trash from downtown the Downtown District entered into an agreement with the City for the District to own and operate a garbage truck that dumps at the City provided land fills. In addition METRO has responsibilities for trash and the paragraphs below provide details regarding this very important activity.

    a. The Downtown District with a yellow garbage truck is responsible for "tipping" (emptying) the 290 city-owned trash receptacles in downtown, Monday thru Friday.

    b. The Downtown District operates (since 1993) the Bagged Curbside Trash Program designed to address the needs of the small businesses. A monthly fee is paid, distinctive blue bags are purchased as needed and sealed bags of trash are then placed curbside where they are collected twice a day. This program operates Monday thru Sunday and the bags are picked up by the yellow garbage truck.

    c. Recently the Downtown District contracted with METRO and is now tipping receptacles and removing trash at all bus stops and METRORail stations located in downtown.

    d. Private property owners are responsible for removal of garbage and may utilize the District’s bag service or engage a commercial service. City ordinance provides strict regulations regarding placement of garbage on the sidewalk or visible to the public. If you see where garbage is not being removed please contact HPD at 713-394-0088.

9. Who sweeps the streets in downtown? The City of Houston performs street sweeping early mornings, Monday thru Friday and after all major parades.

Still have questions?
Write to us: tom@downtowndistrict.org

Last Update - 5/09/08
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