HomeMy WebLinkAbout02062025 BSC Agenda Item 5 City of
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
January 16,2025
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jonathon Hance,Bruce Beneke,Matthew Brejot,Eddie Matthews,Gerry
Spedale, Andy Fiedler, Spyros Maragos and Krishna Shah
MEMBERS ABSENT: James Craig
STAFF PRESENT: Assistant Director of Public Works Brett Cast, Administrative
Coordinator Josie Hayes, Planning and Zoning Administrator Jordan
Cruz,Safebuilt Building Official Tracy Rodriguez and Legal Counsel
Philip Boedeker
[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. Josie Hayes stated Krishna Shah was the alternate voting member.
2. Public Comments. There were no public comments
3. Selection of Vice-Chairman. Bruce Beneke volunteered to be the Vice-Chairman. Andy Fiedler
nominated Bruce Beneke. Second by Gerry Spedale.AYES: Jonathon Hance,Bruce Beneke,Matthew
Brejot, Eddie Matthews and Krishan Shah. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion approved.
4. Discussion Items from City Council.
• Fire Codes: Jordan Cruz provided an update on the proposed ordinance from the comments
given by David Cole. The proposed changes included removing references to "power walls",
referring the NFPA 70 electrical code for installation requirements and update the alarm
section to request compliance with the International Residential Code. The board discussed
the need for review and approval of the ventilation details, the use of "listed" charging
equipment and the requirement for the fire-resistant wall and ceiling construction. The board
3826 Amherst St. www.zoestutx.gov
West University Place, TX 77005
713-662-5830
City of
West University Place Public Works Department
agreed to have the Fire Marshal review the proposed language and provide input. The board
discussed not requiring fire-resistant construction for all new homes, only for those with
planned EV charging stations. Tracy Rodriguez provided input on the potential cost impact of
requiring two-hour fire-rated assemblies for new construction with EV charging stations.
ACTION: BSC asked staff to revise the language on the Fire Code regulations,
incorporating the feedback provided and bring it back to the next meeting for further review.
• Irrigation Meters: The city proposed requiring a separate irrigation meter for new
construction to better track water usage and enforce drought restrictions. The board discussed
the costs, maintenance requirements and enforcement challenges associated with the
proposed requirement. After discussion, Bruce Beneke made a motion not to require
additional meters for irrigation systems. Second by Krishna Shah. AYES: Jonathon Hance,
Bruce Beneke, Matthew Brejot, Eddie Matthews and Krisna Shah. NOES: None.
ABSTAIN: None. Motion approved.
• Driveway Building Materials: There was general discussion regarding the various permeable
driveway options, including pervious concrete,permeable pavers, grass pavers, and gravel
pavers. The consensus was to exclude the grass options and investigate the other materials
further, including costs and enforcement considerations.
ACTION: The BSC requested staff to provide the City of Southside's regulations and
identify any homes granted a special exception allowing black star gravel for driveways.
Additionally,the BSC asked for further information on the costs and enforcement
considerations of permeable driveway options to be reviewed at the next meeting.
5. Discussion Items from Staff.
• Stationary Generator Location: Jordan Cruz presented the proposed language regarding the
placement and clearance requirements for stationary generators. The city proposed clarifying
that generators should be considered mechanical equipment and requiring a minimum 12-inch
clearance from walls. The board discussed the rational for the 12-inch clearance and the
potential conflict with the Zoning and Planning Commission's ongoing work on generator
regulations that could impact the language presented.
ACTION: BSC asked staff to table this item and wait for the Zoning and Planning
Commission to finalize their work on generator setbacks to ensure consistency before
making a recommendation to the City Council.
3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.goz'
West University Place, TX 77005
713-662-5830
City of
West University Place Public Works Department
6. Meeting Minutes. Eddie Matthews made a motion to approve the December 5,2024, minutes. Bruce
Beneke seconded. AYES: Jonathon Hance, Bruce Beneke, Matthew Brejot, Eddie Matthews and
Krishna Shah. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion approved.
Krishna Shah made a motion to adjourn. Andy Fiedler seconded. AYES: Jonathon Hance, Bruce
Beneke, Matthew Brejot, Eddie Matthews and Krishna Shah. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None.
Motion approved.
Meeting adjourned at 7:29 p.m.
PASSED THIS DAY OF , 2025.
Jonathon Hance, Chairman
ATTEST:
Josie M. Hayes, Administrative Coordinator
3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov
West University Place, TX 77005
713-662-5830