Housewatch Program for the Holidays
Please contact the police department if you are leaving for the upcoming holidays. Police personnel will be checking for packages and other items left at a residential doorstep.
Public Safety Holiday Tips
Holiday Crime-Prevention Tips for Southside Place Residents
At Home
- Lock all doors and windows.
- Use timers for lights when you’re away.
- Stop mail/newspapers or ask a neighbor to collect them.
- Bring in packages quickly, don’t leave them on the porch.
- Sign up for the Southside Place Police House Watch program if traveling.
Vehicles
- Always lock your car and take your keys.
- Don’t leave valuables or shopping bags visible.
- Park in well-lit areas.
- Never leave your vehicle running unattended.
Personal & Online Safety
- Shop only on secure websites (“https”).
- Be alert for delivery scams, fake charities, and phishing emails.
- Shred old mail and financial documents.
- Avoid posting travel plans or expensive gifts online.
- While traveling home, if you notice a suspicious vehicle following you, go immediately to the Southside Place Police Department and report it to the dispatcher.
Around the Neighborhood
- Report suspicious activity: Southside Place Police Non-Emergency – 713-668-2341.
- Get to know your neighbors and look out for one another.
- Keep outdoor lights on and trim bushes near doors and windows.
Southside Place Adopted 2025 Tax Rate and Budget News
The adopted 2025 tax rate is 0.340896 per $100 valuation. The previous 2023 tax rate increase was a result of the city drainage improvement and street reconstruction project along Edloe/Harper/Auden. City debt includes monies for the clubhouse acquisition, Town Center, community pool, 2008 water/sewer infrastructure improvements, and the $8 million drainage improvement project. The 2025 tax rate is the same as the 2024 rate. The city ta rate remains lower than Bellaire. Capital projects for 2026 include residential drainage improvements along Auden and purchase of a new public safety vehicle. In 2025, Clubhouse roofing repairs were made at a cost of $150,000.
Southside Place Tax Bill Reminder
All city tax bills will be mailed by the end of October. The Over 65 exemption is $185,000. The average appraised home value in Southside Place is $2,034,561. City Tax bills are separate from your county bill. If needed, please drop-off your city tax bill in the night deposit box. A new city tax bill format has been adopted after our offices moved to a new tax software company. If you would like a copy of your five-year history, please let us know and we are more than happy to provide you a copy of your 2024 city tax bill for reference.
Houston Surface Water Rate Increases and Utility Fees
Southside Place is required to purchase 80% of its drinking water from the City of Houston. Houston surface water rates are increasing over the next 4 years. The city will be increasing utility rates starting with October water usage. Sanitation collection fees are $45/month. Please place Southside Place black sanitation bags at the curb. Garbage cans should not be placed at the curb. If your household needs additional sanitation bags, please e-mail permits@southsideplacetx.gov
2025 Holiday Sanitation Schedule
Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 27 – No Sanitation Collection
- One trip through city – Friday, November 28
The Week of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
- City-Wide SANITATION collection – Monday, December 22
- City-Wide RECYCLE collection – Tuesday, December 23
- No Sanitation/Recycle Collection Wednesday, December 24 or Thursday December 25
- City-Wide SANITATION collection – Friday, December 26
New Year’s Day (2026) – Thursday, January 1 – No Recycle Collection
- Regular Monday and Tuesday Sanitation Collection
- City-Wide RECYCLE collection – Wednesday, December 31, 2025
- City-Wide SANITATION collection – Friday, January 2, 2026
Event Calendar
November 11: Veterans Day
November 11: City Council Meeting
November 12: Cyber Awareness Event
November 16: Movie in the Garden
November 27: Happy Thanksgiving
December 5: Winter Wonderland
December 6: Toy Drive/Blood Drive at City Hall
December 7: Holiday Party at Clubhouse
December 25: Christmas Day
January 1: New Years Day
January 13: City Council Meeting
Upcoming Sustainable Southside Events
Upcoming Community Garden Events
Upcoming Civic Club Events
SSP Holiday Decorating Contest
Time to deck the halls! Haul out the holly for the annual SSP Holiday Decorating Contest. Winners will be awarded in the categories of “Best Door”, “Best Overall”, and “Santa’s Choice.” Judging will take place the week of 12/15 so put your best holiday cheer on display!
Upcoming Fire Truck Park Fund Events
Sustainable Southside Place FAQs
Sustainable Southside Place FAQs
Q. Is waxed paper/cardboard (eg. milk carton) recyclable?
A. No, the waxed material is not able to be processed for recycling.
History in Your Neighborhood
Be sure to stop by the clubhouse to see the new Texas Historical Marker honoring Southside Place Park (now known as Firetruck Park.) After 84 years in business, Molina's received the Texas Treasure Business Award from the Texas Historical Commission in recognition of the family's restaurant legacy. Southside Place resident Kate McCormick researched and wrote both nominations. Thank you Kate from the City of Southside Place for all of your hard work on these nominations.
Residential Public Safety Security Assessments
The police department is offering security assessments at residential homes. The goal of the program is to utilize proven crime prevention methods to make Southside Place safer one house at a time. Please call city hall at 713-668-2341 to set up an appointment with a police officer.
Leaf Blower Rules and Regulations
Please remember that Non-residents shall not operate any leaf blower on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays per city ordinance #168.
Southside Place 2024 Water Report
The 2024 Southside Place Drinking Water Report is available at city hall and here. Southside Place maintains an exceptional water system and purchases 80% of its drinking water from the City of Houston. Southside Place water rates will increase with the October billing as a result of the yearly surface water fee increase from Houston.
Clubhouse Roofing Replacement
Throughout summer of 2025, new roofing and other outdoor repairs were made to the exterior of the clubhouse. The clubhouse is over twenty years old and budgeted expenditures were $150,000 for maintenance.
Yard Waste Recycling - Bio Bags
Compostable thirty-three gallon Bio Bags are now available at city hall for purchase at a reduced cost. Yard waste will be recycled into compost, mulch, and soils.
Sidewalk Assessment Study and Recommendation Report
An engineering team has reviewed sidewalk conditions in the residential area. Sidewalks were evaluated and scored for replacement purposes for 2026. The sidewalk assessment study is available for review to residents at City Hall.
Fire Department Grant Award and Hydrant Testing/Painting
The fire department recently was awarded a $20,000 grant for new air packs and bottles. Annual testing and repainting of the city fire hydrants occurred in early June. The city maintains an Insurance Service Office (ISO) fire rating of 1. This rating is the best fire classification a city can obtain.
Who Knew Texas' Greatest Dog Hero was from Southside Place?
Southside presents a children's book, Happy: The True Story of a Stray Dog Who Became a Hero. This illustrated book recounts the story of a neighborhood dog who saved two Darcus Street families from a house fire in 1931 and set into motion the birth of our Southside Volunteer Fire Department. Happy's heroism also earned him the title of Texas' Greatest Dog Hero of 1931.
Pick up your copy of Happy and a "happy in Southside" t-shirt at City Hall.
* Royalties from book sales benefit the Houston SPCA
Water/Sewer Rate Winter Averaging in Southside
Winter averaging occurs during the billing cycle months of December and February.
Poor Farm Ditch Funds - $32 Million
Harris County Flood Control District has been secured in the amount of $32 Million. Flood Control has surveyed the ditch and easement areas along Edloe. A public meeting will be scheduled at a later date.
Southside Place Yard Waste Recycling Bio Bags 1/2 off Purchases at City Hall
33-gallon compostable Bio Bags are now available at city hall for purchase. Yard waste will be recycled into compost, mulch, and soils.
- What it includes
- The program accepts BAGGED grass, leaves, twigs, and small sticks. BUNDLED branches cut shorter than four feet are also accepted. Yard waste will be recycled into compost, mulch, and soils. Maximum bag weight is 40 pounds.
- How you bag it
- Paper lawn & leaf bags and BioBags are accepted for the yard waste recycling program. You can purchase lawn & leaf paper bags and BioBags online or at local hardware and grocery stores.
- BioBags are now available for purchase ON SALE at City Hall by the case (120 bags for
$70$35) or by the box (10 bags for$6$3.) Because the bags are compostable, we suggest you store them in a climate-controlled area in your home.
- What to tell your lawn service
- If your yard maintenance service typically leaves your yard waste bagged and on your property, please encourage them to use the approved bags. Otherwise, it will be collected with trash.
- What NOT to do
- Do NOT use any other bags except BioBags or the paper lawn and leaf bags.
- Do NOT place contaminants in the bag - no dog waste or trash, paper, or plastics.
- Do NOT put your bagged yard waste at the curb anytime except during the approved window for trash, which is no earlier than 6PM on the evening before your trash is collected.
- Why is this important
- The city estimates that approximately 40% of our waste stream is comprised of yard waste. The cost per ton of recycling our yard waste is less than the cost per ton of trash disposal, so not only is yard waste recycling the sustainable choice, but it also saves the city money. Yard waste recycling is optional, but we strongly urge you to join your neighbors and help keep Southside green!
- Who to contact with questions
- Steve Kenney, Public Works Director, City of Southside Place 713-668-2341 or publicworks@southsideplacetx.gov
City Flood Prevention Ordinance Regarding Residential Construction
Harris County has provided new guidelines to all cities regarding flood prevention measures for residential construction. These regulations include the 500-year floodplain, and new construction methods. Please have your architect and builder contact city hall for additional information.
Bike Safety
We encourage cyclists of any age to be safe and responsible as they enjoy their rides around the city. This video from AAA provides an introduction to bike safety and sharing the road with vehicles and other cyclists. You can also visit their website for more information on bicycle safety. If you have any questions or concerns you can contact the Southside Place Police Department.
Sign Up with HCFCD to Receive Customizable Water Level and Rainfall Alerts
Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) has announced enhancements to their website to provide residents the option to receive automated alerts regarding water levels and rainfall via text message, email, or both.
Staff Contacts - 713-668-2341 City Hall Phone Number
| Department | Staff Contact | |
|---|---|---|
| Police Department | Chief McCall | dmccall@southsideplacetx.gov |
| Fire Department, Water, Sanitation | Chief Serrano | firechief@southsideplacetx.gov |
| Building Department | Yani Ramirez | permits@southsideplacetx.gov |
| Utility/Water Payments | Yani Ramirez | permits@southsideplacetx.gov |
| Inspections | Yani Ramirez | permits@southsideplacetx.gov |
| Municipal Court | Stephanie Leal Donna Terrell |
|
| Public Works - Water, Waste Water, Sanitation |
Steve Kenney | publicworks@southsideplacetx.gov |
| Parks and Rec - Pool, Clubhouse, Pavilion |
Alyssa Harrison |
aharrison@southsideplacetx.gov or call 832-509-4642 |
| Administration | David Moss | citymgr@southsideplacetx.gov |
| City Hall General Questions | Andrew Deavers | adeavers@southsideplacetx.gov |
City Election for Southside Place
Please contact the City Secretary for questions or comments at 713-668-2341.
| City Election for Southside Place - Election Page | New Harris County Voting System - Video |
Recycling FAQ’s
How do I put my recycling at the curb?
- You may collect it all in one or more containers, for instance, in cardboard boxes, paper grocery bags, or plastic bins. Please do not use plastic bags.
Do I have to separate the different types of recycling?
- NO, you may co-mingle your recyclables in one or more containers! There’s no need to separate plastics from paper from metal from glass.
Do I have to flatten corrugated cardboard boxes?
- If you aren’t using them as your recycling “bins”, flatten your cardboard boxes.
Are plastic lids on plastic containers recyclable?
- YES, caps and lids smaller than 2” in diameter are recyclable but you must put them back on empty containers before recycling them. Larger lids may be recycled separately from their containers.
Are metal lids from glass jars recyclable?
- YES, all lids must be removed from glass containers before recycling the container. Lids larger than 2" in diameter may be recycled separately from the container but put any smaller lids in the trash.
Are pizza boxes recyclable?
- YES, if the box is clean and if any soiled part of the box is removed prior to recycling.
Are waxed cardboard drink/food containers (ie., milk, juice, egg whites) recyclable?
- NO, waxed cardboard is not recyclable.
What happens if my recycling is contaminated with things that should not be recycled?
- The City’s recycling is taken to a Waste Management recycling facility in the City’s compactor truck. If our recycling is contaminated, the city may be fined a surcharge for the entire recycling load.
What do I do with plastic bags that say they are recyclable?
- DO NOT recycle plastic bags with your other curbside recycling! Many local grocery stores have bins near the entrance for recycling plastic bags. Or go to www.plasticfilmrecycling.org to find out where else you may recycle them.
Recommendations
- Sort the aluminum cans into a paper bag, this simple act of kindness helps the city employees.
- Please flatten the corrugated cardboard boxes, this helps the city employees work more efficiently. Wet paper is collected.
- Electronics may be recycled at Best Buys. Please visit Best Buy for more information.
- Batteries may be recycled at Battery Plus locations. Please visit Battery Plus Recycling for more information.
Previous Southside Place Water Reports
The 2023 Southside Place Drinking Water Report is available at City Hall and on the website. Southside Place purchases 80% of its drinking water from the City of Houston.
2024 Drinking Water Quality Report
2023 Drinking Water Quality Report
2022 Drinking Water Quality Report
2021 Drinking Water Quality Report
2020 Drinking Water Quality Report
Southside Place Merchandise
Visit City Hall to purchase Southside Place Merchandise. They make great gifts for the whole family!
| 11 Oz. Traditional Ceramic Mug - $5 |
| |
| 28 Oz. Stainless Steel Tumbler Clear Plastic Slider Lid | Gildan Unisex Heavy Cotton T-Shirt | |
| Double Wall Vacuum Insulated - $25 | 5.3 Oz. Pre-Shrunk Cotton - $10 |