Solid Waste Management Department

Hurricane Harvey Recovery

PRIVATE PROPERTY DEBRIS REMOVAL

Upon the City’s receipt of fully executed right of entry and indemnification agreements signed by each individual property owner, as required by FEMA, City crews can and will begin removing Hurricane Harvey related debris in approved areas.

• FORM - Right of Entry Form (10/12/2017)
• Submit completed FORM to Kristyn Renfro with Tetratech Kristyn.Renfro@tetratech.com.

The City of Houston asked FEMA to approve a process that allows for a federal cost share reimbursement when the City removes residential Hurricane Harvey debris from private rights of way.

By letter dated October 6, 2017, FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer/Disaster Recovery Manager Kevin Hannes approved the City’s request to remove residential private property debris in the City where it is widespread, was generated by Hurricane Harvey within the incident period and the removal of which is in the public interest as it now poses immediate threats to life, property, public health and safety and/or is necessary to ensure the economic recovery of the affected community to the benefit of the community-at-large. FEMA’s conditional approval was limited to the areas that the City listed for FEMA to date.

Ultimately, FEMA’s Public Assistance Debris Task Force Team will determine, after inspection, the areas qualifying for private property debris removal and will make the final determination of eligibility of debris removal at any specific location. However, Mr. Hannes acknowledged that the City could begin removal of debris before FEMA arrives if the City carefully and completely documents the conditions addressed.

Upon the City’s receipt of fully executed right of entry and indemnification agreements signed by each individual property owner, as required by FEMA, City crews can and will begin removing Hurricane Harvey related debris in approved areas.

As a matter of policy and to conform the rules set by the Federal Government, City crews will only remove Harvey-related debris in or immediately adjacent to the eligible private rights of way. Crews will not enter homes, backyards, or outdoor storage areas or buildings. Apartment complexes and commercial properties are also excluded from private property debris removal.

For assistance with debris inside homes or mucking out homes, including moving debris inside homes to the right of way, please refer residents to 3-1-1 or to the Department of Neighborhoods (DON). DON is coordinating volunteer efforts to assist with such needs.