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1. Can I rent the Kemah Community Center?

The Community Center is located at 800 Harris Street, between the Holiday Inn and Hwy 146. Please see the Community Center web page for additional information and to download the rental application. You may also call City Hall at 281-334-1611. Community Center

2. Can I rent a city park pavilion?

Some of the city parks have pavilions, but they are not for rent. You can use them on a first-come, first-serve basis. You cannot ask others to leave the park. Park hours are from dawn to dusk.

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1. What types of notifications and alerts can I sign up for?

Kemah provides several different types of notifications and alerts, each with a different purpose.  

Kemah Connect (powered by Blackboard Connect) is used primarily by the Kemah Police Department to notify subscribers of items with public safety implications. Kemah Connect uses automated phone calls, texts  and emails to provide information such as weather situations, event-related traffic issues, Amber Alerts, etc. These may be issued at any time of the day or night since the Police Department is always on duty.  You have to create a Kemah Connect account to Sign up for these calls.

This website has a Notify Me function that uses Notifications to send subscribers particular types of data, such as News Flashes, City Council Agendas, Job Opportunities, etc. These emails or text (SMS) messages will normally be sent out during normal City Hall work hours. In critical situations, such as hurricanes, Alert will be posted to the Website and Notifications (as subscribed to in the Alert Center or Notify Me page) will be sent via email or text message as necessary.  These Alert Notifications will be in addition to automated Kemah Connect Calls.  Creating an account on the website is optional to sign up for Notifications.  Also, the Kemah Connect account is different that the Notification (website) account.

Some types of  messages will be duplicated in the two systems to ensure maximum coverage.

More information is available in other FAQs. 

2. What is the Kemah Connect service and how do I sign up?

The Kemah Connect service allows authorized civic leaders to create and rapidly disseminate time-sensitive messages to every telephone number stored in the notification database. With the Kemah Blackboard Connect service, authorized users can send thousands of messages in minutes. Only authorized officials are allowed access to the system. By following the Kemah Blackboard Connect link below, you will be taken to a web portal that allows you to enter your email address and create an account. Follow the online instructions to enter your personal information. It is your responsibility to keep this information up to date, so if you no longer use a landline telephone, please ensure you keep your cell phone number up to date in the system.

Kemah Blackboard Connect

3. How do I sign up to be notified when a new City Council or KCDC agenda is posted?

To sign up for Agenda Notifications, you can create a Sign In account and be signed in, but you don't have to. Visit the Notify Me page and select the Agenda notifications you would like to receive and indicate whether you want them by email or text message. For each notification you request, you will receive an email that includes a link to confirm your subscription. Once you click that link verifying your subscription, you will receive another email showing that you have subscribed to the notification you chose.

Notify Me

4. How do I sign up for Notifications? Alerts?

To sign up for Notifications or Alerts, you can create a Sign In account and be signed in or you can choose to sign up without an account. Notifications are available for Alerts, Job Postings, News Flashes, Calendar Items, and Agenda Postings. Visit the Notify Me page and select the notifications you would like to receive and indicate whether you want them by email or text message. For each notification you request, you will receive an email that includes a link to confirm your subscription. Once you click that link verifying your subscription, you will receive another email showing that you have subscribed to the notification you chose. Any time a change occurs that triggers a notification in that area, you will receive a notification.

Notify Me

5. I signed up for Notifications and I am still not receiving them. Why not?

If you signed up for notifications and still are not receiving them, it may be because you didn’t do the final step and confirm your subscription. Once you select the type of notification you want to receive, you will receive an email from listserv@civicplus.com with a subject line: "Information on Your Subscriptions (Confirmation Needed)." It will ask you to confirm your new subscription by clicking on a link included in the email. It will also tell you which list it is in reference to. Once you click on the included link, you will get another email telling you that “You have been subscribed to list ___” and how to unsubscribe. You will have to complete these steps for each notification subscription.

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1. Where can I find specifics about emergency management in Galveston County?

Visit Galveston County Office of Emergency Management

2. What is emergency preparedness?

Emergency preparedness means taking action to be ready for emergencies before they happen. The objective is to simplify decision making during emergencies.

3. What's the difference between emergency preparedness and emergency response?

Emergency preparedness refers to actions which can and should be performed prior to an emergency, such as planning and coordination meetings, procedure writing, team training, emergency drills and exercises, and prepositioning of emergency equipment. Emergency response refers to actions taken in response to an actual, ongoing event.

4. Why is planning so important?

It is everyone’s responsibility to be prepared for emergencies. Initially, emergency services will be consumed with responding to the disaster. It is up to each of us to prepare. Planning in advance will help you, your family and friends manage an emergency in a calm and effective way, which will help keep you safe.

5. What should people do to prepare for an emergency?

Families should develop an emergency plan to prepare their home, family, and office in case of a natural disaster or other emergency.
> Get an emergency kit
> Make a plan
> Have extra cash, medication, water, clothing, and food on hand to be prepared
> Have a list of family emergency numbers and school contacts
> Have an emergency meeting place

Get Ready

6. In an emergency, is evacuation always the answer?

No. Evacuation is not the only protective action available to the public. In some situations sheltering may provide protection that is equal to or even greater than evacuation. Sheltering may be the preferred protective action in cases where weather, competing events, or short-term releases are factors.

7. What does shelter in place mean?

Sheltering in place is one of several response options available to emergency management directors to provide an additional level of protection in the event of an emergency. Shelter in place is a protective action designed to use an indoor facility, such as your own home or a public building, and its indoor atmosphere to shield people from a hazardous outdoor environment. Sheltering in place means persons will remain in a building until emergency management officials issue additional instructions or declare that the emergency condition has ended. It is a short-term option for limiting the potential exposure of persons to hazards that may be present in the outdoor environment. It will most likely be a matter of hours, not days.

8. What is in an Emergency Kit?

> 1 gallon of water per person per day
> Food and manual can opener
> Week’s supply of prescription medication
> Battery powered radio, with extra batteries
> Extra batteries for hearing aids or other assistive devices
> Flashlight with extra batteries
> List of contacts (e.g. family members, friends, doctors)
> First aid supplies
Any items you normally use or that you would need for three days should an emergency occur should also be included. If you have a pet, you will need three days’ supply of food and water for each pet. Should you have to evacuate, these supplies should go with you. More extensive lists and information can be found on websites dealing with preparedness, such as Ready.gov.
It is also a very good idea to have a “go bag” ready in case you have to evacuate either your home or work place. This small bag could include those personal items you would need if you had to leave without any notice as well as copies of financial records, pet’s veterinarian records, extra keys for house and car, cash, spare glasses or other special needs items, such as medications, batteries for assistive devices and copies of family documents.
Make a Kit

9. 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 non-frontal 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.

10. 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.

11. 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. Where do I find my fire station?

The Kemah Volunteer Fire Department is located at 905 Hwy 146. More Information is available at their website.

2. How do I request for a fire inspection?

Simply call City Hall at 281-334-1611 and request that a fire inspection be scheduled. The contract fire marshal will schedule to visit your site.

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1. Where is City Hall located?

City Hall is located just east of State Highway 146 at the intersection with Bel Road. Use the west entrance.

Kemah City Hall
1401 Hwy 146
Kemah, TX 77565

2. When is City Hall open?

City Hall Hours
Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

3. How do I find help on getting Notifications?

Visit the FAQs in the category “Connections” for answers to many of your questions. If you still have problems, use the “Report a Concern” form “General Issue/Concern” to report your problem and someone will get back to you. Report a Concern

4. Where do I find my police station?

The Kemah Police Station is located on the east side of Kemah City Hall, 1401 Hwy 146. More contact information is available at their web page.

5. When and where does City Council meet?

City Council meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month starting at 6:00 pm. Council Chambers are in City Hall at 1401 Hwy 146. More information is available if you view

City Council Agenda/Minutes

6. How do I contact a city department?

To find all department and staff contact information, visit the Staff Directory.

7. Where do I find the current City Budget

Visit City Finances.

City Budget.

8. How can I find out who owns a piece of property?

By contacting Galveston Central Appraisal District at 866-277-4725 or

Galveston Central Appraisal District.

9. How do I report a concern to the City?

There is a link on the "How Do I" page. The more detail you can give the better. The email of your concern will then be forwarded to the appropriate person for handling. Report A Concern (General Issue/Concern)

10. How do I view/apply for employment opportunities?

Please visit our Employment Opportunities page here.

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1. I got a ticket. Where do I pay?

All tickets are paid through Kemah Municipal Court at Kemah City Hall – use the North entrance marked “Court Clerk.” . To make a payment online, click here.

2. Can I pay a ticket online?

Yes, you can pay your ticket online here.

3. How can I check if I have a warrant?

You can check with Kemah Municipal Court by calling 281-334-5910.

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1. How do I apply for a building permit?

Details of the building permit process, including requirements, forms, and fees can be found on the Compliance web page.

2. Do you take credit cards?

Yes, you can use Visa or MasterCard in addition to cash, checks, or money orders. We will accept personal checks.

3. What are the adopted codes in the City of Kemah?

The adopted codes are documented under the Applicable Codes tab in the Code Enforcement section of the Compliance web page.

4. How do I report a code violation?

Visit the "Report a Violation" tab of the Code Enforcement section of the Compliance web page or go directly to the Report a Suspected Code Violation Form.

5. How can I find out if my property is in the flood zone?

The FEMA Flood Map Service Center (MSC) is the official public source for flood hazard information produced in support of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Use the MSC to find your official flood map, access a range of other flood hazard products, and take advantage of tools for better understanding flood risk. You can also visit the City Hall to review your address on the flood zone map. FEMA Flood Map Service Center

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1. What are the hours for of the police department?

The Kemah Police Department is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

2. What are the guidelines to visiting an inmate?

Jail visitation is 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. - 5 p.m., limited to a 15 minute visit, once a day, immediate family only (no children). No food or drinks for prisoners.

3. What do I have to do to get a copy of an accident or police report?

Incident reports and accident reports may be obtained online 24 hours a day. Citizens can perform simple searches regarding police incidents/arrests, and download reports from the Police to Citizen (P2C) website

4. I have a question about a traffic law, how do I get it answered?

Review the Texas Transportation Code.

5. How do I get finger printed if I need to?

The City of Kemah no longer provides fingerprinting service to the public. To find fingerprinting services in the area, please click here.

6. Where is the Police Department?

The Police Department is located in City Hall, just east of State Highway 146 at the intersection with Bel Road. Please use the east entrance.

Kemah City Hall
1401 Hwy 146
Kemah, TX 77565

More information is available at their
Webpage.

7. Does the City of Kemah have a noise ordinance?

Yes, the City of Kemah enforces a noise ordinance. Please review the entire ordinance at the Kemah Municipal Code

8. Does the city have a curfew ordinance for minors?

Yes, you may review the entire ordinance here: Kemah Municipal Code

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1. Where do I find my waste/recycling day information?

Residential garbage pickup is on Mondays and Thursdays in Kemah. More information can be found at Waste Management Service Details

2. How do I report a broken street light?

Determine the 6 number code that is located on the pole of the street light that is out. Then contact CenterPoint Energy by phone (713-207-2222) or at Street Light Outage Reports.

3. How do set up water service for my home or business?

Water service in most of Kemah is provided by Galveston County Water Control and Improvement District #12. Some areas are supplied by Bayview Municipal Utility District. Please contact the appropriate entity to arrange service. Contact information is available on the Utilities page.