Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Development Insight Update June 2016



Partnering with the community to build and maintain a safer San Antonio        I        June 2016



Development Services 


Roderick J. Sanchez
AICP, CBO-Director
210.207.8259






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Development & Business  
Services Center

Main Address:
1901 S. Alamo San Antonio, TX 78204

Office Hours: 
7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Monday - Friday

Mailing Address:
PO Box 839966
San Antonio, TX 78283


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BuildSA Brief

The BuildSA Team is happy to announce testing started for the Land Development section, and will continue through September. This is all great news, as it means we are getting closer to meeting the timeline for releasing our one-stop system at the end of this year.

We will achieve another milestone when training starts for Land Development staff and customers; training participants should get a schedule in July for upcoming sessions. 

Beginning the week of July 11, the project team will kick off the next part of BuildSA, Plan Review and Field Services Functional Group 2. This phase will start with the 25 different licenses Development Services works with every day plus five different licenses for the Fire Marshal's Office. 

"We learned a lot during the Land Development phase and now know what to expect," said Terry Kannawin, Plan Review Assistant Director. "Between identifying the requirements and building the online services, we are aware of the time commitment and dedication it takes to build this one-stop system."

Some of the highlights customers can expect from Functional Group 2 include improved electronic plan review, a permit wizard to guide users to the correct application, and the ability to apply for all permits on-line. Along with these enhancements, employees will also benefit from pulling more data from the system.

The BuildSA Team is on track to delivering a system that makes doing business with us, easier, faster, and overall more convenient.

The Development Services Department is excited about our new BuildSA system and will continue to bring you monthly updates.


Is your contractor registered?
According to experts in the insurance industry, the damage caused by this year's hailstorms in San Antonio is one of the costliest weather events in state history. Unfortunately, this also makes the environment suitable for frauds, scams and criminal behavior.

Fraudulent, unqualified contractors or "storm chasers," come from all over the country looking for vulnerable consumers. With resources, materials, and contractors limited due to last month's storms, homeowners might try to seek a quick and easier road. Here are some things you can do to protect yourself: 
  • Be leery of contractors coming to your door, or those in unmarked vehicles.
  • Get multiple bids and ensure they are members of an association such as Roofing Contractors Association of Texas.
  • Research, research, research. Check the Better Business Bureau, your insurer or agent, and Internet.
  • Check if the contractor is registered with the City of San Antonio.
  • It's a red flag if the contractor asks for payment up front or who offer to cut a deal if you pull the needed permits.
  • Never pay the total cost of the project upfront.

To find out if a contractor is registered, call us at (210) 207-1111 or visit our website at sanantonio.gov/dsd and click on "Contractor Registration & Licensing." Permits are not issued to unregistered contractors. 


Performance Measures - FY 2016

Performance Measures


The complete Performance Measures Report is available online

Permit Activity    

 


Information Bulletins and Other Resources

The resources provided below include noteworthy changes; please review to ensure you have the latest information available: 
 
IB 516 - Preliminary Development Plan Review Meeting Form, posted 6/17/16
The IB includes an update to the contact information and the reviewing divisions.
 
The new IB informs customers to schedule an inspection with the City of San Antonio DSD to include an inspection of the construction work related to cutting and replacing existing concrete floor slabs that require sections of the floor to be removed for plumbing installations or electrical services below the existing floor slab.
 
IB 176 - Plumbing Installation / Repairs within Tunneling below Foundations, posted 6/14/16
The revised IB clarifies the safety provisions during under-slab plumbing installations/repairs that may require tunneling below the foundation to accomplish plumbing drain line repairs, replacements or re-routs.
For a complete list of resources, visit the sites shared below:    

The DSD Resources website also offers more information, including Document Search, Forms and Applications, and Latest News.
 


City News


INDEPENDENCE day holiday SCHEDULE of city services 

City Hall and most municipal offices will be closed on Monday, July 4, 2016, to observe the Independence Day holiday. 





CITY INSIDER

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SAN ANTONIO TRICENTENNIAL
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Other Department News
 - Customer Comments, New Hires, Recognition, etc.  

Here's what you said about us...
Martin Ruiz, Development Services Manager, Code Enforcement, Field Services
I have communicated with Mr. Martin Ruiz via email on my present concern. He addressed my concern and advised he would get back to me with his answer. He did what he said he would do and responded to my questions in a detailed manner. He was very professional and responded in a timely manner to a resident's concerns. 

Toni Villarreal, Plans Examiner II, Plan Review
My name is Matthew Ranjbar and I am the owner of two car dealerships here in San Antonio. I visited the City of San Antonio Development Services Department to address a problem that had occurred with one of my shops, and I had a great experience. The customer service was excellent, and I had my problem addressed and taken care of properly and efficiently. I met with Plans Examiner Ms. Toni Villarreal twice, and each time, she did a great job with providing outstanding customer service and acting in a friendly and professional manner. This was a great example of what customer service in City Government should be like.

Audrey Parks, Administrative Assistant, Customer Advocate, Plan Review
I have been working with Audrey over the past few months and she is always so helpful. I am very satisfied with her customer service.

Armando Cortez, Inspector, Tree Preservation, Land Development
Armando assisted me with my needs and concerns and helped me to achieve the city requirements for landscaping, tree, and oak wilt. He was very professional and courteous.
  
John Valadez, Sr. Building Inspector, Field Services
John Valadez is always willing to go the extra mile each time we need assistance with an inspection review. Always a pleasure speaking with Mr. Valadez. Very knowledgeable and courteous. 

Ernest Brown, Planner, Land Development
Ernest has met with me on several occasions over the past year. I have always found him very courteous and friendly. Best of all,he is very knowledgeable of all the DSD activities I have discussed with him. Ernest is a credit to DSD and the city for his outstanding work.


New Employees

 


Promotions

 


Certifications

Congratulations to our DSD employees who received the following certifications: 


Job Opportunities

Development Services is recruiting for the following positions; apply on-line at:  jobs.


For comments or suggestions regarding the Development Services Newsletter, contact Kathy Quinones.

City of San Antonio, Development Services, 1901 S. Alamo, San Antonio, TX 78204