Frequently Asked Questions

Please call our office at 281-592-2395 to arrange booking our facilities. 

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It takes 10 business days, regardless of payment method.  Refunds will be mailed to the address indicated on the contract by the City of Cleveland Accounting/Finance Department

Cancellations and/or other changes made to the contract must be submitted in writing to the Civic Center.  Verbal cancellations will not be eligible for refunds, if due.  The City of Cleveland will maintain 25% of the deposit at the time of the cancellations.  Cancellations less than thirty (30) days prior to the event will not be eligible for refund.  

If you are age 17 and over, on, or before your court date which is written on your citation. Anyone under the age of 17 (juveniles), must appear on the court date written on the citation and with a parent or guardian.

Appear in person on or before your court date. The eligibility requirements are as follows:

• You must not be in the process of taking defensive driving.
• You must not have taken defensive driving within the past year.
• Provide the court with your driver’s license and insurance and pay (up front) $144 court costs.
• You will be allowed 90 days to complete the Defensive Driving.

If you fail to complete your defensive driving in the time allowed, you must pay the remainder of your citation.

Deferred disposition is a form of probation. The judge must approve your request. Appear in person on or before your court date. Plead guilty or no contest and pay the full amount of the citation (up front). The probation period can be from 90 to 180 days. After completion of your deferred disposition, your case will be dismissed and not reported as a conviction on your driving record. If you fail to successfully complete your deferred disposition, it will be reported as a conviction on your driving record.

Deferred disposition is not an option for the following offenses:

• Citations over 20 miles per hour in a school zone
• Citations for defendants that hold a CDL license at the time of the offense
• Citations for offenses committed in a construction zone with workers present
• Citations for over 25 miles per hour in a regular zone

Plea No Contest or Guilty and pay the fine using one of the following method:

• By mail with a money order or cashier’s check. We do not accept personal checks.
• By phone with a debit or credit card. You will pay an additional 5% fee for processing.
• In person along with the above payment methods.
• Online at http://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/clevelandtx

You may apply for permits in person at the Development Services Department located at: City Hall 907 E. Houston St. Cleveland, TX 77327 or by email at Permits@clevelandtexas.com.

Unfortunately we do not accept permits by fax. All applications are completed in the office or via email as there is documentation at time of permit issuance that requires signature(s).

View a schedule of permit fees.

Master Fee Schedule 2024

No appointment is necessary. Permits can be completed in person at City Hall Monday through Thursday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Friday 8:00 a.m. to noon. or via email at Permits@clevelandtexas.com.

Building permits are required for:

• Most construction; any electrical, plumbing, or HVAC (please call to be sure)
• Occupancy permits are required for electricity to be turned on, transferred, or name change for all commercial properties
• Occupancy permits are required for electricity to be turned on, transferred, or name change for all residential properties that have been without service for 6 months or more
• Culvert installation
• Driveways; roofing; demolitions
• Manufactured Home Placement

When is a Permit Required (PDF)

• 2015 International Building Code
• 2015 International Residential Code
• 2015 International Plumbing Code
• 2015 International Mechanical Code
• 2014 National Electrical Code
• 2015 International Property Maintenance Code
• 2015 International Fuel Gas Code
• 2015 International Fire Code
• 2015 International Energy Conservation Code
• 2015 International Existing Building Code
• 2015 ICC Performance Code for Buildings and Facilities
• 2015 International Private Sewage Disposal Code
• 2015 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code
• 2015 International Green Construction Code
• 2015 International Solar Energy Code
• 2015 International Wildlife Urban Interface Code

No, beginning work without a permit will result in additional fees.

Yes, however the building must be approved by the building official before the permit will be issued.  Call for information or check the Manufactured Homes Section. 

If you are requesting power at a new location or transferring names on accounts for a commercial property you are required to have a permit. This permit may be obtained at the Development Services Department for a fee of $75 commerical. After the inspection is completed, a yellow tag is placed on the meter and the permit is sent to Entergy.

If you are requesting power at a new location or transferring names on accounts for a residential property and service has been disconnected for 3 month or more (site-built); 3 months or more for manufactured housing, you are required to have a permit. This permit may be obtained at the Development Services Department for a fee of $60. After the inspection is completed, a yellow tag is placed on the meter and the permit is sent to Entergy.

Yes; you need to acquire a permit and know materials and height. See the permit page for commercial and residential fence permits.  The fence ordinance is also listed there.  Permits are available at: 907 E. Houston St. Cleveland, TX 77327.

Submit your inspection request via email to permits@clevelandtexas.com

Please note Monday through Thursday Inspection cut-off time is 5:00p p.m. and Friday Inspection cut-off time is 11:30 a.m. 

• Permit Number
• Address of Job
• Contractor Name
• Contact Phone Number and Name
• Type of Inspection

All Contractors must fill out a contractor registration form available here or in our city office located at 907 E. Houston St, Cleveland, TX. Contractors must provide General Liability Insurance listing the City of Cleveland as the certificate holder, government issued ID, along with any applicable trade licenses.

• Your Social Security Number
• Your Texas Drivers License or Texas Identification Card
• Valid Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express)

The Cleveland Police Department provides involved parties copies of police reports and traffic accident reports for incidents that occurred within the city limits of Cleveland. Accident reports can be picked up between 5 to 10 days after the report has been filed. You may request a copy of a report by coming by the police department in person.

Rates updated by Ordinance 1181 on December 18, 2018. Below are our new fees:

Attorneys, insurance companies, or other agencies representing an involved party in a Cleveland Police case, can mail requests to: Cleveland Police Department, Records Division 226 Peach St. Cleveland, TX 77327

Please place your request on your business letterhead, and include as much information pertaining to the date and time, nature of the case, and involved parties as you may have. Please include a statement that states your interest in the case. You may call the Cleveland Police Department to find out the fee associated with your request at 281-592-2621.

Texas State Law regulates who may receive copies of cases. In some instances, your copy may be edited to withhold certain information pending disposition of the case or for other reasons.

• Don't publicize your trip until after you return.
• Don't leave large amounts of cash or jewelry in your home. Consider a safe deposit box, if appropriate.
• Contact the Cleveland Police Department's House Watch program. They will check your house daily to assist you in keeping your property safe while you're gone (apartments / condos excluded). Call 281-592-2621 for more information.
• Consider using a trusted friend or relative as a house sitter while you're gone.
• Check and lock all doors and windows.
• Make arrangements for someone to pick up your newspaper and mail daily; change the position of the drapes and pick up debris in the yard at least every other day; watch your house (preferably a close neighbor) and have them park their car in your driveway; and mow the lawn on your regular schedule

• Garbage, trash, and accumulated debris
• Noxious weeds
• Abandoned vehicles (on private property)
• Unlicensed and inoperative vehicles stored on private property
• Commercial vehicles parked in a residential zone
• Structures built within setbacks
Signs placed in the right of way
• Illegal signs on private and public property
• Fences over 6 feet in residential zones
• Fences over 4 feet in residential front yards
• Fences in disrepair
• Tree branches hanging low over sidewalks or streets, vegetation growing onto or over sidewalks
• Construction or grading without the proper permit
• Vacant buildings open to unauthorized entry
• Basketball hoops on the sidewalk or street
• Illegal operation of business in a residential zone
• Businesses operating without a business license or proper permits
• Activities not in compliance with current zoning regulations

• Mail the completed application to:
  City of Cleveland
  Human Resource Department
  907 E. Houston Ave.
  Cleveland, TX 77327
• Fax the completed application to 281-592-6624 to the attention of Human Resources.

Once the application is received by the Human Resources Department, it will be reviewed for completeness and meeting the minimum qualifications. If these items are met, it will be forwarded to the hiring manager for review. The hiring manager has the opportunity to contact you to schedule an interview. However, not all qualified candidates will be contacted.

We currently accept Visa and Mastercard only. Please note that a 5% processing fee applies to all credit card transactions

Garbage has to be out by 7:00 a.m. to be picked up. Frontier Waste Solutions runs until 7:00 p.m. the day of trash collection. Call Frontier Waste Solutions at 936-258-9035 if your garbage is not picked up and it was out by the time required.

You will need to contact Frontier Waste Solutions at 936-258-9035.

You can purchase Extra Household Service Stickers. City Hall will have them at the Utility Department Counter for $1.50 per sticker. 

1-sticker for 1 bag of household trash.

Yes. Please put all household and yard waste in the cart each week.  You can also put yard waste during Bulk and Brush Service days.

You can put the limbs out with the Heavy/Bulk trash pickup at the end of each month. You get twelve (12) items per month.

IMPORTANT! For the safety and protection of Waste Management employees and equipment, we do require that branches and tree trimmings be no greater than three inches (3") in diameter and be cut, tied and bundled in four-foot (4') lengths weighing no more than forty to fifty pounds (40-50lbs.)

Please report it to Frontier Waste Solutions at 936-258-9035. 

Public will have an opportunity to speak to the Council during the meeting during Public Comments. You must complete the sign up sheet prior to the comments being called and turn into the city secretary.  Please note that public comments are limited to three minutes unless an translater is required and the time is doubled.  Council can't reply or take any action during public comments.  

A quorum is the minimum number of members of a necessary to conduct the business of that group. If there is not a quorum of members than the meeting can not take place as no actions would be able to be conducted.  For Cleveland City Council a quorum is three voting members.   For Cleveland Economic Development Board a quorum is four voting members.

You can email the council members or call City Hall and leave a message for them or mail them letters at City Hall.  Their email addresses are listed on the City website.

Bulk trash collection happens on the LAST Thursday of the month.

Please place all items at your curb the day of the event.

Come to a City Council meeting or view our agenda and minutes documents to stay up to date on City Council news.

The Utility Billing and Collections Division is responsible for all customer service, including new customers.

Visit our Doing Business page to learn about our municipal code and how to apply for permits.

City Council meetings have fully opened back up 100% to the public we are also live streaming meetings (barring any technical issues) to our YouTube Channel.  Emergency meetings only require a one hour posting prior to the meeting, and must meet requirements of an emergency meeting.  Notice of all meetings will continue to be posted on our website, as usual, as well as we push the notification out on all social media. 

Liberty County has a line set up for questions - you can dial 211, hit Option 6 and you can speak with a person for general questions or speak with them if you think you may have the virus and they can advise what you need to do.

All City facilities have resumed regular operations with adherence to state guidelines as they relate to COVID-19 and social distancing.

You can also view our website www.clevelandtexas.com where there is a page dedicated to COVID-19. 

Please follow Cleveland ISD on their website and Facebook for up to date information on the re-opening of schools for the fall. https://www.clevelandisd.org/ 

To contact them directly for question you can email them at info@clevelandisd.org.

Yes.

Sec. 18-119. - Limitation on number of dogs.

               A person commits an offense if that person keeps or harbors more than four dogs older than six months on any premises used for residential purposes.

               (Code 1969, § 7-45; Code 1998, § 18-119)                           

               A person commits an offense if that person keeps or harbors more than four dogs older               than six months on any premises used for residential purposes.                           

No. Keeping of livestock and fowl is restricted in the City of Cleveland.

Sec. 18-76. - Keeping of livestock and fowl restricted.

(a)

Definition. For purposes of this section, the term "livestock" shall include cows, calves, bulls, horses, ponies, mules, jacks, jennies, jeanettes, donkeys, burros, sheep and goats.

(b)

Maintenance of pens and premises. A pen, coop or other enclosure for any livestock or fowl within the city shall be maintained and kept in such condition as not to become unsanitary, offensive or disagreeable to persons residing in the vicinity, nor shall it be so maintained or kept to permit the breeding of flies or in any manner cause injury to the health or comfort of the public or any person working or residing in the vicinity of such pen, coop or other enclosure. A pen, coop or other enclosure shall be cleaned at least once a week, and the manure or refuse from such pen or enclosure shall be promptly removed from the vicinity after each cleaning.

(c)

Proximity to buildings. It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, harbor or raise any livestock or fowl within the city in a pen, coop or other enclosure situated at any point closer than 100 feet to a building or structure used by humans for sleeping, dining or living or to a building or structure used as a restaurant or public eating place, church, school or hospital, provided that this distance requirement shall not apply to the dwelling occupied by the owner of the livestock or fowl. Such distance of 100 feet shall be measured in a straight line from the nearest point of the pen, coop or other enclosure or area in which the livestock or fowl is contained to the nearest point of such building.

(d)

Size of pen or enclosure. It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, harbor or raise any livestock within the city limits except within a pen or enclosure not less than 2,500 square feet in area per animal, provided that a person may keep, harbor or raise not more than four sheep and goats for each 2,500 square feet within such pen or enclosure.

(Code 1969, § 7-4; Code 1998, § 18-76; Ord. No. 687, § 1, 3-11-2002; Ord. No. 711, §§ 1, 2, 4-8-2003; Ord. No. 752, § 1, 9-14-2004)
                        

Please call the Police Departments dispatcher line at 281-592-2621. They will report the issue to the Animal Control Officer. The Animal Control Officer can only pick up dead animals in roadways and is not able to remove any dead animals from private property.

Call Police Department dispatch line at 281-592-2621 to arrange for the Animal Control officer to meet with you.

If you are the owner of an impounded dog, please follow these instructions:

• Pay $15 to have the animal released to your custody from the shelter
• Must have proof of a recent rabies shot
• If no proof of rabies shot, an appointment must be made to get vaccinated prior to leaving the shelter. If the appointment is not kept a summons can be sent to you.

It can take about six months or more before a grave will settle. The ground is prone to wash out during heavy rains. We understand it can be concerning to see washed out spaces around a loved ones grave. The excavation of a grave, or any other reasonable size hole, results in the loosening of the excavated material. When soil is replaced into a grave, it will inevitably contain more air pockets than the compacted soil before excavation. Over time, a backfilled grave will 'sink' as the air pockets escape and the soil settles; this is absolutely natural and practically unavoidable, especially in wet weather. 

Please call our office and notify us so we can have our cemetery crew go and fill in any spaces to assist in the settling process.

Ph. 281-592-2667

All headstone placements must be permitted through the City Secretary's office and requires a $20.00 marker permit fee.  Standard sizes for single graves are usually 24 by 12, 28 by 16, or 18 by 24 inches. Standard sizes for companion graves are usually 36 by 18 inches or 44 by 14 inches. If you wish to have a flower vase at the gravesite it must be attached to the headstone. NO BENCHES ALLOWED (unless part of the headstone). 

You must notify the City Secretary's office Three (3) days prior to a headstone placement so that the cemetery crew can properly mark the space for the placement.  

Space sizes:

Individual Full Space: 5ft x 10ft or 4ft x 10ft (you can call City Hall if you have questions on which space size your loved one is in)

Urn Space: 2 1/2 ft x 3 1/4 ft

Baby space: 5 ft x 3 1/4 ft

No. The city does not buy back spaces. The space/lot owner is responsible for selling the space if they so desire. The space/lot owner is required to notify the City Secretary’s office so we can draw up a transfer deed and record the new owners information. The cost of the transfer deed is $5.00. 

No. It is not permitted to spread cremated remains/ashes on top of any grave space in the City of Cleveland Cemeteries. Only one person, per space, is allowed. 

Cremains - cremated remains of a deceased individual. 

If you find that your loved ones headstone is sinking, shifted or leaning you will need to contact a headstone or monument company to have it fixed. The City is not responsible for leveling, moving, cleaning or shifting headstones. 

No. Benches are no longer permitted on grave spaces. 

No. It shall be unlawful for any person to plant any tree or shrub upon any lot or plat in the City Cemeteries. The City of Cleveland shall have the right to remove any tree or shrub plants or found growing upon any lot or plot in the City Cemeteries. The City shall have the right to remove any object or enclosure that is not in accordance with these rules and regulations.