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Building & Standards Commission
Located in the Council Chambers,
3800 University Blvd,
West University Place, Texas 77005
Meeting Minutes
December 5,2024
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jonathon Hance, James Craig, Eddie Matthews, Gerry Spedale, Andy
Fiedler, Spyros Maragos and Krishna Shah
MEMBERS ABSENT: Bruce Beneke and Matthew Brejot
STAFF PRESENT: Director of Public Works Danny Cameron, Administrative
Coordinator Josie Hayes, Planning and Zoning Administrator Jordan
Cruz,Safebuilt Building Official Tracy Rodriguez and Legal Counsel
Philip Boedeker
GUESTS PRESENT: David Cole and Alida Drewes
[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. All members
and staff introduced themselves. Spyros Maragos and Krishna Shah were the alternate voting
members.
2. Public Comments. David Cole, of 4104 Cason, spoke regarding the Fire Code. He collaborated with
Fire Chief James Novak on several items and proposed that'power walls' be removed from the code,
recommending instead that the Building Standards Commission (BSC) review the International Fire
Code, which includes a new section addressing this topic. Mr. Cole emphasized the importance of
using the correct terminology—'electrical energy storage systems'—as found in both the International
Fire Code and the National Electrical Code. He also discussed fire protection measures, including
ventilation requirements for various systems and the necessary separation between modules. Mr. Cole
stated the city really needs to adopt the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC). This has been the
minimum standard adopted by the Texas Board of Licensing and Regulation (TBLR), effective as of
September 20, 2023. The TBLR sets the minimum standards that electricians must follow when
installing electrical work across the state of Texas, which operates under statewide licensing. Going
3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov
West University Place, TX 77005
713-662-5830
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backward to previous code editions isn't a good practice. Along those lines, EV charging systems are
specifically addressed in the National Electrical Code under Article 625. Many electrical issues can
also be handled under this section in addition to the specific provisions outlined in the International
Fire Code. Alida Drewes, 6112 Fordham spoke about grandfather ordinances for Senior Citizens and
protecting the seniors from people encroaching onto their property.
3. Discussion Items from City Council.
• Fire Codes: Jordan Cruz stated this section primarily revolves around electric vehicles,which
is the issue Mr. Cole brought up and this item initially came before the BSC when Chief Novak
raised concerns about this topic. Lithium batteries burn extremely hot and can't be easily
extinguished—you essentially must wait for them to burn out on their own. The general
recommendation here is to allow the fire department time to arrive on the scene and help
contain the situation. Mr. Cole provided some excellent input that we can incorporate into this
moving forward.
ACTION: BSC asked staff to incorporate Mr. Cole's comments, along with the electrical
and fire code sections he cited, and to revise the language accordingly. The board will review
this updated information at the next meeting before making any recommendations.
• Major Remodels: Jordan Cruz stated the original request was to clarify the distinction and
improve the definition of a'major remodel.' However, as we reviewed the code, we noticed a
few issues. The first was that the definition of'major remodel' appeared somewhat outdated.
Instead of reworking the definition, it was decided to remove it altogether. There is only one
other instance "major remodel" is listed. Removing this term shouldn't impact the
enforcement of anything the city already regulates. While the change differs slightly from
prior discussions, Brett Cast conducted a comprehensive review of the code and found that
the term is simply not being utilized. Eddie Matthew made a motion delete the definition
"major remodel" and forward to City Council for approval. Second by James Craig. AYES:
Jonothon Hance, James Craig, Eddie Matthews, Spyros Maragos and Krishna Shah. NOES:
None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion approved.
4. Discussion Items from Staff.
• HVAC Unit Location: Jordan Cruz stated this issue initially was considered under the broader
mechanical category, but we've since refined it to focus specifically on generators based on
our discussions. The proposed changes aim to address noise control and safety concerns for
both generator owners and their neighbors. This issue came to light when a property owner
was asked to move their generator 12 inches away from the structure to comply with industry
standards. However, when the city was asked to provide proof of this requirement in the
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City of
West University Works Department
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ordinance,we discovered it wasn't included.The proposed edit is to formalize that requirement
in the code, setting the distance at either 12 or 18 inches—both of which are industry standards.
There was general discussion between the 12 and 18 inches. Manufacturers set minimum
standards for clearances around their generators, and these can vary. Additionally, the type of
building material,such as masonry veneer versus wood veneer,can affect the clearance needed.
The 12 and 18-inch standards are common industry guidelines, and the manufacturer's
specifications are referenced as well. If a manufacturer requires a 24-inch clearance, for
example,that will take precedence, and the greater clearance would be enforced.
As for a 9-inch clearance,the greater requirement would again take precedence. So, if the city
sets a threshold of 12 or 18 inches, that will become the standard, regardless of the
manufacturer's minimum, since it exceeds their requirements
ACTION: BSC asked staff to revise the language and forward it to the Zoning and Planning
Commission(ZPC) for their input on the proposed changes before making a
recommendation to City Council. The board will review the updated information at the next
meeting before moving forward with any recommendations.
5. Meeting Minutes.November 7, 2024. James Craig made a motion to approve the November 7,2024,
minutes as amended. Spyros Maragos seconded. AYES: Jonathon Hance, James Craig, Eddie
Matthews, Spyros Maragos and Krishna Shah. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion approved.
Jonathon Hance made a motion to adjourn. Eddie Matthew seconded. AYES: Jonathon Hance,
James Craig, Eddie Matthews, Spyros Maragos and Krishna Shah. NOES:None. ABSTAIN: None.
Motion approved.
Meeting adjourned at 6:31 p.m.
i f 44
PASSED r t7 DAY OF JantiCtrj , 2025.
Jonatho ce, Chairman
ATT .
Josie M. Hayes, Administrative Coordinator
3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov
West University Place, TX 77005
713-662-5830