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Home My WebLink About10032024 BSC Agenda Item 5 City 0 West University Place Public Works Department Building & Standards Commission Located in the Council Chambers, 3800 University Blvd, West University Place, Texas 77005 Meeting Minutes December 7, 2023 MEMBERS PRESENT: Jonathon Hance, Bruce Beneke, James Craig, Matthew Brejot, Eddie Matthews, Gerry Spedale, andy Fiedler and Spyros Maragos MEMBERS ABSENT: Krishna Shah STAFF PRESENT: Public Works Director, Danny Cameron, Administrative Coordinator, Josie Hayes, Legal Counsel Scott Bounds and Philip Boedeker and Zoning Administrator, Joe Newton GUESTS PRESENT: Chuck Marshall [Call to Order] Jonathon Hance called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 1. Notices, Rules, Etc. Jonathon Hance welcomed BSC members and staff to the meeting. Josie Hayes stated that the agenda was posted per state and local laws. Josie M. Hayes stated there would be not any alternate voting members. Jonathon Hance reviewed the general rules for the meeting and all members and staff introduced themselves. Jonathon Hance swore in all potential speakers regarding Agenda Item 5. 2. Swearing in of Building and Standards Commission Members. Josie Hayes administered the Oath of Office to all members. 3. Board Member Orientation. PowerPoint presentation by City Attorney, Scott Bounds. He explained their rules, duties and obligations under applicable laws and statues. Mr. Bounds also explained the Open Meeting Training seminar must be taken within 90 days if not previously undertaken. 4. Meeting Minutes Bruce Beneke made a motion to approve the meeting minutes as amended by Eddie Matthews of September 7, 2023. Second by Eddie Matthews. AYES: Jonathon Hance, Bruce Beneke. James Craig, Matthew Brejot and Eddie Matthews. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Meeting minutes approved. 3826 Amherst St. zvzvzv.zvestutx.gov West University Place, TX 77005 713-662-5830 Iry West University Place Public Works Department 5. Docket No. 2023-0013, regarding a property located at 3602 Georgetown St., Houston, TX 77005 for a variance from Chapter 70, Sec. 70-60(c) to allow the construction of a side street entry garage with the proposed garage door positioned 10 feet from the side-street property line, where a minimum of 18 feet is required. Joe Newton gave brief history of the request. The applicant has proposed a project to construct a new side-street entry garage for the home. Applicant submitted a proposed site plan to city staff indicating a garage door setback of 10 feet and were subsequently informed that a minimum separation distance of 18 feet would be required from the garage door to the side-street property line. Joe Newton stated staff is recommending the variance to be denied on grounds that the applicant has not adequately demonstrated an evident hardship. The applicant stated to city staff that in their opinion the proposed garage should be allowed to be rebuilt at the former garage door setback of 10 feet. The applicant's architect Dillan Kyle stated the previous Building Official Clay Chew initially visited the site in 2020 and were told that as there was not a sidewalk on Mercer, it would not be an issue with their design. The external factors have changed, and he believes they should be allowed to have a 10 foot setback instead of the required 18 feet. There was general discussion if Mr. Chew has interpreted the rule correctly and when the requirement went into effect. After questions and answers between all parties and deliberation, Jonathon Hance reviewed the required criteria to be met for a variance to be approved. Jonathon Hance made a motion to deny the variance. Bruce Beneke seconded. AYES: Jonathon Hance, Bruce Beneke, James Craig, Matthew Brejot and Eddie Matthews. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Variance denied. Jonathon Hance made a motion to adjourn. Matthew Brejot seconded. AYES: Jonathon Hance, Bruce Beneke, James Craig, Matthew Brejot and Eddie Matthews. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion carried. Meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m. PASSED THIS DAY OF , 2024. Jonathon Hance, Chairman ATTEST: Josie M. Hayes, Administrative Coordinator 3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov West University Place, TX 77005 713-662-5830 City 0 West University Place Public Works Department Building & Standards Commission Located in the Council Chambers, 3 800 University Blvd, West University Place, Texas 77005 Meeting Minutes August 22,2024 MEMBERS PRESENT: Jonathon Hance, Bruce Beneke, James Craig, Matthew Brejot, Eddie Matthews, Gerry Spedale, Spyros Maragos and Krishna Shah MEMBERS ABSENT: Andy Fiedler STAFF PRESENT: Public Works Director, Danny Cameron, Permit Technician, Angela CeZar, Legal Counsel Loren Smith and Zoning Administrator, Joe Newton GUESTS PRESENT: Alida Drewes, Dick Yehle, Kalie Rainsberger and Sam Harwell [Call to Order] Jonathan Hance called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 1. Notices, Rules, Etc. Jonathon Hance welcomed BSC members and staff to the meeting. Angela CeZar stated that the agenda was posted per state and local laws. Jonathon Hance stated there would not be any alternate voting members. Jonathon Hance reviewed the general rules for the meeting and all members and staff introduced themselves. 2. Public Comments. Kalie Rainsberger, 3121 Wroxton spoke regarding concerns over safety at building sites, building practices employed, restricting safety and quality in building practices and the city's perceived failure to enforce safe practices. Alida Drewes, spoke regarding parking issues in private driveways and on-street parking and flooding issues. Sam Harwell, 3809 Marquette spoke regarding permeable surfaces and the electrical code updates if changes are to be considered. 3. Discussion Items from City Council. Jonathon Hance stated the BSC would discuss, review and consider action on potentially recommending amendments to certain city ordinances at the next meeting. Danny Cameron stated the items from City Council are items that have been raised with City Council for further review. • Definition of a Structure: Danny Cameron stated the definition needed to be clarified that details what a structure is. Jonathon Hance stated the challenge would be to come up with a sustainable solution; a comprehensive definition that's not just a list of exceptions. 3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov West University Place, TX 77005 713-662-5830 ti OCitve' West University Place Public Works Department • Driveway Building Materials: Danny Cameron stated there are a few different types of pervious material that could be used. If the BSC is interested, City could put a detail sheet together that shows the average cost. There was general discussion regarding the maintenance and how it would be enforced by the city. • Electrical Code: Danny Cameron stated when the new codes were adopted, the current code was not cleaned up. Need to remove the old language that is no longer required, just a basic clean up. Jonathon Hance stated it would be a good idea to bring in an electrician to make sure the code gets changed correctly. • Fire Code: Danny Cameron stated bigger homes are now being built and makes access more difficult for Fire Dept so should the city require a fire protection system to be installed when the new home is built. Mr. Cameron also stated he would have the Fire Marshal available at the next meeting to explain their point of view. • HVAC Unit Location: Danny Cameron stated the current code is ambiguous and could benefit from some revisions. • Irrigation Systems: Danny Cameron stated currently there is a yearly inspection of all commercial backflow preventers. Does the city want to make this a requirement for resident properties as well. After discussion, Danny Cameron stated staff would provide additional information on backflow preventors at the next meeting. • Major Remodels: City staff recommends that a re-certificate of occupancy be required for all major remodels where a resident would have to move out and before they could re-occupy. • Noise Ordinance: Danny Cameron discussed whether sound absorbing enclosures should be required on all new generator installations. Jonathon Hance said that we would address all the above items in a staged approach. For the next meeting he would like to discuss Irrigation systems, Fire Code and major Remodels. Danny Cameron stated staff will provide information on above items for next meeting and have Fire Marshall attend. Jonathon Hance made a motion to adjourn. Matthew Brejot seconded. AYES: Jonathon Hance, Bruce Beneke, James Craig, Matthew Brejot and Eddie Matthews. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion carried. Meeting was adjourned at 7:06 p.m. 3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov West University Place, TX 77005 713-662-5830 1Cv of West University Place Public Works Department PASSED THIS DAY OF , 2024. Jonathon Hance, Chairman ATTEST: Josie M. Hayes, Administrative Coordinator 3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov West University Place, TX 77005 713-662-5830 OC'ftvof West University p Place Public Works Department Building & Standards Commission Located in the Council Chambers, 3800 University Blvd, West University Place, Texas 77005 Meeting Minutes September 5,2024 MEMBERS PRESENT: Jonathon Hance, Spyros Maragos, Bruce Beneke, James Craig, Matthew Brejot, Gerry Spedale, Eddie Matthews, Krishna Shah MEMBERS ABSENT: Andy Fiedler STAFF PRESENT: Assistant Director of Public Works Brett Cast, Permit Technician Angela CeZar, Fire Marshal, James Novak, Legal Counsel Philip Boedeker, Zoning Official Ian Knox GUESTS PRESENT: Alida Drewes, David King, Kalie Rainsberger [Call to Order] Jonathon Hance called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 1. Notices,Rules,Etc.Jonathon Hance welcomed BSC members and staff to the meeting.Angela CeZar stated that agenda was posted per state and local laws. Angela CeZar stated the alternate voting members were Andy Fiedler,Spyros Maragos and Krishna Shah.Jonathon Hance reviewed the general rules for the meeting and all members and staff introduced themselves. 2. Public Comments. David King asked the BSC consider a minor revision to Section 81 that requires contractors to notify neighboring property owners of demolition work to be done. Kalie Rainsberger, 3121 Wroxton Rd. spoke regarding concerns for requiring a certificate of occupancy for remodels before a homeowner could occupy the structure. 3. Discussion Items from Building & Standards Commission: Discuss, review, and consider action on amending the City's ordinance with regards to the following matters: • Fire Code: Discussion focused on the need to strengthen the modification of a structure's (specifically residential dwelling) resiliency as well as the need for requiring larger residential structures to require sprinkler systems. The issue of electric vehicles was discussed as most charging stations are in the garage and present an added risk. The Interim Fire Chief(and Fire Marshall) used this opportunity to educate the Board throughout this discussion. 3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov West University Place, TX 77005 713-662-5830 City Of West University Place Public Works Department ACTION: Board directed staff to bring back information about how other cities are regulating battery walls and electric cars as they relate to garages and fire codes. • Irrigation Systems: Board entertained discussion regarding requiring residential irrigation backflow prevention systems for all irrigation systems. Discussion informed that the city has 750 registered irrigation meters however,there are likely more meters directly to the domestic water supply. A new irrigation inspection program would likely require separate meters and back flow devices. The board elected to not recommend further consideration of a residential irrigation system backflow inspection program. ACTION: Jonathon Hance made a motion to recommend that city council not further review and discuss a requirement that residential property owners install and have backflow prevention systems on annual basis. Eddie Mathew seconded.AYES: Jonathon Hance, Spyros Maragos,Bruce Beneke,James Craig and Matthew Brejot.NOES:None.ABSTAIN:None. Motion approved. • Major Remodels—Certificate of Occupancy: The Major Remodel definition in the city was discussed offering clarity to the understanding of what a major remodel means.The Board expressed concerns that there could be an issue with enforcement due to recent changes in state law prohibiting municipalities from requiring disclosure of renovation costs. The Board had concerns about overreaching and the potential of unintended consequences. ACTION: Jonathon Hance requested a recommendation from staff on the definition of the term"major remodel"and how that definition would differ from a"major improvement". The Board also requested examples of how the definition of major remodel is currently being applied by city staff Bruce Beneke made a motion to end the discussion on certificates of obligation for major remodels. Jonathon Hance seconded. AYES: Jonathon Hance, Spyros Maragos, Bruce Beneke, James Craig and Matthew Brejot. NOES:None.ABSTAIN: None. Motion approved. Jonathon Hance made a motion to adjourn. Bruce Beneke seconded. AYES: Jonathon Hance, Spyros Maragos, Bruce Beneke, James Craig and Matthew Brejot. NOES:None. ABSTAIN:None. Motion approved. Meeting adjourned at 7:21 p.m. 3826 Amherst St. zvzvzv.zvestutx.gov West University Place, TX 77005 713-662-5830 City of West University Place Public Works Department PASSED THIS DAY OF , 2024. Jonathan Hance, Chairman ATTEST: Angela CeZar, Permit Technician 3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov West University Place, TX 77005 713-662-5830