Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, an application must be submitted to remove any tree. Once the Urban Forester inspects the site, a permit will be required under the circumstances outlined in the following resource.

You must first fill out a tree removal application. See the tree removal resource for more information.

City regulations require that all trees to be removed be evaluated to determine replacement inches. The evaluation determines the amount of inches that must be replaced. 

No, only one tree per household.

The City provides curbside solid waste, recycling, and yard waste collection. Residents can find their collection days online or by downloading the West U Collects app. 

For more information about collection services, please visit westutx.gov/publicworks. 

Sharps, needles and lancets need to be stored in a home sharps container that can be purchased at any pharmacy and sealed when full. Disposal may be done by mail. Sharps Compliance, Inc. (800.772.5657) and MedWaste Tracker (866.699.6466) are 2 Houston-based companies that provide this service.

Expired and unwanted pharmaceutical drugs may be disposed of by either purchasing a takeaway envelope from your local pharmacy for a nominal fee, or participating in a Prescription Drug Take-Back Day offered by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) twice a year.

All items should be placed curbside no earlier than 6 p.m. the night before scheduled collection and no later than 8 a.m. the day of collection.

Replacement bins may be picked up at the Public Works Administration office located at 3826 Amherst St.

West U offers weekly curbside bulk trash collection during your regularly scheduled trash day. Bulk trash is large items that are not considered typical household trash, such as bar stools, chairs, and miscellaneous bulk items.

The City does not provide Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection; however, West U residents can dispose of these items with Harris County or the City of Houston. To learn more about these programs, please visit www.westutx.gov/hhw.

To view the City's holiday collection schedule, please visit www.westutx.gov/trash.

West U Collects is the City's collection service mobile app. Users can enjoy features such as setting reminders for collection days, resources on how to properly dispose/recycle items, and more.

Yes! The Public Works Department and the Recycling and Solid Waste Reduction Board host a variety of special events such as the Biannual Recycling Event, Candy Wrapper Recycling, String Light Recycling, and more. To learn more, visit www.westutx.gov/specialevents.

West U works with two qualified vendors to offer food waste collection. To get started, visit www.westutx.gov/foodwaste.

To report missed collection, please contact Public Works at 713-662-5839 or submit a Click West U.

A person, firm, or corporation shall not erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, install, convert, or demolish any building or structure (including fences and storage buildings) within the City of West University Place without first obtaining a permit (building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, stormwater, and/or floodplain development).

View permit forms and applications.

You may request an inspection by completing an Inspection Request Form.

Depending on the type of project and the completeness of your application, plans and adherence to codes, the permit may be processed over-the-counter, however for more complex plans needing review (e.g. zoning, building setback requirements, pervious calculations, etc.), "behind the counter" review will be required which takes approximately 10-15 business days if all information is accurately submitted.

View more about the permitting and plan review process.

To apply for a permit, please complete the appropriate permit application forms and documentation and submit them to the Public Works Administration office at 3826 Amherst St. Monday - Friday; 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

View permit forms and applications

While homeowners may perform certain work themselves, a permit and/or inspection may still be required depending on the type. if you're unsure if a permit is required, please conract the Community Development office at 713-662-5833.

Contractors in West U are permitted to work Monday - Friday between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., on Saturdays between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sundays (or any observed city holiday) between 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. To report a noise violation, contact the non-emergency line at 713-668-0330 or submit a Click West U.