July 2015 
In This Issue...
Development Services 

 

Roderick J. Sanchez

AICP, CBO-Director

210.207.8259

Email

2015 UDC Proposed Updates are underway


Visit  the Codes and Ordinances web page for more information. 
Check out 
the latest 
to learn about 
the top 5 violations
Upcoming City Holidays

- Sept. 7 - 
Labor Day

Development & Business  Services Center

 

Main Address:

1901 S. Alamo San Antonio, TX 78204

 

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

 

Mailing Address:

PO Box 839966
San Antonio, TX 78283


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IAS

BuildSA is Underway


On June 18, 2015, City Council approved a contract with Accela  to replace several of our department's software systems, including Hansen, ECCO, TPLT, and LDS. This project, known as BuildSA, is projected to take up to 30 months to complete. The implementation will be in three phases as listed below.


A kick-off meeting took place on July 22 to go over the project goals and objectives, the roles and responsibilities, and the overall scope of BuildSA. As part of the project kick off, Accela is holding a 2.5 day training session for Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) later this week. Participants will get an overview of Accela's terminology, navigation, application types, workflow, and get a sneak peek at what can be automated. If you are interested in learning more about the Accela Civic Platform and the great features it has to offer, view the San Diego County using Accela video, available on youtube.  

 

To ensure a smooth transition and a successful implementation, the City selected Gartner to provide program oversight, independent verification, and validation services. This is an essential function that requires all parties, including the City, to meet their objectives.

 

"This has been a long work in progress and I am very excited to see this moment finally here," said Rod Sanchez, DSD Director. "The new one system will help streamline our processes and expedite services, making it easier for our customers and employees."

 

As part of the implementation, DSD has requested new full-time positions that will be dedicated to BuildSA.


The implementation project team is committed to keeping employees and stakeholders up-to-date through regular project notifications including emails and newsletter updates.


 

July 22, 2015 - BuildSA Project Kickoff with Gartner, Accela, DSD and ITSD.

2015 IECC Now in Effect

 

The 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) went into effect July 15, 2015. 

 

On May 1, the following 2015 International Code Council (ICC) building-related, fire and property maintenance codes went into effect:

  • 2015 International Building Code
  • 2015 International Residential Code for One and Two Family Dwellings
  • 2015 International Mechanical Code
  • 2015 International Plumbing Code
  • 2015 International Existing Building Code
  • 2015 International Fuel Gas Code
  • 2015 International Fire Code
  • 2014 National Electric Code 

For more information, visit the Codes and Ordinances web page.
 

Information Bulletins and Other Resources

 

The Information Bulletins (IB) listed below had recent significant changes; to learn more, select the IB link.  

 

IB 101 - 2015 Residential Checklist and Application, posted July 15

The purpose of this information bulletin is to provide all the information previously located in various documents in one place; to include the Residential Permit Application, to update the residential checklist containing required documents to submit as part of a residential building permit application to DSD. 

 

IB 516 - Preliminary Development Plan Review Meetings, posted June 30
This IB has been updated to modify contact information and the reviewing divisions.

 

Note: Information Bulletins, located in DSD Documents Online, are numbered based on the assigned section. The assigned numbers are generally categorized as outlined below:

  • 100s - Plan Review
  • 200s - Permits and Inspections
  • 500s - Land Development, Land Entitlements, Zoning, Policy Administrator
  • 800s - Code Enforcement

Keep in mind, there may be some instances where the IB overlaps sections and may be in a different section than thought. 

 

For a complete list of Code and Rule Interpretations and Information Bulletins, visit the sites shared below:    

The DSD Resources website also offers for more information, including Document Search, Forms and Applications, and Latest News.
 
Performance Measures - FY 2015

 

To view the performance measures in their entirety, visit

  

The June metrics are as follows:

 

Performance Measures

 

 

Permit Activity    

 

 

SABCA news

 

The San Antonio Building Codes Academy (SABCA) hosted training sessions on the 2015 Residential Essentials the week of June 23. The overall training was a success with 140 customers and Development Services Department (DSD) staff attending the event.  

 

The training focused on the 2015 International Residential Code and was presented by Steve Van Note, Managing Director of Product Development for the International Code Council. Steve is responsible for developing technical resource materials in support of the International Codes. His role also includes the management, review, and technical editing of publications developed by expert authors.


The next SABCA session will be held July 28-29, 2015 at the Phil Hardberger Urban Ecology Center. This training will provide code officials and other interested parties with the fundamental knowledge necessary to administer and enforce applicable code requirements of the 2015 International Property Maintenance Code.

 

 

City News 

 

PROVIDE YOUR INPUT ON THIS YEAR'S CITY BUDGET

Tell us which City Services you love! See what your neighbors and City employees have to say about the services they love! 

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SA TOMORROW

Three-pronged plan will guide the City toward smart, sustainable growth.

 

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LIMITED PURPOSE ANNEXATION - WHAT IS IT?

Three open houses have been scheduled next month to provide the community information regarding limited purpose annexation (LPA).

 

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

 

Latifat Olufemi, Sr. Plans Examiner, Plan Review

I really appreciate how Latifat Olufemi, went out of her way to find a solution for our project; she didn't have to but she did and for that I am VERY VERY THANKFUL. I have another project in San Antonio and feel confident in the quality plan review and help that she gives to us.


Xavier Antu, Sr. Plans Examiner, Plan Review

Xavier is always so helpful in helping me understand the online and permitting process.

 

Mimi Camargo, Admin Assistant, Field Services

Mimi Camargo is an outstanding and very valuable asset to DSD. She was quick to give me the number of current municipal license holders, I mean REALLY quick!

 

Jacob Sanchez, Sr. Plans Examiner & Justin Krobot, Asst. City Arborist, Tree, Landscape, Irrigation Review/Tree Preservation Section, Land Development

Jacob Sanchez and also Justin Krobot, both have been very good to deal with. Their workday is really full; however, they take the proper time and attention to answer questions and offer alternatives to represent the City Of San Antonio and the business community.


Jaclyn Corona, Development Services Specialist Supervisor, Cust. Advocate Section, Plan Review

I would like to take the time to mention how impressed I am with the customer service I receive at the Development Services Department. One associate in particular, Jaclyn Corona, has assisted me many times. She is always very knowledgeable and helpful. I really appreciate the fact that if I have an issue she will go above and beyond to make sure I am taken care of. Great job Jaclyn; and to all of you at Development Services, Thank You!

 

John Valadez, Sr. Building Inspector, Field Services

As a very busy person with his job duties Mr. Valadez has always assisted me in a courteous, professional and expedited manner. This man deserves a raise!


Alice Guajardo, Code Enforcement Supervisor, Field Services

Code Compliance Supervisor A. Guajardo, Code, and her staff provide excellent service to the Memorial Heights Neighborhood Association. They respond to our needs and our neighborhood has greatly improved in regards to issues/concerns such as junked vehicles, overgrown vacant lots, graffiti, and brush on the right of way, etc. In addition, they attend our neighborhood meetings and take note of members' concerns/issues.

 

John Jacks, Melissa Ramirez & Tony Felts, Policy - Land Development 

Thanks to John Jacks, Melissa Ramirez & Tony Felts for great support regarding TAC consideration of UDC amendments.
 

New Employees

 

 

Promotions

 

  

Certifications

 

  

Job Opportunities

 

Development Services is recruiting for the following position:

Apply on-line at:  jobs

 

  

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