HomeMy WebLinkAbout01062022 BSC Agenda Item 3 STAFF REPORT
Business of the Building and Standards Commission
City of West University Place, Texas
AGENDA OF: 01.06.22
DOCKET NO: 2021-0025
DATE SUBMITTED: 12.13.21 DEPARTMENT OF ORIGIN: Development Services
ervices
PREPARED BY: Alfonso Acosta
PRESENTER: Alfonso, Acosta, City Building Official
SUBJECT:Appeal for the denial of a low impact
certification and requesting drainage plans
pursuant to Section 18-56 of the City's code of STAFFE PRESENTER:Alfonso Acosta, City Building
ordinance related to Single Family Structure Official
Demolition and conversion to green space.
ATTACHMENTS: Appeal request, Ordinance section
STAFF SUMMARY
Request for an appeal by Richard Yehle property owner of 6405 Rutgers
West University Place, Texas 77005 of the decision of the Chief Building
Official, Alfonso Acosta denying a low impact certification and requesting
drainage plans pursuant to Section 18-56 of the City's code of ordinances
related to a Single Family Structure Demolition and conversion to green space.
�Q„NEST UN/1,F
a
a
City of West University Place
APPLICATION TO THE BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE, TEXAS ("CITY")
TEXAS
Address of site: 6405 Rutgers - Lot TR 7B, Block 30, Section 1, West University Place, TX
Legal description of the site:
Applicant: Richard and Ma Yehle
Address: 6401 Rutgers and 6405 Rutgers Houston TX 77005
Contact: Richard Yehl
Phone: 713-213-4554 Fax:
Email Address: re ehle • comcast.net
Decision or Action Requested(check one or more and provide requested data):
(x)Appeal. Hear and decide an appeal from an order, requirement, decision or determination made by the building official (or
other administrative official)of the City.
• Name and title of the administrative official: Alfonso Acosta
• Is the official's action in writing? ( )4 Yes; (x) copy is attached. ( ) No, but the action appealed is as follows:
• When was the action taken?
below: 12/08/21 Note: Appeals must be filed within a reasonable time. Please explain any delay
• Exact code of ordinance section(s) involved: Sec. 18-56(a)
• Grounds for appeal:
The provisions of Section 18-56(a)were not applied because the Chief Building Official
denied "low impact" certification, despite the fact that no changes are planned to the current soil
level (elevation) of the lot at 6405 Rutgers as a consequence of converting the lot to greenspace.
( ) Special Exception.
• Exact code of ordinance section that authorizes the special exception:
• Exact wording of special exception requested:
( )Variance.
• Exact code of ordinance section from which a variance is requested:
• Exact wording of variance requested:
Other Data. Are there drawings or other data? ( )No (x)Yes (list items here and attach them) See attached.
State of TE)C
County of 4-f_____.j S
This instrument was acknowledged before me on i)r c t'Lin --)4�r • 13
by lat.--.7-5 trn 20
(Seal) c i;;, ANNA EVELYN
Notary ID#129886701
�:r I,My Commission Expires
My commission expir; P y 16.,, 22i2 1
, Notary Public
*****$300 FILING F, E. PROVIDE ORI INAL PLUS 15 COPIES (16 TO AL) OF ALL SUBMITTALS*****
Signature of applicant: / G 1/ i j
Date: /k / /
For Staff Use only Date filed: A _ D
Form BSC-102 Date heard: _ Docket#: :41a\ - (�y��a g
Other Data for 6405 Rutgers Appeal
1. Correspondence denying exception -December 8, 2021
2. Code of Ordinances Sec 18-54(d)
3. Code of Ordinances Sec. 18-56(a)
4. Survey of 6405 Rutgers
5. Map of adjacent lots
6. Photos:
a. Front
b. Garage
c. Rear yard
7. Samples of e-mail correspondence with City
a. December 2, 2021
b. December 5, 2021
c. December 7, 2021
d. December 10, 2021
0
Dick Yehle
From: Alfonso Acosta <aacosta@westutx.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, December 8, 2021 4:09 PM
To: Dick Yehle
Cc: Gerardo Barrera; Dave Beach
Subject: RE: Comment on order : 2123325-01 / 6405 RUTGERS AVENUE
Flag Status: Flagged
Good afternoon,
Thank you for the additional information provided and for taking the time to meet with city staff at the property.
As mention-• ler this afternoon, due to t e . if the project and conversion of the lot to green space, per the
ordina --, the city will require the topographic surveys.
Once e Demolition Permit Application and all required •. uments are submitted, city staff will make every effort to
review I• . timely manner.
Best regards,
Alfonso Acosta
Chief Building Official TSBPE#3861
City of West University Place
3826 Amherst West University Place, TX 77005
Tel 713-662-5830
Fax 713,662 5369
ATTENTION PUBLIC OFFICIALS:
This email,plus any attachments,may constitute a public record of the City of West University Place and may be subject to public disclosure under the Texas
Public Information Act.
A"reply to all"of this e-mail could lead to violations of the Texas Open Meetings Act.Please reply only to the sender.
From: reyehle@comcast.net<reyehle@comcast.net>
Sent: Wednesday, December 8, 2021 3:39 PM
To:Alfonso Acosta <aacosta@westutx.gov>
Cc: Gerardo Barrera <GBarrera@westutx.gov>; Dave Beach <DBeach@westutx.gov>
Subject: FW: Comment on order : 2123325-01/ 6405 RUTGERS AVENUE
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments
or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Alfonso,
The hits just keep on coming. Are you sure this is good value for anyone except the survey company as it will have to be
done twice to meet your requirement? I continue to assert there is no current problem, I will cause no new problem
and therefore this work has no value.
1
Dick Yehle
From: beth a-cb txllc.commailersur,
✓eystars rnm <betha=cbtxllc.com(a�mailer serve st
betha_@cbgtxllc.com s com> On Behalf Of
Sent: Wednesday, December 8, 2021 2:55 PM
To: reyehle comcast.net
Subject: Comment on order : 2123325-01/6405 RUTGERS AVENUE
NEW DISCUSSION
Order Number: 6405 RUTGERS AVENUE
Order Type: TOPO
Address: 6405 RUTGERS AVENUE
Discussion:
Hello,
The surveyor has come back with a price of$1025.00 plus tax to perform the survey for above referencedropertand
we can have it completed within 10-12 business days, weather permitting. Our pricing and time frame for his reisuest
good for 30 days. q
If you would like to proceed, please call our office and speak to anyone in our Customer Service Department at 24
9485 and they will be able to take your payment information for you. This file is on HOLD until we hear back from .
All credit card refunds are processed minus the transaction fees incurred from the credit card company you.
on the job. A minimum 6% processing fee will be deducted from all credit card refunds. Additional fees to be alc spent
upon processing. elated
Thank you and please let me know if I may be of further assistance!
2
Sec. 18-54. - surveys; site plans. c_D
(a) Basic survey. For each development project for which a permit is required, the applicant must
submit a boundary survey showing all existing and proposed structures. The building official may
waive this requirement if substantially equivalent information is available from other sources.
(b) Forms survey. For each major development project and each new foundation of a building, the
applicant must submit an additional survey showing the actual location of all foundation forms or
guides as set upon the ground. The survey must show them with respect to the boundaries of the
building site. This additional survey must be delivered to the building official not later than noon
on the first city working day preceding the day on which the first part of the foundation is poured
or affixed to the ground, and it shall be unlawful to proceed with such pouring or affixing before
the bu. +ngocial makes a note on such Survey to the effect that the proposed foundation
appears to comply with applicable regulations, e.g., yard and si tions.
(c) Drainage, elevation (surveys and drawings). This Code requires additional-surveys or drawings for
drainage, in certain circumstances. See, e.g., section 18-56 and section 744(5). The zoning
ordinance requires a survey to establish the standard base elevation.
(d) Standards. All surveys, drawings and site plans (including their form, scope, media -.o
- . ications) must meet standards .r- ..-. . .- e. .- : . icia . The building official may
require submission of site plans in reproducible form (e.g., mylar) and in electronic form.
(e) Site plans.
(1) Intent. The intent of this subsection is to aid persons who must comply with applicable
regulations— not only during construction but also thereafter—by assembling, coordinating,
and recording important surveys, drawings and compliance data.
(2) When required; "low impact"exception. A site plan is required for projects involving major
development or grade raising. Exception: No site plan is required for small-scale projects if
the building official issues a low-impact certification after determining that the project will
have no impact, or very minor impact, upon yards required by the zoning ordinance,
neighboring property and drainage patterns.
(3) Content. Each site plan must clearly depict the following, as applicable:
a. Basic survey;
b. Forms survey (after it becomes available);
c. Drainage or topographic survey;
d. Standard base elevation survey;
e. Easements and plat restrictions;
f. Buildings and other major structures;
g. Open areas, pervious areas, landscaping strips, required trees and pervious areas for
............. .._____ ___ _
U
Sec. 18-56. - to drainage; drainage plans. `\
(a) Basic drainage requirements. For each impact area (see definition in subsection (b)), the permittee must prepar
a drainage plan and obtain the approval of the building official, as required by this section. Exception: No
drainage plan is required for a project if the building official issues a "low impact" certification after determining/
that the project will probably have no drainage impact, or very low impact, upon neighboring property. In
addition, each permittee, each successive owner and each successive person in control of an impact area .s a
continuing duty to:
(1) Provide basic site drainage (see definition below) at all times, unless otherwise specifies an approved
drainage plan or an approved amendment; and
(2) Comply with the approve• •rainage plan (if the plan was required by this Code or any prior city ordinance) or
an approved amendment at all times.
(b) Definitions. In this section, the following terms have the meanings shown, unless the context clearly indicates a
different meaning:
(1) Basic site drainage means drainage that:
a. Captures substantially all of the rainwater that would fall onto the impact area, assuming a rainfall of one
inch in one hour; and
b. Causes that rainwater to be absorbed within the same building site or conveyed to a lawful receiving
place for rainwater, without escaping onto any other site and without washing detectable quantities of
soil or debris off the building site. Rainwater may be conveyed across another site, if properly authorized
by perpetual, recorded easement or a similar interest in the land.
(2) Impact area means the area where grade-raising, major development or creation of green space occurs(or
occurred after July 7, 1991). In the case of major development or creation of green space, the entire building
site is included in the impact area.
(c) Drainage plans;content, types, etc.The applicant must prepare each drainage plan in two versions: "as designed"
and "as built."The requirements are as follows:
"As Designed"Version
(1) A topographic survey drawing —the impact area and the receiving points for runoff, "as-is," before
(with sufficient "spot" elevations work on the site begins
and flow directions, as
determined by the building
official) showing—
—established drainage patterns across property lines
(2) Clear drawings and —provide basic site drainage but in no case shall more than six inches
descriptions of temporary and above existing grade of fill be allowed. However, the building official
permanent drainage measures may authorize additional fill above the six-inch limit if the building
"as designed" that— official determines additional fill is necessary for proper drainage
v - „,,, 0
South 1/2 of Lot Seven (7), in Block Thirty (30), of WEST UNIVERSITY ******
1 '• PLACE, an addition to the City of Houston, Harris County, Texas, ; OLD REPUBLIC
C,,„.., accordingto the amended Mapor Plat thereof recorded in Volume * *
*** „no.uTull,..,s..,r,o.nr
444, Page 560, of the Deed Records of Harris County, Texas.
LEGEND f ' LOT {
0 1/2” ROD FOUND 650.00' yy.
® 1/2" R00 SET ..,1 C-
O 1" PIPE FOUND o �4 '"
®"X" FOUND/SET
0 5/8" ROD FOUND .;;_.
♦ POINT FOR
CORNER
FENCE POST
FOR CORNER
CONTROLLING
CM MONUMENT 94
AC AIR
CONDITIONER
PE
POOL
EQUIPMENT E
TE TPADRANSFORMER
_
II COLUMN
�i A,.
z J
• POWER POLE T
A UNDERGROUND
ELECTRIC
A OVERHEAD
ELECTRIC
TELE TELEPHONE
PEDESTAL
BL BUILDING UNE
AE AERIAL
EASEMENT
SANITARY O 0
SSE SEWER O 0
EASEMENT
O 0
GM GAS METER U) Ln
WM WATER METER - LOT
28.3' �,
LP LIGHT POLE
UTILITY U)
UE EASEMENT Q W
—OHP— L J
10
OVERHEA
D VELECTRIC
OO LOT
M
—DES— p
OVERHEAD ELECTRIC u'1
SERVICE ONE STORY v
—0— FRAME
CHAIN LINK
WOOD FENCE 0.5' 1"
WIDE TYPICAL
—N—
IRON FENCE 5.1' 34.3' 10.8
—X—
BARBED WIRE
—O—
DOUBLE SIDED
WOOD FENCE D
O
,.4 M
EDGE OF ASPHALT
d
EDGE OF GRAVEL
I_ ' ' 1
CONCRETE
COVERED AREA NORTH 50.00'
® •WATER •
BRICK METER WATER
t✓ V`-'1 METER
STONE MA:LDCR
RUTGERS AVENUE
XCEPTIONS: MIIOTES: IC
NOTE: BEARINGS, EASEMENTS AND BUILDING LINES ARE BY RECORDED PLAT UNLESS
OTHERWISE NOTED.
FLOOD NOTE: According to the F.I.R.M. No. 48201C086OL, this property does lie
NOTE: PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TERMS, In Zone AE and DOES lie within the 100 year flood zone.
CONDITIONS, AND EASEMENTS
CONTAINED INNINSTRUMENTS RECORDED IN This survey Is made In conjunction with the Information provided by Old Republic
VOL. 387, PG. 169, VOL. 444, PG. 560, VOL. 771, NatlonaL Title Insurance Company. Use of this survey by any other parties and/or for
PG. 579, VOL. 1033, PG. 372 other purposes shall be at user's own risk and any loss resulting from other use
shall not be the responsibility of the undersigned. This is to certify that I have on this
date made o careful and accurate survey on the ground of the subject property. The
plat hereon Is a correct and accurate representation of the property lines and
dimensions are as indicated; location and type of buildings are as shown; and EXCEPT
AS SHOWN, there ore no visible and apparent encroachments or protrusions on the
•round. V
11(
Drawn By:BVM/Lorry LIF
Scale: 1" = 20' �. CBG • 1`,�,\•1, fR;n't;y
Date: 10-26-2021
N.\f I L\V ALAN PALM
Accepted by: 419 Century Plaza Dr., Ste. 210
GE No.: Houston, TX 77073 �•,¢r 6.4 •,
Purchaser P 281.443.9288 '' LT.:v••
Date: 21012559 F 281.443.9224 •/ ' fj
Job No. 2123325 Firm No. 10194280 , •"�pARE
Purchaser www.cD•txllc.com \.r.�.• N0. 6845
60-
• — a 5 ^ �. ry W mNtuw com
Z
0�,/^ ++ F- D oo:-..%EmoOI_ I
A ♦+ a V .-A// imnmNZN E6�m ctn m am q`c c Qs ON oL '\ FO v arco` nvcm ma O u, C
LCl. Q ?mo o mm^ ocm
0VOiL.� •,Q t0 m umo' cn- oDo.�p nan '
I (s) Q CI 7 d iEU° max 0 CI
O 0�BSCJ ZS
Li- el
Q2-
- 2 0 0 It
_ 0y N
O i
125 2 '4)0 18 100 0 060 .� 650 50�� 50 N-loci g 104 p" 100 ..1 .�f E.'.oFP1•
_
50 50 50 50 5 50 75 125 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 0
150 150 120 95 0 , .^) upi vii voi $ N
Lre 0L00 n �^^jj'��aa-��1 m 1n c . ,� rn
,.50t 0 _r m -.v) ,o N OS' o. m NO 0 y,.;�0 O „r :-0 -N 0 0
150 150 r ---.oo Q o - o 'Of5 0 -' o o 0 4 - .1�{l{��+.]] o -'- 0 0 -r a - _ 4 o
p
q _ 9 q q 4
r soon n ' ]__ o r, U 7 N K N rQr1 rn 9 N - ^ 0 4.
0 < m c .'1
0 Q ROZ4� x 75 125 , 2 50 50 0 1 50 50_
'150 o- 120 95 _. 50 50 _
119.76 75 65 60 50 50 50 50 0 100 1
cc / 150_ O O 0 N 0 N 0
l o o N
r . o ^ , CO 1` CO CO
_ _
„i - o N0 ,O 0 upi Q 6 p - :_,, 0 O O 'I o � -
150 150 ^ oo = o $ o =4 � _ id Q .c 4 - 4 4 4 Q
s000- 4 Q 4 .N m < m �'r ^ M x i
Q �zzE - - ; 100 100 50 50 50 50
150 150 120 75 65 60 50 50 5
3nN3AV sH3J1nH
150 70 50 50 100 -fit—-.T 100 0 50 50 7 50
OSL OSL 100 o, w� - U ^ o
80 I. 0 __
OSl o < o E1 `�
NQ oN-: vdi _2.O (h �- MO ,iN o O O in O O O
�R iso '9 c4 X4 ;4 o9 c9 � � "i
150 150 - --- m 2Om 30� ® �Q N _. ik1<9
m OL00- - - 120 .c `O 100 0 'chili47 0
^ 7.Lf;E 100 50 50 100 100
150 c�-_ 050 50 50 50 50 50 050 100 vj o 50 50 0
EhQ 6000- ,so 0021 0 o O i O 8 o
p N h N
GG vi fj.i,E Vi Op_OO._ N^ ' Cf v •.R r> -1� m N- s ,-m
150 N 12O N R'r' O • '' it N V^ �-f N O C)0 O O O O O .. O -�
8 m s000 150_ 0 s000- o Q - ..4 o Q Q4 ' ' .<. -:rmq p - v o - 4 4 0. ¢$ ' 4
150 O7r:E o l,s.,: 0 o Qo Q N m m <r K '^ r m cc a a
an 150 - - - -
m toxo- L000- a 120 ^ 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 100 100 50 50 50 50 '
III
150 vZEE 150 0
3f1N3AV 2131S3H31S3M N
in uo
120 50 50 0 500 50 I 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 100 50 50 50 Os 50 N
OSL LL00-OSL 0 0 0 o vii N N in In
gi �i o L000- 0 0 0cc _ m `r' m CO e s
-000' 0 7O� OSL o 0 0 0 m _. o v ,.ern ,�.cn o m -i- cc s_ N m s 0 -o o ti ti
o^ - w o. Q m 0 N 0 _ Cr,o V V O -1 U-,O ` O O c o 7 ?o
8 m LLOa r .0 50 oo' o o' 1 R ,c R 4 9 V� '''0 4 q o R 4 ' Y 4
a
8U.' OSL 120 220 _ _,uii, �2 m M Q ,� Q m Q vii vii ,o L�'^ 'lQ, v a
L-
000- OSL ® ^ a N N - -
100 50 • • 50
OSL 6000- 0 o ZZOb-Q 0.o 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 050 50 n"
E00a �i Lltti ° x 00- o o o 'n o o
v1 220 r n r r- a .- to a 'n N ._,1` mo a' O 2 al
2000-150 v socia m 120 015050 050 .o a e Q m Q m o°¢ r ;q "4i <--
o 00 0
N O O p 4 m Q '� M p �� O <
150 VZt'E 8008 -__ Q oQ - N N - =' ^ r zvxoTea
L000-150 ° Q o mo 100 50^I 50^I F50 50
LOOal50� c Btf; 150 120 50 50 50 50 50 50 OS 50 50 50 50 50
3f1N3AV 33NVM3S
9000-150 Q L L 0 0- 150 114 ss I 5on so iI so I soN .50
p '50 o sop 50p
So sop so 100 50
so 50
50
N
2 v2000- vi LO u
150 'oL'0�' 15O or m N M ; cn01 ~ N0o , N 0
N E S m O r .,M caN OC -?0 -, 0 ,0
00 00- o ZLOan OZL OO T 4Q _ T - 9 4
150
° ROE � 9 i DV <Lc94 Q 0 I- < <
x''1 `on Q c ^ .
0000- ¢ 3`1J 150 .cvi .o N
co
1 0 50 50 50 50
S: 1501''' -0010 OZL n 50 `� 50 50 50 W 50 �'0
17000- m 6000-150 0 8000- 0 50 50 050 050 0 50 50 0 o Y o ,� vii .
SLSt' 1508 '^ 9LSE 8 x LSE 2 2 0 g, p 0 `' o;m^ Q �o r i. mo m o
8000-150 q: 120 2 a r. o _� ^ m_ 8 'n cam.,o $ q ?$ p .7 p -r oo --
-Z000-150� v 0'SE. 'Q' '4'—'-0009 '� Q ^ _O$ Q$ ¢74 r$ m ry n$ m < . h4 vi vii Q �4 omoQ rn P�
120 0 .-
L000- 150 - - - - - - -
Z 0 150 v h00a 15S. 2 -0020 S 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 OS OS OS 50 50 50
1332JLS N332i31/4
li
i on 50 o N 5O'
0 170 "' 50 0 50 0ND 50 50- v150 '^50 500 50 _150 _ 150 N N N N oos m 0012 S N o M , ,-rN N
10E7-
o _
�,,/r/� r q Y
Z INSSZ''
6 Q
4.
,...
r
,1 ,,, ft_
R. 4
6C9
' ,fir: SRP:
l , .
., k t:, 4
i _ ,44,'
''''. ` s'4.
y
]] a
4 "'re". K'
`'v r
AS,'sS , fix
S , T `* r
V iOW.
4404•7•A'
C /
(61:
M♦ a F
•
il•k
t ,r,orattamor
{ of >+ wl"1 '
ttt
40
Not
. art"f y y 1141 � hi s
fp
• 9
7:7)Dick
From: Dick Yehle <reyehle@comcast.net>
Sent: Thursday, December 2, 2021 8:08 PM
To: Alfonso Acosta
Subject: 6405 Rutgers Drainage Permit
Alfonso,
Please advise how this can be handled.
In my opinion with regard to drainage at 6405 Rutgers, there is no current issue with drainage
on or anywhere near the property and nothing is planned that will change the status quo, in
fact removing the house and restoring the greenspace should improve the status quo. Thus,
there is nothing to be gained by paying for a topographical survey.
Thank you,
Dick Yehle
713-213-4554
From: Dick Yehle <reyehle@comcast.net>
Sent: Wednesday, December 1, 2021 3:39 PM
To: 'Lisa Ray' <Iray@westutx.gov>
Cc:Alfonso Acosta (aacosta@westutx.gov) <aacosta@westutx.gov>
Subject: RE: 6405 Rutgers- Resent
Lisa,
Thank you. Alfonso will be checking with you.
My position is:
• I am demolishing the original 1939 house at 6405 Rutgers and am converting the lot
to greenspace.
• I have lived next to the property at 6401 Rutgers for 22 years and can attest that
there is no drainage issue between adjacent lots.
• My plan is to simply remove the existing house, and then plant grass and a few
shrubs.
• There is no plan to regrade or change the elevation of the lot.
• Being required to spend $500+ for an elevation survey is of no value to me, the City
or any neighbors.
I am happy to submit that no material changes will be made to the current drainage and
request the drainage plan requirement be waived or certified as having been met.
Regards,
Dick Yehle
6401 Rutgers
From: Lisa Ray<Iray@westutx.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, December 1,2021 10:34 AM
To: Dick Yehle <reyehle@comcast.net>
Subject: 6405 Rutgers
Notes from plan review:The drainage plan needs to be on a topographical survey to verify that the final fill for elevation
does not surpass the requirements. If you have additional questions you can contact the Building Official Alfonso Acosta
or planreview@bbgcode.com.
Lisa Ray
Permit Technician
City of West University Place
3826 Amherst, West University Place, TX 77005
Tel 713.662.5834
Fax 713.662.5304
ATTENTION PUBLIC OFFICIALS:
This email,plus any attachments,may constitute a public record of the City of West University Place and may be subject to public disclosure under the Texas
Public Information Act.
A"reply to all of this e-mail could lead to violations of the Texas Open Meetings Act. Please reply only to the sender
2
Dick
From: reyehle@comcast.net
Sent: Sunday, December 5, 2021 11:46 AM
Subject: 6405 Rutgers Demolition Problem
Gerardo,
I am having a problem with the process for demolishing the house on my property at 6405
Rutgers, a problem that is being compounded by a City code that does not seem applicable to
my situation and is therefore costing me time and money. Having served on City Council, the
ZPC and the ZBA, I am familiar with and endorse the objectives of City codes but am less familiar
with how they are administered which is an area causing me what seems like an unnecessary
problem for the limited scope of work I am attempting.
The situation is that I bought the decrepit 1939 house at 6405 Rutgers next door to my home of
22 years at 6401 Rutgers and am in the process of demolishing it for greenspace. I see houses
being demolished all over town and while the process seems simple, it has a surprising number
of steps and many parties involved. A list of things I am addressing includes protecting trees,
erecting construction fencing, cutting off utilities, completing the demolition itself and restoring
the site, including repairing any damage to the City's sidewalks and curbs.
In addition to the items on the list above is compliance with "drainage" requirements which is
where my problem lies. To protect neighboring properties, City code reportedly requires the
subject property to handle the water that falls on it and drain it to the street. I just discovered
that to confirm compliance, the City requires a topographical survey before and after the work
is done. I am told that such surveys cost around $500 each. That makes sense when a lot is
being cleared for construction, because it is likely to be regraded and then filled with material
when setting the new foundation. However, in my case I am simply removing the house and
leaving the lot untouched except for replacing the house and driveway with grass and
shrubbery.
Living next-door I know there is no drainage issue today affecting my house, the house on the
other side or the one to the rear. Furthermore, nothing in my plans should create a new
problem, yet I am told that I must delay my demolition and spend $1,000 to confirm the drainage
situation.
I already have a major challenge getting the many tasks done quickly and this drainage
requirement jeopardizes the entire schedule while adding a cost that is of no value to anyone
except for City records. It is important for me to get the work done in 2021 so the property can
qualify for a partial-homestead tax exemption in 2022. That exemption is worth about $4,000
per year. Thus, my point to you is that requiring a topographical survey is addressing a problem
that does not and will not exist for a formality that will cost me about $5,000 without adding
value.
I have been working with the permit department and Alfonso Acosta but am not making any
headway. Everyone is doingtheir in an expeditious and technically jobp correct manner, but I am
under the impression that the Chief Building Official has degrees of authority for achieving the
City's objectives that could be used to waive the technical requirement in this case. I am not
asking to do anything that does not conform with the objectives of the City codes but am simply
trying to get there in a speedy and economical fashion. Can you help me penetrate the
bureaucracy to achieve my goal or otherwise give me guidance for how to move ahead quickly?
I am available to meet with you at the property Monday morning, if that would help you
understand the physical situation.
Regards,
Dick Yehle
713-213-4554
cc: Alfonso Acosta
2
Dick Yehle 7 C79
From: Dick Yehle <reyehle@comcast.net>
Sent: Tuesday, December 7, 2021 10:27 AM
To: Alfonso Acosta (aacosta@westutx.gov)
Cc: Gerardo Barrera (gbarrera@westutx.gov); Dave Beach (DBeach@westutx.gov)
Subject: 6405 Rutgers Demolition Permit
Alfonso,
With the process for demolishing 6405 Rutgers and converting the lot to greenspace in mind, I
would like to suggest that PNC status and the concept of "low impact" certification should be
afforded to the property.
• PNC status is usually contemplated for buildings, but Section 12-102 of the Zoning
Ordinance includes "a separately-existing building site" in the PNC provisions.
• A "low impact" exception may be granted under Section 18-56 for small scale projects
that will have no more than a minor impact upon neighboring property or drainage.
I submit that both conditions apply to the land at 6405 Rutgers; a) PNC status because the
property was developed in 1939 prior to the current drainage regulations being in place and has
been maintained unchanged since then, b) "low impact" status because the land is being
converted to greenspace with no change in elevation and an increase in the pervious area by
virtue of having the house, garage and concrete driveway removed.
Although removing a house may seem like a big project, in terms of the value of the land and
the cost of demolition (less than $15,000), it is "small scale". Thus, demolition of the house and
conversion to greenspace should qualify as a small scale, "low impact" project as contemplated
in Section 18 of the Code of Ordinances. As such, granting approval for demolition subject to
the above conditions would remove the requirement for a topographical survey since it would
only be relevant to assess a drainage plan, a plan that is not required for a "low impact" project
according to Section 18-56.
I am available for further discussion of the matter and to tour the property.
Regards,
Dick Yehle
713-213-4554
cc: Gerardo Barrera
Dave Beach
1
Dick
From: Dick Yehle <reyehle@comcast.net>
Sent: Friday, December 10, 2021 3:47 PM
To: 'Gerardo Barrera'
Subject: RE: 6405 Rutgers Topographical Survey and Drainage Plan
Gerardo,
Your comments are clear and helpful.
If I wish to pursue relief through the BSC, when do I have to make application for their January
6th meeting and what is required?
Dick Yehle
From: Gerardo Barrera <GBarrera@westutx.gov>
Sent: Friday, December 10, 2021 3:40 PM
To: Dick Yehle <reyehle@comcast.net>
Cc: Dave Beach <DBeach@westutx.gov>
Subject: RE: 6405 Rutgers Topographical Survey and Drainage Plan
Importance: High
Dick,
I wanted to provide you a response before the weekend in regard to the possibility of issuing a provisional permit allowing
the demolition of the structure only at 6405 Rutgers without fulfilling the additional requirements per code (i.e. Sec.18-
54, Sec.18-56). While sections of the code may be open to interpretation, other sections are clear on the requirements
that are being enforced. We as City staff must ensure we enforce the rules fairly to the benefit of residents of West
University Place. Our goal is to assist all property owners with their individual projects without compromising the integrity
of our responsibilities. This value is not always favorably received, however we do our best to go above and beyond
assisting our residents, even when it means providing an answer they may not want to hear.
Unfortunately a permit for demolition cannot be issued without having met the requirements as stated in the City's code
of ordinances. We also certainly do not want to compromise our professional integrity as municipal employees. We
certainly reviewed the Code thoroughly in-house to explore the possibility of some sort of relief but the requirements are
firm for this type of activity.
I appreciate your sense of honesty and your honest feedback regarding the interpretation of the code. We can petition
the Building and Standards Commission to re-evaluate the requirements at a future time but I know this offers little
comfort to your frustration and current situation. I know this is not the answer you were hoping for, but we would request
this from all property owners in West U for similar work.
Once we receive all the requirements necessary, staff can certainly expedite the permit.
Let us know if you have any questions or require further assistance.
Have a great weekend.
1
Sincerely,
Gerardo Barrera
Public Works Director
City of West University Place
3826 Amherst. West University Place, TX 77005
Tel 713-662-5845
Fax 713.662 5369
ATTENTION PUBLIC OFFICIALS:
This email,plus any attachments,may constitute a public record of the City of West University Place and may be subject to public disclosure under the Texas
Public Information Act.
A"reply to all"of this e-mail could lead to violations of the Texas Open Meetings Act. Please reply only to the sender.
From: Dick Yehle <reyehle@comcast.net>
Sent:Thursday, December 09, 2021 11:00 PM
To: Gerardo Barrera <GBarrera@westutx.gov>
Cc: Dave Beach <DBeach@westutx.gov>
Subject: 6405 Rutgers Topographical Survey and Drainage Plan
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking
links, especially from unknown senders.
Gerardo,
Thank you for your response to my inquiry about the demolition of 6405 Rutgers. While I do
not agree with your conclusion, I appreciate the thoroughness of your explanation of the City's
position. It was much more helpful than the polite stonewall offered by Alfonso on Wednesday.
Getting a topographical survey at this late date will probably compromise my ability to get the
work done this year, which I am trying to accelerate for tax reasons. Any help you can offer to
allow the process to proceed unabated will be appreciated. Once the utility work is completed,
if the City would issue a demolition permit prior to the topographical survey being obtained, I
am prepared to go ahead with demolition and suspend any site remediation actions while the
survey issue is resolved next year by either getting the survey(s) and confirming a drainage plan
or by prevailing with an appeal to the BSC.
As I have repeatedly promised, I am not going to change the current level of the soil, despite
undertaking a demolition process that may be disturb an estimated 40% of the building site. My
goal is to keep the elevation the same as that of neighboring properties as it is today. Since
there is no current drainage problem and I will not be changing the site elevation, I still don't
feel a topographical survey and consequent drainage plan is relevant. I see such surveys
confirming the elevation as only being useful for changing the status quo in ways that may create
2
a burden for neighboring properties. It troubles me that executing a drainage plan at my cost
may only be beneficial for allowing the City to demonstrate that it has enforced its ordinances
and then being able to sidestep any involvement about new drainage issues between neighbors
that the plan may cause. I think the City should consider different ways to address issues such
as mine.
Regards,
Dick Yehle
cc: Dave Beach
3