Utility Planning & Analysis Branch

 

Vacant, Assistant Director

 

Development Services Branch is divided into two main groups - the Utility Analysis Section and the Planning Section.

 

 

 

 

 

The Utility Analysis/Developer Services Section is located at:

The Houston Permitting Center

1002 Washington Avenue

Houston, TX 77002

 

Click Here: for DPC Status List

 

 

The Utility Analysis Section is responsible for managing wastewater flows through wastewater capacity reservations (WCR), managing water demands through water/storm drainage commitment letters, and planning the near and long term facilities requirements that will assure reliable service for today and the future. The Section has extensive contact with the public sector in the WCR application and review process which provides to the owner/developer/builder information on water, wastewater and storm drainage requirements for new development or for existing development that will require additional water and/or wastewater capacity. The issuance of these reservations and commitment letters is based on submittal of a WCR application. The Short Form Application is for projects with a proposed development less than or equal to six (6) service units.For additional information on any of these procedures, please email questions to wcrtechs@houstontx.gov. The application and supporting documentation can be downloaded for your convenience.

 

 

 

 

The calculation of the amount of wastewater and/or water capacity required for a proposed development is based on a standard set of discharge criteria. Once the number of service units of capacity has been determined, the amount of $1,199.11 per service unit for wastewater and $444.10 per service unit of water must be paid to secure the capacity. Credit will be given for conversions or for the removal of existing development.

 

 

 

 

As part of the plan review process, the Taps and Meters Group at 1002 Washington Avenue reviews plans for compliance with the WCR and water/storm drainage commitment letters. In addition, this group sells water taps and meters. Forms associated with the sale of water meters including Bonds for Large Jobs, the Small Water Meter Application and the List of City Approved Contractors to Install Small Water Meters can also be downloaded

 

• List of City Approved Contractors to Install Small Water Meters (.doc file)
• Small Water Meter Application (.doc file)
• Small Water Meter Application (.pdf file)
• Surface Restoration Bond (.doc file)
• Maintenance Bond (.doc file)

 

The Planning Section plans the long-range water and sanitary sewer facility needs to meet regulatory requirements and the operation goals and efficiency objectives of the department. The section develops and maintains both water and wastewater system models and applies them in utility planning and resolving operational problems. The group conducts studies in identifying the water management practices that will provide the Houston area with water for the future; manages and coordinates all activities related to Groundwater Reduction Plan, ensures the City as the regional water supplier and its GRP co-permittees are in compliance with the Harris-Galveston Coastal Subsidence District Rules and Regulations. Other responsibilities of the section include managing Developer Participation Contracts, and negotiating/administering water agreements.

 

Utility District Review Section (new)

 

The Utility District Review Section oversees the distribution and city review of all municipal utility district creations and annexations within the corporate limits of the City of Houston and its extra-territorial jurisdiction ("ETJ"). The Departments reviewing and commenting on consent applications are as follows: Public Works, Planning, Health, Fire, Aviation, and Legal Departments. Upon completion of these reviews, the Section is responsible for forwarding the recommended action to City council. The Water District Consent Application Form has recently been revised and can be downloaded in PDF or Word Document Format.

 

Water District Consent Application Form (.doc file)

 

This section is also responsible for the negotiation of wastewater service contracts between the city and other municipalities and utility districts.

 

For questions or additional information, please e-mail mudreview@houstontx.gov.

 

Water Well Permitting - Water Well Permitting is under the jurisdiction of the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District. A link is provided for your convenience. Please note that any change to your plumbing will require a plumbing permit and inspection from Code Enforcement, located at 1002 Washington Avenue.

 

Click Here: for information about the Easement Reverter Procedure