Recycling Center

West Columbia recycling center is located in the 800 block of Loggins Drive.  Only these items are accepted for recycling:  newspaper, computer paper, books, aluminum cans, cardboard boxes, magazines, clear and colored plastics.  The center will be open every other Saturday.  8:00 am - 3:00 pm.  Dates for 2008 are:

January 12 & 26

February 9 & 23

March 8 & 22

April 8 & 19

May 5, 17 & 31

June 14 & 28

July 5 & 19

 August 2, 16 & 30

 September 13 & 27

 October 4 & 18

 November 1, 15 & 29

December 13 & 27

Heavy Brush Weeks

The first and third full week of each month.

The truck starts at one end of town and does a sweep.  Due to volume, we do not know exactly where the truck will be on which days.  Please keep brush items, such as leaves, limbs, etc., separate from other debris.  Anything with freon must be properly tagged as having it removed.  Refrigerator doors must be properly secured.   

Garbage Pick Up:

WC South Side        Tuesday & Friday

WC North Side         Monday & Thursday

Columbia Lakes       Monday & Thursday

Water Deposits

Pool

First Capitol Pavilion

$75.00 Per Day

First Capitol Softball Fields

$25.00 per field, per day

$60.00 All three fields, per day

First Capitol RV Park 

Water Aerobics

Where:  West Columbia City Pool

When: Monday, Wednesday & Friday     8 - 9 a.m.
            Tuesday & Thursday                      8 - 9 p.m.

Cost:  $30.00 per month

Contact West Columbia City Hall for more information.

Building Permits

The City follows the 2006 International Building Codes and issues building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and moving permits.  Electricians must register with the City before working. 

Other Permits & Licenses

The City requires permits for events at which loud music or any type of loud noise will be played or discharged; for parades; for garage sales; for door to door solicitation; and for hardship permits for juveniles for after curfew.

All dogs within the City Limits must have a City Dog License.  These are available at City Hall.  Proof of current vaccinations must be show at time of issuance of tags.  Fees are $5 if proof of neuter or spaying shown at time of purchase or $10 for each dog.  Residents are limited to four pets.

The City requires a multiple pet permit for 4 or more dogs at any one residence.  Permits are available at City Hall for $20.

 

West Columbia Sign Ordinance Summary

The purpose of the Sign ordinance is to have consistency in signage and protect the public from hazardous signs.  Signs lawful as of November 12, 2007 are grandfathered.  No sign can

• Be attached to a utility pole or placed in the State or City right-of-way or easement.
• Be placed on property without the consent of the property owner. 
• Block vehicle or pedestrian view. 
• Be less than 7 ½ ft. above a sidewalk or less than 15 ft. above a drive or parking area.
• Resemble a traffic control device
• Be closer than 6 ft. from the edge of the road, permanent signs cannot be in easements.
• Have distracting, moving or flashing lights.
• Block a sidewalk or path used by the public.
• Be painted or placed on any roof.
• Extend above the highest point of the building when attached.
• Be within 10 ft. of a power line.
• Face adjoining residential property.

Exempt Signs:

1.     Signs inside a building that cannot be read from the outside.

2.     Commemorative plaques or historic markers either attached to the building or free standing monument sign.

3.     Governmental or public utility signs.

4.     Temporary seasonal signs or decorations, community events or identifying newly opened businesses as long as it is maintained and is removed after event or season.

5.     Repair or repaint existing sign without alterations.

6.     Change copy on a sign.

7.     Flags for National, State, church or school.

These signs do not need a permit unless they exceed the stated size:

1.  For Sale, Rent or Lease signs (3 sq. ft. for residential.; 8 sq. ft. for commercial.

2.  Residential Name and Address (3 sq. ft.).

3.  Construction, Repair, Renovation signs.  (8 sq. ft. in size and not more than 4 ft. in height.  Must be removed after 3 days after completion of project)

4.  Signs stating hours of operation, credit cards accepted, restrictions of sale to minors, no soliciting or beware of dog (1 sq. ft each, maximum of 4 sq. ft. in total signage).

5.  Political signs (36 sq. ft., 8 ft. ht. not lighted or have moving parts).

6.  Daily Sign placed outside the business during the day without blocking foot or vehicle traffic and then placed inside at night (6 sq. ft.)

7.  Off site event signs (No more than 3, 3 sq. ft. each, placed two weeks prior to event and removed one day after event)

8.  On site event signs (18 sq. ft, placed two week prior to event and removed one day after event).

9.  Banners announcing new location or grand opening (24 sq. ft., 45 days).

Signs that need a permit before installed:

            Single Commercial Business Property:

1.      One wall sign on each side (wall length x 1.5 = max. square footage of all signs)

2.      One free standing sign (128 sq. ft, 50 ft. ht.)

3.      One projecting sign (12 sq. ft, be no lower than 7 ½ ft. for pedestrian traffic or no lower than15 ft. for vehicle traffic).

Commercial Complex or Shopping Center:

1.      One wall sign with Shopping Center’s name (wall length x 1.5 = max. square footage of all signs).

2.      One free standing sign (128 sq. ft., 50 ft. ht.) (2+ ac. may have one free standing sign along each street with a minimum of 200 ft. of frontage)

3.      One wall sign on each business (wall length x 1.5 = max. square footage of all signs).

Lighted Signs.

1.      Sized same as other signs.

2.      No neon signs unless on or in a window (4.5 sq. ft, two allowed).

3.      Cannot cause glare or become a traffic hazard.

4.      Cannot use mercury arc or mercury vapor light sources.

5.      Cannot face a residential area.

Inflatable signs:

1.      Business type no greater than 27 cubic feet.

Business signs in residential areas:

1.      One wall sign (12 sq. ft.)

2.      One free standing sign (3 sq. ft, 4 ft. ht.)

3.      12 sq. ft. total of all signs.

4.      Building height, 20 ft. max.

5.      No internally lit signs.

Banners, must be kept in good repair throughout time of display:

1.      Street Banners must conform to Texas Department of Transportation standards.

2.      No more than two banners at one time (24 sq. ft. each, for more than 31 days at one time.

3.      Commercial Banners cannot face residential areas.

Signs not allowed:

1.      Abandoned signs (no message after one year after closure).

2.      Beacons or lights with a beam directed elsewhere.

3.      Billboards.

4.      Portable changeable copy signs.

5.      Flashing signs other than message boards.

6.      Moving signs other than message boards.

7.      Product or Service signs not specific to the business.

Variance Standards:

1.      Must make application.

2.      Cannot be requested for prohibited signs.

3.      Request must be in line with Comprehensive Plan.

4.      Is not contrary to public interest.

5.      Special conditions would result in undue hardship other than economic or financial hardships.

6.      The spirit of the ordinance will be observed.

7.      Conditions or requirements may be added in granting request.

8.      Shall be for a specific event or business and will not continue with property.

9.      Void after 6 mos. from date of approval if not substantially underway.

International Building Code Requirements:

1.                  Roof signs shall be constructed of metal or other noncombustible material.  (H110.1)

2.                  Wall signs in excess of 40 sq. ft. shall be constructed of metal or other noncombustible material. (H111.1)

3.                  Projecting Signs shall be constructed entirely of metal or other noncombustible material and securely attached by metal supports.(H112.1)

              Texas Reading Club Jubilee: 1958 - 2008

           West Columbia Library Summer Reading Club

June 9 through July 31, 2008

518 E. Brazos (Highway 35)

For more information call 345-3394

Mon. June 9, 10:00 a.m. – 12: 00 p.m.     Summer Reading Birthday Party

Wed. June 11, 10:30 a.m.  Story time – 50's "Happy Days"

Thu. June 12, 10:30 a.m.   "Jubilee Party at the Library" Incredible Events

Tue June 17, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.      Crafts- Through the Decades

Wed. June 18, 10:30 a.m.  Story time - 60's "We Can Work It Out"

Thurs. June 19, 10:30 a.m.   "Jacked Up Fairy Tales" Variety Show 

Wed. June 25, 10:30 a.m.  Story time- 70's "I Feel the Earth Move"

Wed. June 25, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants"  

Thurs. June 26, 10:30 a.m.  Reptiles with Ruby Lewis

 Wed. July 2, 10:30 a.m. Story time - 80's "A Material World"

Thurs. July 3, 10:30 a.m.  Traveling Trunk from the Brazoria County Historical Museum

Wed. July 9, 10:30 a.m.  Story time - 90's The Computer Age"

Thurs. July 10, 10:30 a.m.  Cake Decorating with Stewart's Grocery Store

Wed. July 16, 10:30 a.m.  Story time - 2000 "The New Millennium"

Thurs. July1 7, 10:30 a.m. "We Have Liftoff" Space Center Houston

·         This program is free to all children. Children sign up to read 10 books or 4 hours.  Books read can be from home or library.

·         “Read to Me” program is for children who do not read.  They can count the books read to them.

·         Readers write the titles of the books read or the time spent reading on the Summer Reading Club Book Log and return it for a certificate and a prize from our birthday present chest.  A reading medal will be given for those who read 60 books or 24 hours.

·         Children are not required to attend programs to participate, but are encouraged to attend any or all of the fun and interesting free programs.

·         All story time programs are designed for preschool children.  All craft and other programs are designed for school-age children unless.

                   These programs are sponsored by the Texas State Library, the Brazoria County Library System, the West Columbia Friends of the Library and Dow.

Miscellaneous Information

Fireworks are prohibited within the City Limits.

Mobile Homes are prohibited within the City Limits