Where is Humble?
Humble is a city in northern Harris County, about 18 miles northeast of Houston. The 2020 Census counted 16,795 residents. The Census Bureau gives its land area as 9.76 square miles.
How did Humble develop?
The town is named for its founder, Pleasant S. Humble, a San Jacinto River ferry operator who arrived before the Civil War. The city’s website gives 1886 as its founding year. A local school established in 1890 had fifty pupils.
Humble became a boomtown in 1904, when oil was discovered nearby. Ross S. Sterling founded Humble Oil and Refining Company in 1911. The company is now Exxon Company, U.S.A. Sterling moved its headquarters to Houston in 1912. After the Great Depression, many farmers returned to truck farming and dairying.
A new city charter was obtained on August 28, 1933, and the town incorporated. The Eastex Freeway, U.S. Highway 59, was completed from Houston to Humble by 1970. Proximity to Houston Intercontinental Airport brought new residents and subdivisions.
Who governs Humble, and who provides services?
Humble was chartered as a home-rule city in 1970. The city council is a mayor and five council members, who serve staggered two-year terms. The city’s financial report describes its structure as council–mayor–manager.
The city provides police, fire and emergency medical services. It maintains the treated water distribution system and the sanitary and storm sewer systems. The Public Works Department covers water, wastewater, streets, drainage and parks. CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric lists Humble in its Humble service area.
What permit, property and flood rules apply in Humble?
The Building & Inspection department, in City Hall at 114 W. Higgins St., reviews plans, issues permits and conducts inspections. The city has adopted the 2018 International Building, Plumbing, Mechanical and Fire Codes, the 2017 National Electrical Code and the 2018 Energy Code. Commercial and residential parcel changes require platting.
The department asks owners to research floodplain rules before any activity in the floodplain. Fill, grading, storage and development there can trigger requirements. A floodplain development permit may be needed even when no construction permit is required. Some projects may need a FEMA elevation certificate.