Clute council adopts interlocal agreements and a package of ordinances updating inspection fees and codes

Clute — At its Nov. 13 meeting the Clute City Council approved a suite of administrative actions: an interlocal agreement for FY26 road repairs with Brazoria County, a multijurisdictional agreement to remove debris along Orchard Creek/Bastrop Bayou (NRCS‑funded), and a set of ordinances updating permit and fee authority for building, plumbing and fire inspections.

Resolution No. 59‑2025 authorizes the mayor to execute FY26 interlocal agreement IS‑26‑005 with Brazoria County to use county resources for identified road repairs and was adopted unanimously. Council then adopted Resolution No. 60‑2025 to participate with Brazoria County, Richwood, Angleton and other entities in a debris‑removal project funded primarily by a USDA NRCS grant of up to $4,210,344.50; the project requires a local match (original draft listed Clute’s share at $75,000, staff later noted an updated exhibit reduced the expected local match to roughly $40,000). Brazoria County will administer funds and act as primary NRCS contact.

Council also adopted several ordinances to align city code with recent state preemption changes for small home backup generators (state law prevents requiring permits for generators under 50 kW). Staff explained the city can no longer require permitting for the generator unit itself in many cases, but the city will continue to provide electrical inspections tied to house connections, and can offer (but not require) pressure tests for gas lines with resident consent. The council adopted enabling ordinances to set inspection and reinspection fees for plumbing, grease traps, fire‑prevention equipment (vent hoods, paint booths, storage tanks), and to consolidate a master fee schedule (Resolution No. 61‑2025) that lists the specific fees posted as an exhibit.

Councilmembers said many of the fee items had been discussed previously and the ordinance package primarily codifies existing administrative fees and provides clear enabling authority. All the ordinances and the master fee schedule were adopted by unanimous vote where recorded. Staff said the city will post the updated fee spreadsheet and proceed with implementation.

Votes recorded at the meeting show unanimous adoption of the interlocal agreements and the ordinances; the debris‑removal local match amount will be updated in project exhibits and final contributions adjusted after county administration and audit.