HomeMy WebLinkAbout01091992 BSC Minutes.
• BUILDING & STANDARDS COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 1992
3800 UNIVERSITY BLVD.
6:30 p.m.
The Building and Standards Commission convened in the Municipal
euilding, 3800 University Boulevard, in the City of West University
Place, on January 9, 1992, for a Regular Session with the following
members present: Nicholas Aschliman, Drew McManigle, Carolyn
Hodgins, Dale Reid, Margaret Wallace, Susan Freeman, Jeann Howse.
Ed Beasley, Building Official and Susan Thorn, Building Secretary
were present from the City.
HEARING OF RESIDENTS:
Linwood Taylor, 2700 Holcombe Blvd explained that next door to his
property is a hazardous building at 2716 Holcombe. He has been
keeping up the front yard but is concerned that the backyard is
overgrown. He contacted the Realtor, but the Realtor refuses to
take action. Mayor Johnson suggested he come before the BSC.
Chief Terry Stevenson will be notified and possibly have this house
added to the list of hazardous buildings.
• He also expressed concern that there is no regulation of foundation
repair companies in the City of West University Place. He had
foundation repair work done on his house by what he thought to be a
reputable foundation company. The foundation repair company
snapped his plumbing lines and filled concrete under the house and
it entered through the sewer lines through his property.
He is concerned because to his knowledge the City does not regulate
the foundation companies by requiring a performance bond.
Ed Beasley, Building Official explained that drawings done by a
registered engineer are required by other cities in order to do
foundation repair work and that he would contact the City of
Bellaire to see what their requirements are.
CONSIDERATION OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 6310 WAKEFOREST:
Robert Beard, owner of the property explained that they had
constructed a 3 brick high decorative brick ledge which had been
approved on building plans. He asked for the BSC to determine
whether or not this would be considered a retaining wall or just a
decorative brick ledge.
Mr. Beasley explained that this was brought to the attention of the
Building Inspection Dept. by complaints of adjoining neighbors. In
~ the Building Code the definition of a retaining wall "means a wall
designed to and used to hold earth or similar material in place, no
part of which extends higher than the highest naturally occurring
• part of the ground in the front portion of the building site and no
part of which is located outside of the building site."
Mr. Beasley explained that this meets City requirements and is not
in his opinion a retaining wall but a decorative brick ledge. and
was constructed and designed as approved. Drew McManigle made
motion to interpret this as an ornamental brick ledge and not
interpret this as a low retaining wall. Motion seconded by Craig
Du Cote.
Voting Aye: Carolyn Hodgins, Nicholas Aschliman, Dale Reid, Susan
Freeman, Craig DuCote, Susan Freeman and Drew
McManigle.
Voting No: None
The second request Mr. Beard had was that sidewalks were not on the
approved original building plans and it was brought to his
attention by the Building Inspection Dept. that he was in
violation. He reported that he had gone through several months of
review and comment by the city staff concerning plans for the front
portion of his property. His designers made recurring changes to
respond to comments made by the plan reviewers. During the review
and approval process, the requirement for a front walk at this
• location was never identified. With that background and because
there are no sidewalks on either side of his property, he asked
that a variance be granted to not have sidewalks at this time.
After some discussion Drew McManigle made motion to grant a
variance based on approved plans to not have a sidewalk. This
motion was seconded by Susan Freeman.
Voting Aye: Carolyn Hodgins, Nicholas Aschliman, Dale Reid, Craig
DuCote, Drew McManigle and Susan Freeman.
Voting No: None
DISCUSSION OF CHAPTER 6:
A Saturday Meeting to have a workshop session to discuss fences in
Chapter 6 will be held on Saturday, January 25, 1991, beginning at
8:30 a.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes from December 5, 1991 to be approved after changes made.
ADJOURNMENT:
Craig DuCote made motion to adjourn, seconded by Drew McManigle.
• All Voting Aye.
Voting No.: None
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•
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Attest:
~~
Secretary
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a' man
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