Jen 
When visiting with other building officials at a meeting or lunch, I am frequently asked about our building department and how we are doing. Like many of you, we are busy with development activity. Keeping up with our workload and providing exemplary service is important. One of the best initiatives we pursued to help us … Read more
Common misconceptions exist among designers, architects, and code officials regarding multiple buildings on the same lot, additions to existing buildings, and fire separation distance. Frequently, incomplete consideration is given to fire separation distance and allowable openings, or these professionals believe an arbitrary distance (such as 10 feet) is required between buildings. Generally, the issue is … Read more
Prior to getting started in the building inspection business nearly 20 years ago, I had very little knowledge about plumbing and its importance to the nation’s health. Like most people, I turned on the tap and clean water flowed. When I flushed the commode, the water magically swirled around and disappeared. I had no idea … Read more
A police officer stops at a ranch and talks with an old rancher. He tells the rancher, “I need to inspect your ranch for illegally grown drugs.” The rancher says, “Okay, but do not go in that field over there” as he points out the location. The police officer verbally explodes saying “Mister, I have … Read more
When I think about the Building Officials Association of Texas (BOAT), I am thankful that I became part of the organization. BOAT is filled with qualified men and women who are willing to help answer any question you have. It has members who are active in the International Code Council (ICC), and members who are … Read more
The San Antonio Code Enforcement Department, along with the San Antonio Municipal Court, created the Administrative Hearing Officer (AHO) Program in 2013 to address certain property maintenance code violations. The AHO conducts administrative hearings at the Municipal Court and imposes penalties for certain ordinance violations. If a citizen receives a 10-day notice for violating the … Read more
Summers are always hot and fast. This year we are working on several developments in Texas and a legislative session that hit with a full slate of bills affecting cities. BOAT watched for any obstructive bills, and there were several. Due to H.B. 3329, in this issue of our BOAT Bulletin, we discuss recommendations on … Read more
(WACO) – Area building and construction representatives emphasized Thursday, June 1, the importance of the work some Texas State Technical College Building Construction Technology students recently completed. About 30 students were the first in the state to earn certification from the International Code Council (ICC) Training Program using the 2015 International Residential Code. The students … Read more
This commentary does not reflect the opinion of its author or of the North Texas Chapter of ICC’s Board of Directors General Commentary Policy changes must be reviewed by each jurisdiction’s city attorney. It is recommended that building officials provide an explanation and cost analysis of any option or options under consideration to their city … Read more
As building officials, we should always be looking for creative ways to increase the quality of services we provide to our customers. With that goal in mind, I would like to share an initiative currently included in the Rockwall Building Inspections Department 2016-2107 Strategic Plan. Our stated goal for the initiative is to reduce the … Read more