HomeMy WebLinkAbout09052024 BSC Minutes City of
West University
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, Bruce Beneke, James Craig, Matthew Brejot, Eddie
Matthews, Gerry Spedale, Andy Fiedler, Spyros Maragos and Krishna
Shah
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 Works Department
Place Public o p
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. zvzuw.zvestutx.gov
West University Place, TX 77005
713-662-5830
City of
West University Place Public Works Department
PASSED T3i, (-) DAY OF 06v6eC-- , 2024.
Jonathan H , Chairman
ATTEST:
Angela CeZar, Permit Technician
3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov
West University Place, TX 77005
713-662-5830