Thursday, September 28, 2017

Development Services Department September, 2017



Partnering with our community to build and maintain a safer San Antonio  | Sept. 2017


In This Issue



Quick Links







Development Services Department

Mike Shannon, PE, CBO
Director
210.207.8259


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



FY 2018 City Budget Approved
On Sept. 14, 2017, City Council adopted the FY 2018 City of San Antonio Budget. The new budget will be effective on Oct. 1, 2017.

The Development Services Department's budget was approved for two new positions in the Land Development section - 1) Southern Edwards Plateau Manager and 1) Planning Coordinator for Neighborhood Conservation Districts. The department is pleased to share there will be no increased fees. Additionally, there are no reductions to the General Fund or Development Services Fund.


For more information regarding the Adopted FY 2018 budget, visit the Office of Management and Budget website.  

BuildSA Brief

Have you been wondering about the status of BuildSA? Perhaps, you've been waiting for information on an estimated launch date? Well, we have updates and information to share with you.

The latest and most important event that occurred is that the City made a decision to partner with a different software integrator. After experiencing several project delays, the City decided it was time to take a different approach to effectively complete the installation of Accela Software. We are pleased to share that plans are well underway and work is in progress with a new vendor, GCOM Software Inc. (GCOM).  Our new vendor will complete the implementation of the Accela Software for Land Development.

GCOM is not new to our project.  They were a subcontractor on BuildSA last year, working closely with us on data migration and integration. GCOM is the largest Accela Certified Partner and holds extensive experience in the implementation of business processes and systems.

Land Development
An anticipated launch date for Land Development, Functional Group 1, is the fall of 2018.

Building Development and Code Enforcement
The City is issuing a solicitation for implementation services for Functional Groups 2 and 3, Building Development and Code Enforcement in December 2017.  Functional Groups 2 and 3 will now be known as Phase 2 of the project.

Watch for future newsletters to bring you more updates and information on BuildSA. 


Tree Discussions and H.B. 7 News

Tree Discussion Meeting at DSD
On Tuesday, September 12, the Development Services Department (DSD) hosted its second Tree Discussion meeting with stakeholders and customers. At the meeting, City Arborist Mark Bird reviewed the outcome of the recently completed Special Session of the Texas Legislature, previous topics from the first Tree Discussion meeting plus current topics of interest related to DSD processes for implementation of the tree and landscape ordinances.

The House of Representatives and the Senate passed H.B. 7 in the 2017 regular legislative session; however, Governor Abbott vetoed the bill. During the Special Session, a modified version of the bill was passed and signed into law. The bill will go into effect Dec. 1, 2017.

The bill should have no impacts to the current or past tree ordinances since the San Antonio tree ordinance does not apply to existing residential one-family or two-family dwellings.  That is, no permits or coordination with the City are required by owners to remove a tree on a residential property (when construction is complete).  In addition, the 100% credit for mitigation tree planting offered by the City is above what is granted by H.B. 7 (50% for residential and 40% commercial).

Additional topics covered at the tree discussion meeting were the latest on tree notes that identify master tree permits and tree save areas on plats, a Plat Note Committee update, and Information Bulletins related to Root Protection Zone and Tree Applications for Geotechnical site work.

To learn more about the City of San Antonio's tree preservation policies, visit our website

Online Resources

The latest Rule Interpretation (RID) and Information Bulletins (IB) are provided below:  

DSD developed this revised IB to describe the process and the minimum requirements for permitting uncovered residential decks. The bulletin has been revised to clarify permitting, document submittals, and inspection requirements. This will help ensure that your deck is built per code and passes the applicable building inspections.

IB 564 - Garage and Setbacks and Resolving Violations, posted 9/12/17
IB 564 provides customers clarification on measuring setbacks for front entry garages and carports, the department policy on current carports constructed within setbacks, and, if determined to be in violation, how to resolve setback violations. Note: this IB replaces IB 158 and IB 515. 

IB 565 - Evolution of Setbacks for Primary and Accessory Structures - 1938 to present, posted 9/12/17
This IB provides DSD staff with a central repository for all applicable setbacks for different types of structures as well as the evolution of setbacks from 1938 to the present. This will provide clear development standards applicable at the time a given structure was built. Structures built in accordance with the approved setbacks at that time, but are no longer compliant with current standards, are now nonconforming structures subject to Section 35-707.

This RID is intended to provide clarification on the use of collectors or arterial streets to meet secondary access and other sections of the Unified Development Code (UDC) related to street network and hierarchy requirements. Overall this RID clarifies 3 more basic concepts: Honor Master Development Plan (phase development) related to secondary access and phase construction of collectors and arterials; maximum number of units on dead-end collectors to be 500 units, but overall developments in the ETJ cannot exceed 1000 units without secondary access per fire marshal; and developments having collectors not for secondary access purposes should extend them based on capacity needs.

RID 2017-006 Building Setback Lines, posted 9/12/17
The intent of this RID provides clarification for customers and staff on the interpretation of Chapter 35 of the City Code of San Antonio, the UDC, as it relates to the enforcement of Building Setback Lines (setbacks) placed on subdivision plats recorded prior to Dec. 2, 2002. 

RID 2017-007 Secondary/Additional Access, posted 9/11/17
This RID clarifies the issue with developments having less than 400 feet of frontage and claiming secondary access did not apply. The UDC clearly requires secondary access based on number of units built, not based on frontage. 

For a complete list of resources, visit the following sites:  
 


Performance Measures - FY 2017

The complete Performance Measures report is available online.

 
Permit Activity

 

Other Department News
- Customer Comments, New Hires, Recognition and more

Here's what you said about us...

Al Niebruegge,  Sr. Building Inspector, Field Services
I have worked with Al for over a decade and he has always been very responsive. He has a gift with solving issues and communicating a quick and effective path to resolution.

Dania Aji, Plans Coordinator, Plan Review
Dania was a pleasure to work with. She provided exceptional service to the engineer and the property owner. She is a wonderful representation of how all interactions with the City should be. I want to make sure she is recognized for her hard work and great customer service.

Kayla Leal, Planner, and Mariano Martino, Engineer, Land Development
I first met Mariano a few years ago, and he has always been helpful. After I contacted him, he quickly determined that Kayla was the zoning case manager, and he copied her on the response back to me. Kayla also sent me an email right away, offering her assistance; she responded quickly to my questions and provided any relative data on the case. While I did not interact with Kayla in person, she was friendly and courteous in her email responses, and asked me to let her know if she could assist with anything else. I thought the courtesy, speed of response and professionalism was unexpected and worthy of mention to their supervisors.

Mark Celestino, Sr. Development Services Specialist, Plan Review
I have been working with Mark Celestino and his associates for many years on numerous City of San Antonio projects, but the service and attention to detail I have received from Mark is exceptional and so appreciated. He knows your procedures and will inform you if there is an issue with the project, and he can always be reached by either email or by phone.

Judy Croom, Administrative Assistant, Building Standards Board, Field Services
Out of all the people I have talked to from the city she is by far the FASTEST to respond and handle my issues.  She was very nice and informative, and truly seemed to care about taking care of my issues. Excellent !!!!

Kimberly Hopkins, Planner, Land Development
This was my first experience with contacting your office regarding my special challenge (Addressing). I do appreciate the promptness and particularly the follow-up. I was communicated with on a timely basis and I am satisfied with the professionalism of Kimberley Hopkins. Job well done.

Certifications


Congratulations to our DSD employees who received the following certifications: 

New Hires




Promotions




Retirement





Job Opportunities


Development Services is recruiting for the following positions.  To learn more, or apply online, visit the DSD jobs at the City of San Antonio Career Center.

 



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For comments or suggestions regarding the Development Insight Newsletter, 


Copyright © 2017. All Rights Reserved.

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




Friday, September 22, 2017

Ten Digit Calling Starts Saturday

Effective Saturday,  if calling someone within the 210 area code, you must dial all ten digits.  If you dial only the three digit prefix and the last four numbers you will receive a recording telling you to hang up and dial ten digits to include the 210 area code (if the call is within the 210 area).  Calling  to other than the 210 area code is unchanged.  Those with speed dial capability need to make this change on their phone.



Marc Levesque
President

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

2017 Parks Bond Projects - Perrin Homestead Historic Center $1,000,000 allocated

Below is  a link that will allow you to fill in information about what you would like to see done at the Perrin Ranch House on Swan's Landing. Please take a minute and fill out the form.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScuqW_i2CzrpTzDAepsuIR3677LFIJXf-Accj14A-7d1DMIxA/viewform


Thanks,

Marc Levesque
President VNNA II


District 10 Update, 19 September, 2017



District 10 Newsflash
Brought to you by Clayton Perry, District 10





                                                                                             
September 19, 2017

Howdy Neighbors, 

Last week Council voted to approve the FY 2018 Budget. This year's budget reflects the hard work of City staff and my fellow council members in ensuring that our City's needs are being met. I am so grateful to all of the organizations and community members who took the time to attend the City's Budget Open Houses and those who contacted my office to address their budget concerns. Though I was unsuccessful in getting a property tax rollback or a City homestead exemption, I believe the conversation needs to continue about tangible property tax relief for San Antonio residents.  

There are many wins for District 10 in the FY 2018 budget. In addition to the $5.5 million that District 10 was slated to receive in road repairs, we were awarded $8.1 million. Our roads were among the worst in the City. This additional funding allows for vast improvement over the next two years. The budget also includes $500,000 for the Northeast Corridor Improvement Partnership, a program that previously received $100,000. Additionally, I have secured funding to correct the troublesome intersection of Randolph and Weidner.

It was announced yesterday that TCI identified funding for a dedicated pedestrian sidewalk along the east side of Judson Road. The recent addition of IDEA Judson and several apartment buildings in this area made the need for sidewalks more prevalent than ever. This sidewalk will be erected on Judson Road from Sam's Club to Independence. We will keep you all updated as construction begins. 

Earlier this month, Council offices around the city collected donations for the victims of Hurricane Harvey. We were absolutely overwhelmed by the compassion of our neighbors. The outpouring of support from our neighbors was incredible to witness and we thank you from the bottom of our heart. The SA Food Bank created a video to thank all of you and your efforts to help those in need. 

We are a few weeks away from National Night Out. If your neighborhood has not yet registered a NNO party, we've included the registration information in this newsletter. If you would like our office to attend your party, please send your request in advance to District10@sanantonio.gov. Thank you to all of the neighborhoods that have requested our office's attendance this far. We have received requests from the following neighborhoods: Forest Oak, Northern Hills, Oak Park Northwood, Friends of Comanche Lookout, Hills of Park North, Valencia, Summit at Bulverde Creek, Longs Creek, Royal Ridge, British Commons, and Cedar Grove. If you have previously requested our attendance but do not see your neighborhood listed, please contact us as soon as possible. We aim to attend as many gatherings as we can.

As always, thank you for being active community members and leaders here in District 10. 

- Clayton

 

Community Meetings
  • District 10 Community Meeting - October 16th, 2017, 7PM, at the Tool Yard
Open Surveys

Metro Health wants to know what you think about increasing the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products from 18 to 21 years of age. Give your opinion by completing this short community survey. Your opinion will help gauge interest and support for this measure.




Open District 10 Boards and Commissions Seats

Transportation Advisory Board
The Transportation Advisory Board is comprised of 11 members appointed by the Mayor and each City Councilmember for two-year terms representing the following categories: three (3) consumers; one (1) member large company taxicab industry; one (1) member co-op taxicab industry; one (1) member small business taxicab industry; one (1) member of tour, charter or shuttle service; one (1) member of horse carriage, limousine or livery service; one (1) member of hotel/motel association; one (1) member of Airport Advisory Commission; and one (1) member of Convention and Visitors Commission. The Board makes recommendations to the Director of the San Antonio Police Department, in reference to City Ordinances, Rules, and Regulations on the licensing and regulatory review process for transportation services licensed by the City. These services include taxicabs, limousines, tour/charter services, pedicabs, and horse carriages. Meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month (excluding April and December) at 5:00 PM in the Municipal Plaza Building "B" Room, 114 W. Commerce. Meeting duration is usually one to two hours. Public hearings are held in addition to regular meetings. 

Building and Standards Board
The BSB is a citizen-based board and includes 14 members appointed by City Council. BSB membership requirements are prescribed for the following categories: Architect, Engineer, General Contractor, Social Worker, Health Care Professional, Retired person (over the age of 64) and Veteran of the United States Military. A professional property manager may be substituted for one general contractor and/or one social worker. The BSB consists of two panels of seven members. Each panel hears and rules on violations of the San Antonio Property Maintenance Code (SAPMC) and summary abatement appeals. Property owners are allowed to appeal a SAPMC Notice of Violation to the BSB based on issues of interpretation, intent, and application of code requirements. The BSB may issue civil penalties for failure to comply with the SAPMC. The panels also rule on cases related to the repair or demolition of unsafe structures. Each panel holds a hearing twice per month unless otherwise indicated. Meeting dates are the first and third Thursdays for Panel A, and the second and fourth Thursdays for Panel B. Meetings are held at the Cliff Morton Development and Business Services Center, located at 1901 S. Alamo St. Location and times of meetings are subject to change and can be verified with the liaison.

Disability Access Advisory Committee
The Disability Access Advisory Committee is comprised of 11 members appointed by the Mayor and each City Councilmember for two-year terms. The Disability Access Advisory Committee was established to work closely with the City of San Antonio Disability Access Office as part of San Antonio's efforts to provide accessible services and facilities for citizens with disabilities. The Advisory Committee consists of consumers with disabilities, providers of services to people with disabilities and interested San Antonio residents. Meetings are held bi-monthly on the second Monday at 3:00 PM at Lion's Field Adult and Senior Center, 2809 Broadway (in Brackenridge Park at the corner of Mulberry Avenue). Meeting duration is usually one to one and a half hours. Special meetings are called as needed. For more information, click here.

If you are interested in applying for one of the above seats, please fill out an application here
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Northeast Corridor Steering Committee 
The NEC Steering Committee is a volunteer workgroup of area business and community leaders who provide input on - and support for- implementation of the NEC Revitalization Plan.   Steering Committee members act as ambassadors for the Perrin Beitel - Nacogdoches commercial corridor, working with fellow business operators and the City of San Antonio to promote the corridor's assets and advocate for the resources needed for change. For a full description of the NEC Steering Committee, membership expectations, and an application, please click here: NEC Steering Committee Information and Application Package



Meet Our Staff 

My name is Landry Stafford and I am the Communications and Special Events Director for Councilman Perry.

I was born in Houston, TX, but moved to Clarksville, TN with my family as a kindergartner. There, I went through the public education system for elementary, middle, and high school. Though Tennessee will always be home, Texas was calling me back. The summer before my senior year, I toured over 25 Texas universities and set my sights on Trinity University. 

I was accepted to Trinity University and made the move to San Antonio. I entered my freshman year in August 2012. While I was there, I discovered my love of Marketing and an interest in History. I graduated in December 2016 with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. 

After graduation, I was fortunate to begin working in the District 10 Field Office with Councilman Mike Gallagher as his Constituent Services Officer. Through my work in the District 10 Field Office, I have learned so much about inner workings of the City. After this year's election, I was honored to be asked to stay on in a new role with Councilman Perry. There is still so much left for me to learn, and I truly look forward to continuing my career here. 

I am a former resident of Monticello Park in District 7, and I currently reside in the Oak Park Northwood neighborhood in District 10. San Antonio is a compassionate and neighborly city, and I feel that District 10 embodies those qualities completely.  

To contact Landry Stafford, call (210) 207-0999 or email her at Landry.Stafford@sanantonio.gov




Councilman Perry wants to hear from YOU!

Councilman Perry would like to recognize upstanding members of our community. Do you or a loved one have a notable birthday coming up? Has your daughter received the Gold Award from Girl Scouts, or is your son becoming an Eagle Scout? Please let us know so we can recognize your accomplishments publicly. 

Email Landry Stafford at Landry.Stafford@sanantonio.gov to share your achievements.






Sign Up for Development Services Alerts

Did you know that you could sign up for the latest news from Development Services? Development Services can provide you with District specific news regarding Building Permits, Board of Adjustments, Planning and Zoning Commission, and tentative zoning cases. You can even select the type of information that you would like to receive. All that is required from you is your name and email address. 

To stay in touch with the Development Services Department, click here.



Iota from Nacodoches to the Cul De Sac

Transportation & Capital Improvement's contractor J&P Paving Co. is scheduled to begin on 09/22/2017 and is estimated to be complete by 10/22/2017.We sincerely appreciate your patience and cooperation while these improvements are in progress. We will work diligently to restore the street to full operational status as soon as possible. While improvements are underway, here is some helpful information about the improvement project to assist you:

  • Vehicles should not be parked on the street from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. If vehicles are parked along the path of construction improvements and no one is available to move it, it will be towed to one of the following streets in your area:

    • WYE OR ACORN HILL

  • The street will have limited access to vehicular traffic. Traffic detour barricades and signs will be provided to guide traffic through the construction as needed.
  • If your street is completely closed, no traffic will be permitted into the barricaded area.
  • In the event of adverse weather, environmental conditions, unforeseen equipment issues, or schedule conflicts, improvements on your street will likely be rescheduled as soon as conditions permit. 
If you have question about this project, please contact:

Richard Torres, Capital Projects Officer








Hilton Head Project Update

Hilton Head Street: Between Scarsdale & Uhr
 
The Hilton Head project is being completed in two phases. The first phase consists of all the concrete work and related activities (driveway approaches, curb and gutter, sidewalks, landscape and irrigation, and mailboxes), which should be completed by the end of September (mailboxes by the end of October). The second phase consists of replacement of the asphalt road surface which should be completed by the end of October.


If you have questions about the project, please contact:
  
Warren Kahn, Capital Projects Officer
210-207-4019,  Warren.Kahn@sanantonio.gov  





Redland Road Project Update

Redland Road Construction is currently underway on Redland Road from Loop 1604 to Jones Maltsberger Road.  This construction workrequires temporary traffic control devices to be setup at the intersection of Redland Road and Jones Maltsberger Road.

Please be aware of the traffic control devices at this intersection and it is recommended to allow for extra time when traveling through this area.






The Texas Department of Transportation will be restriping all of FM 2252 from IH 410 to LP 1604. FM 2252 is called Perrin Beitel from IH 410 to Naco-Perrin and then it changes to Nacogdoches. They will restripe any portion of this area that is maintained by TxDOT. It should be completed sometime in September.




National night out is a community outreach program intended to bring community and police together on the first in October to create awareness to crime and drug use in our city. NNO encourages neighbors to come out and meet one another. Many neighborhoods, homeowners associations, schools, churches, apartments, and community centers plan a collaborative event for their communities. 

Reach out to your neighborhood leaders and get involved. If you have not yet registered your National Night Out party, click here to complete the online registration form.









Click the flyer to open the registration page.



 







 
Project Trackers 

Click the buttons below to see status updates on various infrastructure projects. 
 



City Councilman Clayton Perry, 1635 NE Loop 410, Suite 510, San Antonio, TX 78209


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