Hiring local businesses in Webster

Every permit application goes through the city's online OnCamino portal, and the Building Division requires a Certificate of Occupancy and inspections for any occupied building. Ask your contractor for the permit number and look it up in OnCamino before work starts. Ask the Building Division what your job needs and whether your contractor must register with the city.

Unlike Houston and Pasadena, Webster has zoning, under Chapter 98 of its code. Some uses need a Special Use Permit, and planning and zoning applications are filed online. Check the zoning map before you plan a home business, an addition or a change of use; the City Planner issues zoning verification letters free on request.

The city covers about 6.7 square miles between downtown Houston and Galveston. The Census Bureau's Vintage 2025 estimate puts it at 12,507 people as of July 1, 2025.

The City of Webster's Water and Wastewater divisions supply drinking water and run the sewer, and you open an account through the city Utility Department. Stage 1 is a mild water shortage stage: conservation is voluntary, including limits on filling pools and washing driveways. Ask any pool or pressure-washing company how it plans to work within it.

CenterPoint Energy maintains the wires across the Greater Houston area. Check which company delivers power to your Webster address; where the market is deregulated, PowerToChoose lists retail plans by ZIP.

The city's contracted hauler collects household trash on Mondays and Thursdays at no cost to residents (713-726-7300). Call it before you leave furniture or branches at the curb, and ask how bulk and brush pickup work.

The city says its Gulf Coast location leaves it vulnerable to tropical storms and storm surge from Galveston Bay, though it isn't among the places TDI labels in its Harris County windstorm area. Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, and Harris County announces evacuation zones by ZIP code.

All development in Webster needs a permit under Chapter 42, and new or substantially improved buildings must sit at least one foot above the base flood elevation. Harris County Public Health treats for mosquitoes between 8:30 p.m. and 5 a.m. The Harris Central Appraisal District values your property and takes protests online through iFile.

• Around the house: plumbers, AC repair, pest control and maid service.
• Moving and buying: movers and realtors.
• Health and legal: dentists, gyms and lawyers.

For the wider area, see the Houston and Gulf Coast region, the Clear Lake neighborhood next door, or League City.