Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Permits
As long as the property is homesteaded under your name, you may obtain permits for construction.
If you will be digging on your property, you need to call 811 or (800) 344-8377 to have all lines located. If you need to locate a water, sewer, or gas line for investigation or repair purposes, you may call the City of Sealy at (979) 885-3511. A work order will be created for our service technician to mark the lines for you.
The Planning and Community Development Department is responsible for issuing construction permits. This department is located at 405 Main Street, Sealy, Texas 77474, or you may call (979) 885-1669 for assistance.
Yes, a permit is required. Please contact the Planning and Community Development Department for details on the compliance requirements.
Contractors must provide proof of a $100,000 liability insurance policy or a $10,000 Surety Bond listing the City of Sealy as the certificate holder.
Two (2) sets of plans are required, regardless of whether the structure will be residential or commercial.
Typically, residential plans take one week to review. Commercial plans can take up to two weeks to review.
The Planning and Community Development Department will provide information regarding the platting process. This department can be reached by phone at (979) 885-1669 or in person at 405 Main Street.
For properties located outside the city limits or within the ETJ, please contact the Austin County Courthouse.
For properties located outside the city limits or within the ETJ, please contact the Austin County Courthouse.
The Planning and Community Development Department, located at 405 Main Street, can provide you with a copy of a city map for a fee.
The City of Sealy has adopted the 2015 International Building Codes and the 2014 National Electrical Code.
Utilities
The City of Sealy provides water, sewer, gas, garbage, and recycling services. You may contact City Hall at (979) 885-3511 to determine which services are available at your address.
To establish utility service, the City must receive a completed application for service, signed water and/or gas service agreements, proof of identification, proof of ownership or a fully executed rental/lease agreement, and the applicable deposit. Identification must be a valid state- or United States-issued picture identification, and rental/lease agreements must be signed by all parties.
Residential utility deposits are as follows:
- Water/Sewer:
- $75 if you own the property
- $125 if you are renting/leasing
- $125 for mobile homes
- Gas:
- $75 if you own the property
- $250 if you are renting/leasing
- $250 for mobile homes
- Garbage only:
- $75 if you own the property
- $125 if you are renting/leasing
Service connect requests are accepted Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Generally, service connects can be completed the same day. Requests received after 4:15 PM will be connected the following business day. For additional information, you may contact City Hall at (979) 885-3511.
Generally, there is not a problem getting services turned on the same day. Please be advised that a gas connection at a property takes about 30 minutes and requires the customer to be present. The customer service technician will need access to light the pilot lights on gas appliances. Water and gas connections are completed between the hours of 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM Monday through Friday.
Heavy trash pick-up day is the customer’s last pick-up day of the month. Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) will pick up big, bulky items – up to three (3) cubic yards. Please be aware that household garbage and debris from remodeling or construction will not be picked up. Call City Hall at (979) 885-3511 for more information.
The City of Sealy accepts the following methods of payment. Click on a tab to see additional information on how that payment method may be submitted.
Cash
Cash
- In person at the City Hall lobby, 415 Main Street (during regular business hours)
- Drive-thru window located on the west side of City Hall, 415 Main Street (during regular business hours)
- Payment kiosk located on the west side of City Hall, 415 Main Street (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year) (The machine accepts currency but not coins.)
- In person at the City Hall lobby, 415 Main Street (during regular business hours)
- Drive-thru window located on the west side of City Hall, 415 Main Street (during regular business hours)
- Payment kiosk located on the west side of City Hall, 415 Main Street (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year)
- Drop box located on the west side of City Hall, 415 Main Street (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year)
- In person at the City Hall lobby, 415 Main Street (during regular business hours)
- Drive-thru window located on the west side of City Hall, 415 Main Street (during regular business hours)
- Payment kiosk located on the west side of City Hall, 415 Main Street (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year)
- Internet/web by visiting our online payment site(available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year)
- Over the phone by calling our Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system at (979) 200-4748 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year)
- Over the phone by calling the City of Sealy Utility Department at (979) 885-3511 (during regular business hours)
We accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express.
PLEASE NOTE: By paying with a credit/debit card, the customer will incur an additional, nonrefundable processing fee of 3.5% of the transaction amount or a minimum charge of $0.95, whichever is larger.
Bank DraftWant to avoid additional fees and never forget to pay your utility bill on time? Why not sign up for automatic bank draft? Each month, you'll continue to receive a paper utility bill in the mail for review. On the due date of the bill, we'll draft your bank account for the amount due. All you have to do is make sure funds are available in your account on the due date and that your banking information has not changed without notifying us. And best of all, this is a free service!
To sign up, visit with one of the cashiers at City Hall (415 Main Street), complete an authorization form, and present a voided check from the bank account that is to be drafted.
Deposits for utility accounts remain on the account until the City receives notification to discontinue service at that address.
After receiving written notification that services are to be disconnected, the final bill will be calculated, and the deposit(s) will be applied to that bill. If there are any funds remaining in excess of the final bill, they will be refunded by check to the customer. If any funds are still due after applying the deposit(s) to the final bill, they must be paid by the customer.
Rental Facilities
Yes, the City of Sealy has several facilities available for rent. They are:
- W. E. Hill Community Center located at 1000 Main Street
- Liedertafel Hall located at 116 Lux Road
- B&PW Park Pavilion located at 1008 Main Street
- Abe and Irene Levine Park Pavilion located at 410 Main Street
Please contact City Hall at (979) 885-3511 for availability and scheduling.
