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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04062006 BSC Minutes City of West University Place • A Neighborhood City ® Recycled Paper Building & Standards Commission Bill Watson Conference Room, Located at 3800 University Blvd. West University Place, Texas 77005 Meeting Minutes April 6, 2006 MEMBERS PRESENT: Bryant Slimp, David Flame, Brian Hoogendam, Dr. Peter Benjamin, J. Denis Powers, Dave Miller, Michael Talianchich, Muddy McDaniel and Kevin McMahon STAFF PRESENT: Debbie Scarcella, Josie Orosco and Pete Solis GUESTS PRESENT: Robert Riquelmy, Mac Jedsen and Joe Foster [Call to Order] Bryant Slimp called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. 1. Notices, Rules, Etc. The Chairman, Bryant Slimp, recognized the guests attending the meeting and asked them to introduce themselves. Bryant Slimp stated that Alternate, Kevin McMahon has been transferred to New Orleans and that this would be his last meeting to attend. Bryant stated that Michael • Talianchich would be the alternate voting member. Debbie Scarcella stated that Nes Tesno, City Planner/Urban Forester would be leaving on April 7, 2006 and some of the duties would be assumed by the Development Services Department. 2. Variance Request. Bryant Slimp asked Mr. Foster to explain the nature of his variance request. Mr. Foster stated this request related to the placement of a future swimming pool at his residence. He further stated that due to the surrounding trees and the trees on the east side of the adjacent property, they reversed the direction of the house. Due to the new spacing, he would like to build the swimming pool less than five feet from the property line. Bryant Slimp asked the Staff to give their report regarding the variance. Debbie Scarcella stated that the question that she had was regarding the angel of repose. Depending on the depth of the pool, the excavation may affect the pool structure because the bearing wall is being used to support the structure. It may affect the foundation, but is not likely since his home is built on piers. Debbie Scarcella would want an engineered drawing, possibly with some extra support. Debbie Scarcella also stated that the Ordinance also requires an addition to the 5 foot set back that a walkway of a minimum of 3 feet around the pool at 70 percent of its perimeter. Debbie Scarcella is not sure if the BSC agrees with the 2' that it could not be met given the space available. Bryant Slimp stated that the Board needed additional information before a decision could be made and that the owner needed to bring specific plans to the BSC for review. Dr. Peter Benjamin made a motion to table the item until further 3800 University Boulevard • West University Place, Texas 77005-2899 • 713.66894441 • www.westu.org Building and Standards Commission Meeting Minutes April 6, 2006 Page 2 of 3 • information could be given. J. Denis Powers seconded the motion. AYES: Bryant Slimp, David Flame, Dr. Peter Benjamin, J. Denis Powers, Dave Miller, Michael Talianchich, Muddy McDaniel. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion Passed. 3. Technical Code Amendments. Bryant Slimp stated that at the last City Council meeting Councilmen Mike Woods asked for some clarification regarding the structure ordinance. Bryant Slimp stated that he received some input from David L. Arntsen, an insurance executive from USI, at a workshop meeting. USI is a major underwriter for engineers and architects. Debbie Scarcella and James Dougherty discussed the changes that were made to the Technical Code. Also discussed were the kind and size of renovations that would be affected by the amendments and the cost to the homeowners to have the plans approved by an engineer. Brian Hoogendam asked what the penalties would be if a homeowner proceeded with the construction of a project in which the City had rejected the plans. Debbie Scarcella stated that would be a Code Enforcement action that falls under Chapter 6. The Geotechnical Report Standards were also discussed. Debbie Scarcella stated she wanted clarification regarding the geotechnical report standards since she was not with the City at the time The Technical Code was adopted. She also stated there has also been a lot of miscommunication with misleading • information given to the contractors, engineers and soil testing companies. Debbie wanted to be clear that the City is still required to follow their testing procedures and the report that the special certifications and extensive testing is not required if they decide to use the first two types of foundations. A2LA Labs were also discussed and the somewhat limited availability of the labs. Also discussed were the liabilities of the City if the City happened to approve a set of drawings that were not based on a written geotechnical report prepared by an A2LA Lab and the ramifications. J. Denis Powers made a motion to accept the changes as written on Ordinance 1824 and Ordinance 1823 and to accept the proposed changes to both of the ordinances. Kevin McMahon seconded the motion. AYES: Bryant Slimp, David Flame, Brian Hoogendam, J. Denis Powers, Dave Miller, Michael Talianchich, Muddy McDaniel, Kevin McMahon. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion Passed 4. Flood Protection and Prevention Ordinance. Debbie Scarcella is going to meet with City Manager, Michael Ross to determine a date to have a workshop meeting with the City Council to get City Council up to speed pertaining to the Flood Protection and Prevention Ordinance. 5. Meeting Minutes. Bryant Slimp asked that the meeting minutes from the February 2, 2006 be tabled until the next Building and Standards Commission meeting due to staff being very busy. • Building and Standards Commission Meeting Minutes April 6, 2006 Page 3 of 3 • [Adjournment] Kevin McMahon made a motion to adjourn. David Flame seconded the motion. AYES: Bryant Slimp, David Flame, Brian Hoogendam, Dr. Peter Benjamin, J. Denis Powers, Dave Miller, Michael Talianchich, Muddy McDaniel, Kevin McMahon. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m. PASSED THIS DAY OF , 2006 Bryant S1imp, hairman ATTEST: \ V Ms. Josie M. Orosco, Permit Technician • •