Hiring local businesses in Cypress

The Harris County Office of the County Engineer's Permits Division handles home permits here through its online E-Permits system. One residential application covers new homes, pools, driveways, fill, garages and accessory structures, so ask any builder or pool company which application they filed and look it up. The county lists plan review at 30 business days and a permit as valid for one year, and the Permits Division answers at (713) 274-3900.

Septic and floodplain permits in Cypress

Homes on a septic system need a county permit for it, and the licensed installer must schedule inspections at least 24 hours ahead; inspection questions go to 713-274-3800. Any grading, building or renovating in a county floodplain needs a Floodplain Development Permit, and a new building in the flood zone needs an elevation certificate once it's finished.

Ask the Permits Division whether your job needs any county registration, and check the company's state license with the board that issues it, such as TDLR for electricians and AC contractors.

With no city utility, your water and sewer provider depends on your subdivision. Find it on your water bill, or ask your title company or HOA, and ask that provider about watering rules before a pool fill or a pressure wash.

CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric maintains the lines across much of Greater Houston, and in deregulated areas you choose a retail provider. Check your bill, or ask the seller or landlord, to see which company delivers power to your address and who sells it.

Ask your HOA or water provider who collects trash and when heavy items go out.

The Flood Education Mapping Tool from the Harris County Flood Control District (harriscountyfemt.org) shows FEMA floodplains for any Cypress address. The official map is FEMA's at msc.fema.gov, so use that one for insurance and permit questions.

TDI's Harris County windstorm map shades a strip east of Texas 146, and Cypress isn't labeled on it; TDI calls the maps informational, so check your address on TDI's windstorm map if an insurer asks. Hurricane season still runs June 1 to November 30, with county evacuation zones announced by ZIP code. Mosquito treatment comes from Harris County Public Health (713-440-4800), between 8:30 p.m. and 5 a.m.

• Inside: plumbers, AC repair, electricians, pest control and cleaning services.
• Outside: roofing companies, pool service, tree service and pressure washing.
• Moving and buying: movers and real estate agents.
• Health and legal: dentists, gyms and divorce lawyers.

More nearby: the Houston and Gulf Coast region, plus Katy and The Woodlands.