Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there is a leash law in effect within Seabrook City Limits. The city ordinance states that any animal not physically restrained on or off private property is considered at large and in violation of Section 10-121.

You can own six dogs or cats, or a combination of such animals, with the total number not exceeding six over four months old, upon or within the premises of a single-family dwelling owned, occupied, or under the control of such person. In multiple-family dwellings, you can own two dogs or cats, or a combination of such animals, with the total number not to exceed two over 4 months old.

Yes, and the animal must be quarantined for a 10-day rabies observation period.

Yes, animals are available for adoption after being held a minimum of three working days. For more information about adoptions, please call the shelter at (281) 291-5644 or send an email. 

Yes, City of Seabrook residents are required to have their pet(s) microchipped and registered with Animal Control. This requirement is necessary to ensure that lost pets can be returned to their owners as quickly as possible.

Registration Requirements

To register your pet(s), you must submit the following documents to the Seabrook Animal Control & Adoption Center:

• Current rabies vaccination certificate
• Proof of spay/neuter (if applicable)
• Proof of registered microchip

The City of Seabrook Animal Control Department can provide residents with live animal traps and will pick up the trap and trapped animal. To request a trap, you must call Animal Control at (281) 291-5644 or submit an online request.

Residents may call the non-emergency Police Department number at (281) 291-5610 to report a barking dog complaint. If the complaint is a recurring issue, the resident will be directed to the Seabrook Municipal Court Department.

• City Ordinance - Section 10-128
• City Ordinance - Section 10-12

The City of Seabrook is not responsible for the care of your pet. Pets dropped off by owners will not be accepted at the Seabrook Animal Shelter. Animals found outside of Seabrook will not be accepted.

The Seabrook Animal Shelter is located at 1100 Red Bluff Road, Seabrook, Texas 77586 and is open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday - Sunday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

Report it by calling (281) 291-5610 and the animal control officer will handle the animal when on duty.

Bills are mailed by the last day of each month, so you should receive them within the first week of the following month. If you don’t receive your bill, please call the Utility Billing Department at (281) 291-5600 to inquire about balance due, payments received, etc.

Remember, not receiving your bill does not exempt your account from a penalty, service fees, or disconnection.

When you instruct your bank to pay your utility bill, it may take your bank one week or longer to complete the process and mail the check. If the check doesn't reach the City by the 15th of the month, you can proceed with assessing your account. To ensure your payments are credited promptly, the City offers an automatic debit program that electronically transfers funds from your account to ours each month based on your bill amount. You will never again need to worry about whether your payment has been received. You will still receive a monthly bill, so you know in advance the amount being charged to your account, but the bill will state that it is being paid by draft.

Property taxes are due each year on October 1^st. Any payments not received by January 31^st of the following year are considered delinquent and will begin accruing late charges and/or interest.

Please visit Harris County's website at the link below.

Please visit the Harris County Appraisal District's website at the link below.

Clear Creek Independent School District (CCISD) is headquartered in Galveston County. All property values for school district taxing purposes are appraised by GCAD.

1700 1^st Street, Seabrook, Texas 77586

Monday - Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1400 Cook Avenue, Seabrook, Texas 77586

City Council meetings are held at City Hall at 1700 1st Street on the 1^st and 3^rd Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. unless otherwise indicated.

1100 Red Bluff Road, Seabrook, Texas 77586

By contacting the Harris County Appraisal District at (713) 957-7800 or by visiting the link below.

Yes, reservations are accepted at the following City of Seabrook parks:

• Bayside Park
• Brummerhop Park
• Miramar Park
• Robinson Park
• Rex L. Meador Park

Yes! The Community House is directly across the street from City Hall and is the perfect location for your meetings and events. We encourage residents to use the Community House for meetings and nonprofit events. We offer great discounts to local youth and adult civic groups. To reserve the Community House, please fill out the online form linked here. 

The City of Seabrook can give you specific information on the location of your water and sewer lines by calling (281) 291-5725.

If you would like information on gas lines, contact the CenterPoint Energy Gas Division at (713) 659-2222 or (800) 752-8036.

If you would like information on power lines, contact the CenterPoint Energy Electric Division at (713) 207-2111 or (800) 752-8036.

CenterPoint Energy will locate gas lines upon request by calling (713) 659-2111 or (800) 752-8036.

CenterPoint Energy will locate power lines upon request by calling (713) 207-2222 or (800) 332-7143.

New utility customers must complete an application for new service and pay the required deposit amount. New service can be connected on the same day if the application and deposit are received by 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Visit our Utility Billing web page for additional information and applications.

SeabrookAlerts is the City of Seabrook’s official emergency alert and notification system. This system sends alerts to the public during emergencies. SeabrookAlerts is a free service that allows you to sign up online to receive customized alerts via text, email, and voice message. 

Emergency alerts are sent 24/7 when there is an immediate threat to life and/or property. In addition to emergency alerts, you can also choose to receive customizable community notifications. These include notifications about:

• Severe weather
• Safety risks
• Health risks
• Transportation disruption
• Utility disruptions
• Special event information 
• Test messages
• and more.

Click here to sign up for SeabrookAlerts. You can follow the online instructions to enter your personal information. It is your responsibility to keep this information up to date. If you no longer use a landline, please make sure your cell phone number is up to date in the system.

Emergency preparedness means taking action to be ready for emergencies before they happen. The objective is to simplify decision making during emergencies.

Emergency preparedness refers to actions that should be taken before an emergency, such as planning and coordination meetings, writing procedures, team training, conducting emergency drills and exercises, and prepositioning emergency equipment. Emergency response refers to actions taken in response to an actual, ongoing event.

It is everyone’s responsibility to be prepared for emergencies. Initially, emergency services will be consumed with responding to the disaster. It is up to each of us to prepare. Planning will help you, your family, and your friends manage an emergency calmly and effectively, keeping you all safe.

Families should develop an emergency plan to prepare their home, family, and office in case of a natural disaster or other emergency.

No. Evacuation is not the only protective action available to the public. In some situations, sheltering may provide protection that is equal to or even greater than evacuation. Sheltering may be the preferred protective action when weather, competing events, or short-term releases are factors.

Sheltering in place is one of several response options available to emergency management directors to provide an additional level of protection in the event of an emergency. Shelter in place is a protective action designed to use an indoor facility, such as your own home or a public building, and its indoor atmosphere to shield people from a hazardous outdoor environment. Sheltering in place means persons will remain in a building until emergency management officials issue additional instructions or declare that the emergency condition has ended. It is a short-term option for limiting the potential exposure of persons to hazards that may be present in the outdoor environment. It will most likely be a matter of hours, not days.

A disaster supply kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in an emergency. You may have to evacuate immediately, and you can only take essential items with you. You may also have to survive on your own after the emergency, so having your own food, water, and other sufficient supplies for at least 7 days is a good idea. Your supplies should also include items to help you manage power and water outages.

The Seabrook Police Department is located at 1400 Cook Street, Seabrook, Texas 77586.

The Seabrook Police Department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

All tickets are paid through the Seabrook Municipal Court. If you would like more information, please click the link below.

Yes.

Please contact the Seabrook Municipal Court.

Please visit the link below and complete the online form.

Yes, you must register a golf cart with the Seabrook Police Department.

Yes, the City of Seabrook enforces a noise ordinance.

No.

If you would like to submit a compliment or complaint, please visit the link below.

Crash reports may be purchased through the Texas Department of Transportation Crash Records Information System.

To obtain a copy of a police report, please complete a Police Department Public Records Request using the link below.

Once a report is processed (up to 7 business days), it may then take an additional 7-10 business days after your request has been received. 

We can fax and email reports once we receive your request and any applicable fees.

Submit your request in writing, in person. Background checks are provided only to Seabrook residents and are local in nature. We cannot provide background checks on anyone other than the requester.

Curbside residential trash pickup is offered twice per week. Garbage must be at the curbside by 7 a.m. and be picked up by 5 p.m. on your scheduled day. Pick-up days are either Monday and Thursday or Tuesday and Friday. Please make sure that all garbage is securely bagged and enclosed in your issued waste container.

Yes.

Waste Management may be contacted by phone at (800) 800-5804.

The Harris County Household Hazardous Waste Facility is open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and the 2^nd and 4^th Saturdays of each month. To properly dispose of paint and other Household Hazardous Waste materials, please make an appointment using the link below.

The City of Seabrook's Mosquito Control truck can only fog areas within the public right-of-way, not on private property.

• Get rid of standing water on your property where mosquitoes might breed.
  • Flower pots, tires, cans, buckets, plastic children's toys, tarps, etc.
• Keep gutters clean and free-flowing
  • Standing water in gutters can breed mosquitoes.
• Keep swimming pools, spas, and fountains properly treated with chemicals.

The type of sprayer now used by the City of Seabrook is a ULV (ultra low volume) quiet fog sprayer. Coupled with the hours that we spray (7 pm – 5 am), residents may not hear or see the truck go by. Seabrook Mosquito Control is only able to spray accessible public rights-of-way.

Landing rate counts are conducted by City of Seabrook staff to measure adult mosquito activity in a specific location or area. This is achieved by counting the number of mosquitoes that land on a person within 1 minute. Spray schedules are then recommended by staff.

The City of Seabrook uses a broad-spectrum, all-temperature, quick-knockdown, low-odor, and non-corrosive synergized synthetic pyrethroid insecticide for the control of adult mosquitoes in residential, recreational, and other areas. This same product can also help control biting and non-biting midges and black flies.

The assigned Fire Inspector visits an existing business facility and conducts a thorough inspection. Any violations found are recorded on a Fire Inspection Report, along with the applicable codes and the corrective action required to come into compliance. The Fire Inspector will discuss the report in detail with the occupant to ensure that the information is clearly understood.

We strive to inspect businesses annually.

You can contact the Seabrook Fire Marshal’s Office via email or by calling (281) 291-5787.

The Fire Code is a set of fire safety requirements developed to protect a specific type of operation, protect the occupants of a building from fire, and reduce the potential for a fire to start. These requirements are developed based on information gathered from around the country, where past fires have occurred. A significant amount of investigation and research is conducted to determine the actual cause of fire before an item becomes a part of the Fire Code. Once a city has adopted the Fire Code, it becomes the City Ordinance that regulates fire safety. Failure to comply with the Fire Code can result in citations and fines.

The Fire Code used by the City of Seabrook is part of a series of Codes that are designed to do two specific things:

1. to protect the lives of the people who enter, work, visit, or otherwise occupy a building, and
2. to ensure that all aspects of the construction of a building, fire protection systems, and the operations or functions performed within a building are done in a fire-safe manner.

There are two general reasons for conducting fire/safety inspections.

1. To ensure that any building in which the general public enters for business, entertainment, social, religious, or other purposes is maintained in a fire-safe status.
2. Fire safety inspections provide the owner/occupant of the building with an indication of fire/safety hazards so they may correct the hazards to reduce their liability and potential for loss due to a fire.

If a violation is found that is a maintenance-related problem, the Fire Inspector will provide a date (generally 30 days) to correct the violation. If the violation can be corrected during the inspection, it will be noted on the inspection form that the correction has already taken place.

If a violation is found that will require the alteration or installation of new equipment or safety features, the Fire Inspector will indicate this on the report and provide a date to submit a written proposal to the Fire Marshal’s Office that will include an anticipated date by which you can make the necessary corrections. Each written request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, depending on the type of repair or installation needed. If the request is within a reasonable time limit, and a reasonable level of safety can be maintained, an extension to comply will generally be granted.

Once a Fire Inspector notifies you of a fire code violation, they will issue an inspection report requiring that the conditions be corrected immediately. A reinspection will be scheduled to verify compliance according to the Fire Inspector's schedule. This is typically 30 days.

Initially, the Fire Inspector will issue a Notice of Violation. The Notice will indicate a date by which the violation must be corrected. The Fire Marshal’s Office will make every effort to work with the building owner/occupant to bring the building into compliance without taking further legal action. However, if the building owner/occupant continues to resist efforts to correct a fire hazard, the owner or occupant may receive a citation.

A re-inspection becomes necessary when a violation is found that cannot be corrected at the time of the inspection. The reason for the re-inspection is to produce documentation showing that the violation has been corrected and that the building is in compliance with all applicable codes and laws.

Yes. Contact our office at (281) 291-5787 to request a courtesy inspection. We'll schedule a convenient time to stop by and talk about any concerns you may have.

The requirements for installing a fire alarm system are based on several factors found in current buildings (as well as those under construction). These factors include the type of building classification, the number of people that can be in the building (based on the maximum number of people), and the size of the building.

A fire alarm system is considered a life safety system. It is designed to operate automatically when either a manual pull station is activated or a smoke detector detects smoke. Upon activation, it will notify the building occupants by flashing lights and a loud sound to evacuate the building.

A fire alarm system is also one of the two most important fire protection systems that can be installed in a building to protect the contents, inventory, stock, merchandise, tools, and equipment, as well as the lives of those who work in and visit the building.

The requirements for installing a fire sprinkler system are based on several factors found in current buildings (as well as those under construction). These factors include the building classification, building size, and building contents.

A fire sprinkler system is considered a life safety system. It is designed to operate automatically when a certain amount of heat at the ceiling level activates a sprinkler head, causing water to flow. This water flow will either completely extinguish a fire or prevent it from spreading until the fire department arrives. National Fire Protection Association statistics indicate that in almost all cases, only one or two sprinkler heads activate when a fire actually occurs.

A fire sprinkler system is also one of the two most important fire protection systems that can be installed in a building to protect the contents, inventory, stock, merchandise, tools, and equipment, as well as the lives of those people who work or reside in the building and those who visit it.

No. There are no provisions in the International Fire Codes that allow a building to exist in an unsafe condition.

The occupant load for a building is the number of people who can be in a specific area of the building. It uses the actual square foot of a room or area multiplied by a factor indicated in the Fire Code for that type of room use. The total occupant load for a building is calculated by summing all the room/area occupant loads.

Certain types of rooms are exempt from the calculation, such as bathrooms, because they are usually occupied by someone from one of the other rooms.

The occupant load indicator in the Fire Code varies by room use; for example, an office area does not require as much room as a room used for manufacturing equipment. The seating area of a church with fixed pews differs from that of a restaurant.

You must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy or a change-of-occupancy permit. To get this certificate, you must call the City of Seabrook Permit Office at (281) 291-5669 and schedule an inspection for a Certificate of Occupancy.

An inspection is required because buildings are built based on the contents or operations to be performed within them. When the occupancy changes, the Fire Inspector must verify that the building's fire protection-related construction features are consistent with the new occupancy and its contents and operations. Please note that at the time, additional fire protection systems or fire-resistant construction may be required based on your operations. If the building meets the fire code requirements for your occupancy, the Certificate of Occupancy will be issued. If the building doesn't meet the specific Fire Code requirements, the Inspector will provide you with information on how to proceed and who to contact.

Various permits are required. A Permit allows the applicant to install or modify a specific fire protection system, storage tank, or other system outlined in the fire code. A comprehensive list of issued permits can be obtained by contacting the City of Seabrook Permit Office at (281) 291-5669.

Fees are currently assessed for permit issuance based on the type of application. Contact the City of Seabrook Permit Office at (281) 291-5669 for permit fees.

You can contact the City of Seabrook Permit Office at (281) 291-5669 to request an application, or visit the link below for online applications.

You may contact the City of Seabrook Permit Office at (281) 291-5669, or if specifically requiring a fire inspection only, you may contact the Seabrook Fire Marshal’s Office at (281) 291-5787

We are located at the Seabrook Volunteer Fire Department, 1850 E. Meyer Avenue, Seabrook, Texas 77586.

Yes, if you would like to hold a special event in Seabrook, then you are required by City ordinance to obtain a Special Event Permit. To obtain a Special Event Permit, please complete and submit the Special Event Application using the link below.

SeabrookAlerts is the City of Seabrook’s official emergency alert and notification system. This system is used to send alerts to the public during emergencies and is a free service that allows you to sign up online to receive customized alerts via text, email, and voice messages. 

In addition to emergency alerts, you can also choose to receive customizable community notifications. These include notifications about severe weather, safety, health, utility disruptions, major traffic incidents, etc. The City of Seabrook provides this service free to the public; however, message and data rates may apply.

When an emergency occurs that meets the criteria for sending out an alert to the public, the City of Seabrook’s emergency operations staff will gather the necessary information and push out an alert to the affected area. Alerts can be sent out city-wide to everyone who has opted-in to the system, or to a specific area or neighborhood for more localized events.

1. Visit www.seabrooktx.gov/alerts
2. Click the “Sign Up for SeabrookAlerts” button
3. Click on the “Sign Up” button to add your information to this notification system.
   1. You will be asked to create an account:
      1. Create a Username and Password
      2. Usernames must be a minimum of 4 acceptable characters. Acceptable characters are: uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, period, dash (-), underscore (_), and at symbol (@). No other characters or symbols are permitted at this time.
      3. Password must be 8 to 64 characters long and contain at least one letter and one number. Special characters are permitted, but limited to !@#$%^&*(). Select a security question and enter its answer
      4. Enter a Registration Email Address. This address is used to send temporary passwords if you forget your credentials.
      5. Accept the Terms of Use by checking the box
      6. Click “Create Your Account”.

Complete Your Profile

After creating your username and password, you’ll be brought to a page where you can complete your profile. This is where you enter your personal information, including First Name, Last Name, and Registration Email. 

Next, you will select how you want to receive alerts. Options may include SMS text messages, email, mobile phones, landlines, or a mobile application for Android and iOS devices. The order in which you set these contact paths will determine the order in which we will try to reach you in an emergency. 

You can register as a resident or a business.

Use your company name for both your first and last names when registering a business.

Enter any Locations You Care About

We send alerts based on a geographical location on a map. You can insert up to five addresses for which you want to receive an alert if the area is affected by an incident or an upcoming event. 

IMPORTANT – If the address you provided is not in our database of known addresses for our jurisdiction, you will be presented with other options to add your address to this system, including: selection from a list of suggested addresses, or dropping a pin to select your location on the map. 

Unfortunately, you won't receive any location-based alerts if you don't provide a complete address.

Sign Up for Alerts You Care About

You’ll be presented with various alert subscriptions to sign up for. These could be important community alerts, transportation alerts, weather notifications, etc.

When emergencies happen, be the first to know. The City of Seabrook uses SeabrookAlerts to send official, real-time alerts to the public with information about potentially life-saving actions they may need to take to keep themselves and their families safe. By signing up for SeabrookAlerts, you're taking a significant step toward improving your personal safety.

This service is provided by the City of Seabrook at no cost to the public; however, message and data rates may apply depending on your provider and phone services.

While SeabrookAlerts is an excellent system, we cannot guarantee that you will receive a notification in all cases. Disasters and emergencies are chaotic and unpredictable, and notifications are dependent on external providers, such as your wireless carrier or email delivery service, which are outside the City of Seabrook’s control. SeabrookAlerts will use several communication methods to ensure that, if any one method, technology, or delivery option is unavailable to reach residents, other methods will be used to improve the likelihood that citizens will see the message.

SeabrookAlerts is available to anyone who lives, works, travels through, or visits the City of Seabrook. The address can be your home location, work location, or any other location you care about.

Emergency alerts are sent 24/7 when there is an immediate threat to life and/or property. In addition to emergency alerts, you can also choose to receive customizable community notifications. These include notifications about:

• Severe weather
• Safety risks
• Health risks
• Transportation disruption
• Special event information 
• Test messages

No.

Once you have signed up online at www.seabrooktx.gov/alerts and confirmed your contact information within the system, you will begin receiving alerts.

The frequency at which you receive alerts depends on the addresses you provide and the types of alerts you select to receive, as well as the frequency of actual emergencies. Emergency alerts will only be sent when there is an immediate threat to life and/or property. Community notifications will be sent when the criteria for sending an alert are met.

This system is not intended to bombard you with information. The City will only send you alerts about the information you select to receive.

If a call completes and is sent to your answering machine or voice mail system, a message is left. If a phone call is not answered or is busy, the system redials your number several times.

No, your information is private and will not be used or distributed in any manner. The information that you provide is exempt from public disclosure and will be used for emergency purposes only.

Personal information provided to SeabrookAlerts is private and only used to notify you for official City of Seabrook communications and to support the City of Seabrook’s emergency services.

Your information is not used for marketing purposes and will not be sold to telemarketers or data-mining organizations. A variety of “opt-in” mechanisms are available to ensure you are getting just the messages you want to receive, delivered via the devices and communications modes that you choose.

SeabrookAlerts utilizes the highest standards in physical and computer security technologies and conducts regular audits to ensure all information is kept secure. Privacy policies are also outlined in the Terms and Conditions you review when you sign up to receive SeabrookAlerts notifications.

GIS stands for Geographic Information Systems. It's a technology that captures, stores, manages, analyzes, and presents spatial or geographical data. Essentially, GIS enables us to understand and interpret data in its geographic context. It involves integrating various types of information—such as maps, satellite images, databases, and more—to create insightful visual representations of geographical areas.

ArcGIS is a comprehensive Geographic Information System (GIS) software developed by Esri. It's a powerful platform used for creating, managing, analyzing, and visualizing geographic data. ArcGIS provides a suite of tools and capabilities that enable users to work with spatial information effectively. It enables the creation of detailed maps, analysis of geographic patterns, management of geographic data, and the development of applications to solve real-world problems across industries such as urban planning, natural resource management, public health, and more. ArcGIS encompasses a range of applications —desktop, web, and mobile —that cater to different user needs and facilitate efficient decision-making based on spatial information.

Parcel data is owned and managed by the Harris County Appraisal District and can be obtained from their public data website.

Please report all data inaccuracies to Seabrook's GIS Department by calling (281) 291-5721 or emailing us.

Yes. The City’s aerial imagery is a public dataset. The City of Seabrook has numerous datasets available dating back to the 1940s. Seabrook also has drone imagery available. Anything derived from our aerial surveys that is deemed non-critical is also shared publicly.

Yes. The footprints were provided via an open dataset from Microsoft, generated using machine learning to derive buildings from aerial imagery.

If you cannot locate your address within Seabrook's GIS Portal, it's likely because you reside outside of the City of Seabrook's city limits. While your postal (mailing) address may show "Seabrook" as your city, your physical address may be outside of Seabrook's boundaries.

Search for addresses using our Quick Search by Address hub linked below.

Yes, please complete the PDF Map Request form with the pertinent information and our staff will contact you.

No, in accordance with city ordinances, the homeowner is responsible for their sewer line from their home to the tap on the mainline, and for their water from the home to their side of the meter.

Yes. If there is a utility easement on your property, city employees may access that easement to maintain optimal service to other residents, maintain existing infrastructure, and prevent hazards. When possible, city staff will contact the homeowner as a courtesy before accessing easements.

Yes, for city-owned water, sewer, and fiber.

The GIS Department curates the timeline and resident-submitted information for the History Map of Seabrook. This comes in the form of pictures, videos, documents, and even first-hand accounts and interviews. We encourage you to participate by submitting any photos you may have, however old, and, if possible, by giving an account of the times before. 

• Submit Historical Data
• Request an Amendment

No.

Yes. The city uses drones for aerial surveys to create 2D and 3D maps and to inspect infrastructure. It may be necessary for the drone to fly over your property to complete a task associated with this endeavor.

The United States Constitution and the Texas Constitution guarantee all people, regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, or economic status, the right to trial by an impartial jury.

As a juror, you must be fair and impartial. Your actions and decisions must be free of any bias or prejudice. Your actions and decisions are the foundation of our judicial system.

You were selected at random from a list of voter registrations and a list of driver registrations from the county in which you live.

Jurors must:

• Be a citizen of the United States and a resident of the City of Seabrook to serve as a juror for the Municipal Court
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Reside in the county of jury service
• Be able to read and write

You cannot serve on a jury if:

• You have been convicted of a felony or any type of theft (unless rights have been restored)
• You are now on probation or deferred adjudication for a felony or any type of theft
• You are now under indictment for a felony or are now under criminal charges for any type of theft

You are entitled to be excused as a juror if you: 

• Are over 75 years of age
• Have legal custody of a child under 10 years of age and jury service would leave the child unsupervised
• Are a student in class
• Are the caretaker of a person who is unable to care for themselves
• Can show a physical or mental impairment or an inability to comprehend or communicate in English

There are two basic types of cases, criminal and civil (including family cases).

Criminal Cases

A criminal case results when a person is accused of committing a crime. You, as a juror, must decide whether the person charged is guilty or not guilty. The accused person is presumed innocent, and the state, represented by the district or county attorney, must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Civil Cases

A civil case results from a disagreement or dispute between two or more parties. In a civil case, you, as a juror, must answer questions of disputed facts based on the testimony and evidence admitted by the judge. The answers to these questions are called the verdict. Note: Municipal Court does not hear civil cases. Will I be paid for being a juror? No. The Municipal Court is not required to compensate for jury duty.

Your employer is not required to pay you while on jury duty; however, employers are prohibited by law from firing an employee for serving as a juror.

Any person charged with a criminal offense or any party to a civil case has a right to a jury trial. All parties are equal before the law and each is entitled to the same fair treatment.

Yes. The Texas Supreme Court has rules to assist you in your conduct as a juror which will be given to you by the judge.

Yes, you may qualify to take a Driving Safety Course as long as you meet the other qualifications.

No, you must be a listed and covered driver on an insurance policy. You will need to to turn in a copy of your insurance card.

No, you are not eligible to take a driving safety course if you are a commercial driver’s license holder.

No, you must have a valid Texas Driver’s License.

The Seabrook Animal Control & Adoption Center uses DATAMARS microchips.

Microchip implantation is no more painful to pets than a flu shot is to a human. A Datamars PetLink microchip is as small and thin as a grain of rice and is easily implanted by trained staff.

No. Microchips cannot be used as tracking devices. They are a form of identification that can be checked with a microchip scanner by a veterinarian or shelter organization.

Please call or email the Seabrook Animal Shelter for assistance with updating your pet's microchip information.

No. The City of Seabrook is not limiting or restricting access to public records. All requestors, whether typical or classified as vexatious, can still submit and receive records in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act (Government Code §§ 552.275 et seq.). 

The purpose of the ordinance is to improve efficiency and fairness in how records requests are handled, not to reduce transparency or public access.

A vexatious requester is an individual who:

• Repeatedly submits frivolous, repetitive, or harassing records requests; and
• Whose actions strain city resources.

In simpler terms, these are requesters who overuse or misuse the open records process in ways that disrupt normal operations or create an excessive burden on staff.

For the majority of requestors, the process to access public information will not change.

The ordinance introduces a few changes to improve the management of requests:

• The City may request identification from requesters to verify their identity.
• After a single requester has utilized 36 hours of staff time within a fiscal year, or wishes to remain anonymous
  • prepayment would be required prior to staff allocating time to fulfill the request.
  • processing of future requests could be temporarily suspended if costs are owed on other open requests

For questions or additional information, please email the City Secretary's Office.

No. The local legal costs are paid by our local taxpayers; however, we do log attorney hours into the times associated with each request. State taxpayers pay for the costs associated with any AG rulings initiated by the City to process requests.

The AG only allows us to bill for the time it takes to gather and review records to respond to requests. We use the AG's cost calculator, which allows us to bill $15 for every hour of labor. This means that the requester is billed for less than 1/2 the costs associated with their requests, and the taxpayers pay the remainder. We can also bill for any costs for materials, but this does not come up often in our mostly digital world.

Seldom. Aside from police records, which are often paid for, the taxpayers pay 100% of the costs associated with record requests, the vast majority of the time.

No. Requestors are given 10 business days to pay for their requests in order to receive the records. If no payment is made, then the request is closed.

After one requester reaches 36 hours of staff time within a fiscal year, a cost bill may be sent in advance of the labor taking place. If that requester refuses to pay, this results in less costs passed on to the taxpayers. 

The City of Seabrook’s elections are conducted using Hart InterCivic Verity voting equipment that has been approved specifically for our city by both federal and state authorities. The equipment is not connected to the internet or any other computer system and cannot be remotely accessed or hacked. It also meets the latest security requirements set by the State of Texas, including the use of equipment manufactured entirely in the United States. This system provides a secure and trustworthy method of voting.

Pursuant to Texas state law, the City Secretary is the designated Elections Administrator for the City. In addition, state law provides that the City Secretary serves as the Early Voting Clerk for municipal elections. In the role of Early Voting Clerk, the City Secretary conducts early voting and holds the same authority and responsibilities as a Presiding Election Judge, including the authority to appoint Deputy Early Voting Clerks as permitted by law.

City Hall is the designated polling location for the City of Seabrook. As a public building, City Hall may be occupied by city staff and members of the public during the conduct of an election. City staff may also be present at any time outside regular business hours to perform their official duties. At no time are unauthorized individuals permitted within the designated polling areas of the building, and those areas remain secure at all times, including outside of regular business hours.

All ballots and election equipment are sealed when not in use and handled in accordance with all Texas state requirements. Required sealing procedures are followed throughout the election process and at the close of voting, and proper chain-of-custody protocols are maintained at all times.

In preparation for the May 2, 2026, election, the City of Seabrook has implemented some measures to improve efficiency and better support City staff. The City has purchased new electronic poll pads, which will streamline the voter check-in process by eliminating the need for voters to manually sign multiple paper forms. These electronic poll pads are similar to those successfully used by Harris County and the Clear Creek Independent School District, and will help reduce wait times, improve voter flow, and enhance the overall voting experience.

In addition, during the last budget cycle, the City Council provided enough resources for the City Secretary to hire a dedicated election staff not only for Election Day, but also for the entire early voting period. This staffing will include an Election Judge, an Alternate Election Judge, and Election Clerks. While the City Secretary will continue to serve as the Early Voting Clerk, the addition of election staff will provide essential support and allow the City Secretary and Deputy City Secretary to fulfill their duties without being physically present at all times during early voting. These enhancements will help ensure a smooth, efficient, and well-managed election process.

During the May 3, 2025, election, the controller device used to print voter access codes displayed an incorrect date. Upon discovery, election staff immediately reported the issue, prompting a Hart Intercivic technician to update the system and correct the date.

The Secretary of State’s Office advised that the device required prompt correction, which was completed accordingly. The Secretary of State’s Office further confirmed that Hart Intercivic technicians are authorized to be present at polling locations to provide maintenance and technical support for issues of this nature.

The date correction had no impact on the conduct or outcome of the election.

Council discussed last year the possibility of entering into a joint election agreement with Harris County for the May 2, 2026, City of Seabrook General Election. The City Secretary contacted Harris County to express Seabrook’s interest in participating in a joint agreement with other entities for the May 2026 elections and requested additional information to facilitate such an agreement.

Harris County issued an official statement to entities on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, stating "the Harris County Clerk's Office will not enter into election services with local political subdivisions for the Saturday, May 2, 2026, Uniform Election date."

A voter registered in another state was not permitted to vote in the 2025 Seabrook election. During the voter check-in process, a duly registered Seabrook voter inadvertently signed the check-in form on a line corresponding to a different registered voter who was out of state at the time of the election, and therefore did not vote. Upon discovery of the voter’s error, election staff immediately reviewed the records and confirmed that the Seabrook voter had properly signed in at the correct location in the official poll book. As a duly registered Seabrook voter, the individual was lawfully permitted to vote.

To help prevent similar issues in future elections, the City has purchased new electronic poll books. These electronic systems will streamline the voter check-in process by eliminating the need for voters to sign multiple paper documents and by ensuring that voters sign in the correct place electronically.

FlashVote is an independent, third-party platform for collecting community feedback transparently. Results are produced and reported by FlashVote, and participants see the same results as City staff. This shared access helps ensure openness and builds trust in the process.

FlashVote also allows responses to be published anonymously in the results, which can encourage more candid feedback while still meeting public information requirements.

Participation may include individuals with a legitimate stake in Seabrook, such as residents, city employees, business owners, or property owners. When a question is focused on resident opinion, FlashVote allows results to be viewed only for Seabrook residents.

Responses are collected in FlashVote’s secure system. The City receives community-level results, including percentages, totals, and grouped comments. These same results are shared with participants, so the community and the City are reviewing the same information.

FlashVote does not sell or share personal information. All data is encrypted and stored securely. The City does not receive individual responses tied to names, phone numbers, or accounts. Only summary results are provided.

Once a survey closes, the results are reviewed by City staff and City Council. The feedback becomes part of ongoing planning discussions and helps inform City decisions.

Survey results are emailed directly to participants after each survey concludes. Results are also posted publicly on the City’s website at www.seabrooktx.gov/flashvote so the broader community can review them.

Survey feedback helps inform the City’s Strategic Plan, which guides priorities, budgeting, and long-term projects. Community input is considered alongside available resources, legal requirements, and operational needs.

Not all feedback can be acted on right away. Implementation depends on factors such as funding, staffing, legal requirements, and long-term planning considerations. All feedback is reviewed and considered as part of the City’s decision-making process.

Surveys are among the tools the City uses to gather community input. The goal of the FlashVote program is to make feedback easier to share, improve transparency, and support informed planning over time.