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Development Services
Roderick J. Sanchez
AICP, CBO-Director
210.207.8259
Email
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2015 UDC Proposed Updates are underway
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Check out
the latest
to learn more about the
top 5 violations
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Grow Over Graffiti
Learn how to discourage graffiti vandalism.
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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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2015 UDC Amendments Update
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Low Impact Development / Conservation Subdivision
The final amendments of the 2015 UDC amendment cycle are nearing completion. These amendments cover Low Impact Development (LID) and Conservation Subdivisions, and represent a partnership between the San Antonio River Authority (SARA) and the City of San Antonio. The amendments were submitted by SARA for review.
The LID amendment is a voluntary design option with a goal of cleaning stormwater, and treating stormwater in a more natural fashion using LID features. The design option incorporates natural and engineered features that mimic natural water flow. The amendments have developer incentives built-in to encourage the use of the option by the development community.
Additionally, the amendments also contain updates to the Conservation Subdivision voluntary design option to help make the Conservation Subdivision option more clear and desirable to developers.
Currently the amendments are scheduled to be considered by the City Council Neighborhoods and Livability Committee on Feb. 15, 2016. The meeting will be at 3:30 p.m. in the Media Briefing Room at City Hall. The full City Council will consider the amendments on Feb. 18, 2016, at 2 p.m.
UDC Training Sessions
The Policy Administration section coordinated 10 training sessions on the 2015 UDC amendments covering Zoning, Platting, MDP/Rights, Tree and Landscape, and Stormwater. The trainings were well attended by both staff and our customers, and we served well over 200 customers. Additionally, the Policy Administration section coordinated a combined training at the offices of Pape-Dawson Engineers for their staff at their request. Special thanks goes out to our subject matter experts Catherine Hernandez (Zoning), Luz Gonzales and Donna Camacho (Platting), Mark Bird (Tree and Landscaping), and Jacob Powell (TCI Stormwater) as well as Charlotte Barrett (DSD Training Coordinator) for making these training sessions a success!
If you were not able to join us, all training materials are available on the DSD website in the UDC section.
For more information about the UDC process, email Michael Dice, Policy Administrator, at [email protected].
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| | Tony Felts presenting the latest UDC updates at the Pape-Dawson training session. |
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Presidential Citation Award
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The Greater San Antonio Builders Association (GSABA) presented Rod Sanchez, Development Services Department Director with the City of San Antonio, the Presidential Citation Award, at the January GSABA Board of Directors meeting. At the meeting, Frank Sitterle, 2015 GSABA President, recognized Rod for his efforts in 2015 and throughout the years for his inclusion of the development community in the policy making process. "Many cities do not engage the development community in key decision making, and we feel that since we've been kept in the loop and reached out to for input, we have had a much better interaction and experience with the city," said Mr. Sitterle. "Rod's accessibility and partnership is a big part of that."
GSABA honored Rod for being a partner that could always be counted on, particularly on the facilitation of solutions and upcoming policies and codes that may impact the development community as a whole. "His Presidential Citation was the least we could do," said Mr. Sitterle. |
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Pictured Frank Sitterle (left) and Rod Sanchez (right) at the presentation.
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DSD Parking Lot Update
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Great news! The new parking lot across the street (1920 S. Alamo) has been cleared. Phase 2 will begin soon, with the additional parking expected to be available late summer 2016.
In the meantime... parking continues to be an issue at peak times; please be aware there are certain neighboring areas (Freddy's Restaurant) where you should not park to ensure your vehicle does not get towed.
We ask for your patience and understanding during this time as we continue to develop and build the new parking lot.
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Information Bulletins and Other Resources
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The following Information Bulletins (IB) include noteworthy changes:
The IB was revised to consolidate all the information previously located in various documents in one place; this revision includes the required documents needed to comply with the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code.
This IB defines, clarifies, and sets specific requirements and guidelines for both DSD customers and employees on the required submittals and responsibilities to DSD, the designer, and/or licensed design professional.
For a complete list of Code and Rule Interpretations and Information Bulletins, visit the sites shared below:
The DSD Resources website also offers more information, including Document Search, Forms and Applications, and Latest News.
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Performance Measures - FY 2016
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To view the performance measures in their entirety, visit
The December metrics are as follows:
Performance Measures
Permit Activity
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DSD Survey - the QR Code way!
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Taking our survey is easier than ever!
Introducing the new Development Services Department (DSD) Quick Response (QR) code. This QR code allows anyone with a mobile phone to complete a survey with a simple scan of this image. Download any QR code reader software from your app store and you are ready to go!
Next time you come in to the DSD office, look for the QR Code flyers posted at the front permit counters. As customer satisfaction is our highest priority, we want our customers to take advantage of this easy and convenient way to provide us with instant feedback.
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SABCA Training - Feb. 4, 2016
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The San Antonio Building Codes Academy (SABCA) is hosting two seminars on the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) Hazardous Locations. Both sessions are scheduled for Feb. 4.
The IAEI training session covers the requirements for electrical installations in hazardous (classified) locations for special occupancies, and is primarily based on the provisions set forth in the National Electrical Code� NFPA 70 (2014 Edition). Participants will have a greater understanding on electrical safety for systems in hazardous (classified) locations, including knowledge of the fundamentals and critical requirements found in the hazardous (classified) environment.
The registration fee is $150 per course. On-line registration is open through Feb. 3 or until the classes are full. An e-mail acknowledgement will be sent once payment is made through the on-line registration system, if paid by credit card.
Each seminar will be held in the Phil Hardberger Park Urban Ecology Center, Gathering Hall from 8 a.m. to noon and a second seminar from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. The address is Phil Hardberger Park Urban Ecology Center; 8400 NW Military Hwy, San Antonio, TX.
To sign up for one of the classes or to learn more about the upcoming sessions, visit the training website.
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City News
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OPEN CARRY AND HANDGUN FAQ
Frequently asked questions regarding the Open Carry law.
MEET THE MAYOR
Share your comments, questions, or concerns about the City with Mayor Taylor on Tues., Feb. 16 at the Tobin at Oakwell Branch.
CITY MANAGER'S STEP UP TO WELLNESS 5K
Registration is now open for the 9th Annual Step Up to Wellness City Manager's 5K on Saturday, February 27 at SeaWorld San Antonio.
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Other Department News
- Customer Comments, New Hires, Recognition, etc.
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Recognition - Making a Difference
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And the Making a Difference Award goes to...
Amin Tohmaz, Development Services Engineer!
Amin received this prestigious award on Friday, Jan. 15, for excellent customer service with fire protection plan reviews and inspections.
Great Job Amin! Congratulations on your award and for your help in making Development Services one of the best departments in the City.
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| | Amin Tohmaz getting his Making a Difference award from Rod Sanchez. |
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Here's what you said about us...
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Valerie Huerta, Planner, Land Entitlements, Land Development
Valerie responded to an addressing question the same day that I submitted my request. I followed up with a question about permitting and inspection results. Her efforts and quick response was far beyond what we have experienced with other jurisdictions. Our company works with staff in jurisdictions across the country. DSD staff has some of the best staff members we've interacted with. They are knowledgeable, professional, and responsive with easy going, pleasant personalities. Valerie's professionalism reflects very well on your department. I very much appreciate the ability to view our permits and inspection reports online as it saves us time and your staff time but it is also nice that they can be contacted should we have questions. Thank you.
Mark Celestino, Sr. Development Services Specialist, Plan Review
Mark is very professional, knowledgeable, courteous and very willing to complete and go above and beyond to help me. It is always a pleasure to work with him. I walk away with the feeling of GREAT Customer Service allowing me to move forward with my project. I call that progress!
Melissa Mendoza, Time and Attendance Specialist, Finance
I am an internal customer for Melissa Mendoza and she has always been prompt, helpful and friendly. Her customer service is second to none and I would like to commend her as I realize (because of some of the questions I have) she must deal with us asking simple questions daily. Yet she has always maintained a professional attitude, she is a shining example of the city's CORE values. Keep up the good work and thank you.
Tony Felts, Sr. Planner, Policy Administration, Land Development
Tony Felts was absolutely heroic in guiding and assisting the Food Policy Council of San Antonio in offering our amendments to the UDC. We had no idea how to write what we wanted, nor the process to get it through. We are very grateful that our non-minor outside amendments were adopted, and it could not have happened without Tony's assistance. He got us started and guided us through the process with staff and the various boards. I'm sure we account for a good chunk of the 400 hours spent by the department on the UDC revision. He set up all the necessary meetings with staff and other stakeholders, and kept us completely informed about outcomes and next steps. On top of that, he was always pleasant and fun to work with. Every time I came to a meeting of any kind, I was always greeted warmly by Tony and other DSD staff. Knowing that ours were a tiny fraction of the amendments your department was dealing with, I'm even more amazed at the kind attention we got. I so appreciate the professionalism and courtesy that everyone showed, and that goes many fold for Tony. Thanks so much.
Crystal Kastner, Sr. Engineer, Building Inspections, Field Services
We are in the process of building our second business within San Antonio. Crystal Kastner has been a tremendous help on both occasions. She is knowledgeable, capable, and most importantly eager and willing to take my calls and emails with what probably seem to her as odd or silly questions/requests. I feel lucky to be working with San Antonio's DSD, and happy to have happened upon Crystal as a key contact within DSD. People of Crystal's caring caliber are rare, and DSD is very fortunate to have her. I consider myself very lucky to have been able to work with Crystal, and I look forward to working with her again as I continue, God willing, to grow my business in San Antonio.
Rachel Young, Sr. Development Services Specialist, Plan Review
Rachel Young helped us SO VERY MUCH in getting our building permit approvals that were needed to have a home for the holidays!!! Her customer service, professionalism, and problem-solving helped us get our home. We can't thank her enough! She is the BEST!
Jennifer Garza, Code Enforcement Supervisor, Field Services
Just a note to express my sincere appreciation for the excellent communication I received from Ms. Jennifer Garza. She seems to love her work and carried out her duties both competently and enthusiastically. She provided me with detailed explanations and in doing so, was very professional. She supplied me with advice and informative information. It's employees like Ms. Garza who are professional and competent that go above and beyond to serve the community and its citizens. Please pass my appreciation on to your staff. Continue to good work.
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New Employees
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Promotions
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Certifications
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Job Opportunities
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Development Services is recruiting for the following positions; apply on-line at: jobs.
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For comments or suggestions regarding the Development Services Newsletter, contact Kathy Quinones. |
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