• No running at large: Pets must always be leashed or under full physical/electronic control. Loose animals may be impounded.
• Vicious dogs prohibited: Dogs that have seriously injured, attacked or threatened others have strict requirements (secure confinement, muzzle, 4-ft leash, and posted warning signs).
• Impoundment: Unregistered, loos, or vicious dogs/cats may be impounded for 7 days. Owners must reimburse all related costs.
• Animal neglect/abandonment prohibited: Owners must provide adequate care and control. Violations may include fines, jail time, and repayment of care costs.
• Animal abuse prohibited: Intentional harm to animals is illegal.
• Releasing someone else’s animal is illegal without their consent.
• Rabies quarantine: The Mayor may issue temporary or citywide requirements during rabies outbreaks.
• Wild animals: Certain exotic or dangerous species require registration and are generally prohibited unless in approved facilities.
• Nuisance animals: Continual barking or aggressive behavior toward people is not allowed.
  Click here to view more: 205. Animal Regulations

• Bottle rockets are illegal in Houston Lake.
• No Fireworks may be usied in public streets or rights-of-way.
• Fireworks may only be used during the following times:
  • December 31: 10 AM-1 AM
  • June 26 – July 2 & July 5: 10 AM – 10 PM
  • July 3 – 4: 10AM – Midnight
• Fireworks are only allowed within city limits during the approved dates, and only classified as division 1.4 (formerly Class C).

Click here to view more: 210. Offenses; Article 13

• Clean yard: Keep Property sanitary and free of trash or junk.
• Lawn & drainage: Maintain grass, landscaping, and prevent standing water.
• Safe walkways: Sidewalks and driveways must be kept in good repair.
• Pest control: Properties must be free of rodent infestation.
• Exterior structures: maintain fences, sheds, garages, and pools.
• Vacant property: Must remain clean, secure, and maintained.

Click here to view more: 235. Property Maintenance

What is a Grinder Pump and why do I have one?

Grinder pump systems are essential on the south side of our city, where traditional gravity sewer systems are impractical due to building elevations and ground slopes. These systems function similarly to household garbage disposals but on a larger scale, processing wastewater from toilets, showers, washing machines, and more.

To keep your grinder pump system running smoothly, it’s important to follow specific usage guidelines. Doing so can significantly reduce the need for repairs and maintenance, though occasional malfunctions may still occur. If there’s an issue, a red light and audible alarm on the control panel will notify you that service may be required.

System Components

Grinder pumps are typically installed underground, with key components such as the collection tank lid, cleanout pipe access area, and control panel located above ground. It’s crucial to keep these service access areas unobstructed for maintenance. While the control panel box can be painted and maintained by the homeowner, it should always remain easily accessible.

What to Expect

• Normal Operation: Grinder pumps make some noise during operation, but it should not be disruptive. They emit minimal, if any, odor. You may notice a slight increase in your electric bill, as the pump runs a few times daily.

• Power Outages: The grinder pump system’s control panel is powered by electricity, so during power outages, it’s important to limit water usage to prevent system overload.

• Repair Alerts: If the system requires maintenance, an audible and/or lighted alarm will activate on the control panel. If the alarm doesn’t turn off within five minutes after water use has stopped, service may be necessary.

During Extended Leave

Homeowners can help maintain the system by dumping a small bottle of liquid Ajax down the drain 1-2 times a year. This natural degreaser won’t harm the pump and helps break down debris in the tank. There’s no need to flush with water afterward—normal water usage will suffice.

Proper grinder pump maintenance largely depends on what you flush or dispose of. To prevent issues, be mindful of the following:

Problems or Questions?

Houston Lake Residents with grinder pumps pay a maintenance fee with their property taxes. If your system alarms, please contact your provider, Haynes Equipment Services, at 913-782-5013 for assistance.

• Trash is collected every Wednesday morning
• Recyclables are picked up the second Wednesday of each month

Important Guidelines

• Placement: All items must be placed inside the designated cart.
• Timing: Carts should be placed curbside no later than 7:00 a.m. on collection day.
• Missed pickup: If you followed the placement and timing guidelines and your trash was not picked up, please contact city hall for assistance.
• If you need a cart: Please contact city hall for assistance.

All construction involving the alteration of structural elements in the City of Houston Lake requires a building permit. If no structural elements are being altered, a building permit is typically not required. For example, replacing an electrical panel, roof, water heater, or gutters generally does not require a permit, as these projects typically do not involve altering structural elements.

Summary of Building Code – Article II: Permits

SECTION 500.100: Building Permit Required

• A building permit is required for all construction, alterations, or additions, including buildings, boat docks, fences, roads, driveways, and other structures.
• Permits must be obtained from the Board of Aldermen.

SECTION 500.110: Permit Applications

• Applications must include detailed plans, specifications, and a plot plan showing dimensions, costs, and project location.
• New dwellings or property-line fences require certified surveys.
• Certified surveys are also needed for additions closer to property lines than the existing structure.

SECTION 500.120: Boat/Fishing Dock Construction

• Permits are required for all boat or fishing docks.
• Only floating, movable docks are allowed unless specifically approved in writing by the President of the Venetian Gardens Homes Association.

SECTION 500.080: Building Permit Fee Schedule

• New Construction (one- and two-family residences):
  • $0.25 per square foot.
• Room Additions:
  • $0.15 per square foot.
• All Other Construction Fees:
  • $0–$1,000: $40.
  • $1,000–$10,000: $40 + $10 per $1,000 over $1,000.
  • $10,000–$100,000: $130 + $2 per $1,000 over $10,000.
  • $100,000–$500,000: $310 + $1.50 per $1,000 over $100,000.
  • Over $500,000: $910 + $3 per $1,000 over $500,000.

Other Inspections and Fees

• Consultants for inspections: Actual costs.
• After-hours inspections: $50/hour (minimum 2 hours).
• Reinspection fees: $50.
• Erosion control permits: $25 for the first 500 sq. ft. disturbed; $25 for every additional 150 sq. ft.

SECTION 500.140: Permit Changes

• Permit changes must be submitted on a standard form.
• Fees for changes: $10 (non-structural) or $15 (structural).

SECTION 500.150: Performance Bonds

• Item 1: Fences, boat docks, driveways ($100 bond).
• Item 2: Structures or additions (under 500 sq. ft. – $100 bond; over 500 sq. ft. – $1,000 bond).
• Item 3: Erosion control ($500 bond).

Bonds are refundable after project completion if work meets permit standards. Inspection callbacks may incur charges ($25 per callback). Bonds are forfeited for incomplete or non-compliant work.

Building Permit application: Download the Building permit application in PDF

Consult the official City Code

Download, fill out, and deliver your application to city hall with the applicable fee. You can deliver it to the City inbox, on the left of the front door at city hall.

Dumpster Permit application: Download the Residential Dumpster permit application in PDF

Evergy provides electric services to Houston Lake residents.

Start/Stop service: Use Evergy’s online “Start, Stop, Move” page: Sign up for or Stop service

Outages: Check the Evergy Outage Map or report an outage: View or Report outage

Spectrum or AT&T provides internet to Houston Lake Residents.

Spectrum
Setup: Click here for Spectrum Internet
Support:

• Order new service: 855-860-9068
• Call support: 833-949-0036
• Contact Spectrum page: Contact Us

AT&T
Setup: Click here for AT&T Internet
Support:

• New customer: 844-945-3645
• Call support: 844-945-3645
• Contact AT&T page: Contact Us

Republic services handles trash and recycling pickup for Houston Lake Residents.

For information regarding your trash & recycling services: Customer Service

Missouri American Water supplies water for Houston Lake Residents.

Start/Stop service: Sign up for or Stop Service
Report and emergency: Emergency Report