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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02012007 BSC Minutes City of West University Place A Neighborhood City ® Recycled Paper Building & Standards Commission Located in the Bill Watson Conference Room, 3800 University Blvd, West University Place, Texas 77005 Meeting Minutes February 1, 2007 MEMBERS PRESENT: Bryant Slimp, David Flame, Brian Hoogendam, J. Denis Powers, Dave Miller, and Muddy McDaniel MEMBERS ABSENT: Dr. Peter Benjamin and Michael Talianchich COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Dick Yehle STAFF PRESENT: Chief Building Official Debbie Scarcella, Permit Technician, Josie Orosco, James L. Dougherty, Urban Forester, Craig Koehl GUESTS PRESENT: Robert Riquelmy [Call to Order] Bryant Slimp called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. 1. Notices, Rules, Etc. Bryant Slimp welcomed the visitors and staff members to the meeting. . Bryant Slimp recognized Muddy McDaniel and Dave Miller as being the alternate voting members. Dave Miller asked the BSC to consider having a workshop sometime in the spring and invite contractors to get feedback on rules or processes that appear to the contractors unnecessary or cumbersome. 2. Portable Buildings and Storage Units. Debbie Scarcella stated that this agenda item was given enough importance to be moved to a special City Council meeting during the day on Thursday, February 8, 2007. Brian Hoogendam, Dave Miller and J. Denis Powers stated they would be able to attend the meeting since Bryant Slimp and David Flame would be out of the country on business. There was general discussion regarding the necessity of portable buildings and storage units today compared to ten years ago. Debbie Scarcella that staff would send an email reminder regarding the meeting. 3. Urban Forest Code Amendments. There was general discussing regarding the changes that were made to the existing ordinance. The definition of "circumference" was added to the ordinance to make the ordinance unified. Craig Koehl stated that "diameter" is the standard measurement in the forestry industry. Bryant Slimp asked that the class of trees in the requirements table for killing, damaging or removing a tree be defined so that it is precise. There was general discussion regarding the changes that needed to be made to the ordinance to make it more understandable by the readers. Councilmen Dick Yehle asked that the BSC step back from the situation and ask if the ordinance changes they are making are really accomplishing what they are trying to accomplish. Councilmen Dick Yehle does not think the consequences for removing a large tree is harsh enough. There was general discussion regarding the requirements in order to remove a protected tree and what the consequences would be if a large tree were removed without a permit. Craig Koehl stated that per the ordinance the tree could not be 3800 University Boulevard • West University Place, Texas 77005-2899 0 713066804441 0 www.westu.org w Building and Standards Commission Meeting Minutes February 1, 2007 removed if it was not dead, dying or diseased. If the tree was removed without permission from the city, the homeowner would be required to get a double fee permit; the homeowner is required to replace the tree and a possible citation could be issued. There was brief discussion regarding where any replacement inches could be planted. Brian Hoogendam stated the BSC needed to be very careful when it came to trying to mandate where the replacement trees had to be planted on the property - whether the tree be planted in the front or the back yard. Not every resident would prefer to have trees planted in the front yard for artistic reasons. Bryant Slimp asked Craig Koehl to make modifications to the existing Criteria Manual and have the changes brought back at the next BSC meeting. 4. Flood Protection and Prevention Regulations. Debbie Scarcella stated she identified the core issues in the letter that is going to be sent to City Council per the BSC request from the last meeting. Debbie Scarcella stated she does want to do attachments, but was unable to finish the maps. Debbie Scarcella stated she had difficulties answering item number four because the BSC never identified what method was going to be used. There were two criteria's that were discussed - either by the Harris County Appraisal District records or by a third party. Bryant Slimp suggested that the homeowner have the choice of what option to use. There was general discussion regarding what homes would be effected by the adoption of the flood protection and prevention regulations. Debbie Scarcella stated each resident doing a substantial addition or remodeling to their existing home equal to or more than 50% of the appraised value will have to bring the structure into full compliance with the flood plain regulations. Dave Miller suggested that ZPC and BSC have a workshop meeting to finalize the amendments to the flood protection • and prevention regulations. 5. Meeting Minutes. J Denis Powers made a motion to approve the January 4, 2007 minutes. Brian Hoogendam seconded the motion. AYES: Bryant Slimp, David Flame, Brian Hoogendam, J. Denis Powers and Dave Miller. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Meeting minutes passed. [Adjournment] Muddy McDaniel motioned to adjourn. Denny Powers seconded the motion. AYES: Bryant Slimp, Brian Hoogendam, J. Denis Powers and Dave Miller. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Meeting adjourned at 7:24 p.m. PASSED THIS DAY OF 1 r (VC-V-) , 2007 Bryant Slimp, Chairm ATTEST: C-) Ms. Josie M. Orosco, Permit Technician Page 2 of 2