Mold Remediation in Kemah, TX

Storm history on the waterfront

Hurricane Carla severely damaged Kemah in 1961, and the city rebuilt. Hurricane Ike in 2008 destroyed homes and businesses and left streets covered in debris; its storm surge hit the Kemah Boardwalk hardest, and a waterline inside Landry's Restaurant still marks how high the water rose. After surge flooding, EPA's guidance is to treat anything that could not be dried within 24 to 48 hours as moldy and to keep children out of the cleanup.

Where Kemah sits

Kemah is a small waterfront city of about 1,800 people on the west shore of Galveston Bay, about 30 miles from downtown Houston in a straight line. It grew from a fishing town into a tourist destination built around the Boardwalk and entertainment district along SH 146. The Clear Creek Channel runs at the city's northern end, separating it from Seabrook, with Clear Lake nearby.

Day to day, the bay keeps the air heavy. Restaurants, shops and homes all run air conditioning most of the year, and drain pans, condensate lines and ducts can sweat or overflow. Commercial kitchens and coolers add their own moisture, and a building closed up after a storm can stay humid for days. For non-residential property in Texas, owners and staff can clean small areas, but contamination of 25 contiguous square feet or more needs a company that holds a TDLR mold remediation license.

Permits through MyGov

The City of Kemah Building Department runs all permits, inspections and contractor registrations through the city's MyGov portal. Its Permits and Inspections page also links to Chapter 46 of the Kemah Municipal Code, which covers floods. Mold removal is not described as permitted work, but rebuilding afterward may be, and flood rules can apply to substantial repairs. Ask the Building Department before rebuilding.

Renters and health

Texas Property Code 92.052 requires landlords to make a diligent effort to repair conditions that materially affect a tenant's health or safety after notice, when rent is current. TexasLawHelp explains notice. General information only, not legal advice. The Galveston County Health District lists mold among complaints outside its jurisdiction and refers indoor air issues to local city government.

Texas mold rules

A TDLR mold assessment consultant writes the protocol, a separate remediation company does the work, and the consultant returns for clearance. A Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation follows. When you call, you will be connected with an independent local company.