HomeMy WebLinkAbout06072007 BSC Agenda Item 1 I
ifouston Demolition, Inc. •
1P O. Box 1185 Phone: 281-997-8900
Pearfand, 'Texas 77588 Fax 281-485-8823
Commercial * Residential * Site Preparation
April 4, 2007
CITY OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE
Building and Standards Commission
3 800 University Boulevard
West University Place, Tx 77005-2899
RE: INPUT LETTER
Dear Debbie and Bryant:
Thank you for the opportunity to make you aware of some issues we are having
with the City.
1. PHONE CALLS:
I would first comment that I never receive a return phone call from a
message left. I have spoken with a couple of your builders about this and
they both told me that the "City of West University does not return calls."
2. DEMOLITION FINAL INSPECTIONS:
I understand that the City does not want lots to hold water, nor do they want
the lots to drain to the neighboring properties. If a lot is NOT holding water,
is NOT draining on to the neighbor's property, and is CLEAN it should
pass. Swales are not necessary.
Most builders are coming directly behind the demolition company to drill
piers. The time and money spent to bring in dirt that is simply going to be
removed next week is senseless. The City is able to determine which lots
these are simply by checking their "system".
* * *MBE/HUB CERTIFIED * * *
you that the City of Bel�ire is IN the 100 year
I would also liket inform y ty Y
flood plain. We do not have ANY problems doing the exact same job in
their city limits.
Due to the difficulty of passing the "final", two of my competitors are no
longer working in West U. This is not a good thing for me because I too
would prefer not to work within your city limits; however, I have clients
who do work in West U. and other cities who I am trying to keep happy.
I have some clients (builders) who used to work in West U. and Bellaire —
but will no longer work in West U. due to the City's impossible guidelines
and the "inspectors are all on a power trip" (I quote).
I currently am not making enough profit off my West U. jobs to justify the work
out there (with all the re-inspection fees and re-mobilizing to bring in MORE dirt).
There is a LOGICAL solution to this matter and I am hoping that your Board will
review this from a `builders' standpoint.
Thank yo ,
41161, V /
Ann Marie Hartwell
Owner
* * *MBE/HUB CERTIFIED * * *
III 411
bsolute
emodeling &
ainting Co.
May 30, 2007
Mr. Bryant Slimp
Building and Standards Commission
City of West University Place
3800 University Blvd.
Houston, TX 77005
Dear Mr. Slimp,
First of all,this is not a suggestion,but an observation. Since Ms. Debbie Scarcella has come
onboard as the Building Official,there has been a dramatic,positive change throughout the entire
department. She has brought a genuine determination to make the department more user
friendly. Ms. Scarcella has a very pleasant personality, is helpful and very polite and friendly.
This has had a positive affect on everyone around her. There is completely different attitude that
emanates from everyone there.
Second, I am excited and pleased that a forum for suggestions has even been offered. Thank you
for the opportunity to offer input. The suggestions are attached.
I have frequent contact with Josie, Pete, Paul and Debbie, and am very fond of everyone in the
department. I look forward to my continued working relationship with them.
Sincerely,
it-- (&114) 07,9—X
Randy Wood
Owner
CRE TEN
So��r
4231 Bellaire, # N • Houston, Texas 77025 1
713 666 903 M COMMERCEF
• •
SUGGESTIONS
• Larger budget to hire another inspector. This will allow Pete Solis to become a dedicated
plan checker instead of a part-time plan checker and part-time inspector. West University
takes,by far, the longest of any municipality in the Greater Houston area to approve
plans and issue permits. This alone would speed up the process. I doubt any builder or
remodeler would predominately works in West University would object to higher permit
costs to achieve this goal if that is what it would take.
• Also, I'm not sure how all of the requirements to obtain a permit came about, but it is a
fact that West University has so many requirements that must be done that the other
municipalities don't require. These things might make sense for a new home,but
remodeling projects probably should be exempt from some. There seems to be little
difference in the requirements whether a new home is being built or a small 5 x 8
bathroom is being added. The other municipalities have more relaxed requirements for
remodeling projects than for new home construction. Some examples are:
o Soil reports that were required when the original (contemporary)homes were
built should cover any future remodeling projects.
o Energy certification to a small remodeling project to a much older home makes
little sense. The City of Houston simply requires that energy codes be compliant
and written on the plans.
o Foundation load calculations for small additions seem unnecessary since the
licensed structural engineer is the one guaranteeing the design of the foundation in
the first place.
o The City requires a redundant inspection—the structural engineer inspects and
provides a letter to the City,and then a City inspection is required. Why should a
City inspector look at the same thing since, again,the engineer is required to do
this and guarantee it with a letter?
• Sometimes it is possible to call in an electrical, plumbing and framing inspection that can
be done at the same time by the same inspector. Currently this is not possible to do.
Other municipalities, such as Bellaire, allow this and it is more efficient for all involved.
In small municipalities, it will be same inspector inspecting all items anyway since there
are not dedicated trade inspectors.
Thank you again for the forum.
a--/ t9v--(-C