Frequently Asked Questions

Please call 281-334-1611 or send an email the Permit Office.

Report a suspected code violation or call City Hall at 281-334-1611 during regular business hours. Your care and attention help keep Kemah a beautiful and welcoming place for all.

The adopted codes are documented City of Kemah Code of Ordinances.

A Short-Term Rental (STR) is a privately owned dwelling rented to the public for dwelling, lodging, or sleeping purposes for a period of less than 30 consecutive days. This includes:

• Single-family dwellings
• Multiple-family attached dwellings
• Apartment houses
• Condominiums
• Duplexes
• Mobile homes
• Portions of any such dwellings

Yes, it is unlawful to rent or advertise any Short-Term Rental without a valid permit issued by the City of Kemah.

 The standard STR permit fee is $450. However, owners who provide proof of an approved sound monitoring system may receive a credit of up to $150.

An STR permit is valid for one calendar year, expiring on December 31st, regardless of the date it was issued. Permits for the upcoming year can be applied starting November 1st, and they must be renewed annually to remain compliant.

The following properties are exempt from STR regulations under this article:

• Hotels and motels
• Dormitories
• Public or private clubs
• Recreational vehicle (RV) parks
• Hospitals and medical clinics
• Nursing homes or convalescent homes
• Foster homes, halfway houses, and transitional housing facilities
• Housing operated exclusively for religious, charitable, or educational purposes
• Government-owned housing used to accommodate employees or for governmental purposes

Applicants must provide the following information:

• Owner’s and operator’s contact details (name, address, email, and phone).
• Local contact person’s 24-hour contact details.
• Address of the STR.
• Maximum occupancy (generally two persons per bedroom, plus two).
• Maximum on-site parking spaces.
• Certification of compliance with health and safety standards.
• A floor plan and site plan showing parking availability.
• A list of all advertised rental platforms.
• If the owner is a business entity, the trade name and details of registered agents.
• Acknowledgment of receipt of STR regulations and agreement to comply.

A property qualifies as an STR if rented for less than 30 consecutive days. Rentals of 30 days or more are not subject to these regulations.

• Submit a complete application with the required information and fee.
• Receive a provisional 30-day permit based on the owner's certified statements.
• Allow the city to inspect within 30 days to confirm health, safety, and occupancy standards compliance.
• Upon passing the inspection, the City will issue the final permit, valid for the remainder of the calendar year.

• Penalties: Violations may result in fines of up to $400 per day for repeated offenses.
• Permit Suspension or Revocation: Multiple violations, including noise complaints or failure to comply with health and safety standards, can lead to permit suspension or revocation.
• Civil Penalties: If the police are summoned to address violations, a $350 "call-out fee" may be assessed

Owners have the right to appeal permit suspensions or revocations.

Most construction, remodeling, or repair projects require a permit. This includes work on electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, structural changes, and additions. Always check with the Building Department before starting any work.

You can apply for a building permit through the MyGov Portal. Detailed requirements, forms, and fee information are available on the Compliance web page.

The review time for permit applications can vary. Simple projects may be approved within a few days, while more complex projects might take several weeks. It's advisable to submit applications well in advance of your planned start date.   

Kemah has adopted the latest International Code Council (ICC) codes and the National Electrical Code (NEC) as of November 1, 2022. For a comprehensive list, refer to the Applicable Codes section of the Code Enforcement page.

Residential projects require a digital copy of the permit application and complete construction documents. Specific requirements include site plans, floor plans, elevation plans, structural plans, foundation plans, and more. Detailed information can be found in the Residential Building Checklist.

Commercial projects necessitate a pre-development meeting and submission of various documents, including site plans, architectural sheets, structural plans, MEP plans, and more. For a comprehensive list, refer to the Commercial Building Checklist.

Yes, properties located within Special Flood Hazard Areas must comply with regulations outlined in Chapter 46 of the City Code, as well as federal and state floodplain management regulations. An elevation certificate and a form survey sealed by a licensed surveyor are required prior to scheduling a foundation inspection.

You can use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center to find official flood maps and hazard information. Additionally, you may visit City Hall to review your address on the flood zone map.

Inspections can be scheduled through the MyGov Portal. Ensure that all work is ready and accessible for inspection on the scheduled date.

Inspections can be scheduled through the MyGov Portal. Ensure that all work is ready and accessible for inspection on the scheduled date.

Building permits are valid for 9 months from the date of issuance. If work is not commenced within this period, the permit may expire. For more details, consult the Fee Schedule.

Click on Notify Me to sign up.

Current bid postings and RFQs