HomeMy WebLinkAbout07072016 BSC Agenda Item 4 STAFF REPORT
Business of the Building and Standards Commission
City of West University Place, Texas
AGENDA OF: July 7, 2016 DEPARTMENT OF ORIGIN: Development
Services
DATE SUBMITTED: July 1, 2016
PRESENTER: Staff
PREPARED BY: Clay Chew, CBO, CFM
City Building Official
STAFF PRESENTER: Clay Chew, CBO, CFM
SUBJECT: Discuss foundation height City Building Official
above Standard Base Level
ATTACHMENTS: Proposed ordinance
STAFF SUMMARY
Background:
The Building and Standards Commission discussed the requirement of adding one
foot freeboard to the Floodplain ordinance. While most members felt it would be
beneficial for new construction, there was concern that it would cause a hardship for
existing homes that were substantially damaged or improved.
Appendix C. Section C-104 International Building Code can be amended to require
the foundation for each new building or new addition (except substantial improvements)
to be elevated a minimum height above standard base level (natural grade) without
changing the floodplain ordinance.
1
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
UNIVERSITY PLACE, TEXAS; AMENDING APPENDIX C, TECHNICAL
CODES SCHEDULE, SECTION C-104, INTERNATIONAL BUILDING
CODE, OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF WEST
UNIVERSITY PLACE, TEXAS, BY ADDING A
NEW SUBSECTION
C-104, 3.J. RELATING TO FOUNDATION HEIGHT AND CONTAINING
FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE, TEXAS, THAT:
Section 1. Appendix C, Technical Code Schedules, of the Code of Ordinances
of the City of West University Place, Texas is amended by adding a new Section C-104,
3.j. relating to foundation height to read as set out in Appendix A, attached hereto. All
other portions of Appendix C of the Code of Ordinances not specifically amended
hereby remain in full force and effect.
Section 2. All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict with this
Ordinance are repealed to the extent of the conflict only.
Section 3. If any word, phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, section or other
part of this Ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, shall
ever be held to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction,
neither the remainder of this Ordinance, nor the application of such word, phrase,
clause, sentence, paragraph, section or other part of this Ordinance to any other
persons or circumstances, shall be affected thereby.
Section 4. The City Council officially finds, determines and declares that a
sufficient written notice of the date, hour, place and subject of each meeting at which
this Ordinance was discussed, considered or acted upon was given in the manner
required by the Texas Open Meetings Act, as amended, and that each such meeting
has been open to the public as required by law at all times during such discussion,
consideration and action. The City Council ratifies, approves and confirms such notices
and the contents and posting thereof.
Section 5. This Ordinance takes effect immediately upon its passage and
adoption on second reading.
{00181168.DOC}
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED ON FIRST READING on the day
of , 2016.
Councilmembers Voting Aye:
Councilmembers Voting No:
Councilmembers Absent:
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED ON SECOND READING, AND SIGNED,
on the day of , 2016.
Councilmembers Voting Aye:
Councilmembers Voting No:
Councilmembers Absent:
Attest: Signed:
City Secretary (Seal) Mayor
Recommended:
City Manager
Approved as to legal form:
City Attorney
{00181168.DOC} 2
Appendix A
(Amended Appendix C, Section C-104, 3.j. Code of Ordinances)
Section C-104. International Building Code.
3. The foundation for each new building (and each new addition to a
building) must meet all the criteria in this section, as applicable. Exception. if the
building or addition does not contain habitable space (as defined in the IBC), it
must meet only the requirements for "nonhabitable space," as indicated below.
j. Elevation of bottom floor. Each foundation shall have an elevation of at
least 15 inches above standard base level.
{00181168.DOC}