February 2015 
In This Issue...
Development Services 

 

Roderick J. Sanchez

AICP, CBO-Director

210.207.8259

Email

NEW 
DSD Web site Coming Soon!  

March 2015
 
 
Check out 
the latest 
to learn about 
the top 5 violations
Upcoming City Holidays

 

- April 24-
Fiesta San Jacinto Day 

- May 25 - 
Memorial Day

- July 3 - 
Independence Day

- Sept. 7 - 
Labor Day

Development and 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

IAS

Now Expanded - Electronic Plan Review

 

The Development Services Department (DSD) now accepts Signs, Schools, Fire and Environmental plan submissions via the Electronic Plan Review (EPR) Web-based Portal.  With this expansion, customers can submit plans and construction documents electronically for the recently added project-types. In line with the department's goals of improve cycle time and facilitation, the Portal capabilities also emphasize DSD's commitment to better customer service through business efficiency, paper reductions, inventory control and real-time communications.  Since November 2013, DSD has received close to 200 electronic plans and expects this number to increase with the latest enhancement.  

 

Here's how the process works:  After you have successfully uploaded your files via the Portal, an EPR number will be issued and submitted to the appropriate intake department for completeness review.  If any files or required forms or letters are missing or contain corrupt files, the project will be placed on hold and the applicant/owner will be notified.  Once the E-Plan Review submittal package is deemed complete, Development Services staff will issue an AP number, and notify customers of fees due. After fees are paid, the E-Plan Review process will begin.  Throughout this process, you will receive periodic email notifications containing project status update, comments from plan reviewers, and/or requests for additional information.

 

Please help spread the word!  This Portal is available on-line, 24 hours a day. To log in to the EPR Portal, customers must have a Hansen DynamicPortal login ID and password.  Visit the DSD Web site for more information. 

 

  

 

Performance Measures - FY 2015

 

To view the performance measures in their entirety, visit

  

The January metrics are as follows:

 

Performance Measures

 

 

Permit Activity    

 

 

Information Bulletins and Other Resources


To view the latest Information Bulletins (IB), visit the following sites:     
 

 

IB 159 - Requirements for Irrigation Permits in the ETJ, posted Jan. 25, 2015, was revised to update and combine IBs 159 and 180; this IB informs customers of the requirements and provides assistance with obtaining irrigation permits in the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). 

 

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

 

Legistar System now available

 

Earlier this year, the Planning Commission transitioned to the Legistar System allowing for easy agenda posting and viewing.  

 

Note that existing links to the Planning Commission agendas or other DSD agendas will now direct customers to the City of San Antonio Agendas Web page.  With this change, customers have access to all Board and Commission agendas in one place.

 

The City of San Antonio is currently in the process of transitioning all its Board and Commission agendas to the Legistar System, ensuring consistency with the City Council Agendas.  This new format offers a seamless agenda process and enables staff to deliver a better quality agenda in less time. 

Looking for Technical Advisory Committee Members

 

Are you interested in becoming a Planning Commission Technical Advisory Committee (PCTAC) Member? San Antonio's Planning Commission is seeking applicants to to apply for positions on the PCTAC. This committee provides recommendations on development code and thoroughfare plan amendments.

 

Candidates representing the following areas of interest are sought: 

  • Development/Real Estate (1)
  • Engineering (2)
  • Community-at-large (3) 

Applications are being accepted through March 16.

 

For more information and an application, please call Luz M. Gonzales at (210) 207-0139 or visit www.sanantonio.gov/dsd/udc.asp.

 

2015 Winter SABCA Training


The
2015 Winter San Antonio Building Codes Academy (SABCA) training sessions were held the first week in February at the Phil Hardberger Urban Ecology Center.  Managed and coordinated by the Development Services Department (DSD), the week-long event focused on the significant changes to the 2015 building codes, including the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code, International Association of Electrical Inspectors One- and Two-Family Dwellings Electrical Systems, and the  International Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas Codes.

 

This event was truly a collaborative effort, allowing other City departments and government agencies to share in the training sessions. This year the Office of Sustainability, Planning and Community Development,  and Transportation and Capital Improvement, along with Bexar County were represented, and obtained Continuing Education Units for professional certifications. The cities of Killeen, Sugarland, and Converse also attended.

 

SABCA was established with the goal of bringing high-quality educators and necessary building-related codes training to code officials, design professionals, builders, tradesmen, and building owners and managers. The 2015 Winter SABCA was attended by a total of 330 customers from the development community, DSD employees, and other City staff with attendees receiving 1,980 continuing education hours. 


 

 

 

Consolidated Plan Survey

In line with the 5-year Consolidation Plan, the Department of Planning and Community Development has scheduled several public meetings over the next two weeks; if you can't make the meeting, please take the survey

Meeting dates and locations are below:  

 

Carver Branch Library

3350 E. Commerce 

San Antonio, TX 78220

Tuesday, March 3

 

Las Palmas Library

515 Castroville Rd.

San Antonio, TX 78237

Thursday, March 5

  

Please note, meetings run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and are available in English and Spanish.  

 

Your voice will help the City determine the types of projects that should be financed in the future with federal funding.  For more information, visit www.sanantonio.gov/gma.


 

City News 

 



STEP UP TO WELLNESS

Rain or shine, the race will go on! Good luck to all participants at the 8th Annual City Manager's Step Up To Wellness 5K Run/Walk, Feb. 28 at SeaWorld San Antonio.

 



Pre-K 4 SA Application Period

The application for the 2015-2016 school year will open on February 2, 2015.   

Other Department News
 - Customer Comments, New Hires, Promotions, etc.  
Here's what you said about us...

 

Latifat Olufemi, Sr. Plans Examiner, Plan Review

Latifat is extremely knowledgeable and capable. She endeavored to solve the issue we encountered on site and expeditiously helped us understand the requirement and acted quickly once the required docs were provided. Her assistance was greatly appreciated. 

 

Andrew Espinoza, Plans Examiner Supervisor, Plan Review

Email: ... the fact that Mr. Espinoza took time to understand my problem, and then problem solved and double checked to help me avoid digging a second trench was extremely helpful to me.  In addition, the contractor who would have had to dig the second trench was also very pleased.  My encounter with the Development Services Department was pleasant, and in this case successful in saving time and money all the while assuring safe building practices in San Antonio. Please indicate where appropriate that Mr. Espinoza's services were "EXCELLENT."

 

Graffiti Team, Code Enforcement - Special Units, Field Services

Lisa, you and your staff are the best. Our neighborhood is so impressed with the way you are able to take care of the tagging in our area. Many thanks to all of you.

 

Claudia Padilla, Sr. Development Services Specialist, Bldg. Inspections - Field Services

I met with Claudia Padilla yesterday afternoon to do some pre-planning and coordination in advance of completing the La Cantera Resort project.  She was very helpful so I wanted to pass along my good experience to you.

 

Mindy Bolado, Southeast Field Unit - Code Enforcement, Field Services

Mrs. Bolado was very courtesy and helpful.

 

Alice Guajardo, West Central - Code Enforcement Supervisor, Field Services

Alice Guajardo is an excellent supervisor.  Her positive attitude flows freely through her employees and they are extremely efficient with all the District 5 requests.  She is to be commended for her leadership and for grooming her staff to be customer friendly.  Cindy Soto is a good example of Alice's leadership style and influence.  Thank you both.  Keep up the great work you do Alice.

 

Larry Odis, Planner - Subdivision Team, Land Development

Larry was very instrumental in helping us get a plat approved and recorded in time to meet a tight deadline.  

 

Adriana Goetz, Tree Preservation/Landscape Inspector, Land Development
I have not met any of your other employees, but if they work anything like Adriana, you will have one of the best departments in the nation. FYI, she is a very dedicated person to her job and loves what she does. 

 
DSD Celebrates National Wear Red Day

 

On Feb. 6, the Development Services Department (DSD) celebrated 2015 National Wear Red Day to bring awareness to heart disease. Today, 1 in 3 women die of heart disease and stroke each year, yet it is 80% preventable with a healthy lifestyle. DSD employees showed their support by wearing red and posting their group photo on the department Facebook.  For more information about women's health, heart disease, and prevention, visit the Go Red for Women Web site.

 

New Employees

 

  

Certifications

 

  

Retirement

 

  

Job Opportunities

 

Development Services is recruiting for the following positions: 

 

Apply on-line at San Antonio Job Opportunities.

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