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1. Do I need to register my pets?

All dogs and cats are required to have an annual El Lago pet license. To obtain a license, please bring a current copy of your pet’s rabies vaccination record. For multiple year rabies vaccinations, a license may be obtained for as many years as the vaccination is valid. Each license is $5 annually.

2. Who do I call about a lost or found dog or cat?

View the lost and found pets webpage for details.

3. Is there a leash law in El Lago?

All domestic animals (dogs and cats) outside of a fenced enclosure are required by law to be on a leash.

Please remember that not all residents are animal lovers. Some have severe allergies, are frightened by unknown animals and are frustrated when their yard is used as a litter box.
Any roaming animal (this includes cats) subjects its owner to an “animal-at-large” citation by the Lakeview Police Department.

4. What do I do about a barking dog?

Noise ordinances, which are enforced by the Lakeview Police Department, specify that dogs may not be a nuisance through continued or excessive barking, owners may be cited for failure to quiet their animal. If you are disturbed by a neighbor’s barking dog, please contact the Lakeview Police Dispatch to have an officer come to the location.

The officer must witness the nuisance by hearing the dog bark before a citation can be issued. Please do not file a complaint with the city as nothing can be done unless the officer hears the dog barking.

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1. How do I know if I need a building permit?

City of El Lago ordinances require the issuance of building permits as a method of enforcing minimum codes and standards for all applicable construction and remodeling within the city.

Use the following documents when applying for a building permit:

• Online Building Permit Application
• Building Permit Fees (PDF)
• Building Permit Procedures (PDF)

2. Is my contractor (plumber, electrician, builder, and/or repairman) registered and allowed to work in the city?

Please view the registered contractors webpage for a listing of currently registered contractors in the City of El Lago.

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1. What are City Hall hours?

The City Hall is open:

• Monday - Thursday
  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Friday
  9 a.m. - Noon

2. What city events are scheduled?

To view upcoming city events, please review the city's calendar.

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1. What is the Connect-CTY service?

The Connect-CTY service allows authorized civic leaders to create and rapidly disseminate time-sensitive messages to every telephone number stored in the notification database. With the Connect-CTY service, authorized users can send thousands of messages in minutes. Only authorized officials are allowed access to the system.

2. How does the service work?

Authorized officials record a voice message that is then delivered quickly to individual phones in the notification database.

3. What types of messages will be sent using the service?

Any message regarding the safety or welfare of our community would be disseminated using the Connect-CTY service. Examples would include severe weather warnings and updates, hazardous traffic or road conditions inside the town or affecting local routes, and any other situation that could impact the safety, property, or welfare of our citizens.

4. Does the Connect-CTY service replace other systems that have been used to provide time-sensitive information to residents?

This system is a significant enhancement to existing means of communication and is supplemental to, not a replacement for, the systems we have used in the past. The call-in emergency information line XXX-XXX-XXXX, which is activated during an emergency situation, will still be available. Also, TV, radio and our city website will continue to broadcast important announcements.

5. Is my telephone number included in the notification database?

It is our intention and hope that every residence and commercial facility in our community be included in the notification database. For businesses, we only store 1 main phone number. For residents, we may have more than 1 number that belongs to you in the database. Additionally, you may request to have a secondary number be entered into our database for priority calling.

6. May I use a cell phone as my notification database listing?

Yes, we can accept cell phones as secondary phone numbers in the database and encourage you to request that your number be included.

7. What precautions are being taken to protect personal information?

Connect-CTY™ is a service of The NTI Group, Inc. (NTI). NTI takes security and privacy concerns very seriously and does not sell, trade, lease or loan any data about our clients to any 3rd party. From a technical perspective, we utilize multiple physical and virtual layers of firewalls to maintain data security. NTI only utilizes secure transmissions with its customers.

No confidential information is ever transmitted between NTI and its customers using email or file transfer protocol (FTP), but rather always utilizes either a virtual private network (VPN) tunnel or secure sockets layer (SSL).

Data is hosted in state-of-the-art facilities, which require photo identification, thumbprint recognition, keyed access, and are manned 24/7 with full-security personnel. All data is encrypted prior to being placed on tape for offsite storage. NTI also retains an external, independent security firm to perform annual security audits.

8. Will there be a way to positively identify incoming calls which are made by the city using the system?

The caller-ID number for calls generated by the Connect-CTY service will be the same as the city office number of XXX-XXX-XXXX. In addition, every message will begin with the same standard announcement: “Hello, this is Chief ______ calling with an important message from the City of El Lago.” The message content will follow this standard introduction.

9. Will the Connect-CTY service work if I have a call screening system on my phone?

There are several varieties of call screening devices which use differing protocols for screening. In general, the system has been found to work with these devices; but, some may require some type of preprogramming to allow our town’s telephone number to pass through. We may conduct periodic testing to assure that messages are being delivered to numbers in the notification database.

10. If I am a nonresident home or condominium owner, what phone should be listed in the notification database?

For nonresidents or owners who reside out of our city, you may provide an additional phone number to be included in our database to contact during certain situations. In general, calls are sent to the primary number only, but we also have the ability to call multiple numbers for each resident or business when requested by the resident or business.

Please contact our City Hall office at 281-326-1951 to provide us with that information.

11. If I have provided more than 1 phone number, when will the phone numbers be called?

Should a situation arise that requires us to contact you at multiple phone numbers, we can activate the system to place a simultaneous call to all of your numbers. In most cases, we will be sending calls only to 1 phone number.

12. My primary phone or my 2nd listing is a cell phone with a nonlocal area code. Will the Connect-CTY service call numbers outside the area?

Yes. The area code does not impact whether or not a call is made.

13. How does the Connect-CTY system respond to busy signals or no-answer situations?

For busy signals, the call will be repeated several times in an attempt to reach you. T he same is true for no-answer and call-waiting. If the phone is answered by a message recorder, the message will be left on the answering device. If after several attempts the call does not successfully go through, the system will stop attempting to call.

14. I am receiving city notification calls at my fax or my secondary phone line. Can I switch to have the system call my primary phone number?

Yes. Please contact us at XXX-XXX-XX XX to change the phone number in our notification database.

15. I was not able to listen to the entire call. Is there a way to repeat the message?

Yes, at the end of the message playback, simply press the star (*) key on your telephone to have it repeated in its entirety.

16. I answer the phone, but the “hello” message repeats. It then hangs up, calls back, and the same thing happens again. How can I hear the entire message?

Repeating or looping of messages happens when the system detects excessive noise in the background. This can be caused by loud radio / television volumes, people talking, or busy traffic noise. When you receive the next call, say “hello” once and turn down the volume of your radio / television or press the mute button on your telephone to allow full message delivery.

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1. When are city elections?

View the election information webpage for details.

2. How do I run for the office of Mayor or City Council?

View the election information webpage for details on filing for office.

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1. What do I do when a hurricane is forecasted?

There is considerable information available on our website on what to do when a hurricane is approaching. Please view the when a hurricane threatens section.

2. How do I remove my name from the city’s call list?

If you have moved or no longer wish to receive messages from the City of El Lago, you may remove your name from our calling list by going to the Connect-CTY website. Select the option to "edit or delete my information" and follow the prompts.

Please keep in mind that you may select “emergency only” notifications while in that option that would allow you to still be informed in the event of an emergency.

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1. How do I get access to a boat ramp?

The boat ramps are operated by the homeowner associations (HOAs). Each different HOA operates its own boat ramp and you must contact them for assistance with keys or other information. Please view the homeowner associations webpage for the different homeowner associations and contact information.

2. Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?

While a permit to cut down a tree is not required, the contractor doing the cutting is required to be a registered contractor with the city. Please view the Building Department's webpage for more information regarding contractor registration requirements.

3. How do I report that a street light is out?

To report a streetlight outage, you will need the streetlight number, which can be found on the side of the pole and also a house address near the pole. Please visit Center Point Energy's website to report the outage.

4. Who is my homeowners association (HOA) and how do I contact them?

For residents in El Lago Sections 1-4 (older El Lago), please contact Houston Community Management Company by calling 832-864-1200. The boat ramp is located at Lakeshore Drive and Tallowood. The HOA is managed by the El Lago Committee HOA.

For residents in El Lago Sections 6-7 (El Lago Estates), please contact Rob O'Donel by email at rob@suntrac.com The boat ramp is located at the end of Whitecap Drive. The HOA is managed by El Lago Estates Civic Corp HOA.

For residents in Taylorcrest, please contact Maggie Asher by calling 832-858-1861. The boat ramp is located on Lake Arbor Drive and Crestwood. The HOA is managed by Taylorcrest Association HOA.

5. What types of trash and recycling will the garbage service pick up?

AmeriWaste, our trash and recycling company, will pick up household, yard and heavy waste in addition to recycling products. To see the schedule and AmeriWaste’s requirements for pickup along with a complete list of trash and recycling services, please view the 2014 AmeriWaste flyer (PDF).

6. Do I need an alarm permit?

Yes. Please complete the Residential Alarm Registration Permit (PDF) and bring it to City Hall. The permit fee is $5 annually and multiyear permits may be purchased.

7. Can I operate a golf cart in the city and if so, what are the regulations?

Yes, you may operate a golf cart in the city. The City of El Lago follows Texas state laws regarding golf carts.

• The cart must be insured with at least minimum liability insurance with proof of liability in the cart.
• The cart must only be operated by a licensed driver and be able to present a valid driver’s license when required.
• Cart must be equipped with headlights, tail lights, parking brake, reflectors and mirrors.
• Cart must be operated in accordance with city and state traffic laws (includes being driven only on roadways (not sidewalks or grass).

8. Can I park my car or vehicle on the street overnight?

On-street parking is prohibited between the hours of 3-5 a.m. For a single night’s forgiveness, you may contact the Lakeview Police Dispatch at 281-326-5900. Please be prepared to provide the license number of the vehicle that will remain on the street.

Single night forgiveness is provided in instances when your driveway is full and a guest is going to remain late into or over the night.

Longer term variances can be granted by the City Council. Please contact the City Secretary to request to be put on an agenda for consideration at 281-326-1951, ext. 111 or via email.

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1. How do I know when to evacuate?

• Listen to local news, radio or television.
• Be ready to follow recommendations of local officials.
• Follow storm development.

2. Who should consider leaving before hurricane evacuation becomes mandatory for the general population?

• Those in low lying or flood prone areas.
• Those who have concerns about the structural stability of their homes, i.e. trailers or mobile homes.
• If you plan to tow a boat or trailer or drive an RV.
• People traveling with young children, elderly family members or people with special needs.

3. What should I do if I need help to evacuate?

• Preferably make arrangements with family, friends or neighbors.
• Call 211 to make arrangements or call City Hall at 281-326-1951 or the Lakeview Police at 281-326-5900, but don’t wait to call - do it now.

4. What items are not allowed in public shelters?

• Alcoholic beverages
• Firearms or other weapons
• Nonprescription drugs

5. How do I know where to go in an evacuation?

Generally you want to move away from the coastal area and be more inland. If you plan to stay in a hotel or motel, make reservations as soon as it becomes apparent that you will evacuate. Look for public shelter hubs along evacuation routes, they can direct you to shelters. Use local visitor centers as a source of information. Be sure to have an alternative site in case you cannot get to you 1st choice.

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1. How do I pay the fine for my ticket?

Please visit payment options webpage to learn about ways to pay your fine or to pay your fine online.

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1. How do I find more information about the gym or El Lago Fitness Center?

The El Lago Fitness Center, located at 411 Tallowood Drive, is available to its members 24/7 via card key access. You do not have to be an El Lago resident to be a member. To learn more about memberships and the gym, please view the fitness, tennis and pool memberships webpage.

2. Can I reserve a ball field?

Yes. We allow local teams to reserve the large and small field in McNair Park in the spring and fall. Baseball field reservation rules are as follows:

• Reservations for weekdays only, weekends are on a first come, first serve basis.
• There is a $25 deposit (returned at the end of the season) for use of the bases and gang box.
• Teams may not sign up prior to January for the spring season.
• No more than three reserved hours per week per team.

Please complete the Ball Field Seasonal Contract (PDF) and return it to City Hall to reserve space on the field.

3. Can I bring guests to the Fitness Center?

No, unfortunately there is no daily guest fee.

4. Can I bring guests to the pool?

Yes, guests to the pool can pay a daily rate of $5 per person.

5. What is the schedule and hours for the pool?

A full list of the pool schedule and hours can be found on the pool's webpage.

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1. Where do the Seniors meet?

The group meets in the El Lago Center Event Room located in the same building as City Hall, just off McNair park. The address is 411 Tallowood Drive.

2. Do I need to RSVP for the Senior activities?

There is no RSVP need for the Inner Strength fitness classes. It is held in the El Lago event room, Tuesday and Thursday @ 10-11am.

The usual 55+ Friendship Club meetings are open to everyone without the need to make reservations. When trips or outings are planned - please do look for a way to notify someone as these require RSVPs. Please contact City Hall for information on how to RSVP.

3. May I bring a friend who does not live in El Lago?

Yes! We love to have guests - the more the merrier!

4. What should I wear for the Inner Strength fitness classes?

No special clothes or shoes are required - just be sure whatever you wear is comfortable and that your can move easily.