SCPS Help

An emergency is defined as an unforeseeable event or occurrence that endangers health, life, or property, or a situation in which public need for uninterrupted utility service requires immediate corrective action to restore services. Should you find that your situation matches these criteria then do the following:

Submit the form Notice to Commence Emergency Work before the excavation is initiated, then begin work.
Submit the form "Application for Emergency Excavation Permit-Pavement Age < 5 or > 5 years" (as applicable) within 24 hours after the initiation of the excavation or, if the city offices are closed, within 24 hours after the offices of the city are first opened subsequent to the initiation of the excavation, and obtain a permit.
Submit the form "Certificate of Restoration" after completion of excavation.

B. Scheduled Excavation

Anyone who plans to perform an excavation in the public way and does not hold a General Permit, or anyone who holds a General Permit but needs to perform an excavation that is not allowed under a General Permit must file for a Scheduled Excavation Permit by doing the following:

Submit the form "Application for Scheduled Excavation Permit - Pavement Age < 5 or > 5 Years" (as applicable) and obtain a permit.
Submit the form "48 Hours Advance Notice to Commence Work (based on Scheduled Excavation Permit)" two business days before excavation is initiated.
Submit the form "Certificate of Restoration" after completion of excavation.

FOR GENERAL PERMIT HOLDERS ONLY:

Based on a General Permit, an excavation can be commenced only if

it will occur on pavement more than 5 years old and
it is outside the Central Business District and
it will involve an area less than 400 square feet or 200 linear feet.
Otherwise the general permit holder shall follow the procedures A and B above.

C. Emergency Excavation:

Submit the form Notice to Commence Emergency Work before the excavation is initiated, then begin work.
Submit the form "Report of Emergency Excavation (based on General Permit)" within 24 hours after the initiation of the excavation or, if the city offices are closed, within 24 hours after the offices of the city are first opened subsequent to the initiation of the excavation, and obtain a confirmation from the City.
Submit the form "Certificate of Restoration" after completion of excavation.

D. Scheduled Excavation:

A General Permit holder who plans to perform an excavation allowed under a General Permit must do the following:

Submit the form "48 Hours Advance Notice to Commence Work (based on General Permit)" two business days before excavation is initiated and obtain a confirmation from the City.
Submit the form "Certificate of Restoration" after completion of excavation.

Instructions for Emergency Excavation:

Before you perform an excavation on emergency basis, please make sure that it meets the following criteria. Emergency means an unforeseeable event or occurrence that endangers health, life, or property, or a situation in which public need for uninterrupted utility service requires immediate corrective action to restore services.

Once you establish that the excavation is an emergency do the following:

Download the form Notice to Commence Emergency Work (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader© for viewing), complete it and fax/email it to:
City of Houston
Street Cut Permit Section
Fax No. (713) 837-0287, or (713) 837-0289
E-Mail Address: Street.CutOps@cityofhouston.net
Within 24 hours from breaking the pavement: if you do not hold a General Permit or if you hold a General Permit and the excavation is not allowed under the rules of a General Permit, then you must apply for an "Emergency Excavation Permit - Pavement Age < 5 or > 5 Years" (as applicable)". This can be done either online (if you are a registered user) or you can apply in person at the following location:
611 Walker, 18th Floor
Tel No.: (713) 837-0455
Fax No. (713) 837-0287, or (713) 837-0289

Instructions for the Applicant

Before You File!!!

The following must be determined prior to filing any excavation application or report:

the pavement age of a street,
whether a street lies within Houston's Central Business District,
whether a street is within the City's Major Thoroughfare Plan,
validation of the address of excavation and the nearest intersecting street.

These can be easily determined by querying the SCPS map.

Application for Scheduled Excavation Permit - Pavement Age < 5 Years?

Go to the SCPS site: http://www.gims.houstontx.gov
Login by entering your username and password. Note that both are case-sensitive.
The SUMMARY page will appear. On this page is a summary of your company's permit activity for the past 75 days. From this page you also have access to activities such as viewing and printing permits, submitting requests and other routine tasks. For more in-depth procedures click on "home" at the top of this page.
Violations

Failure to submit a "Certificate of Restoration" or an excavation that fails an inspection is a violation of the Street Cut Ordinance. Your ability to submit new applications will be suspended until these violations are corrected. Failure to submit a "48 Hour Notice to commence Work" is also a violation and although this violation will not suspend your ability to submit new permits, it needs to be corrected as expeditiously as possible. Permits that are in violation will be listed at the top of the page with the type of violation listed in the right-hand column in red. If you have any questions about a violation you may contact SCPS at:

City Of Houston
Department of Public Works and Engineering
Street Cut Permit Section
611 Walker, 18th Floor
Houston, Texas 77002

Telephone Number: (713) 837-0455
Fax No. (713) 837-0287, or (713) 837-0289
E-Mail: Street.CutOps@cityofhouston.net
To apply for a permit click on the menu item "home" at the top of the page.
The APPLY FOR PERMIT page will appear. This is your home page.
If you have not already done so it is recommended that you query the SCPS map to determine the age of the pavement and whether or not the street lies within the Central Business District or the City's Major Thoroughfare Plan.
To Query the SCPS Map:
1. Click on the menu item MAP at the top of the page,
2. A new window will open; this is the SCPS Map.
3. Click on SEARCH and select a search method,
4. Locate the site of excavation,
5. Click on the "CASD" button located on the map menu (at the left side of the map),
6. Click on the center of the street where excavation will take place. The following information about the street will display:
  - the pavement age of the street, if available,
  - whether the street lies within Houston's Central Business District,
  - whether the street is within the City's Major Thoroughfare Plan,
  - any available Street Cut Permit Data,
  - information about any City of Houston, Metro or Harris County construction occurring in the vicinity of the selected location.
7. Once you no longer need the map you may close it by clicking on the upper left-hand corner of the map window.
Under SELECT APPLICATION TYPE, click on Application for Scheduled Excavation Permit - Pavement Age < 5 Years,
On the SITE OF EXCAVATION INFORMATION page enter information about the location of the excavation. Note that all mandatory fields on this page must be populated with valid data in order for SCPS to generate a map of the area of excavation.
Enter information as follows (mandatory fields have a leading asterisk):

*Street Number:
type the street number where the excavation will take place, e.g. "306".
*Street Name:
type the name of the street where the excavation will take place, e.g., "Mc Gowen".
*Zip Code:
type the zip code where the excavation will take place, e.g., "77006".
*Nearest Intersecting Street:
type the name of the intersecting street nearest to where the excavation begins, e.g., "Bagby".
Work Order Number(optional):
if you wish to use your company internal work order number to track applications/permits, type that number into this field.

The three links at the bottom of the page may also help you to find a location.

Help me find the Street Name and Zip Code
This link will display a list of streets and their corresponding zip codes. Clicking on the street name will populate the "Street Name" and "Zip Code" fields on your application.
Help me find the Nearest Intersecting Street

This link will also display a list of streets and their corresponding zip codes. Clicking on the street name will populate the "Nearest Intersecting Street" field.
View Street Segments and Corresponding Address Ranges

This link will display a list of streets segments corresponding address ranges and zip codes. This list is for viewing only and will not populate any fields on your application.
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
If the following warning is generated:
then SCPS was unable to find the address you entered. Click on "OK" and use the "map" menu function (at top) to search for and validate the address prior to re-entering it on this page.

On the STREET CUT INFORMATION page enter further information about the date and location of the excavation as follows (mandatory fields have a leading asterisk):

*Start Date of Excavation:

type the date you estimate that you will start the excavation, e.g., "08/01/2001". Note that you must use the format mm/dd/yyyy.

*Estimated End Date of Excavation:

type the date you estimate that you will complete the excavation, e.g., "08/08/2001". Note that you must use the format mm/dd/yyyy.

*Cut Starting Point from the Center of the Nearest Intersection Street(feet):

type the measured distance, in feet, from the cut starting point to the center of the selected nearest intersecting street (refer to the previous page). E.g., "100".

*Street Lane in Which Cut Starts:

type the number corresponding to the lane in which the cut begins, e.g., "1" or "S4". Use the lane numbering conventions described in the diagram below.

Street Lane Numbering Conventions

Street lanes are numbered as follows (see the diagram below):

When determining street lane numbering, face North.
North/South bound streets are numbered in ascending sequence 1, 2, 3,... from left to right.
East/West bound streets are numbered in ascending sequence 1, 2, 3,... from top to bottom.
If a sidewalk or driveway is involved, then S1 designates the sidewalk closest to lane 1, and Sn, where n is the highest lane number, designates the sidewalk nearest lane n.
A turning lane should be numbered in the same manner as a driving lane.
A median should NOT be counted as a lane.
Some examples of lane numbering:

One of the streets in the diagram below runs North-South and has 4 lanes Lanes are numbered from the left to the right as 1, 2, 3, 4. The leftmost sidewalk is numbered "S1", since it is closest to lane 1. Similarly the rightmost sidewalk, being closest to lane 4, is numbered "S4".

A street runs North-South and has 3 lanes Lanes are numbered 1, 2, 3 from left to right. The leftmost sidewalk is numbered "S1", the rightmost "S3".

A street runs North-South and has 3 lanes, one of which is a center turning lane. Lanes are numbered 1, 2, 3 from left to right. So the turning lane is lane 2. The leftmost sidewalk is numbered "S1", the rightmost "S3".

One of the streets in the diagram below runs East-West and has 2 lanes Lanes are numbered from top to bottom as 1 and 2. The topmost sidewalk is numbered "S1", since it is closest to lane 1. Similarly the bottommost sidewalk, being closest to lane 2, is numbered "S2".

A street runs East-West and has 4 lanes. Lanes are numbered 1, 2, 3, 4 from top to bottom. The topmost sidewalk is numbered "S1", the bottommost "S4".

A street runs East-West and has 3 lanes. Lanes are numbered 1, 2, 3 from top to bottom. The topmost sidewalk is numbered "S1", the bottommost "S3".

*Street Lane in Which Cut Ends:

type the number corresponding to the lane in which the cut begins, e.g., "1" or "S4". Use the lane numbering conventions described in the diagram above.

*Cut Length(feet):

type the length, in feet, of the cut or excavation, including boring, jacking, tunneling, etc. E.g., "100". Note that cut length is always measured parallel to the street direction.

*Cut Width(feet):

type the width, in feet, of the cut or excavation, including boring, jacking, tunneling, etc. E.g., "10". Note that cut width is always measured perpendicular to the street direction.

*Cut Depth(feet):

type the depth, in feet, of the cut or excavation, including boring, jacking, tunneling, etc. E.g., "5".

Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
If the following warning is generated:
then SCPS was unable to generate the geometry for the street cut based on the address entered on the previous page and/or the street cut parameters entered on this page. Click on "OK" and ensure that both the street cut information (on the current page) and the street address (on the previous "Site of Excavation Information" page) is correct. Note that without a valid address and valid street cut information, no map of the excavation can be generated.
On the PAVEMENT INFORMATION page enter information related to the pavement of the road where the excavation will occur (mandatory fields have a leading asterisk):

*Pavement Type:
select a value from the dropdown box that corresponds to the pavement type, e.g., "concrete", of the street where the excavation is located.
*Pavement Thickness (inches):
type the thickness, in inches, of the pavement where the excavation will occur. E.g., "12".
*Pavement Age:
Usually this field, if available, will be automatically populated from the database. However, if it is not, then type the age, in years, of the pavement where the excavation will occur. E.g., "4". Note: You are now filing for an "Application for Scheduled Excavation Permit - Pavement Age < 5 Years." If the pavement at your excavation site is older than 5 years, STOP NOW!!! Return to your home page and file the appropriate application.
*Direction Flow:
select a value from the dropdown box that indicates the direction flow, e.g., "North-South", of the street where the excavation will occur.
*Total Number of Lanes:
type the number of lanes on the street where the excavation will take place. E.g., "3".
*Lane Width (feet):
type the lane width, in feet, e.g., "11".
*Is Road Divided?
click on "yes" or "no" as applicable.
Width of Road Division(feet):
if applicable, enter the width, in feet, of the road division, e.g., "12".
*Method of Excavation:
select a value from the dropdown box corresponding to the method of excavation, e.g., "Auger & Jack".
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
You will be presented with the MAP OF EXCAVATION page. On this page you may view the excavation area. The site of excavation will show as a red polygon and the area of restoration will show as a green polygon enclosing the excavation area. Note: if the excavation polygon of the area of restoration does not reflect the actual location of excavation then revisit the SITE OF EXCAVATION INFORMATION, STREET CUT INFORMATION, and PAVEMENT INFORMATION pages and check that all parameters are correct. For example, were the "Direction Flow" incorrectly stated (e.g., "North-South" instead of "East-West") on the PAVEMENT INFORMATION page, then the lane-numbering conventions would cause an incorrect polygon to be generated.
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
On the EXCAVATION ON PUBLIC WAY page type your answers to the questions in the boxes provided.
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
On the OTHER EXCAVATION INFORMATION page enter other information related to the excavation. Both fields are mandatory:

*Purpose of Excavation:
type the purpose for this excavation into the box provided, e.g., "Provide utility services to new building."
*Description of facilities to be installed, maintained, and/or repaired:
type in a description of the facilities that you are installing, maintaining or repairing, e.g., "100 feet of 8-inch PVC water main."
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
On the TEMPORARY SURFACES page enter information about any temporary surface that may be employed at the excavation site:

Will temporary surface be required at the site of the excavation?
Answer "yes" or "no" as appropriate.
Type of temporary surface?
If you selected "yes" in the previous field, then select from the dropdown box the appropriate temporary surface material to be utilized.
Number of days for steel plate?
If you selected "Steel Plate" as a temporary surface, then enter the number of days that steel plate will be used as a temporary surface at the site of excavation.
Please give a reason if steel plating duration is more than 4 days.
If you entered more than 4 days in the previous field, then enter an explanation in the text box.
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
On the ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION page enter additional information as described on the fields:

If the excavation includes new facilities that are either more than 10 feet long or that extend across more than one travel lane, then you must list and submit drawings and specifications.
If either of the above conditions apply, then enter the number(s) of the drawings and specifications that you have submitted or will submit to the City.
Answer the remaining questions as appropriate.
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
On the TRAFFIC RELATED ISSUES page enter information on traffic related issues as described on the fields:

Is the proposed excavation on a roadway in the City's Major Thoroughfare and Freeway Plan or has been identified by the City's Traffic Engineer as having substantial traffic?
The program will automatically select the appropriate answer to this question based on the information you have provided on the previous pages.
Has a Traffic Control Plan(TCP) conforming to all terms and conditions specified in Section 40-137(a) of Houston City Code been submitted?
If the answer to the previous question was "yes", then you must answer "yes" or "no" as applicable.
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
INSPECTION INFORMATION If the excavation will be inspected by either a COH inspector or self inspector then:

Select an inspector:
from the dropdown list select the name of the inspector who will perform the inspection of the excavation. Some additional fields describing the selected inspector will appear.
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
TESTING LAB INFORMATION If material testing is required for the excavation then complete the following fields:

Company Name:
type the company name of the laboratory responsible for performing lab tests for the excavation.
Contact Person/Authorized Agent:
type the name of a contact person for the laboratory.
Telephone Number:
type the telephone number for the laboratory.
e-mail Address:
type the email address for the laboratory.
On the OWNER/CONTRACTOR INFORMATION page you will enter information regarding the applicants. It is mandatory that an owner be associated with all permits. You will not be allowed to submit this application without an owner association. In addition, the "Owner" must have a complete company profile as well as proof of insurance on file at the SCPS offices. (Insurance policy must be valid for at least 15 days after the submission of this application.) Therefore select an "Owner" first then a "Contractor".
To add an applicant, click on the "Add Applicant" button. A new page, titled Choose Company, will open.
Applicant Type:
if you have not yet selected an owner, click on the "Owner" button. If you have, click on the "Contractor" button. Select your company from the drop down list.
Note: If the name of the company with which you are affiliated and/or your contractor name does not appear in the dropdown list, your company and/or contractor is most likely in violation of the Street Cut Ordinance. Please return to the Activity Summary and correct any listed violations before proceeding with this or any new applications. If you believe that there are no violations or you have already corrected violations listed in your Activity Summary and still cannot proceed, contact SCPS at 713-837-0455 or via e-mail at: Street.CutOps@cityofhouston.net
Click on "NEXT".

When you do, the Add Applicant page will display with information from the selected company's profile.

If you receive the following message:

The insurance policy associated with the applicant has either expired or will be expired within the next 15 days. Please provide the applicant's insurance policy renewal information to the City before submitting any new applications.
the program will not allow you to continue with this application until the City receives insurance renewal information for this applicant.

The insurance policy associated with the applicant will expire within 75 days. Please provide the applicant's insurance policy renewal information to the City.
the program will allow you to submit this application. This is a reminder to provide the City with insurance policy renewal information.

Messages for incomplete company profiles. Missing profile information is reflected in the message.
the program will not allow you to submit this application without a completed company profile. Contact SCPS to update the profile for this applicant.
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
The OWNER/CONTRACTOR INFORMATION page will now display information for the applicant(s) that you have entered. You may now take any of the following actions:
- Click on the "add applicant" button to display the Add Applicant page and add an applicant.
- Click on the "Delete" button located below the record of the applicant you want to delete. This will delete the record, display the Add Applicant page and allow you to select another applicant.
OR:
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
On the LEGAL AGREEMENT page read the legal agreement. By clicking on "NEXT" you are bound by the agreement on the page.
Click on "NEXT" if you agree with the Legal Agreement and wish to continue with the application process.
On the SUBMIT/SAVE APPLICATION page there are two buttons: "SUBMIT" and "SAVE". Clicking on "SUBMIT" allows you to submit the application to the City for review. Note that after you submit an application, you will no longer be able to edit the information on the application unless the City returns it to you because it is incomplete. Clicking on "SAVE" allows you to save the application. If you save the application, you can later retrieve it, edit it, and again save it or submit it to the City for review.
The next page will display your new SCPS Application/Permit number and will indicate that it has been successfully submitted or saved. Please refer to this SCPS number for any inquiries you might have.
At this point you may want to:
- exit the system. Click on "log off". This takes you back to the login screen, where you can close your browser window.
- go back to your home page to submit another application or print the one you just submitted/saved. To do this click on "Quit" or "home" at the top of the window.

Application for Scheduled Excavation Permit - Pavement Age > 5 Years?

Login by entering your username and password. Note that both are case-sensitive.
The SUMMARY page will appear. On this page is a summary of your company's permit activity for the past 75 days. From this page you also have access to activities such as viewing and printing permits, submitting requests and other routine tasks. For more in-depth procedures click on "home" at the top of this page.
Violations

Failure to submit a "Certificate of Restoration" or an excavation that fails an inspection is a violation of the Street Cut Ordinance. Your ability to submit new applications will be suspended until these violations are corrected. Failure to submit a "48 Hour Notice to commence Work" is also a violation and although this violation will not suspend your ability to submit new permits, it needs to be corrected as expeditiously as possible. Permits that are in violation will be listed at the top of the page with the type of violation listed in the right-hand column in red. If you have any questions about a violation you may contact SCPS at:

City Of Houston
Department of Public Works and Engineering
Street Cut Permit Section
611 Walker, 18th Floor
Houston, Texas 77002

Telephone Number: (713) 837-0455
Fax No. (713) 837-0287, or (713) 837-0289
E-Mail: Street.CutOps@cityofhouston.net
To apply for a permit click on the menu item "home" at the top of the page.
The APPLY FOR PERMIT page will appear. This is your home page.
If you have not already done so it is recommended that you query the SCPS map to determine the age of the pavement and whether or not the street lies within the Central Business District or the City's Major Thoroughfare Plan.
To Query the SCPS Map:
1. Click on the menu item MAP at the top of the page,
2. A new window will open; this is the SCPS Map.
3. Click on SEARCH and select a search method,
4. Locate the site of excavation,
5. Click on the "CASD" button located on the map menu (at the left side of the map),
6. Click on the center of the street where excavation will take place. The following information about the street will display:
  - the pavement age of the street, if available,
  - whether the street lies within Houston's Central Business District,
  - whether the street is within the City's Major Thoroughfare Plan,
  - any available Street Cut Permit Data,
  - information about any City of Houston, Metro or Harris County construction occurring in the vicinity of the selected location.
7. Once you no longer need the map you may close it by clicking on the upper left-hand corner of the map window.
Under SELECT APPLICATION TYPE, click on Application for Scheduled Excavation Permit - Pavement Age > 5 Years,
On the SITE OF EXCAVATION INFORMATION page enter information about the location of the excavation. Note that all mandatory fields on this page must be populated with valid data in order for SCPS to generate a map of the area of excavation.
Enter information as follows (mandatory fields have a leading asterisk):

*Street Number:
type the street number where the excavation will take place, e.g. "306".
*Street Name:
type the name of the street where the excavation will take place, e.g., "Mc Gowen".
*Zip Code:
type the zip code where the excavation will take place, e.g., "77006".
*Nearest Intersecting Street:
type the name of the intersecting street nearest to where the excavation begins, e.g., "Bagby".
Work Order Number(optional):
if you wish to use your company internal work order number to track applications/permits, type that number into this field.

The three links at the bottom of the page may also help you to find a location.

Help me find the Street Name and Zip Code

This link will display street segments and their corresponding zip codes. Clicking on the street name will populate the "Street Name" and "Zip Code" fields on your application.
Help me find the Nearest Intersecting Street

This link will also display street segments and their corresponding zip codes. Clicking on the street name will populate the "Nearest Intersecting Street" Field.
View Street Segments and Corresponding Address Ranges

This link will display a list of street segments corresponding address ranges and zip codes. This list is for viewing only and will not populate any fields on your application.
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
If the following warning is generated:
then SCPS was unable to find the address you entered. Click on "OK" and use the "map" menu function (at top) to search for and validate the address prior to re-entering it on this page.

On the STREET CUT INFORMATION page enter further information about the date and location of the excavation as follows (mandatory fields have a leading asterisk):

*Start Date of Excavation:

type the date you estimate that you will start the excavation, e.g., "08/01/2001". Note that you must use the format mm/dd/yyyy.

*Estimated End Date of Excavation:

type the date you estimate that you will complete the excavation, e.g., "08/08/2001". Note that you must use the format mm/dd/yyyy.

*Cut Starting Point from the Center of the Nearest Intersection Street(feet):

type the measured distance, in feet, from the cut starting point to the center of the selected nearest intersecting street (refer to the previous page). E.g., "100".

*Street Lane in Which Cut Starts:

type the number corresponding to the lane in which the cut begins, e.g., "1" or "S4". Use the lane numbering conventions described in the diagram below.

*Street Lane in Which Cut Ends:

type the number corresponding to the lane in which the cut begins, e.g., "1" or "S4". Use the lane numbering conventions described in the diagram above.

*Cut Length(feet):

type the length, in feet, of the cut or excavation, including boring, jacking, tunneling, etc. E.g., "100". Note that cut length is always measured parallel to the street direction.

*Cut Width(feet):

type the width, in feet, of the cut or excavation, including boring, jacking, tunneling, etc. E.g., "10". Note that cut width is always measured perpendicular to the street direction.

*Cut Depth(feet):

type the depth, in feet, of the cut or excavation, including boring, jacking, tunneling, etc. E.g., "5".

Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
If the following warning is generated:
then SCPS was unable to generate the geometry for the street cut based on the address entered on the previous page and/or the street cut parameters entered on this page. Click on "OK" and ensure that both the street cut information (on the current page) and the street address (on the previous "Site of Excavation Information" page) is correct. Note that without a valid address and valid street cut information, no map of the excavation can be generated.
On the PAVEMENT INFORMATION page enter information related to the pavement of the road where the excavation will occur (mandatory fields have a leading asterisk):

*Pavement Type:
select a value from the dropdown box that corresponds to the pavement type, e.g., "concrete", of the street where the excavation is located.
*Pavement Thickness (inches):
type the thickness, in inches, of the pavement where the excavation will occur. E.g., "12".
*Pavement Age:
Usually this field, if available, will be automatically populated from the database. However, if it is not, then type the age, in years, of the pavement where the excavation will occur. E.g., "4". Note: You are now filing for an "Application for Scheduled Excavation Permit - Pavement Age > 5 Years." If the pavement at your excavation site is less than 5 years, STOP NOW!!! Return to your home page and file the appropriate application.
*Direction Flow:
select a value from the dropdown box that indicates the direction flow, e.g., "North-South", of the street where the excavation will occur.
*Total Number of Lanes:
type the number of lanes on the street where the excavation will take place. E.g., "3".
*Lane Width (feet):
type the lane width, in feet, e.g., "11".
*Is Road Divided?
click on "yes" or "no" as applicable.
Width of Road Division(feet):
if applicable, enter the width, in feet, of the road division, e.g., "12".
*Method of Excavation:
select a value from the dropdown box corresponding to the method of excavation, e.g., "Auger & Jack".
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
You will be presented with the MAP OF EXCAVATION page. On this page you may view the excavation area. The site of excavation will show as a red polygon and the area of restoration will show as a green polygon enclosing the excavation area. Note: if the excavation polygon of the area of restoration does not reflect the actual location of excavation then revisit the SITE OF EXCAVATION INFORMATION, STREET CUT INFORMATION, and PAVEMENT INFORMATION pages and check that all parameters are correct. For example, were the "Direction Flow" incorrectly stated (e.g., "North-South" instead of "East-West") on the PAVEMENT INFORMATION page, then the lane-numbering conventions would cause an incorrect polygon to be generated.
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
On the OTHER EXCAVATION INFORMATION page enter other information related to the excavation. Both fields are mandatory:

*Purpose of Excavation:
type the purpose for this excavation into the box provided, e.g., "Provide utility services to new building."
*Description of facilities to be installed, maintained, and/or repaired:
type in a description of the facilities that you are installing, maintaining or repairing, e.g., "100 feet of 8-inch PVC water main."
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
On the TEMPORARY SURFACES page enter information about any temporary surface that may be employed at the excavation site:

Will temporary surface be required at the site of the excavation?
Answer "yes" or "no" as appropriate.
Type of temporary surface?
If you selected "yes" in the previous field, then select from the dropdown box the appropriate temporary surface material to be utilized.
Number of days for steel plate?
If you selected "Steel Plate" as a temporary surface, then enter the number of days that steel plate will be used as a temporary surface at the site of excavation.
Please give a reason if steel plating duration is more than 4 days.
If you entered more than 4 days in the previous field, then enter an explanation in the text box.
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
On the ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION page enter additional information as described on the fields:

If the excavation includes new facilities that are either more than 10 feet long or that extend across more than one travel lane, then you must list and submit drawings and specifications.
If either of the above conditions apply, then enter the number(s) of the drawings and specifications that you have submitted or will submit to the City.
Answer the remaining questions as appropriate.
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
On the TRAFFIC RELATED ISSUES page enter information on traffic related issues as described on the fields:

Is the proposed excavation on a roadway in the City's Major Thoroughfare and Freeway Plan or has been identified by the City's Traffic Engineer as having substantial traffic?
The program will automatically select the appropriate answer to this question based on the information you have provided on the previous pages.
*Has a Traffic Control Plan(TCP) conforming to all terms and conditions specified in Section 40-137(a) of Houston City Code been submitted?
If the answer to the previous question was "yes", then you must answer "yes" or "no" as applicable.
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
On the OWNER/CONTRACTOR INFORMATION page you will enter information regarding the applicants. It is mandatory that an owner be associated with all permits. You will not be allowed to submit this application without an owner association. In addition, the "Owner" must have a complete company profile as well as proof of insurance on file at the SCPS offices. (Insurance policy must be valid for at least 15 days after the submission of this application.) Therefore select an "Owner" first then a "Contractor".
To add an applicant, click on the "Add Applicant" button. A new page, titled Choose Company, will open.
Applicant Type:
if you have not yet selected an owner, click on the "Owner" button. If you have, click on the "Contractor" button. Select your company from the drop down list.
Note: If the name of the company with which you are affiliated and/or your contractor name does not appear in the dropdown list, your company and/or contractor is most likely in violation of the Street Cut Ordinance. Please return to the Activity Summary and correct any listed violations before proceeding with this or any new applications. If you believe that there are no violations or you have already corrected violations listed in your Activity Summary and still cannot proceed, contact SCPS at: Street.CutOps@cityofhouston.net
Click on "NEXT".

When you do, the Add Applicant page will display with information from the selected company's profile.

If you receive the following message:

The insurance policy associated with the applicant has either expired or will be expired within the next 15 days. Please provide the applicant's insurance policy renewal information to the City before submitting any new applications.
the program will not allow you to continue with this application until the City receives insurance renewal information for this applicant.

The insurance policy associated with the applicant will expire within 75 days. Please provide the applicant's insurance policy renewal information to the city.
the program will allow you to submit this application. This is a reminder to provide the City with insurance policy renewal information.

Messages for incomplete company profiles. Missing profile information is reflected in the message.
the program will not allow you to submit this application without a completed company profile. Contact SCPS to update the profile for this applicant.
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
The OWNER/CONTRACTOR INFORMATION page will now display information for the applicant(s) that you have entered. You may now take any of the following actions:
- Click on the "Add Applicant" button to display the Add Applicant page and add another applicant.
- Click on the "Delete" button located below the record of the applicant you want to delete. This will delete the record, display the Add Applicant page and allow you to select another applicant.
OR:
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
On the LEGAL AGREEMENT page read the legal agreement. By clicking on "NEXT" you are bound by the agreement on the page.
Click on "NEXT" if you agree with the Legal Agreement and wish to continue with the application process.
On the SUBMIT/SAVE APPLICATION page there are two buttons: "SUBMIT" and "SAVE". Clicking on "SUBMIT" allows you to submit the application to the City for review. Note that after you submit an application, you will no longer be able to edit the information on the application unless the City returns it to you because it is incomplete. Clicking on "SAVE" allows you to save the application. If you save the application, you can later retrieve it, edit it, and again save it or submit it to the City for review.
The next page will display your new SCPS Application/Permit number and will indicate that it has been successfully submitted or saved. Please refer to this SCPS number for any inquiries you might have.
At this point you may want to
- exit the system. Click on "log off". This takes you back to the login screen, where you can close your browser window.
- go back to your home page to submit another application or print the one you just submitted/saved. To do this click on "Quit" or "home" at the top of the window.

Application for Emergency Excavation Permit - Pavement Age < 5 Years

Go to the SCPS site: http://www.gims.houstontx.gov/
Login by entering your username and password. Note that both are case-sensitive.
The SUMMARY page will appear. On this page is a summary of your company's permit activity for the past 75 days. From this page you also have access to activities such as viewing and printing permits, submitting requests and other routine tasks. For more in-depth procedures click on "home" at the top of this page.
Violations

Failure to submit a "Certificate of Restoration" or an excavation that fails an inspection is a violation of the Street Cut Ordinance. Your ability to submit new applications will be suspended until these violations are corrected. Failure to submit a "48 Hour Notice to commence Work" is also a violation and although this violation will not suspend your ability to submit new permits, it needs to be corrected as expeditiously as possible. Permits that are in violation will be listed at the top of the page with the type of violation listed in the right-hand column in red. If you have any questions about a violation you may contact SCPS at:

City Of Houston
Department of Public Works and Engineering
Street Cut Permit Section
611 Walker, 18th Floor
Houston, Texas 77002

Telephone Number: (713) 837-0455
Fax No. (713) 837-0287, or (713) 837-0289
E-Mail: Street.CutOps@cityofhouston.net
To apply for a permit click on the menu item "home" at the top of the page.
The APPLY FOR PERMIT page will appear. This is your home page.
If you have not yet validated the excavation address, do so now:
1. Click on the menu item MAP at the top of the page,
2. A new window will open; this is the SCPS Map.
3. Click on SEARCH and select a search method,
4. Locate the site of excavation,
5. Click on the "CASD" button located on the map menu (at the left side of the map),
6. Click on the center of the street where excavation will take place. The following information about the street will display:
  - the pavement age of the street, if available,
  - whether the street lies within Houston's Central Business District,
  - whether the street is within the City's Major Thoroughfare Plan,
  - any available Street Cut Permit Data,
  - information about any City of Houston, Metro or Harris County construction occurring in the vicinity of the selected location.
7. Once you no longer need the map you may close it by clicking on the upper left-hand corner of the map window.
Under SELECT APPLICATION TYPE, click on Application for Emergency Excavation Permit - Pavement Age < 5 Years,
On the EMERGENCY INFORMATION page enter information about the emergency. All fields on this page are mandatory. Answer all questions.
Click on "NEXT".
On the SITE OF EXCAVATION INFORMATION page enter information about the location of the excavation. Note that all mandatory fields on this page must be populated with valid data in order for SCPS to generate a map of the area of excavation.
Enter information as follows (mandatory fields have a leading asterisk):

*Street Number:
type the street number where the excavation will take place, e.g. "306".
*Street Name:
type the name of the street where the excavation will take place, e.g., "Mc Gowen".
*Zip Code:
type the zip code where the excavation will take place, e.g., "77006".
*Nearest Intersecting Street:
type the name of the intersecting street nearest to where the excavation begins, e.g., "Bagby".
Work Order Number(optional):
if you wish to use your company internal work order number to track applications/permits, type that number into this field.

The three links at the bottom of the page may also help you to find a location.

Help me find the Street Name and Zip Code

This link will display a list of streets and their corresponding zip codes. Clicking on the street name will populate the "Street Name" and "Zip Code" fields on your application.
Help me find the Nearest Intersecting Street

This link will also display a list of streets and their corresponding zip codes. Clicking on the street name will populate the "Nearest Intersecting Street" field.
View Street Segments and Corresponding Address Ranges

This link will display a list of streets segments corresponding address ranges and zip codes. This list is for viewing only and will not populate any fields on your application.
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
If the following warning is generated:
then SCPS was unable to find the address you entered. Click on "OK" and use the "map" menu function (at top) to search for and validate the address prior to re-entering it on this page.

On the STREET CUT INFORMATION page enter further information about the date and location of the excavation as follows (mandatory fields have a leading asterisk):

*Start Date of Excavation:

type the date that the excavation began, e.g., "08/01/2001". Note that you must use the format mm/dd/yyyy.

*Estimated End Date of Excavation:

type the date that the excavation ended, e.g., "08/08/2001". Note that you must use the format mm/dd/yyyy.

*Cut Starting Point from the Center of the Nearest Intersection Street(feet):

type the measured distance, in feet, from the cut starting point to the center of the selected nearest intersecting street (refer to the previous page). E.g., "100".

*Street Lane in Which Cut Starts:

Type the number corresponding to the lane in which the cut begins, e.g., "1" or "S4". Use the lane numbering conventions described in the diagram below.

Street Lane Numbering Conventions

Street lanes are numbered as follows (see the diagram below):

When determining street lane numbering, face North.
North/South bound streets are numbered in ascending sequence 1, 2, 3,... from left to right.
East/West bound streets are numbered in ascending sequence 1, 2, 3,... from top to bottom.
If a sidewalk or driveway is involved, then S1 designates the sidewalk closest to lane 1, and Sn, where n is the highest lane number, designates the sidewalk nearest lane n.
A turning lane should be numbered in the same manner as a driving lane.
A median should NOT be counted as a lane.
Some examples of lane numbering follow:

One of the streets in the diagram below runs North-South and has 4 lanes Lanes are numbered from the left to the right as 1, 2, 3, 4. The leftmost sidewalk is labeled "S1", since it is closest to lane 1. Similarly the rightmost sidewalk, being closest to lane 4, is labeled "S4".

A street runs North-South and has 3 lanes Lanes are numbered 1, 2, 3 from left to right. The leftmost sidewalk is numbered "S1", the rightmost "S3".

A street runs North-South and has 3 lanes, one which is a center turning lane. Lanes are numbered 1, 2, 3 from left to right. So the turning lane is lane 2. The leftmost sidewalk is numbered "S1", the rightmost "S3".

One of the streets in the diagram below runs East-West and has 2 lanes Lanes are numbered from top to bottom as 1 and 2. The topmost sidewalk is labeled "S1", since it is closest to lane 1. Similarly the bottommost sidewalk, being closest to lane 2, is labeled "S2".

A street runs East-West and has 4 lanes. Lanes are numbered 1, 2, 3, 4 from top to bottom. The topmost sidewalk is numbered "S1", the bottommost "S4".

A street runs East-West and has 3 lanes. Lanes are numbered 1, 2, 3 from top to bottom. The topmost sidewalk is numbered "S1", the bottommost "S3".

*Street Lane in Which Cut Ends:

type the number corresponding to the lane in which the cut begins, e.g., "1" or "S4". Use the lane numbering conventions described in the diagram above.

*Cut Length(feet):

type the length, in feet, of the cut or excavation, including boring, jacking, tunneling, etc. E.g., "100". Note that cut length is always measured parallel to the street direction.

*Cut Width(feet):

type the width, in feet, of the cut or excavation, including boring, jacking, tunneling, etc. E.g., "10". Note that cut width is always measured perpendicular to the street direction.

*Cut Depth(feet):

type the depth, in feet, of the cut or excavation, including boring, jacking, tunneling, etc. E.g., "5".

Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
If the following warning is generated:
then SCPS was unable to generate the geometry for the street cut based on the address entered on the previous page and/or the street cut parameters entered on this page. Click on "OK" and ensure that both the street cut information (on the current page) and the street address (on the previous "Site of Excavation Information" page) is correct. Note that without a valid address and valid street cut information, no map of the excavation can be generated.
On the PAVEMENT INFORMATION page enter information related to the pavement of the road where the excavation will occur (mandatory fields have a leading asterisk):

*Pavement Type:
select a value from the dropdown box that corresponds to the pavement type, e.g., "concrete", of the street where the excavation is located.
*Pavement Thickness (inches):
type the thickness, in inches, of the pavement where the excavation will occur. E.g., "12".
*Pavement Age:
Usually this field, if available, will be automatically populated from the database. However, if it is not, then type the age, in years, of the pavement where the excavation will occur. E.g., "4". Note: You are now filing for an "Application for Emergency Excavation Permit - Pavement Age < 5 Years" If the pavement at your excavation site is older than 5 years, STOP NOW!!! Return to your home page and file the appropriate application.
*Direction Flow:
select a value from the dropdown box that indicates the direction flow, e.g., "North-South", of the street where the excavation will occur.
*Total Number of Lanes:
type the number of lanes on the street where the excavation will take place. E.g., "3".
*Lane Width (feet):
type the lane width, in feet, e.g., "11".
*Is Road Divided?
click on "yes" or "no" as applicable.
Width of Road Division(feet):
if applicable, enter the width, in feet, of the road division, e.g., "12".
*Method of Excavation:
select a value from the dropdown box corresponding to the method of excavation, e.g., "Auger & Jack".
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
You will be presented with the MAP OF EXCAVATION page. On this page you may view the excavation area. The site of excavation will show as a red polygon and the area of restoration will show as a green polygon enclosing the excavation area. Note: if the excavation polygon of the area of restoration does not reflect the actual location of excavation then revisit the SITE OF EXCAVATION INFORMATION, STREET CUT INFORMATION, and PAVEMENT INFORMATION pages and check that all parameters are correct. For example, were the "Direction Flow" incorrectly stated (e.g., "North-South" instead of "East-West") on the PAVEMENT INFORMATION page, then the lane-numbering conventions would cause an incorrect polygon to be generated.
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
On the EXCAVATION ON PUBLIC WAY page type your answers to the questions in the boxes provided. These fields are mandatory.
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
On the OTHER EXCAVATION INFORMATION page enter other information related to the excavation. Both fields are mandatory.

*Purpose of Excavation:
type the purpose for this excavation into the box provided, e.g., "Provide utility services to new building."
*Description of facilities to be installed, maintained, and/or repaired:
type in a description of the facilities that you are installing, maintaining or repairing, e.g., "100 feet of 8-inch PVC water main."
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
On the TEMPORARY SURFACES page enter information about any temporary surface that may be employed at the excavation site:

Will temporary surface be required at the site of the excavation?
Answer "yes" or "no" as appropriate.
What temporary surface will be utilized?
If you selected "yes" in the previous field, then select from the dropdown box the appropriate temporary surface material to be utilized.
How many days do you anticipate to utilize steel plating?
If you selected "Steel Plate" as a temporary surface, then enter the number of days that steel plate will be used as a temporary surface at the site of excavation.
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
On the ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION page enter additional information as described on the fields:

If pavement is less than 5 years old, or if the excavation includes new facilities that are either more than 10 ft. long or that extend across more than one travel lane, then you must list and submit drawings and specifications:
If any of the above conditions apply, then enter the number(s) of the drawings and specifications that you have submitted or will submit to the City.
Answer the remaining questions as appropriate.
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
On the TRAFFIC RELATED ISSUES page enter information on traffic related issues as described on the fields:

Is the proposed excavation on a roadway in the City's Major Thoroughfare and Freeway Plan or has been identified by the City's Traffic Engineer as having substantial traffic?
The program will automatically select the appropriate answer to this question based on the information you have provided on the previous pages.

Has a Traffic Control Plan(TCP) conforming to all terms and conditions specified in Section 40-137(a) of Houston City Code been submitted?
*If the answer to the previous question was "yes", then you must answer "yes" or "no" as applicable.

Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
INSPECTION INFORMATION If the excavation will be inspected by either a COH inspector or self inspector then:

Select an inspector:
from the dropdown list select the name of the inspector who will perform the inspection of the excavation. Some additional fields describing the selected inspector will appear.

Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
TESTING LAB INFORMATION If material testing is required for the excavation then complete the following fields:

Company Name:
type the company name of the laboratory responsible for performing lab tests for the excavation.
Contact Person/Authorized Agent:
type the name of a contact person for the laboratory.
Telephone Number:
type the telephone number for the laboratory.
e-mail Address:
type the email address for the laboratory.

Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.

On the OWNER/CONTRACTOR INFORMATION page you will enter information regarding the applicants. It is mandatory that an owner be associated with all permits. You will not be allowed to submit this application without an owner association. In addition, the "Owner" must have a complete company profile as well as proof of insurance on file at the SCPS offices. (Insurance policy must be valid for at least 15 days after the submission of this application.) Therefore select an "Owner" first then a "Contractor".

To add an applicant, click on the "Add Applicant" button. A new page, titled Choose Company, will open.
Applicant Type:
if you have not yet selected an owner, click on the "Owner" button. If you have, click on the "Contractor" button. Select your company from the drop down list.
Note: If the name of the company with which you are affiliated and/or your contractor name does not appear in the dropdown list, your company and/or contractor is most likely in violation of the Street Cut Ordinance. Please return to the Activity Summary and correct any listed violations before proceeding with this or any new applications. If you believe that there are no violations or you have already corrected violations listed in your Activity Summary and still cannot proceed, contact SCPS at: Street.CutOps@cityofhouston.net

Click on "NEXT".

When you do, the Add Applicant page will display and automatically be populated with information from the selected company's profile.

If you receive the following message:

The insurance policy associated with the applicant has either expired or will be expired within the next 15 days. Please provide the applicant's insurance policy renewal information to the City before submitting any new applications.
the program will not allow you to continue with this application until the City receives insurance renewal information for this applicant.

The insurance policy associated with the applicant will expire within 75 days. Please provide the applicant's insurance policy renewal information to the City.
the program will allow you to submit this application. This is a reminder to provide the City with insurance policy renewal information.

Messages for incomplete company profiles. Missing profile information is reflected in the message.
the program will not allow you to submit this application without a completed company profile. Contact SCPS to update the profile for this applicant.

Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
The OWNER/CONTRACTOR INFORMATION page will now display information for the applicant(s) that you have entered. You may now take any of the following actions:
- Click on the "add applicant" button to display the Add Applicant page and add another applicant.
- Click on the "Delete" button located below the record of the applicant you want to delete. This will delete the record, display the Add Applicant page and allow you to select another applicant.
OR:
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
On the LEGAL AGREEMENT page read the legal agreement. By clicking on "NEXT" you are bound by the agreement on the page.
Click on "NEXT" if you agree with the Legal Agreement and wish to continue with the application process.
On the SUBMIT/SAVE APPLICATION page there are two buttons: "SUBMIT" and "SAVE". Clicking on "SUBMIT" allows you to submit the application to the City for review. Note that after you submit an application, you will no longer be able to edit the information on the application unless the City returns it to you because it is incomplete. Clicking on "SAVE" allows you to save the application. If you save the application, you can later retrieve it, edit it, and again save it or submit it to the City for review.
The next page will display your new SCPS Application/Permit number and will indicate that it has been successfully submitted or saved. Please refer to this SCPS number for any inquiries you might have.
At this point you may want to
- exit the system. Click on "log off". This takes you back to the login screen, where you can close your browser window.
- go back to your home page to submit another application or print the one you just submitted/saved. To do this click on "Quit" or "home" at the top of the window.

Application for Emergency Excavation Permit - Pavement Age > 5 Years

Go to the SCPS site: http://www.gims.houstontx.gov/
Login by entering your username and password. Note that both are case-sensitive.
The SUMMARY page will appear. On this page is a summary of your company's permit activity for the past 75 days. From this page you also have access to activities such as viewing and printing permits, submitting requests and other routine tasks. For more in-depth procedures click on "home" at the top of this page.
Violations

Failure to submit a "Certificate of Restoration" or an excavation that fails an inspection is a violation of the Street Cut Ordinance. Your ability to submit new applications will be suspended until these violations are corrected. Failure to submit a "48 Hour Notice to commence Work" is also a violation and although this violation will not suspend your ability to submit new permits, it needs to be corrected as expeditiously as possible. Permits that are in violation will be listed at the top of the page with the type of violation listed in the right-hand column in red. If you have any questions about a violation you may contact SCPS at:

City Of Houston
Department of Public Works and Engineering
Street Cut Permit Section
611 Walker, 18th Floor
Houston, Texas 77002

Telephone Number: (713) 837-0455
Fax No. (713) 837-0287, or (713) 837-0289
E-Mail: Street.CutOps@cityofhouston.net
To apply for a permit click on the menu item "home" at the top of the page.
The APPLY FOR PERMIT page will appear. This is your home page.
If you have not yet validated the excavation address, do so now:
1. Click on the menu item MAP at the top of the page,
2. A new window will open; this is the SCPS Map.
3. Click on SEARCH and select a search method,
4. Locate the site of excavation,
5. Click on the "CASD" button located on the map menu (at the left side of the map),
6. Click on the center of the street where excavation will take place. The following information about the street will display:
  - the pavement age of the street, if available,
  - whether the street lies within Houston's Central Business District,
  - whether the street is within the City's Major Thoroughfare Plan,
  - any available Street Cut Permit Data,
  - information about any City of Houston, Metro or Harris County construction occurring in the vicinity of the selected location.
7. Once you no longer need the map you may close it by clicking on the upper left-hand corner of the map window.
Under SELECT APPLICATION TYPE, click on Application for Emergency Excavation Permit - Pavement Age > 5 Years,
On the EMERGENCY INFORMATION page enter information about the emergency. All fields on this page are mandatory. Answer all questions.
Click on "NEXT".

On the SITE OF EXCAVATION INFORMATION page enter information about the location of the excavation. Note that all mandatory fields on this page must be populated with valid data in order for SCPS to generate a map of the area of excavation.

Enter information as follows (mandatory fields have a leading asterisk):

*Street Number:: type the street number where the excavation will take place, e.g. "306".
*Street Name:: type the name of the street where the excavation will take place, e.g., "Mc Gowen".
*Zip Code:: type the zip code where the excavation will take place, e.g., "77006".
*Nearest Intersecting Street:: type the name of the intersecting street nearest to where the excavation begins, e.g., "Bagby".
Work Order Number(optional):: if you wish to use your company internal work order number to track applications/permits, type that number into this field.

The three links at the bottom of the page may also help you to find a location.

Help me find the Street Name and Zip Code: This link will display a list of streets and their corresponding zip codes. Clicking on the street name will populate the "Street Name" and "Zip Code" fields on your application.
Help me find the Nearest Intersecting Street: This link will also display a list of streets and their corresponding zip codes. Clicking on the street name will populate the "Nearest Intersecting Street" Field.
View Street Segments and Corresponding Address Ranges

This link will display a list of street segments corresponding address ranges and zip codes. This list is for viewing only and will not populate any fields on your application.

Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
If the following warning is generated:
The System was unable to verify the address of excavation and/or the intersection street as entered. Please click "OK" and validate the address and the street names for typographical errors. If the problem persists then do the following:

Click on the menu item "map" at the top of this page, the map will display.

Click on "search" and select a search method.

Fill in the requested information and press submit.

Zoom in if needed.

Click on the "Identify" button on the left side of the map.

Click on the Street Centerline (dotted line between the edge of pavements).

Make sure to select the segment within the desired block.

Verify the street names, zip code and also make sure that the street address number is within displayed range of "from" and "to".

Note the information that differs from your original entry.

Enter the correct information on the application as appropriate.

"OK"

then SCPS was unable to find the address you entered. Click on "OK" and use the "map" menu function (at top) to search for and validate the address prior to re-entering it on this page.
On the STREET CUT INFORMATION page enter further information about the date and location of the excavation as follows (mandatory fields have a leading asterisk):

*Start Date of Excavation:
type the date that the excavation began, e.g., "08/01/2001". Note that you must use the format mm/dd/yyyy.
*Estimated End Date of Excavation:
type the date that the excavation ended, e.g., "08/08/2001". Note that you must use the format mm/dd/yyyy.
*Cut Starting Point from the Center of the Nearest Intersection Street(feet):
type the measured distance, in feet, from the cut starting point to the center of the selected nearest intersecting street (refer to the previous page). E.g., "100".
*Street Lane in Which Cut Starts:
type the number corresponding to the lane in which the cut begins, e.g., "1" or "S4". Use the lane numbering conventions described in the diagram below.

Street Lane Numbering Conventions

Street lanes are numbered as follows (see the diagram below):

When determining street lane numbering, face North.
North/South bound streets are numbered in ascending sequence 1, 2, 3,... from left to right.
East/West bound streets are numbered in ascending sequence 1, 2, 3,... from top to bottom.
If a sidewalk or driveway is involved, then S1 designates the sidewalk closest to lane 1, and Sn, where n is the highest lane number, designates the sidewalk nearest lane n.
A turning lane should be numbered in the same manner as a driving lane.
A median should NOT be counted as a lane.
Some examples of lane numbering follow:

One of the streets in the diagram below runs North-South and has 4 lanes Lanes are numbered from the left to the right as 1, 2, 3, 4. The leftmost sidewalk is labeled "S1", since it is closest to lane 1. Similarly the rightmost sidewalk, being closest to lane 4, is labeled "S4".

A street runs North-South and has 3 lanes Lanes are numbered 1, 2, 3 from left to right. The leftmost sidewalk is numbered "S1", the rightmost "S3".

A street runs North-South and has 3 lanes, one which is a center turning lane. Lanes are numbered 1, 2, 3 from left to right. So the turning lane is lane 2. The leftmost sidewalk is numbered "S1", the rightmost "S3".

One of the streets in the diagram below runs East-West and has 2 lanes Lanes are numbered from top to bottom as 1 and 2. The topmost sidewalk is labeled "S1", since it is closest to lane 1. Similarly the bottommost sidewalk, being closest to lane 2, is labeled "S2".

A street runs East-West and has 4 lanes. Lanes are numbered 1, 2, 3, 4 from top to bottom. The topmost sidewalk is numbered "S1", the bottommost "S4".

A street runs East-West and has 3 lanes. Lanes are numbered 1, 2, 3 from top to bottom. The topmost sidewalk is numbered "S1", the bottommost "S3".

*Street Lane in Which Cut Ends:
type the number corresponding to the lane in which the cut begins, e.g., "1" or "S4". Use the lane numbering conventions described in the diagram above.
*Cut Length(feet):
type the length, in feet, of the cut or excavation, including boring, jacking, tunneling, etc. E.g., "100". Note that cut length is always measured parallel to the street direction.
*Cut Width(feet):
type the width, in feet, of the cut or excavation, including boring, jacking, tunneling, etc. E.g., "10". Note that cut width is always measured perpendicular to the street direction.
*Cut Depth(feet):
type the depth, in feet, of the cut or excavation, including boring, jacking, tunneling, etc. E.g., "5".

Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
If the following warning is generated:
The System was unable to generate the geometry for the excavation. Please click "OK", validate the information on this page and re-enter it if necessary. Also, validate the address, intersecting street and zip code on the previous page. Use the "map" link to research the address and other related information.
"OK"

then SCPS was unable to generate the geometry for the street cut based on the address entered on the previous page and/or the street cut parameters entered on this page. Click on "OK" and ensure that both the street cut information (on the current page) and the street address (on the previous "Site of Excavation Information" page) is correct. Note that without a valid address and valid street cut information, no map of the excavation can be generated.

On the PAVEMENT INFORMATION page enter information related to the pavement of the road where the excavation will occur (mandatory fields have a leading asterisk):

*Pavement Type:
select a value from the dropdown box that corresponds to the pavement type, e.g., "concrete", of the street where the excavation is located.
*Pavement Thickness (inches):
type the thickness, in inches, of the pavement where the excavation will occur. E.g., "12".
*Pavement Age:
Usually this field, if available, will be automatically populated from the database. However, if it is not, then type the age, in years, of the pavement where the excavation will occur. E.g., "4". Note: You are now filing for an "Application for Emergency Excavation Permit - Pavement Age > 5 Years" If the pavement at your excavation site is less than 5 years, STOP NOW!!! Return to your home page and file the appropriate application.
*Direction Flow:
select a value from the dropdown box that indicates the direction flow, e.g., "North-South", of the street where the excavation will occur.
*Total Number of Lanes:
type the number of lanes on the street where the excavation will take place. E.g., "3".
*Lane Width (feet):
type the lane width, in feet, e.g., "11".
*Is Road Divided?
click on "yes" or "no" as applicable.
Width of Road Division(feet):
if applicable, enter the width, in feet, of the road division, e.g., "12".
*Method of Excavation:
select a value from the dropdown box corresponding to the method of excavation, e.g., "Auger & Jack".

Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
You will be presented with the MAP OF EXCAVATION page. On this page you may view the excavation area. The site of excavation will show as a red polygon and the area of restoration will show as a green polygon enclosing the excavation area. Note: if the excavation polygon of the area of restoration does not reflect the actual location of excavation then revisit the SITE OF EXCAVATION INFORMATION, STREET CUT INFORMATION, and PAVEMENT INFORMATION pages and check that all parameters are correct. For example, were the "Direction Flow" incorrectly stated (e.g., "North-South" instead of "East-West") on the PAVEMENT INFORMATION page, then the lane-numbering conventions would cause an incorrect polygon to be generated.
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
On the OTHER EXCAVATION INFORMATION page enter other information related to the excavation. Both fields are mandatory:

*Purpose of Excavation:
type the purpose for this excavation into the box provided, e.g., "Provide utility services to new building."
*Description of facilities to be installed, maintained, and/or repaired:
type in a description of the facilities that you are installing, maintaining or repairing, e.g., "100 feet of 8-inch PVC water main."

Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
On the TEMPORARY SURFACES page enter information about any temporary surface that may be employed at the excavation site:

Will temporary surface be required at the site of the excavation?
Answer "yes" or "no" as appropriate.
What temporary surface will be utilized?
If you selected "yes" in the previous field, then select from the dropdown box the appropriate temporary surface material to be utilized.
How many days do you anticipate to utilize steel plating?
If you selected "Steel Plate" as a temporary surface, then enter the number of days that steel plate will be used as a temporary surface at the site of excavation.

Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
On the ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION page enter additional information as described on the fields:

If the excavation includes new facilities that are either more than 10 ft. long or that extend across more than one travel lane, then you must list and submit drawings and specifications:
If either of the above conditions apply, then enter the number(s) of the drawings and specifications that you have submitted or will submit to the City.
Answer the remaining questions as appropriate.

Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
On the TRAFFIC RELATED ISSUES page enter information on traffic related issues as described on the fields:

Is the proposed excavation on a roadway in the City's Major Thoroughfare and Freeway Plan or has been identified by the City's Traffic Engineer as having substantial traffic?
The program will automatically select the appropriate answer to this question based on the information you have provided on the previous pages.

Has a Traffic Control Plan(TCP) conforming to all terms and conditions specified in Section 40-137(a) of Houston City Code been submitted?
*If the answer to the previous question was "yes", then you must answer "yes" or "no" as applicable.
Is the proposed excavation on a roadway in the City's Major Thoroughfare and Freeway Plan or has been identified by the City's Traffic Engineer as having substantial traffic?: The program will automatically select the appropriate answer to this question based on the information you have provided on the previous pages.
Has a Traffic Control Plan(TCP) conforming to all terms and conditions specified in Section 40-137(a) of Houston City Code been submitted?: *If the answer to the previous question was "yes", then you must answer "yes" or "no" as applicable.

Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
On the OWNER/CONTRACTOR INFORMATION page you will enter information regarding the applicants. It is mandatory that an owner be associated with all permits. You will not be allowed to submit this application without an owner association. In addition, the "Owner" must have a complete company profile as well as proof of insurance on file at the SCPS offices. (Insurance policy must be valid for at least 15 days after the submission of this application.) Therefore select an "Owner" first then a "Contractor".
To add an applicant, click on the "Add Applicant" button. A new page, titled Choose Company, will open.
Applicant Type:
if you have not yet selected an owner, click on the "Owner" button. If you have, click on the "Contractor" button. Select your company from the drop down list.
Note: If the name of the company with which you are affiliated and/or your contractor name does not appear in the dropdown list, your company and/or contractor is most likely in violation of the Street Cut Ordinance. Please return to the Activity Summary and correct any listed violations before proceeding with this or any new applications. If you believe that there are no violations or you have already corrected violations listed in your Activity Summary and still cannot proceed, contact SCPS at: Street.CutOps@cityofhouston.net
Click on "NEXT".

When you do, the Add Applicant page will display and automatically be populated with information from the selected company's profile.

If you receive the following message:

The insurance policy associated with the applicant has either expired or will be expired within the next 15 days. Please provide the applicant's insurance policy renewal information to the City before submitting any new applications.
the program will not allow you to continue with this application until the City receives insurance renewal information for this applicant.

The insurance policy associated with the applicant will expire within 75 days. Please provide the applicant's insurance policy renewal information to the City.
the program will allow you to submit this application. This is a reminder to provide the City with insurance policy renewal information.

Messages for incomplete company profiles. Missing profile information is reflected in the message.
the program will not allow you to submit this application without a completed company profile. Contact SCPS to update the profile for this applicant.
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
The OWNER/CONTRACTOR INFORMATION page will now display information for the applicant(s) that you have entered. You may now take any of the following actions:
- Click on the "add applicant" button to display the Add Applicant page and add another applicant.
- Click on the "Delete" button located below the record of the applicant you want to delete. This will delete the record, display the Add Applicant page and allow you to select another applicant.
OR:
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
On the LEGAL AGREEMENT page read the legal agreement. By clicking on "NEXT" you are bound by the agreement on the page.
Click on "NEXT" if you agree with the Legal Agreement and wish to continue with the application process.
On the SUBMIT/SAVE APPLICATION page there are two buttons: "SUBMIT" and "SAVE". Clicking on "SUBMIT" allows you to submit the application to the City for review. Note that after you submit an application, you will no longer be able to edit the information on the application unless the City returns it to you because it is incomplete. Clicking on "SAVE" allows you to save the application. If you save the application, you can later retrieve it, edit it, and again save it or submit it to the City for review.
The next page will display your new SCPS Application/Permit number and will indicate that it has been successfully submitted or saved. Please refer to this SCPS number for any inquiries you might have.
At this point you may want to
- exit the system. Click on "log off". This takes you back to the login screen, where you can close your browser window.
- go back to your home page to submit another application or print the one you just submitted/saved. To do this click on "Quit" or "home" at the top of the window.

How do I file an Application for General Permit?

Go to the SCPS site: http://www.gims.houstontx.gov/
Login by entering your username and password. Note that both are case-sensitive.
The SUMMARY page will appear. On this page is a summary of your company's permit activity for the past 75 days. From this page you also have access to activities such as viewing and printing permits, submitting reports and request and other routine tasks. For more in-depth procedures click on "home" at the top of this page.
Violations

Failure to submit a "Certificate of Restoration" or an excavation that fails an inspection is a violation of the Street Cut Ordinance. Your ability to submit new applications will be suspended until these violations are corrected. Failure to submit a "48 Hour Notice to commence Work" is also a violation and although this violation will not suspend your ability to submit new permits, it needs to be corrected as expeditiously as possible. Permits that are in violation will be listed at the top of the page with the type of violation listed in the right-hand column in red. If you have any questions about a violation you may contact SCPS at:

City Of Houston
Department of Public Works and Engineering
Street Cut Permit Section
611 Walker, 18th Floor
Houston, Texas 77002

Telephone Number: (713) 837-0455
Fax No. (713) 837-0287, or (713) 837-0289
E-Mail: Street.CutOps@cityofhouston.net
Click on "home" at the top of the page.
The APPLY FOR PERMIT page will appear. This is your home page.
Under SELECT APPLICATION TYPE, click on Application for General Permit,
On the BOND INFORMATION page select one of the bond values.
Click on "NEXT".
On the OWNER/CONTRACTOR INFORMATION page you will enter information regarding the applicants. It is mandatory that an owner be associated with all permits. You will not be allowed to submit this application without an owner association. In addition, the "Owner" must have a complete company profile as well as proof of insurance on file at the SCPS offices. (Insurance policy must be valid for at least 15 days after the submission of this application.) Therefore select an "Owner" first then a "Contractor".
To add an applicant, click on the "Add Applicant" button. A new page, titled Choose Company, will open.
Applicant Type:
if you have not yet selected an owner, click on the "Owner" button. If you have, click on the "Contractor" button. Select your company from the drop down list.
Note: If the name of the company with which you are affiliated and/or your contractor name does not appear in the dropdown list, your company and/or contractor is most likely in violation of the Street Cut Ordinance. Please return to the Activity Summary and correct any listed violations before proceeding with this or any new applications. If you believe that there are no violations or you have already corrected violations listed in your Activity Summary and still cannot proceed, contact SCPS at: Street.CutOps@cityofhouston.net
Click on "NEXT".

When you do, the Add Applicant page will display with information from the selected company's profile.

If you receive the following message:

The insurance policy associated with the applicant has either expired or will be expired within the next 15 days. Please provide the applicant's insurance policy renewal information to the City before submitting any new applications.
the program will not allow you to continue with this application until the City receives insurance renewal information for this applicant.

The insurance policy associated with the applicant will expire within 75 days. Please provide the applicant's insurance policy renewal information to the City.
the program will allow you to submit this application. This is a reminder to provide the City with insurance policy renewal information.

Messages for incomplete company profiles. Missing profile information is reflected in the message.
the program will not allow you to submit this application without a completed company profile. Contact SCPS to update the profile for this applicant.
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
The OWNER/CONTRACTOR INFORMATION page will now display information for the applicant(s) that you have entered. You may now take any of the following actions:
- Click on the "Add Applicant" button to display the Add Applicant page and add another applicant.
- Click on the "Delete" button located below the record of the applicant you want to delete. This will delete the record, display the Add Applicant page and allow you to select another applicant.
OR:
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
On the LEGAL AGREEMENT page read the legal agreement. By clicking on "NEXT" you are bound by the agreement on the page.
Click on "NEXT" if you agree with the Legal Agreement and wish to continue with the application process.
On the SUBMIT/SAVE APPLICATION page there are two buttons: "SUBMIT" and "SAVE". Clicking on "SUBMIT" allows you to submit the application to the City for review. Note that after you submit an application, you will no longer be able to edit the information on the application unless the City returns it to you because it is incomplete. Clicking on "SAVE" allows you to save the application. If you save the application, you can later retrieve it, edit it, and again save it or submit it to the City for review.

The next page will display your new SCPS Application/Permit number and will indicate that it has been successfully submitted or saved. Please refer to this SCPS number for any inquiries you might have.

At this point you may want to

exit the system. Click on "log off". This takes you back to the login screen, where you can close your browser window.
go back to your home page to submit another application or print the one you just submitted/saved. To do this click on "Quit" or "home" at the top of the window.

How do I file a 48 Hours Advance Notice to Commence Work (based on General Permit)?

Go to the SCPS site: http://www.gims.houstontx.gov/
Login by entering your username and password. Note that both are case-sensitive.
The SUMMARY page will appear. On this page is a summary of your company's permit activity for the past 75 days. From this page you also have access to activities such as viewing and printing permits, submitting reports and request and other routine tasks. For more in-depth procedures click on "home" at the top of this page.
Violations

Failure to submit a "Certificate of Restoration" or an excavation that fails an inspection is a violation of the Street Cut Ordinance. Your ability to submit new applications will be suspended until these violations are corrected. Failure to submit a "48 Hour Notice to commence Work" is also a violation and although this violation will not suspend your ability to submit new permits, it needs to be corrected as expeditiously as possible. Permits that are in violation will be listed at the top of the page with the type of violation listed in the right-hand column in red. If you have any questions about a violation you may contact SCPS at:

City Of Houston
Department of Public Works and Engineering
Street Cut Permit Section
611 Walker, 18th Floor
Houston, Texas 77002

Telephone Number: (713) 837-0455
Fax No. (713) 837-0287, or (713) 837-0289
E-Mail: Street.CutOps@cityofhouston.net
Click on "home" at the top of the page.
The APPLY FOR PERMIT page will appear. This is your home page.
If you have not yet validated the excavation address, do so now:
1. Click on the menu item MAP at the top of the page,
2. A new window will open; this is the SCPS Map.
3. Click on SEARCH and select a search method,
4. Locate the site of excavation,
5. Click on the "CASD" button located on the map menu (at the left side of the map),
6. Click on the center of the street where excavation will take place. The following information about the street will display:
  - the pavement age of the street, if available,
  - whether the street lies within Houston's Central Business District,
  - whether the street is within the City's Major Thoroughfare Plan,
  - any available Street Cut Permit Data,
  - information about any City of Houston, Metro or Harris County construction occurring in the vicinity of the selected location.
7. Once you no longer need the map you may close it by clicking on the upper left-hand corner of the map window.
At the top of the page, click on 48 Hours Advance Notice to Commence Work (based on General Permit),
On the page 48 HOURS ADVANCE NOTICE TO COMMENCE WORK, click on the permit number of the General Permit for which you will provide notification.
On the page CLOSURE PERMIT/DRAWINGS, if the conditions apply, then provide the appropriate answers.
Click on "NEXT".
On the SITE OF EXCAVATION INFORMATION page enter information about the location of the excavation. Note that all mandatory fields on this page must be populated with valid data in order for SCPS to generate a map of the area of excavation.
Enter information as follows (mandatory fields have a leading asterisk):

*Street Number:
type the street number where the excavation will take place, e.g. "306".
*Street Name:
type the name of the street where the excavation will take place, e.g., "Mc Gowen".
*Zip Code:
type the zip code where the excavation will take place, e.g., "77006".
*Nearest Intersecting Street:
type the name of the intersecting street nearest to where the excavation begins, e.g., "Bagby".
Work Order Number(optional):
if you wish to use your company internal work order number to track applications/permits, type that number into this field.

The three links at the bottom of the page may also help you to find a location.

Help me find the Street Name and Zip Code

This link will display a list of streets and their corresponding zip codes. Clicking on the street name will populate the "Street Name" and "Zip Code" fields on your application.
Help me find the Nearest Intersecting Street

This link will also display a list of streets and their corresponding zip codes. Clicking on the street name will populate the "Nearest Intersecting Street" Field.
View Street Segments and Corresponding Address Ranges

This link will display a list of street segments corresponding address ranges and zip codes. This list is for viewing only and will not populate any fields on your application.
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
If the following warning is generated:
then SCPS was unable to find the address you entered. Click on "OK" and use the "map" menu function (at top) to search for and validate the address prior to re-entering it on this page.

On the STREET CUT INFORMATION page enter further information about the date and location of the excavation as follows (mandatory fields have a leading asterisk):

*Start Date of Excavation:

type the date you estimate that you will start the excavation, e.g., "08/01/2001". Note that you must use the format mm/dd/yyyy.

*Estimated End Date of Excavation:

type the date you estimate that you will complete the excavation, e.g., "08/08/2001". Note that you must use the format mm/dd/yyyy.

*Cut Starting Point from the Center of the Nearest Intersection Street(feet):

type the measured distance, in feet, from the cut starting point to the center of the selected nearest intersecting street (refer to the previous page). E.g., "100".

*Street Lane in Which Cut Starts:

type the number corresponding to the lane in which the cut begins, e.g., "1" or "S4". Use the lane numbering conventions described in the diagram below.

*Street Lane in Which Cut Ends:

type the number corresponding to the lane in which the cut begins, e.g., "1" or "S4". Use the lane numbering conventions described in the diagram above.

*Cut Length(feet):

type the length, in feet, of the cut or excavation, including boring, jacking, tunneling, etc. E.g., "100". Note that cut length is always measured parallel to the street direction.

*Cut Width(feet):

type the width, in feet, of the cut or excavation, including boring, jacking, tunneling, etc. E.g., "10". Note that cut width is always measured perpendicular to the street direction.

*Cut Depth(feet):

type the depth, in feet, of the cut or excavation, including boring, jacking, tunneling, etc. E.g., "5".

Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
If the following warning is generated:
then SCPS was unable to generate the geometry for the street cut based on the address entered on the previous page and/or the street cut parameters entered on this page. Click on "OK" and ensure that both the street cut information (on the current page) and the street address (on the previous "Site of Excavation Information" page) is correct. Note that without a valid address and valid street cut information, no map of the excavation can be generated.
On the PAVEMENT INFORMATION page enter information related to the pavement of the road where the excavation will occur (mandatory fields have a leading asterisk):

*Pavement Type:
select a value from the dropdown box that corresponds to the pavement type, e.g., "concrete", of the street where the excavation is located.
*Pavement Thickness (inches):
type the thickness, in inches, of the pavement where the excavation will occur. E.g., "12".
*Pavement Age:
Usually this field, if available, will be automatically populated from the database. However, if it is not, then type the age, in years, of the pavement where the excavation will occur. E.g., "4".
*Direction Flow:
select a value from the dropdown box that indicates the direction flow, e.g., "North-South", of the street where the excavation will occur.
*Total Number of Lanes:
type the number of lanes on the street where the excavation will take place. E.g., "3".
*Lane Width (feet):
type the lane width, in feet, e.g., "11".
*Is Road Divided?
click on "yes" or "no" as applicable.
Width of Road Division(feet):
if applicable, enter the width, in feet, of the road division, e.g., "12".
*Method of Excavation:
select a value from the dropdown box corresponding to the method of excavation, e.g., "Auger & Jack".
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
You will be presented with the MAP OF EXCAVATION page. On this page you may view the excavation area. The site of excavation will show as a red polygon and the area of restoration will show as a green polygon enclosing the excavation area. Note: if the excavation polygon of the area of restoration does not reflect the actual location of excavation then revisit the SITE OF EXCAVATION INFORMATION, STREET CUT INFORMATION, and PAVEMENT INFORMATION pages and check that all parameters are correct. For example, were the "Direction Flow" incorrectly stated (e.g., "North-South" instead of "East-West") on the PAVEMENT INFORMATION page, then the lane-numbering conventions would cause an incorrect polygon to be generated.
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
On the OWNER/CONTRACTOR INFORMATION page you will enter information regarding the applicants. It is mandatory that an owner be associated with all permits. You will not be allowed to submit this application without an owner association. In addition, the "Owner" must have a complete company profile as well as proof of insurance on file at the SCPS offices. (Insurance policy must be valid for at least 15 days after the submission of this application.) Therefore select an "Owner" first then a "Contractor".
To add an applicant, click on the "Add Applicant" button. A new page, titled Choose Company, will open.
Applicant Type:
if you have not yet selected an owner, click on the "Owner" button. If you have, click on the "Contractor" button. Select your company from the drop down list.
Note: If the name of the company with which you are affiliated and/or your contractor name does not appear in the dropdown list, your company and/or contractor is most likely in violation of the Street Cut Ordinance. Please return to the Activity Summary and correct any listed violations before proceeding with this or any new applications. If you believe that there are no violations or you have already corrected violations listed in your Activity Summary and still cannot proceed, contact SCPS at: Street.CutOps@cityofhouston.net
Click on "NEXT".

When you do, the Add Applicant page will display and automatically be populated with information from the selected company's profile.

If you receive the following message:

The insurance policy associated with the applicant has either expired or will be expired within the next 15 days. Please provide the applicant's insurance policy renewal information to the City before submitting any new applications.
the program will not allow you to continue with this application until the City receives insurance renewal information for this applicant.

The insurance policy associated with the applicant will expire within 75 days. Please provide the applicant's insurance policy renewal information to the City.
the program will allow you to submit this application. This is a reminder to provide the City with insurance policy renewal information.

Messages for incomplete company profiles. Missing profile information is reflected in the message.
the program will not allow you to submit this application without a completed company profile. Contact SCPS to update the profile for this applicant.
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
The OWNER/CONTRACTOR INFORMATION page will now display information for the applicant(s) that you have entered. You may now take any of the following actions:
- Click on the "add applicant" button to display the Add Applicant page and add another applicant.
- Click on the "Delete" button located below the record of the applicant you want to delete. This will delete the record, display the Add Applicant page and allow you to select another applicant.
OR:
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
On the LEGAL AGREEMENT page read the legal agreement. By clicking on "NEXT" you are bound by the agreement on the page.
Click on "NEXT" if you agree with the Legal Agreement and wish to continue with the application process.
On the SUBMIT/SAVE APPLICATION page there are two buttons: "SUBMIT" and "SAVE". Clicking on "SUBMIT" allows you to submit the application to the City for review. Note that after you submit an application, you will no longer be able to edit the information on the application unless the City returns it to you because it is incomplete. Clicking on "SAVE" allows you to save the application. If you save the application, you can later retrieve it, edit it, and again save it or submit it to the City for review.
The next page will display your new SCPS Application/Permit number and will indicate that it has been successfully submitted or saved. Please refer to this SCPS number for any inquiries you might have.
At this point you may want to:
- exit the system. Click on "log off". This takes you back to the login screen, where you can close your browser window.
- go back to your home page to submit another application or print the one you just submitted/saved. To do this click on "Quit" or "home" at the top of the window.

How do I file a Report of Emergency Excavation (based on General Permit)?

Go to the SCPS site: http://www.gims.houstontx.gov/
Login by entering your username and password. Note that both are case-sensitive.
The SUMMARY page will appear. On this page is a summary of your company's permit activity for the past 75 days. From this page you also have access to activities such as viewing and printing permits, submitting reports and request and other routine tasks. For more in-depth procedures click on "home" at the top of this page.
Violations

Failure to submit a "Certificate of Restoration" or an excavation that fails an inspection is a violation of the Street Cut Ordinance. Your ability to submit new applications will be suspended until these violations are corrected. Failure to submit a "48 Hour Notice to commence Work" is also a violation and although this violation will not suspend your ability to submit new permits, it needs to be corrected as expeditiously as possible. Permits that are in violation will be listed at the top of the page with the type of violation listed in the right-hand column in red. If you have any questions about a violation you may contact SCPS at:

City Of Houston
Department of Public Works and Engineering
Street Cut Permit Section
611 Walker, 18th Floor
Houston, Texas 77002

Telephone Number: (713) 837-0455
Fax No. (713) 837-0287, or (713) 837-0289
E-Mail: Street.CutOps@cityofhouston.net
To apply for a permit click on the menu item "home" at the top of the page.
The APPLY FOR PERMIT page will appear. This is your home page.
If you have not yet validated the excavation address, do so now:
1. Click on the menu item MAP at the top of the page,
2. A new window will open; this is the SCPS Map.
3. Click on SEARCH and select a search method,
4. Locate the site of excavation,
5. Click on the "CASD" button located on the map menu (at the left side of the map),
6. Click on the center of the street where excavation will take place. The following information about the street will display:
  - the pavement age of the street, if available,
  - whether the street lies within Houston's Central Business District,
  - whether the street is within the City's Major Thoroughfare Plan,
  - any available Street Cut Permit Data,
  - information about any City of Houston, Metro or Harris County construction occurring in the vicinity of the selected location.
7. Once you no longer need the map you may close it by clicking on the upper left-hand corner of the map window.
Under SELECT APPLICATION TYPE, click on Report of Emergency Excavation (based on General Permit),
On the REPORT OF EMERGENCY EXCAVATION PAGE, click on the permit number of the General Permit for which you will provide notification.
On the EMERGENCY INFORMATION page enter information about the emergency. All fields on this page are mandatory. Answer all questions.
Click on "NEXT".
On the page CLOSURE PERMIT/DRAWINGS, if the conditions apply, then provide the appropriate answers.
On the SITE OF EXCAVATION INFORMATION page enter information about the location of the excavation. Note that all mandatory fields on this page must be populated with valid data in order for SCPS to generate a map of the area of excavation.
Enter information as follows (mandatory fields have a leading asterisk):

*Street Number:
type the street number where the excavation will take place, e.g. "306".
*Street Name:
type the name of the street where the excavation will take place, e.g., "Mc Gowen".
*Zip Code:
type the zip code where the excavation will take place, e.g., "77006".
*Nearest Intersecting Street:
type the name of the intersecting street nearest to where the excavation begins, e.g., "Bagby".
Work Order Number(optional):
if you wish to use your company internal work order number to track applications/permits, type that number into this field.

The three links at the bottom of the page may also help you to find a location.

Help me find the Street Name and Zip Code

This link will display a list of streets and their corresponding zip codes. Clicking on the street name will populate the "Street Name" and "Zip Code" fields on your application.
Help me find the Nearest Intersecting Street

This link will also display a list of streets and their corresponding zip codes. Clicking on the street name will populate the "Nearest Intersecting Street" field.
View Street Segments and Corresponding Address Ranges

This link will display a list of street segments corresponding address ranges and zip codes. This list is for viewing only and will not populate any fields on your application.
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
If the following warning is generated:
then SCPS was unable to find the address you entered. Click on "OK" and use the "map" menu function (at top) to search for and validate the address prior to re-entering it on this page.

On the STREET CUT INFORMATION page enter further information about the date and location of the excavation as follows (mandatory fields have a leading asterisk):

*Start Date of Excavation:

type the date that the excavation began, e.g., "08/01/2001". Note that you must use the format mm/dd/yyyy.

*Estimated End Date of Excavation:

type the date that the excavation ended, e.g., "08/08/2001". Note that you must use the format mm/dd/yyyy.

*Cut Starting Point from the Center of the Nearest Intersection Street(feet):

type the measured distance, in feet, from the cut starting point to the center of the selected nearest intersecting street (refer to the previous page). E.g., "100".

*Street Lane in Which Cut Starts:

type the number corresponding to the lane in which the cut begins, e.g., "1" or "S4". Use the lane numbering conventions described in the diagram below.

Street Lane Numbering Conventions

Street lanes are numbered as follows (see the diagram below):

When determining street lane numbering, face North.
North/South bound streets are numbered in ascending sequence 1, 2, 3,... from left to right.
East/West bound streets are numbered in ascending sequence 1, 2, 3,... from top to bottom.
If a sidewalk or driveway is involved, then S1 designates the sidewalk closest to lane 1, and Sn, where n is the highest lane number, designates the sidewalk nearest lane n.
A turning lane should be numbered in the same manner as a driving lane.
A median should NOT be counted as a lane.
Some examples of lane numbering follow:

One of the streets in the diagram below runs North-South and has 4 lanes Lanes are numbered from the left to the right as 1, 2, 3, 4. The leftmost sidewalk is labeled "S1", since it is closest to lane 1. Similarly the rightmost sidewalk, being closest to lane 4, is labeled "S4".

A street runs North-South and has 3 lanes Lanes are numbered 1, 2, 3 from left to right. The leftmost sidewalk is numbered "S1", the rightmost "S3".

A street runs North-South and has 3 lanes, one which is a center turning lane. Lanes are numbered 1, 2, 3 from left to right. So the turning lane is lane 2. The leftmost sidewalk is numbered "S1", the rightmost "S3".

One of the streets in the diagram below runs East-West and has 2 lanes Lanes are numbered from top to bottom as 1 and 2. The topmost sidewalk is labeled "S1", since it is closest to lane 1. Similarly the bottommost sidewalk, being closest to lane 2, is labeled "S2".

A street runs East-West and has 4 lanes. Lanes are numbered 1, 2, 3, 4 from top to bottom. The topmost sidewalk is numbered "S1", the bottommost "S4".

A street runs East-West and has 3 lanes. Lanes are numbered 1, 2, 3 from top to bottom. The topmost sidewalk is numbered "S1", the bottommost "S3".

*Street Lane in Which Cut Ends:

type the number corresponding to the lane in which the cut begins, e.g., "1" or "S4". Use the lane numbering conventions described in the diagram above.

*Cut Length(feet):

type the length, in feet, of the cut or excavation, including boring, jacking, tunneling, etc. E.g., "100". Note that cut length is always measured parallel to the street direction.

*Cut Width(feet):

type the width, in feet, of the cut or excavation, including boring, jacking, tunneling, etc. E.g., "10". Note that cut width is always measured perpendicular to the street direction.

*Cut Depth(feet):

type the depth, in feet, of the cut or excavation, including boring, jacking, tunneling, etc. E.g., "5".

Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
If the following warning is generated:
then SCPS was unable to generate the geometry for the street cut based on the address entered on the previous page and/or the street cut parameters entered on this page. Click on "OK" and ensure that both the street cut information (on the current page) and the street address (on the previous "Site of Excavation Information" page) is correct. Note that without a valid address and valid street cut information, no map of the excavation can be generated.
On the PAVEMENT INFORMATION page enter information related to the pavement of the road where the excavation will occur (mandatory fields have a leading asterisk):

*Pavement Type:
select a value from the dropdown box that corresponds to the pavement type, e.g., "concrete", of the street where the excavation is located.
*Pavement Thickness (inches):
type the thickness, in inches, of the pavement where the excavation will occur. E.g., "12".
*Pavement Age:
Usually this field, if available, will be automatically populated from the database. However, if it is not, then type the age, in years, of the pavement where the excavation will occur. E.g., "4".
*Direction Flow:
select a value from the dropdown box that indicates the direction flow, e.g., "North-South", of the street where the excavation will occur.
*Total Number of Lanes:
type the number of lanes on the street where the excavation will take place. E.g., "3".
*Lane Width (feet):
type the lane width, in feet, e.g., "11".
*Is Road Divided?
click on "yes" or "no" as applicable.
Width of Road Division(feet):
if applicable, enter the width, in feet, of the road division, e.g., "12".
*Method of Excavation:
select a value from the dropdown box corresponding to the method of excavation, e.g., "Auger & Jack".
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
You will be presented with the MAP OF EXCAVATION page. On this page you may view the excavation area. The site of excavation will show as a red polygon and the area of restoration will show as a green polygon enclosing the excavation area. Note: if the excavation polygon of the area of restoration does not reflect the actual location of excavation then revisit the SITE OF EXCAVATION INFORMATION, STREET CUT INFORMATION, and PAVEMENT INFORMATION pages and check that all parameters are correct. For example, were the "Direction Flow" incorrectly stated (e.g., "North-South" instead of "East-West") on the PAVEMENT INFORMATION page, then the lane-numbering conventions would cause an incorrect polygon to be generated.
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
On the OWNER/CONTRACTOR INFORMATION page you will enter information regarding the applicants. It is mandatory that an owner be associated with all permits. You will not be allowed to submit this application without an owner association. In addition, the "Owner" must have a complete company profile as well as proof of insurance on file at the SCPS offices. (Insurance policy must be valid for at least 15 days after the submission of this application.) Therefore select an "Owner" first then a "Contractor".
To add an applicant, click on the "Add Applicant" button. A new page, titled Choose Company, will open.
Applicant Type:
if you have not yet selected an owner, click on the "Owner" button. If you have, click on the "Contractor" button. Select your company from the drop down list.
Note: If the name of the company with which you are affiliated and/or your contractor name does not appear in the dropdown list, your company and/or contractor is most likely in violation of the Street Cut Ordinance. Please return to the Activity Summary and correct any listed violations before proceeding with this or any new applications. If you believe that there are no violations or you have already corrected violations listed in your Activity Summary and still cannot proceed, contact SCPS at: Street.CutOps@cityofhouston.net
Click on "NEXT".

When you do, the Add Applicant page will display with information from the selected company's profile.

If you receive the following message:

The insurance policy associated with the applicant has either expired or will be expired within the next 15 days. Please provide the applicant's insurance policy renewal information to the City before submitting any new applications.
the program will not allow you to continue with this application until the City receives insurance renewal information for this applicant.

The insurance policy associated with the applicant will expire within 75 days. Please provide the applicant's insurance policy renewal information to the City.
the program will allow you to submit this application. This is a reminder to provide the City with insurance policy renewal information.

Messages for incomplete company profiles. Missing profile information is reflected in the message.
the program will not allow you to submit this application without a completed company profile. Contact SCPS to update the profile for this applicant.
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
The OWNER/CONTRACTOR INFORMATION page will now display information for the applicant(s) that you have entered. You may now take any of the following actions:
- Click on the "Add Applicant" button to display the Add Applicant page and add another applicant.
- Click on the "Delete" button located below the record of the applicant you want to delete. This will delete the record, display the Add Applicant page and allow you to select another applicant.
OR:
Click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
On the LEGAL AGREEMENT page read the legal agreement. By clicking on "NEXT" you are bound by the agreement on the page.
Click on "NEXT" if you agree with the Legal Agreement and wish to continue with the application process.
On the SUBMIT/SAVE APPLICATION page there are two buttons: "SUBMIT" and "SAVE". Clicking on "SUBMIT" allows you to submit the application to the City for review. Note that after you submit an application, you will no longer be able to edit the information on the application unless the City returns it to you because it is incomplete. Clicking on "SAVE" allows you to save the application. If you save the application, you can later retrieve it, edit it, and again save it or submit it to the City for review.
The next page will display your new SCPS Application/Permit number and will indicate that it has been successfully submitted or saved. Please refer to this SCPS number for any inquiries you might have.
At this point you may want to:
- exit the system. Click on "log off". This takes you back to the login screen, where you can close your browser window.
- go back to your home page to submit another application or print the one you just submitted/saved. To do this click on "Quit" or "home" at the top of the window.
How do I file a 48 Hours Advance Notice to Commence Work (based on Scheduled Excavation Permit)?
1. Go to the SCPS site: http://www.gims.houstontx.gov/
2. Login by entering your username and password. Note that both are case-sensitive.
3. The SUMMARY page will appear.
4. Look for your permit in the table then select "Submit 48 Hour Notice" from the drop down menu and click "GO".
  
  OR:
5. Click on "home" at the top of the page.
6. The APPLY FOR PERMIT page will appear. This is your home page.
7. Click on the Approved folder and, on the REPORTS page, find the permit number of the application for which you wish to file a 48 Hours Advance Notice to Commence Work. Click on Details. This will take you to the SEARCH PAGE for that Application/Permit. There click on Open/Edit.
8. On the SUBMIT 48 HOURS ADVANCE NOTICE TO COMMENCE WORK page enter information as required in the fields (mandatory fields have a leading asterisk):
  
  If the excavation is in a Major Thoroughfare or High Volume Collector Street, provide lane/street closure permit number:
  If any of the above conditions apply, then enter the lane/street closure permit number.
  *Texas Underground Facility Notification Corporation transmittal number is:
  Enter the TXUFNC number for the excavation.
  *Start Date of Excavation:
  Enter the actual date that the excavation will begin.
  *End Date of Excavation:
  Enter the actual date that the excavation will end.
9. Click on "SUBMIT" to submit the 48 Hours Advance Notice to Commence Work (based on Scheduled Excavation Permit).
How do I file a Notice to Commence Emergency Work?
You must download the form Notice to Commence Emergency Work form (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader© for viewing). Complete that form and fax or e-mail it to: Street.CutOps@cityofhouston.net

How do I file a Certificate of Restoration?
1. From your SUMMARY page, look for your permit in the table then select "Submit Certificate of Restoration" from the dropdown box and click "GO".
  OR:
2. From your home page (the APPLY FOR PERMIT page), click on the menu item "Reports" (at top),
3. On the REPORTS page, select the radio button "By Number: SCPS-" (the last item on the page) and enter the permit number for which you want to file a Certificate of Restoration. Click on "Go",
4. On the next page, click on Details,
5. This will bring you to the SEARCH page. Click on Open/Edit. You now have entered the CERTIFICATE OF RESTORATION page,
6. Read and verify the information and click on the "Submit" button,
7. You will receive a confirmation on the next screen that your Certificate of Restoration has been submitted.
How do I file an extension to a Permit?
1. From your SUMMARY page, look for your permit in the table then select "Request Extension of Permit" from the dropdown box and click "GO".
  OR:
2. From your home page (the APPLY FOR PERMIT page), on the Select Operation dropdown box, select "Request Extension of Permit", and on Enter Permit Number enter the permit number of the permit for which you wish to request an extension. Click on "Go". The page REQUEST FOR EXTENSION TO PERMIT will display.
3. Answer all questions as applicable and click on "NEXT".
4. You will receive a confirmation on the next screen that your permit extension request has been submitted.
How do I file an Amendment to a Permit?
1. From your SUMMARY page, look for your permit in the table then select "Request Amendment to Permit" from the dropdown box and click "GO".
  OR:
2. From your home page (the APPLY FOR PERMIT page), on the Select Operation dropdown box, select "Request Amendment to Permit", and on Enter Permit Number enter the permit number of the permit you wish to amend. Click on "Go". The page REQUEST FOR AMENDMENT TO PERMIT will display.
3. Answer all questions as applicable and click on "NEXT".
4. You will receive a confirmation on the next screen that your amendment has been submitted.
How do I Print A Submitted/Saved Permit Application?
On your home page (the APPLY FOR PERMIT page) under Permit Summary, click on either folder:
- Pending Review - for a submitted application or
- Saved - for a saved application
The REPORTS page will appear, presenting a list of permit applications. Find the application you wish to print, click on Details and then on View/Print Application. Finally, click on File-Print on your browser toolbar.

I submitted a Scheduled Application. What will happen next?
Once you submit a Scheduled Application the following will occur:
1. The application will be examined for completeness by a City of Houston reviewer within 24 hours. The reviewer will mark your scheduled excavation application as either:
  - complete - Your application has all necessary fields completed, or
  - incomplete - Some required information is missing from your application. You may edit the application, adding any missing information, and re-submit it (go to Step 1 again).
2. A City of Houston reviewer will, within 14 days, review your application and mark it as either:
  - approved - Your permit has been approved,
  - approved with conditions - Your permit has been approved, but there are certain conditions with which you must comply,
  - denied - Your permit has been denied, or
  - needs more information - More information is required. You may edit the application, add any information, and re-submit it (go to Step 1 again).
3. You must either accept or appeal (see below) the terms of approval for the application. Provided you accept the terms of approval for the application, then you may print the permit (see below).
4. Prior to excavation, you must submit a 48 Hours Advance Notice to Commence Work (for Scheduled Excavation),
5. Once restoration has been completed, submit a Certificate of Restoration.
How do I accept or appeal a Permit Application?
Once the reviewer has reviewed your permit application, it will be returned to you in one of the folders on your home page (the APPLY FOR PERMIT page):
- Denied - Your permit application has been denied.
- Approved - Your permit application has been approved. You may now either accept or you may appeal,
- Approved Conditionally - Your permit application has been approved with special conditions. You may either accept the permit application with the special conditions or you may appeal.
To accept or appeal a permit application do the following:
1. From your home page (the APPLY FOR PERMIT page) click on the appropriate folder, either Approved, or Approved Conditionally,
2. The REPORTS page will open: click on Details for the permit application which you wish to accept or appeal,
3. The SEARCH page will open: click on Open/Edit for the permit application which you wish to accept or appeal,
4. The VIEW APPLICATION page will open. To appeal the conditions of the permit, enter any comments and click on "APPEAL"; otherwise click on "ACCEPT".
How do I print a permit?
Once your permit has been reviewed and you have accepted the terms of the permit, then you may print the actual permit. On your home page (the APPLY FOR PERMIT page) under Permit Summary, click on the Approved folder. The REPORTS page will appear, presenting a list of permit applications. Find the permit you wish to print, click on Details and then on View/Print Permit. A window displaying the permit will open. Click on "File...Print" on the menu of the window displaying the permit, select a printer and print the permit.
How do I report damages to a facility?
1. From your SUMMARY page, look for your permit in the table then select "Report Damages to Facility" from the dropdown box and click "GO".
  OR:
2. On your home page, from the Select Operation dropdown box select "Report Damages to Facility", and on Enter Permit Number enter the permit number of the permit for which you wish to report damages. Click on "Go". The page
3. The DAMAGE REPORT page will appear.
4. Answer all questions as applicable and click on "NEXT".
5. You will receive a confirmation on the next screen that your Damage Report has been submitted.
Instructions for the Reviewer

How do I initially review a permit application for completeness?
Permit applications must be reviewed for completeness within 24 hours of submission. You will find newly-submitted permit applications in the Pending Review folder on your home page. To review a permit application for completeness:
1. Go to the SCPS site: http://www.gims.houstontx.gov/
2. Login by entering your username and password. Note that both are case-sensitive.
3. The PERMIT OPERATIONS page will appear. This is your home page.
4. Click on the folder Pending Review at lower left. The REPORTS page will appear and will contain a list of all permit applications that are pending review. Click on Details for the permit you wish to review for completeness. The SEARCH page will appear and information about the selected permit application will be displayed.
5. Click on Review. The VIEW APPLICATION page will appear.
6. Validate the excavation address and view the area of excavation. To do this:
  1. Click on the menu item MAP at the top of the page,
  2. A new window will open; this is the SCPS map.
  3. Click on SEARCH and select "Search Address" from the map menu (on the left-hand side of the map),
  4. Enter the excavation address and click on the "Locate" command button. If the address is valid, then the map will center about the address and zoom in. The excavation polygon should display on the map. If
    - the address is not found or
    - the excavation polygon does not display on the map or
    - the excavation polygon of the area of restoration does not reflect the actual location of excavation then it is likely that one or more of the parameters specified on the SITE OF EXCAVATION INFORMATION page, STREET CUT INFORMATION page, or PAVEMENT INFORMATION page are incorrect. If so, then mark the application as "INCOMPLETE" and return it to the user with instructions about the nature of the problem.
  5. There may be more than one excavation polygon at an address. To ensure that the permit you are examining is indeed one of those displayed on the map (there may be several displayed):
    - Activate the Street Cut layer for Query by clicking on "Street Cut" on the Layers List (on the right-hand side of the Map),
    - click on the "Identify" button on the Map menu (to the left of the map) and
    - click on an excavation polygon on the map.
    A window will open that displays a list of permit number(s) for all excavation polygons near the point that you clicked.
  6. Another way to ensure that an excavation polygon exists for a given permit number is to do a "Query By Attribute" on the Application/Permit number:
    - Activate the Street Cut layer for Query by clicking on "Street Cut" on the Layers List (on the right-hand side of the Map),
    - Click on the Query button located on the map menu (to the left of the map). The Query window will open.
    - Click on "Permit Number" in the "Field" pane, and on "Get Sample Values". The right-hand pane will be populated with sample values for Permit Number. Note that this is not an exhaustive list of values; the intent is to give examples of how each Field's data is formatted.
    - Build a Query for the specific Application/Permit number you are checking:
      1. click on the "Clear" command button,
      2. click on "Permit Number" in the "Field" pane,
      3. click on "=" (the Equals symbol) in the "Operator" pane,
      4. click after the newly-inserted "=" in the Query Expression pane and
      5. enter the permit/application number delimited by quotes, e.g., "5171-1",
      6. click on the "Execute" command button to initiate the Query. If a matching permit is found, the map window will center about the location of excavation of that permit and the excavation polygon will be highlighted. If no matching permit is found then a message to that effect will be displayed.
7. Check that values for pavement age, Central Business District status and Major Thoroughfare Plan status were correctly entered by the user. To do this, click on the "CASD" button located on the map menu (to the left of the map),
8. Click on the center of the street where excavation will take place. The following information about the street will display:
  - the pavement age of the street, if available,
  - whether the street lies within Houston's Central Business District,
  - whether the street is within the City's Major Thoroughfare Plan,
  - any available Street Cut Permit Data,
  - information about any City of Houston, Metro or Harris County construction occurring in the vicinity of the selected location.
  If values for pavement age, Central Business District status and Major Thoroughfare Plan status are not correct, then mark the application as "INCOMPLETE" and return it to the user with instructions about the nature of the problem.
9. Once you no longer need the map you may close it by clicking on the upper left-hand corner of the map window.
10. At the top and bottom of the page are two buttons: "COMPLETE" and "INCOMPLETE". Examine the permit application information to ensure that all required fields are completed. If all required fields are present then click on the "COMPLETE" button; otherwise click on the "INCOMPLETE" button.
11. If you click on the "COMPLETE" button, the VIEW APPLICATION page will redisplay with four buttons: "ACCEPT", "REJECT", "NEED MORE INFO" and "SAVE". At this time you may:
  - continue the Review process by reviewing the application (see next item, below).
  - return to your home page by clicking on the menu item "home" at top
  - choose any other item from the menu.
12. Note that if you choose to mark the application as "COMPLETE", you may continue immediately to the next step,
How do I review a permit application?
1. Go to the SCPS site: http://www.gims.houstontx.gov/
2. Login by entering your username and password. Note that both are case-sensitive.
3. If you are authorized to perform more than one role, you will be presented with the CHOOSE AFFILIATION page. Select the role of Reviewer, City of Houston and click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
4. The PERMIT OPERATIONS page will appear. This is your home page.
5. Click on the folder Complete - Pending Review at lower left. The REPORTS page will appear and will contain a list of all permit applications that are complete pending review. Click on Details for the permit you wish to review for completeness. The SEARCH page will appear and information about the selected permit application will be displayed.
6. Click on Review. The VIEW APPLICATION page will appear. At the top and bottom of the page are four buttons: "ACCEPT", "REJECT", "NEED MORE INFO" and "SAVE". Interspersed on the VIEW APPLICATION page are "EDIT" buttons: clicking on one of these allows you to edit the information for the section of the application directly above the "EDIT" button; the "SAVE" button at top and bottom allows you to save any changes you have made.
7. Mark the permit as accepted, rejected, needing more information, or as saved (if you have edited the application) by clicking on the corresponding button:
  - If you click on "ACCEPT", "REJECT" or "NEED MORE INFO" the REVIEW APPLICATION page will appear. On that page you may indicate respectively the conditions for acceptance of a permit application, reasons for denying the permit application, or what additional information is required. You may also add comments for the applicant. Clicking on the "SUBMIT REVIEW" button will mark the permit application as respectively accepted, rejected or needs more info and will send the permit application information to the applicant's Denied, Approved or Approved Conditionally folder respectively.
  - If you click on "SAVE", a message will appear that confirms the edited permit information has been saved. The permit will be kept in the Complete - Pending Review folder. You may continue the review process for the permit at a later time.
  - Clicking on any other option at this time, such as the "Home" menu item at top, will leave the permit in the same folder (i.e., Complete - Pending Review) that you found it.
How do I report damages to a facility?
1. Go to the SCPS site: http://www.gims.houstontx.gov/
2. Login by entering your username and password. Note that both are case-sensitive.
3. If you are authorized to perform more than one role, you will be presented with the CHOOSE AFFILIATION page. Select the role of Reviewer, City of Houston and click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
4. The PERMIT OPERATIONS page will appear. This is your home page.
5. On the Select Operation dropdown box select "Report Damages to Facility", and on Enter Permit Number enter the permit number of the permit for which you wish to report damages. Click on "Go".
6. The DAMAGE REPORT page will appear.
7. Answer all questions as applicable and click on "NEXT".
8. You will receive a confirmation on the next screen that your Damage Report has been submitted.
How do I report a breach of ordinance?
1. Go to the SCPS site: http://www.gims.houstontx.gov/
2. Login by entering your username and password. Note that both are case-sensitive.
3. If you are authorized to perform more than one role, you will be presented with the CHOOSE AFFILIATION page. Select the role of Reviewer, City of Houston and click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
4. The PERMIT OPERATIONS page will appear. This is your home page.
5. On the Select Operation dropdown box select "Report Breach of Ordinance", and on Enter Permit Number enter the permit number of the permit for which you wish to report a breach of ordinance. Click on "Go".
6. The BREACH OF ORDINANCE page will appear.
7. Answer all questions as applicable and click on "NEXT".
8. You will receive a confirmation on the next screen that your report of breach of ordinance has been submitted.
How do I report failure of timely completion?
1. Go to the SCPS site: http://www.gims.houstontx.gov/
2. Login by entering your username and password. Note that both are case-sensitive.
3. If you are authorized to perform more than one role, you will be presented with the CHOOSE AFFILIATION page. Select the role of Reviewer, City of Houston and click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
4. The PERMIT OPERATIONS page will appear. This is your home page.
5. On the Select Operation dropdown box select "Report Failure of Timely Completion", and on Enter Permit Number enter the permit number of the permit for which you wish to report failure of timely completion. Click on "Go".
6. The FAILURE OF TIMELY COMPLETION OF EXCAVATION page will appear.
7. Answer all questions as applicable and click on "NEXT".
8. You will receive a confirmation on the next screen that your report of failure of timely completion has been submitted.
How do I amend a permit?
If you receive a request to amend a permit:
1. Go to the SCPS site: http://www.gims.houstontx.gov/
2. Login by entering your username and password. Note that both are case-sensitive.
3. If you are authorized to perform more than one role, you will be presented with the CHOOSE AFFILIATION page. Select the role of Reviewer, City of Houston and click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
4. The PERMIT OPERATIONS page will appear. This is your home page.
5. On the Select Operation dropdown box select "Amend Permit", and on Enter Permit Number enter the permit number of the permit you wish to amend. Click on "Go".
6. The AMEND PERMIT page will appear.
7. Click on any "EDIT" command button to edit the fields directly above that button.
8. Once you have made all necessary changes, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the "SUBMIT" command button.
9. You will receive a confirmation on the next screen that the permit has been successfully updated.
10. On your home page, open the Pending Amendment folder and accept the amendment.
How do I accept a certificate of restoration?
1. Go to the SCPS site: http://www.gims.houstontx.gov/
2. Login by entering your username and password. Note that both are case-sensitive.
3. If you are authorized to perform more than one role, you will be presented with the CHOOSE AFFILIATION page. Select the role of Reviewer, City of Houston and click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
4. The PERMIT OPERATIONS page will appear. This is your home page.
5. Click on the folder Certificates of Restoration.
6. The REPORTS page will appear.
7. click on "ACCEPT".
8. You will receive a confirmation on the next screen that your acceptance has been submitted.
Instructions for the COH/Self Inspector/PE

How do I report damages to a facility?
1. Go to the SCPS site: http://www.gims.houstontx.gov/
2. Login by entering your username and password. Note that both are case-sensitive.
3. If you are authorized to perform more than one role, you will be presented with the CHOOSE AFFILIATION page. Select the role of Inspector, _______ (as appropriate) and click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
4. The PERMIT OPERATIONS page will appear. This is your home page.
5. On the Select Operation dropdown box select "Report Damages to Facility", and on Enter Permit Number enter the permit number of the permit for which you wish to report damages. Click on "Go".
6. The DAMAGE REPORT page will appear.
7. Answer all questions as applicable and click on "NEXT".
8. You will receive a confirmation on the next screen that your Damage Report has been submitted.
How do I perform an interim inspection?
1. Go to the SCPS site: http://www.gims.houstontx.gov/
2. Login by entering your username and password. Note that both are case-sensitive.
3. If you are authorized to perform more than one role, you will be presented with the CHOOSE AFFILIATION page. Select the role of Inspector, _______ (as appropriate) and click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
4. The PERMIT OPERATIONS page will appear. This is your home page.
5. On the Select Operation dropdown box select "Perform Interim Inspection", and on Enter Permit Number enter the permit number of the permit for which you wish to perform an interim inspection. Click on "Go".
6. What happens at this point depends on the permit type:
  - Scheduled Excavation Permit or Emergency Excavation Permit - The VIEW PERMIT page will appear. Click on Inspection Information at the lower left-hand side of the page; the INSPECTION INFORMATION page will then appear,
  - General Permit - The INSPECTION INFORMATION page will appear,
7. Answer all questions as applicable and click on either "PASS" or "FAIL", whichever is appropriate.
8. You will receive a confirmation on the next screen that your Interim Inspection report has been submitted.
How do I perform a final inspection?
1. Go to the SCPS site: http://www.gims.houstontx.gov/
2. Login by entering your username and password. Note that both are case-sensitive.
3. If you are authorized to perform more than one role, you will be presented with the CHOOSE AFFILIATION page. Select the role of Inspector, _______ (as appropriate) and click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
4. The PERMIT OPERATIONS page will appear. This is your home page.
5. On the Select Operation dropdown box select "Perform Final Inspection", and on Enter Permit Number enter the permit number of the permit for which you wish to perform a final inspection. Click on "Go".
6. What happens at this point depends on the permit type:
  - Scheduled Excavation Permit or Emergency Excavation Permit - The VIEW PERMIT page will appear. Click on Inspection Information at the lower left-hand side of the page; the INSPECTION INFORMATION page will then appear,
  - General Permit - The INSPECTION INFORMATION page will appear,
7. Answer all questions as applicable and click on either "PASS" or "FAIL", whichever is appropriate.
8. You will receive a confirmation on the next screen that your Final Inspection report has been submitted.
Instructions for the City of Houston Inspector

How do I report damages to a facility?
1. Go to the SCPS site: http://www.gims.houstontx.gov/
2. Login by entering your username and password. Note that both are case-sensitive.
3. If you are authorized to perform more than one role, you will be presented with the CHOOSE AFFILIATION page. Select the role of Inspector, City of Houston and click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
4. The PERMIT OPERATIONS page will appear. This is your home page.
5. On the Select Operation dropdown box select "Report Damages to Facility", and on Enter Permit Number enter the permit number of the permit for which you wish to report damages. Click on "Go".
6. The DAMAGE REPORT page will appear.
7. Answer all questions as applicable and click on "NEXT".
8. You will receive a confirmation on the next screen that your Damage Report has been submitted.
How do I perform a final inspection?
1. Go to the SCPS site: http://www.gims.houstontx.gov/
2. Login by entering your username and password. Note that both are case-sensitive.
3. If you are authorized to perform more than one role, you will be presented with the CHOOSE AFFILIATION page. Select the role of Inspector, City of Houston and click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
4. The PERMIT OPERATIONS page will appear. This is your home page.
5. On the Select Operation dropdown box select "Perform Final Inspection", and on Enter Permit Number enter the permit number of the permit for which you wish to perform a final inspection. Click on "Go".
6. What happens at this point depends on the permit type:
  - Scheduled Excavation Permit or Emergency Excavation Permit- The VIEW PERMIT page will appear. Click on Inspection Information at the lower left-hand side of the page; the INSPECTION INFORMATION page will then appear,
  - General Permit - The INSPECTION INFORMATION page will appear,
7. Answer all questions as applicable and click on either "PASS" or "FAIL", whichever is appropriate.
8. You will receive a confirmation on the next screen that your Final Inspection report has been submitted.
Reports in SCPS

Where are Reports Found in SCPS?
1. Go to the SCPS site: http://www.gims.houstontx.gov/
2. Login by entering your username and password. Note that both are case-sensitive.
3. Users that have a SUMMARY page, click on "home" at the top of the page.
  OR:
4. If you are authorized to perform more than one role, you will be presented with the CHOOSE AFFILIATION page. Select your role and click on "NEXT" to go to the next page.
5. The PERMIT OPERATIONS page will appear. This is your home page.
At the lower right-hand corner of your home page there is a section titled Reports which allows the generation of simple reports. Also at the top of the page is the menu item reports, which links to a more advanced REPORTS page described below.
What Reports Are Available On My Home Page?
Your home page allows limited reporting capability tailored to your role (e.g., clerk, reviewer, inspector, etc.) in SCPS. The reports available on the user's home page are intended to be useful for the user's role. So for example, the following reports are available to the clerk on his/her home page:
- Find all permits/applications for addresses in a given 100 block,
- Find all permits/applications for a given street number or name and/or within a given zip code,
while the following (quite different) reports are available to the reviewer on his/her home page:
- Permits Pending Review, at least nn days old,
- Permits Complete, Pending Review, at least a given number of days old,
- Permits Incomplete, Pending Review, at least a given number of days old,
- View Permit History for a permit number.
How do I Generate a Report On My Home Page?
To generate a report of all permits/applications fitting the specified criteria:
1. select the radio button at the left of the desired reporting option,
2. enter any required information for that reporting option,
3. click on the "Go" button.
The REPORTS page will display with a list of all permits/applications fitting the entered criteria. You may click on the Details link or any other link for more information about that permit/application.
What Other Reports Are Available in SCPS?
If the simple reports on your home page do not suffice, then you may find either the REPORTS page or the SEARCH page to be useful. Open the REPORTS page by:
- clicking on the link More Reports > at the lower right-hand corner of your home page, or by
- clicking on the menu item reports at the top of any page.
Similarly you can open the SEARCH page by clicking on the menu item search at the top of any page.
A Statistical Summary Reports page can also be accessed by clicking on the link Statistical Summary Reports at the bottom of the REPORTS page.
How do I Use the REPORTS page?
The REPORTS page will fetch all permits:
- for a given 100 block or a given street number and street name,
- for a given zip code,
- with status Pending Review, at least a given number of days old,
- with status Completed, at least a given number of months ago,
- of a given status and/or company, that were submitted between two given dates,
- by given SCPS Number.
To generate a report of all permits/applications fitting the specified criteria:
1. select the radio button at the left of the desired reporting option,
2. enter or select any required information for that reporting option,
3. click on the "Go" button.
The REPORTS page will display with a list of all permits/applications fitting the entered criteria. Click on the Details link or other links for more information about a particular permit/application.

Searching in SCPS

How do I search for a permit/application on the SEARCH page?
At the top of the SEARCH page is the Permits section, which searches for permits:
- by Owner/Contractor, that is, by either
  - company name,
  - first name or last name,
- by SCPS number,
- By date:
  - work started between two given dates,
  - work completed between two given dates,
  - permits issued between two given dates,
  and of a given status,
- for a given 100 block or a given street number and street name,
- for a given zip code.
At the bottom of the SEARCH page is the Applications section, which searches for permit applications:
- of a given status,
- submitted within the last 24 hours or
- submitted between two given dates.
To search for all permits/applications fitting the specified criteria:
1. select the radio button at the left of the desired search option,
2. enter or select any required information for that search option,
3. click on the "Go" button.
The SEARCH page will display with a list of all permits/applications fitting the entered criteria. Click on the Details link or other links for more information about a permit/application.
How do I search for the address of a permit/application on the MAP page?
Open the map page by clicking on the menu item map at the top of any page. A new map window will open in Internet Explorer with a City of Houston map display. You may search for an address by:
- Street number, name and (optional) zip code:
  1. click on Search on the right side of the map. A dropdown menu will display.
  2. Click on Search By Street Address. A popup window will display.
  3. Enter a street number, name and optional zip code,
  4. click on the "Search" command button,
  5. provided the address is valid, the map will display the region around the address entered.
  6. if the address cannot be located, a dialog will appear indicating "Unable to locate address".
- the intersection of two streets:
  1. click on Search on the right side of the map. A dropdown menu will display.
  2. Click on the Search by: Street Intersection. A popup window will display.
  3. Enter the names of two intersecting streets.
  4. click on the "Search" command button.
  5. provided the address is valid, the map will display the region around the intersection entered.
  6. if the address cannot be located, a dialog will appear indicating "Unable to locate address".
- Zip Code:
  1. click on Search on the right side of the map. A dropdown menu will display.
  2. Click on the Search by: Zip Code. A popup window will display.
  3. Enter the Zip Code number of interest.
  4. click on the "Search" command button.
  5. provided the Zip Code is valid, the map will display the region around the Zip Code entered.
  6. if the address cannot be located, a dialog will appear indicating "Nothing found...".
- key map:
  1. click on Search on the right side of the map. A dropdown menu will display.
  2. Click on the Search by: Keymap. A popup window will display.
  3. Enter a four character key map identifier, e.g. "282U", into the field and click on the "Search" command button.
  4. provided the keymap number is valid, the map will display the region around the keymap entered.
  5. if the keymap cannot be located, a dialog will appear indicating "Nothing found...".
What else can be done on the MAP page?
See the Map Help for details.

SCPS Help

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