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Building Department

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1. Where is the Building Department located and what are the hours of operation?

The Building Department is located in City Hall at 29955 I-45 South, and the office is open for business between 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.

2. What forms of payment are accepted?

The City of Shenandoah accepts major credit cards, checks, and cash.

3. When is a permit required?

Permits are required when there is new construction to a building as well as some repair work or alterations to an existing structure. In addition, when a building is to be remodeled or enlarged, a permit shall be required. New work consists of any new construction, commercial or residential from vacant land to a complete new structure.

Projects that are considered cosmetic, such as new wall paper, carpet, paint or trim work do not require a permit. Please contact the Building Department for any questions concerning your projects.

For more information, please contact the Building Department at (281) 298-5522.

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Code Red

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1. What is an Emergency Notification System?

Emergency Notification Systems, or ENS, are systems that provide mass notification to residents in the event of an emergency. Shenandoah has chosen the Blackboard Connect-CTY system.

2. What should I do if I receive a CTY message?

If you receive a CTY message, listen and/or read carefully. The message will be brief. Follow the instructions given. You may be directed to a commercial TV or radio station for further information. Do not hang up until you have heard the entire message. You may miss important information. Do not call 9-1-1 for further information unless directed to do so. You will only tie up the emergency lines.

3. What does a CTY message sound like?

It is a true recorded message and not computer generated. The message will always begin with a statement that "This is the Fire Department of, Police Department of, Hospital District of or City Administration of..." They will then state if the call is an emergency or non-emergency situation. The text of the message and further instructions will follow. The messages will generally be brief and if further instructions are necessary, you may be directed to turn to a commercial radio or TV station.

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Municipal Court

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1. May I request a payment plan in order to satisfy my ticket?

Yes.

2. Do you accept checks for payment of citations?

Yes. The court does not accept: out of state checks,company checks, or temporary checks.

3. Who do I make the check payable to?

The City of Shenandoah

4. What information do I need to bring in order to request a driving safety course?

Current driver's license
Proof of insurance

5. Can I pay my ticket/warrant by phone with a credit card?

Not at this time

6. If I have a warrant, may I come in and pay without going to jail?

Yes, as long as you pay 1/2 of what is owed in cash or money order, provided it is an arrest warrant. If a capias warrant has been issued; then you are required to pay the full amount.

7. May I write a check for payment of a warrant?

No

8. How can I reset my court date?

You must notify the court at least 3 days prior to your court date. You must fax a request for a reset at(281)298-9343

9. If I need an extension on a payment plan, can I make arrangements over the telephone?

Yes

10. How do I know when my court date is?

It is listed on your ticket with the time,date, and place.

11. Where is the court office located?

We are located on the southbound feeder road of I-45 North between Hwy.242 and Research Forest Rd.

12. Do I have to wait for my court date to take care of my ticket?

It depends on what options you are requesting. The following options can be taken care of in the office during office hours.
DSC (Driving Safety Course)
Payment plan
Pay in full
Plead not guilty and request a bench or jury trial
Reset
Compliance Dismissals

13. May I request a deferral over the telephone?

No, you must appear in court and make that request to the prosecutor.

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Police Department

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1. How can I receive Weather Warning messages on my phone?

Register with the Montgomery County Emergency Communication District's Weather Warning System at www.mc911.org under the Code Red Weather Warning link.

2. How do I get a copy of an accident report?

You can go to Shenandoah Police Reports to get a copy of an accident report.

3. How do I call the Shenandoah Police Department?

Utilize 9-1-1 for emergencies, or you can call (281) 367-8952 for non-emergencies.

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Public Works & Community Development

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1. When do I need a variance?

A variance is typically required when a project proposes to deviate from standards set by the Development Code (the number of required parking spaces, building height, setbacks, etc.) due to hardship, not including financial hardship.

2. Are temporary signs permitted?

Temporary signs are only permitted for grand openings and special events.

3. How do I establish water / trash / sewer utility services?

There are various ways in which to establish utility services. You can personally appear at the City's water counter, provide the following information, and pay the appropriate fees.

1. Name that will be on the account.
2. Social Security Number
3. Drivers License Number
4. Name, address, and telephone number of employer.
5. Requested date to start service

You can mail in the above information with the appropriate fees along with the service address to:
29955 I-45 N
Shenandoah, TX 77381

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SWIFT

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1. Will all the construction in Shenandoah Valley affect the SWIFT network?

Each Access Point located in the Shenandoah Valley Subdivision will have to be moved further into the right of way to make way for the widened streets and new infrastrcture being installed. While the pole is being moved only users in the immediate area will be affected. No one else on the SWIFT network will be affected by these moves.

2. Is the SWIFT network avaialble at the pool and park?

Currently SWIFT is avaialble at the pool and an additional node/radio is being installed in the park that should be operational soon.

3. What devices are needed to connect to the wireless network?

The SWIFT network is 802:11b and g compliant. Any laptop or desktop that contains a wireless card or adapter which meets these standards should be able to attach to the SWIFT network. These are widely used industry standards and most adapters today are compliant. Please note that most laptops come equipped with a wireless card already built-in. Most desktops do not include a wireless card.

4. What is an Edge Wireless Solution (EWS) and why would I want one?

An Edge Wireless Solution (EWS), also known as a WiFi modem, will provide a stronger and more secure connection to the SWIFT system than a wireless card does. In addition, WaveMedia will provide technical support for the EWS and they will be able to diagnose a connection problem from a remote location with information that is sent over SWIFT. These devices sell for approximately $150 and can only be purchased at City Hall (29955 I-45 North) between 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. These modems are propriatary and must be programmed by WaveMedia and are not available elsewhere.

5. I have a router (e.g. Linksys or Netgear) and want to continue using it; is this possible?

Yes. You can continue to use the router but you will need to purchase an Edge Wireless Solution (EWS) device from WaveMedia. The EWS will take the place of your current cable or DSL modem. You will also be required to log into the SWIFT system to use the Internet. If you have a special modem/router combination that was provided by your internet service provider, these may not work with SWIFT.

6. Do I have to purchase a EWS (WiFi Modem)?

No, a EWS is not necessary but we have found that to improve connectivity and throughput for the interior of some homes, one is recommended.

7. What is the return policy and warranty for the EWS?

The EWS has a 90 day return and 1 year warranty period from the time of purchase from City Hall.

8. How many computers can I plug into the EWS (WiFi Modem)?

Only one computer can be attached to the EWS at a time. If you have more than one computer, a router will be required to utilize the WiFi Modem with multiple computers.

9. How do I increase coverage to the interior rooms of my home?

Additional hardware will be required to increase the coverage to the interior of a home. An Edge Wireless Solution (EWS) will need to be purchased from the city along with a wireless router (e.g. Linksys or Netgear brands). Connect your computer(s) to the router either wirelessly or through a hard wire and then connect the router to the EWS.

10. Where should I place the EWS and Wireless Router?

The EWS should be placed next to an exterior wall preferably near a window. The Wireless router should be at least 7’ away from the EWS to reduce interference.

11. What other types of devices interfere with the EWS?

Experience has shown that a cordless telephone base station is the item that interferes most often with the EWS. The cordless base station or EWS should not be in the same room or at least 20’ apart.

12. What does the reset button do on the back of the EWS?

Pressing the reset button on the back of the EWS could reset it back to default rendering it inoperable.

13. I have a wireless adapter, how do I connect to the SWIFT network?

Each computer is a little different, but the basics would be to browse for available wireless networks and select the SSID that is labeled “SWIFT-WaveMedia” and click to connect.

14. What is SSID?

Service Set Identifier: This is basically the name broadcast by the Wi-Fi system so you know which connection to use. SWIFT-WaveMedia is the SSID used.

15. Is my wireless connection secure?

Treat the connection to the SWIFT network the same as if you were connected to a public hot spot. Ensure your local firewall is enabled and the anti-virus software is up-to-date. If you purchase an Edge Wireless Solution (EWS), the wireless communications will be secured to that device; then you can either plug your computer or a router into the EWS.

16. I currently have my email with an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Will the SWIFT wireless system provide an email account?

There are no plans to offer email to the users of the wireless network. Our recommendation is to obtain a free email account from one of the large web sites that provides these services. There are some ISPs that will allow you to keep your email address for a fee.

17. How fast is the SWIFT system?

The system has been designed to deliver data at the minimum rate of 1 mega bite per second into the first wall of every home.

18. What will the service cost?

Residents can access the network at no cost. Businesses and other users will be required to pay a fee; however, the fee schedule for various types of non-residential users has not been determined.

19. Who do I contact with problems or questions?

SWIFT-WaveMedia Customer Support can be reached seven days a week, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., except major holidays @ (832) 381-5000.

20. Additional Support?

Please contact the City of Shenandoah's IT Coordinator - William "Bubba" Priesmeyer by following the link below. Contact Info...