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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09112014 BSC Agenda Item 2 • • The City of West University Place 1 ,\ei hhoi 1iavd(In Building & Standards Commission Located in the Bill Watson Conference Room, 3800 University Blvd, West University Place, Texas 77005 u 4 Meeting Minutes v L January 9, 2014 MEMBERS PRESENT: Steve Brown, Sylvette Bobb, Vernon Tyger, Frank Griffin, Chuck Marshall, Muddy McDaniel and Bruce Beneke MEMBERS ABSENT: Denny Powers and Kris Westbrook STAFF PRESENT: Building Official John R. Brown, Legal Counsel Shelly Eversole and Permit Technician Josie M. Hayes GUEST PRESENT Councilmen Dick Yehle, Stewart Baker, Carlos Gutierrez, Chung Nguyen, Connor McManus, Joe McManus, R. George Cunningham, Les Albin and Councilwomen, Joan Johnson [Call to Order] Steve Brown called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. 1. Notices, Rules, Etc. Steve Brown welcomed BSC members, visitors and staff members to the meeting. There were introductions of BSC members, visitors and staff. Steve Brown stated Bruce Beneke would be the alternate voting member. 2. Meeting Minutes. Frank Griffin made a motion to approve the August 2, 2012, September 6, 2012 with the recommended modifications and the July 11, 2013 meeting minutes. Vernon Tyger seconded the motion. AYES: Steve Brown, Sylvette Bobb, Vernon Tyger, Frank Griffin and Bruce Beneke. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion approved. 3. The Commission to select a Vice Chairman. Vernon Tyger stated he was interested in the Vice Chairman position. Vernon Tyger made a motion to nominate himself as Vice Chairman. Steve Brown seconded the motion. AYES: Steve Brown, Sylvette Bobb, Vernon Tyger, Frank Griffin and Bruce Beneke. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion approved. Frank Griffin made a motion to suspend the regular meeting and go into the hearing mode. Vernon Tyger seconded the motion. AYES: Steve Brown, Sylvette Bobb, Vernon Tyger, Frank Griffin and Bruce Beneke. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion passed. Everyone testifying or speaking on any issue was sworn in by Steve Brown. TOP WORK ?LACES 3800 University Boulevard I West University Place, TX 77005 I www.westutx.gov • • The City of West University Place 1 1'eighboi ho d( in 4. Appeal of a decision regarding foundation support for solid fence construction. John R. Brown gave a brief background of the foundation requirements and stated he denied the fence application because it was not according to the requirements. The building contractor submitted an application for a masonry fence to be constructed using the"pouring slabs for the tilt-wall construction residential house walls which were to be cut into fence panels and placed inside C-Channels for support". Mr. Brown denied this based on the lack of foundation beams being constructed connecting the deep piers per Chapter 18, Section 18-210(4). Mr. Brown suggested the applicants appeal his decision instead of filing for a variance because of the time restraints. Mr. Brown stated he has previously approved of fencing without the foundation beam when it was in the best interest of preserving trees along Bellaire Blvd. based on the City Forester's recommendations. George Cunningham stated he has done numerous projects just like this one and the design is viable. There was general discussion regarding the design of the fence. The piers are 12' apart, the poured deck will be cut up and attached to the piers by sliding the panels in between. The bottom ends of the reinforced panels rest on the piers which carry the load. Les Albin stated he was present when the original foundation ordinance was created and the discussion at the time would not apply to masonry fences/walls. The ordinance wasn't designed to address this issue. There was general discussion regarding John R. Brown having concerns that the piers would shift or rotate. Sylvette Bobb made a motion to reverse the decision of the Building Official because the section of the codes does not apply to this situation. Bruce Beneke seconded the motion. AYES: Sylvette Bobb. NOES: Steve Brown, Vernon Tyger, Frank Griffin and Bruce Beneke. ABSTAIN: None. Motion failed. Frank Griffin made a motion for staff to revisit the code that addresses construction techniques for masonry fences. Vernon Tyger seconded the motion. AYES: Steve Brown, Sylvette Bobb, Vernon Tyger, Frank Griffin and Bruce Beneke. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion passed. Sylvette Bobb made a motion to close the hearing and resume the regular meeting. Frank Griffin seconded the motion. AYES: Steve Brown, Sylvette Bobb, Vernon Tyger, Frank Griffin and Bruce Beneke. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion passed. 5. Code Amendments. John Brown stated corrections to the wording needed to be changed for clarification. The words"vertical reinforcing rods and three-eighths inch ties on" needed to be inserted and the word "less" under Section 18-210-4 needed to be changed to"more". Vernon Tyger made a motion to approve the suggested amendments to Section 18-210-4 that John R. Brown proposed and recommend them to City Council for approval. Sylvette Bob seconded the motion. AYES: Steve Brown, Sylvette Bobb, Vernon Tyger, Frank Griffin and Bruce Beneke. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion passed. TOP WORK PLACES 3800 University Boulevard I West University Place, TX 77005 I www.westutx.gov • City ity cif\Vcst University Place it . eighborhoo(1(:its- PUBLIC COMMENTS. Mr. Stewart Baker stated he has been making some renovations to his commercial property at 5310 and 5320 Kirby. Mr. Baker stated he is not asking for a variance or an appeal but asked the board to take his comments into consideration. Shelly Eversole stated the board could listen to his comments,but they could not take action on any of the items. Mr. Baker wanted to replace a wire fence that is around the dumpster and build a CMU wall with an engineered foundation at 5310 Kirby. Mr. Brown stated a form survey would be required to make sure the wall was not on the property line. Mr. Baker thought one was not needed because it was not directly on the property line and was pointless. The other issue is regarding his tenant and the sign for Community Trust Bank located at 5320 Kirby. The pylon sign would lose its non-conforming status if it was changed. Mr. Baker thinks the pylon signs should be considered three assemblies and if he altered one of the assemblies, it should not affect the other two. Mr. Brown maintains that all three assembles are one and if Mr. Baker modifies one, then it loses its non-conforming status. Mr. Baker stated that if Mr. Brown does not reconsider this, it leaves and unattractive sign that reduces the commercial value of the signage, of the lease and eventually the property. Mr. Baker stated he thought the interest of the City is to reduce signage and that is why the City code was changed some time ago. [Adjournment] Sylvette Bob made a motion to adjourn. Vernon Tyger seconded the motion. AYES: Steve Brown, Sylvette Bobb, Vernon Tyger, Frank Griffin and Bruce Beneke. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m. PASSED THIS DAY OF , 2014 Steve Brown, Chairman ATTEST: Mrs. Josie M. Hayes, Permit Technician TOP WORK PLACES 3800 University Boulevard I West University Place, TX 77005 I www.westutx.gov • • The City y of West University Place t U7/ 4 /t Neighborhood On Building & Standards Commission Located in the Bill Watson Conference Room, 3800 University Blvd, West University Place, Texas 77005 Meeting Minutes August 7`h, 2014 MEMBERS PRESENT: Steve Brown, Vernon Tyger, Frank Griffin, Sylette Bobb, Kris Westbrook, Muddy McDaniel (A-1), and Charles Marshall (A-2) MEMBERS ABSENT: Denny Powers, and Bruce Beneke STAFF PRESENT: Chief Building Official Clay Chew, Legal Counsel Allen Petrov, and Permit Technician Mike Morris. GUEST PRESENT: City Council members, Ed Heathcott, and Dick Yehle [Call to Order] Steve Brown called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 1. Notices, Rules, Etc. Steve Brown welcomed BSC members, visitors and staff members to the meeting. There were introductions of BSC members, visitors and staff. 2. Meeting minutes. Frank Griffin made motion to approve the minutes dated January 9, 2014. Vernon Tyger seconded. AYES: Steve Brown, Vernon Tyger, Frank Griffin, Sylette Bobb, Muddy McDaniel (A-1). NOES: None. Sylvette Bobb made motion to approve the minutes dated June 5, 2014 with minor corrections. Vernon Tyger seconded. AYES: Steve Brown, Vernon Tyger, Frank Griffin, Sylette Bobb, Muddy McDaniel (A- l). NOES: None. 3. Electronic signage, amend Chapter 6, Section 6-24. Steve Brown asked Clay Chew to explain the purpose of this proposal. Clay Chew explained City Council had asked the BSC to make a distinction between residential and commercial locations and try to clarify brightness in regards to new LED signage.Steve Brown asked if this proposal was to be approved would it eliminate any illuminated signage in residential impact zones,Clay Chew replied that is correct.There was various discussion regarding allowing any electronic signage and brightness of signage in commercial zoning areas.Steve Brown then went on to read the definition of a sign as per city ordinance which refers to the C.T.C.A.Transportation code 383. Steve Brown went on to explain various options and ways to propose the amendment to the City Council.The BSC discussed a multitude of different options, which included location, illumination, and placement.Clay Chew explained the different jurisdictions and that sign 3800 University Boulevard l West University Place, TX 77005 I www.westutx.gov • • The Cite of«Vest University- Place 1 .'\e4;-111)(»iiOO(I (;in companies signs change with the outside ambient lighting throughout the day. Steve Brown expressed his concern about what the impact of the change would be. Steve Brown went on to state his concern in gauging the ambient/light portion of the sign lighting. The BSC went on to discuss various objectives and different standards and language. The BSC also mentioned the possibility of getting expert advice to help guide specifications. BSC discussed existing signs throughout the city that may be affected by the proposed ordinance change. Steve Brown went on to explain specific verbiage in the proposed ordinance with an emphasis on brightness which he would like to see. Steve Brown asked if Clay Chew could locate in the ordinance where it would state, no illuminated signage shall be located in a residential area. The BSC made a consensus to postpone further discussion so that staff can reword and make specific changes to the existing sign ordinance proposal to address and add specifications in regards to lighting, area, and existing signage. 4. Masonry Fences. Chapter 18, Section 18-210. Clay Chew stated that in the previous meeting he was asked to make some wording changes and that he had included the changes into the packets that were presented to the BSC. Clay Chew went on to state that the purpose for this proposal is that the current ordinance only allows for foundation with underground beam type wall, and that the current proposal would allow for an engineered pier and above ground beam be used for the protection of tree roots. Steve Brown discussed specific design criteria and wording with Clay Chew. Steve Brown stated that he would like to have some of the specific wording in regards to on center spacing of the drilled footings and design, placed in the proposed amendment. The BSC discussed multiple design criteria requirements and options. Clay Chew explained that drilled piers are less invasive to tree roots than the current required standard. Steve Brown stated that he would prefer to see more objective standards in option B. Frank Griffin asked Clay Chew what is the most common type of masonry fences he sees. Clay Chew replied CMU, and brick. BSC discussed multiple different options in regards to a set standard for masonry fences. BSC went on to express concern with design criteria and overall weight of masonry fences and engineering requirements. The BSC made a consensus to postpone further discussion so that staff can reword and make specific changes with an emphasis on engineering requirements to the existing proposed ordinance. [Adjournment] Muddy McDaniel made motion to adjourn. Vernon Tyger seconded. AYES: Steve Brown, Vernon Tyger, Frank Griffin, Sylette Bobb, Muddy McDaniel (A-1). NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None PASSED THIS_DAY OF , 2014 Steve Brown, Chairman ATTEST: Mr. Michael W. Morris, Permit Technician TOP WORK PLACES 3800 University Boulevard I West University Place, TX 77005 I www.westutx.gov