Winter Storm Repair Permit Requirements

A permit is not required for the replacement of sheetrock, flooring, the stopping of water leaks, or the replacement of any electrical fixtures.

A plumbing permit will be required if the water piping or section thereof is damaged and needs to be cut out and replaced.

An electrical permit will be required if any new electrical wiring is required to be installed. If your contractor is unable to obtain an online permit due to power outages, they will need to obtain a permit within 48 hours of making the repair. The City will make every attempt to complete all requested inspections the next day. 

State licensing laws require any individual who cuts into a plumbing or electrical system to make repairs be licensed for the appropriate trade. The City of Pearland requires anyone pulling a permit for plumbing or electrical work that is not on their homestead property to be licensed by the state and registered with the city as a contractor. 

To avoid scams, use verified local contractors and if they are performing mechanical, electrical or plumbing work are licensed in their respective trade. Resources for verified contractors can be found below.

Below are contact resources for contractors that are registered with the City. 

Visit Community Development's website for information including:

Permit / inspection requirements, registered contractor lists, fees / eligibility for fee waivers, and to make an appointment with the Permit Office.

Handling Home Repairs

What to do if your pipes burst:

• Take pictures: This may be the last thing on your mind in a water emergency, but documenting the damage will go a long way in getting reimbursement for any home damage.
• Call a plumber: Many people in the area are facing burst pipes and water damage, so expect that you may have to wait a couple of days before a plumber can make it to your home.
• Clean up: Get as much of the water as possible removed quickly through mopping, pumping, use of a shop vacuum that can handle water, or even towels. Remove saturated rugs immediately to eliminate additional floor damage.
• Keep air flowing as much as possible, but stay aware of the freezing temperatures if you decide to open any doors or windows. Indoor air sources would be preferable during the current weather.
• Call your insurance company: Fortunately, most homeowner insurance policies will cover sudden and accidental water damage from burst pipes. Check with your agent to determine the extent of your coverage. In the event that your homeowners insurance does not cover your water damage, contact your flood insurance company.
• Keep all receipts: With large-scale emergency events, state and/or federal partners might reimburse some claims.

Texas Department of Insurance

Visit the Debris Removal page to learn how best to separate your debris.

Separating your debris will ensure that Waste Management and our debris contractor deliver trash and debris to the correct areas.

 Be Aware of Home Repair Scams

There are hundreds of legitimate and ethical contractors who can repair your home. Unfortunately, there are just as many scam artists looking to cheat you out of your money posing as contactors willing to repair the damages to your home. These untrustworthy workers will show up in neighborhoods impacted by natural disasters trying to scam homeowners looking to have their homes repaired.

Here are a few tips to ensure you are conducting business with a legitimate contactor.

• Contractors that do not have insurance. All legitimate contractors should be insured and should be able to provide their proof of insurance.
• Contractors should not ask you to sign anything prior to you hiring them. If they want you to sign an “estimate” or “authorization” before you’ve made the decision to hire the contractor, be aware. They might be trying to get you to sign an actual binding contract.
• Contractors who do not write official contracts. Professional contractors have clear contracts that outline their tasks, process, the repair cost, and often they will clarify how problems will be managed. If they don’t have a contract, be aware, you are not protected when something goes wrong. Do not hire anyone who tells you a contract “won’t be necessary.”
• Contractors who require cash or payment prior to starting the job. Illegitimate contractors will often ask for cash up front and then run with the money. Many homeowners have been scammed by paying in full before the work is completed. A deposit or partial payment for materials is common however, only pay it once you have a contract signed by both you and the contractor.
• Contractors who significantly underbids other contractors. These contractors may have the best price, but that doesn’t mean it’s always the best work. These contractors may cut corners on their work costing you more when you must have their work corrected.
• Contractors who offers “special” pricing. If a contractor tells you that you’ve been “chosen” as a special demonstration project at a low price, or they tell you “only if you sign a contract today” be aware, it’s usually not the case.
• Contractors who are difficult to contact. Professional contractors usually have a physical office, mailing address, phone numbers, and an email address. They should respond to your questions or concerns in a timely manner. Make sure you can verify the contractor’s business address. If they only have a P.O. box, be wary.
• Take your time, research your contractor and choose someone you feel comfortable with.

Visit FEMA's Disaster Assistance page to file for Individual Assistance if you have been impacted by the storm and need assistance with recovery. 

Before applying make sure you:

Step One: Take photos of your damaged home and belongings.

Step Two: Make a list of damaged/lost items.

Step Three: Save yourself time. If you have insurance, you must file a claim with your insurance company. If you do not have insurance, proceed to the Disaster Assistance page.

If you have received a denial letter from FEMA, please reevaluate your application. 

Many who have been denied checked the box: "Flood or flooding."

Residents should check the box "Snow & Ice event."

If you have made this mistake, do not hesitate to file for an appeal and make the correction.