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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01162025 BSC Minutes 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, Matthew Brejot, Eddie Matthews and Krishan Shah. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: Bruce Beneke. 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.westutx.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.gov 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 TH _ -t� DAY OF ' e-yin , 2025. Jonathon . c-, Chairman ATTEST ' Josie M. Hayes, Administrative Coordinator 3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov West University Place, TX 77005 713-662-5830