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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01_January PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES NEWSLETTER Building a Better Community with You P OPULATION : T HE J ANUARY POPULATION ESTIMATE IS 121,150 2018 YEAR IN REIVEW 1 BUILDING PERMIT TOTALS 2 TRACKING THE NUMBERS 3 FUTURE BUILDING CODE ADOP- TIONS 4 BUILDING INSPECTIONS 4 RESIDENTIAL PERMIT TOTALS 4 NAVIGATING THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT MAP 5 DRIVEWAY PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS 6 STORM DRAINS, WATERWAYS AND CONSTRUCTION 6 2018 UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS 7 Inside this issue: PO Box 9960 1101 Texas Avenue College Station, TX 77842 979-764-3570 Fax: 979-764-3496 www.cstx.gov JANUARY 2019 2018 Year in Review Planning & Development Services College Station continues to grow! 2018 was a busy year for building and development across the City, from high-rises in Northgate to estate lots in south College Station and commercial development along every corridor in between. With a 2018 growth rate of approximately 2%, the end-of-year population within the City limits is estimated to be just under the 120,000 mark. In 2018, Planning & Development staff focused its attention on ordinance amendments to help streamline the development process and prepared for the upcoming Comprehensive Plan review. While we’ve amended some of our processes to allow for quicker administrative approvals this past year, many of our projects still required the review and approval of the City Council or an appointed Board or Commission, including:  371 residential lots platted in the City  70 Final Plats  67 Commercial Site Plans  21 Rezonings  19 Preliminary Plans  17 Amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance, and  4 Comprehensive Plan Amendments processed. Additionally, staff reviewed, approved, and inspected the following:  $281 million in building construction (valuation)  $74 million of infrastructure projects  16,993 building inspections, and  2,567 building permits As we enter 2019, we have a lot to look forward to as we begin the process to update the City’s Comprehensive Plan and move toward the adoption of the 2018 International Building Codes. Here’s to an exciting 2019! Jennifer Prochazka Director of Planning & Development Services BUILDING PERMIT TOTALS Month of January 2019 Month of January 2018 Type of Permit Permit Unit Total Sq. Ft.Heat Sq. Ft.Valuation Permit Unit Valuation COMMERCIAL NEW 5 0 139,646 138210 $39,062,500.00 1 0 $1,000,000.00 COMMERCIAL TENANT FINISH-OUT 4 0 8,103 8103 $616,000.00 4 1 $474,000.00 DEMOLITION 15 15 0 0 $0.00 17 18 $0.00 MULTI-FAMILY 0 1 4 $630,000.00 OTHER STRUCTURES 1 0 0 0 $18,000.00 0 POOL 7 0 0 0 $403,000.00 10 0 $409,643.00 REMODEL / RENOVATION 11 3 48,152 15988 $294,037.09 23 24 $4,032,880.00 REROOF 50 0 0 0 $715,665.10 8 0 $91,502.08 RESIDENTIAL 43 43 134,537 107934 $9,782,758.00 97 98 $14,484,633.00 RESIDENTIAL ACCESSORY 1 1 2,750 805 $200,000.00 1 0 $20,000.00 RESIDENTIAL ADDITION ATTACHED 3 0 570 665 $33,000.00 0 SIGN 8 0 0 0 $0.00 13 0 $0.00 TOTALS 148 62 333,758 271,705 $51,124,960.19 175 145 $21,142,658.08 January 01, 2019 - January 31, 2019 January 01, 2018 - January 31, 2018 Type of Permit Permit Unit Total Sq. Ft.Heat Sq. Ft.Valuation Permit Unit Valuation COMMERCIAL NEW 5 0 139,646 138,210 $39,062,500.00 1 0 $1,000,000.00 COMMERCIAL TENANT FINISH-OUT 4 0 8,103 8,103 $616,000.00 4 1 $474,000.00 DEMOLITION 15 15 0 0 $0.00 17 18 $0.00 MULTI-FAMILY 0 1 4 $630,000.00 OTHER STRUCTURES 1 0 0 0 $18,000.00 0 POOL 7 0 0 0 $403,000.00 10 0 $409,643.00 REMODEL / RENOVATION 11 3 48,152 15,988 $294,037.09 23 24 $4,032,880.00 REROOF 50 0 0 0 $715,665.10 8 0 $91,502.08 RESIDENTIAL 43 43 134,537 107,934 $9,782,758.00 97 98 $14,484,633.00 RESIDENTIAL ACCESSORY 1 1 2,750 805 $200,000.00 1 0 $20,000.00 RESIDENTIAL ADDITION ATTACHED 3 0 570 665 $33,000.00 0 SIGN 8 0 0 0 $0.00 13 0 $0.00 TOTALS 148 62 333,758 271,705 $51,124,960.19 175 145 $21,142,658.08 Page 2/January 2019/www.cstx.gov Tracking the Numbers New Single-Family Homes:New Commerical:Total Permits: YTD - 1 yr YTD - 2 yr - 61%- 63% YTD - 1 yr YTD - 2 yr 400%- 17% YTD - 1 yr YTD - 2 yr - 15%- 23% Year-to-date, single-family home permits experienced a decrease in quantity when compared to last year at this time, January 2018, and decreased when compared with two years ago, January 2017. Year-to-date, new commercial permits experienced an increase in quantity when compared to last year at this time, January 2018, and decreased when compared with two years ago, January 2017. Year-to-date, total permits experienced a decrease in quantity when compared to last year at this time, January 2018, and decreased when compared with two years ago, January 2017. Page 3/January 2019/www.cstx.gov Page 4/January 2019/www.cstx.gov FUTURE BUILDING CODE ADOPTIONS The City of College Station Building Division is currently reviewing the 2018 International Codes and 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) for adoption later this year. The family of International Codes consists of the following:  International Building Code  International Residential Code  International Fire Code  International Mechanical Code  International Plumbing Code  International Fuel Gas Code  International Energy Conservation Code  International Property Maintenance Code  International Existing Building Code  International Swimming Pool and Spa Code The City of College Station is currently under the 2015 edition of the International Codes and the 2014 National Electrical Code (NEC). The NEC is published by the National Fire Protection Association. The International Code Council and National Fire Protection Association issue updated codes every three years. The code modifications help clarify intent, recognize new construction methods and materials, and improve the minimum requirements de- signed to safeguard the public health, safety, and general welfare. The code adoption process is a lengthy one, involving reviewing/considering the proposed code editions, and present- ing each proposed code and code amendments to the Construction Board for their consideration prior to the codes being presented to City Council for adoption on February 25, 2019. If adopted, the Codes will be effective April 1, 2019. If you would like additional information regarding this topic, I may be contacted at (979) 764-3803 or by email at bbinford@cstx.gov. Brian Binford, Building Official MONTH BUILDING PLUMBING ELECTRIC MECHANICAL LAWN SIGN POOL TOTAL JANUARY 329 253 211 203 51 17 11 1,075 TOTAL 329 253 211 203 51 17 11 1,075 BUILDING INSPECTIONS: With the new TRAKiT software our residential permit types have been combined. The table below provides additional details to show the Residential Subtypes. Residential Permit No. of Permits Issued Valuation Single-Family (Detached) 37 $8,076,973.00 Townhomes 0 $0 Duplex 6 $1,705,785.00 Page 5/January 2019/www.cstx.gov Navigating the Planning and Development Map The Planning and Development Map is an interactive web mapping site that provides access to information as it relates to the City’s Comprehensive Plan, zoning, platting, subdivision and property information. It is a resource to help you make more informed decisions. Below is an explanation of some of the layers and information that the map provides as well as tips to navigate the map more easily. The map is available on our website at www.cstx.gov by clicking on MAPS & GIS on the right side of the home page. This map features the ability to:  View property information (Parcels): Zoom to a property of interest, click on the property parcel, then click on the arrow to the right in the pop-up window for detailed information. Follow the Brazos Central Appraisal District hyperlink to view additional information about the property.  View recorded plats (Scanned Plats): Turn on the Scanned Plats layer in the Layer List. Click on subdivi- sion of interest, then click on the arrow to the right in the pop-up window to follow further directions to see how to view. This will take multiple clicks.  Other layers include: future land use, the proposed thoroughfare plan, existing and proposed bicycle facili- ties (Bicycle Plan), existing and proposed pedestrian facilities (Pedestrian Plan), new development submit- tals (New Development), and home owner associations, among others. Icons explained: The layer list is in the top left corner. Click on this button to turn layers on and off. To view the symbology, click on the arrow in front of the box to expand. The legend is also in the top right corner. Click on this button to view how different layers that are on are sym- bolized on the map. The query tool (top left corner) allows you to find and zoom to subdivisions and parks quickly. The measurement tool (top left corner) allows you to measure distances and calculate areas. The about icon provides a lot of the information referenced here. The basemap gallery allows you to change the background setting with predefined maps with different infor- mation such as aerial imagery or topography lines. TIPS  To identify and see information, zoom into an area of interest, click on the map and a box will pop up. In- formation about each of the layers that are checked on will be available. Flip through the layers with the center arrow.  To view aerial imagery, you’ll need to turn off the Background blocker Layer, in the layer list, to see the aerial imagery inside the City limits.  Below the black ribbon is an address search tool. Type in an address to quickly zoom to your area of inter- est. If you have feedback on how this map can be improved or you have questions, please contact the IT Department – GIS Division at gis@cstx.gov or Venessa Garza at 979-764-3674 or vgarza@cstx.gov. Page 6/January 2019/www.cstx.gov Driveway Permit Application Process Prior to installing a new driveway or modifying an existing one that connects to a public roadway within the City of College Station, a permit application must be submitted to the City for review and approval. Permits are processed through the eTRAKiT applica tion software and are reviewed to ensure the proposal meets driveway requirements established in the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Below is an outline of the application process for driveways to different types of land uses. Non-Residential and Multi-Family Driveways (City Roadway) Proposed driveways to City roadways for non-residential and multi-family sites are reviewed and permitted through the Site Plan application and Development Permit processes, which verify driveway requirements in the UDO are met. Non-Residential and Multi-Family Driveways (TxDOT Roadway) Proposed driveways to TxDOT roadways within the City limits for non -residential and multi-family sites are reviewed jointly by the City and TxDOT. They are processed through the Site Plan application and Development Permit processes which includes a TxDOT driveway permit application (Form 1058) and supplementary Commercial and Industrial Driveway Access Request Form attached in eTRAKiT. Proposed driveways are reviewed in compliance with City UDO and TxDOT Access Management requirements with the more stringent standard applying. Once the proposed driveway has been verified to meet City requirements and any initial TxDOT review comments, the TxDOT driveway permit application is delivered to the TxDOT Bryan Area office for their final con- sideration. Once approved by TxDOT, the City picks up the approved permit, attaches it in eTRAKiT and notifies the applicant. Driveways for New Residential Proposed driveways associated with construction of new single -family, townhome, and duplex units are reviewed for compliance with UDO requirements and approved as part of a Residential building permit application processed through eTRAKiT. Driveways for Existing Residential New driveways or modifications to driveways associated with existing single -family, townhome, and duplex units are reviewed for compliance with UDO requirements and approved as part of a Driveway permit application processed through eTRAKiT. Storm Drains, Waterways, & Construction The Brazos Valley has received an ample amount of rain this winter. This is a kind reminder of our local storm sewer infrastr ucture and how we can help our local creeks and rivers. Rain water washes over streets and into your neighborhood storm drains. Storm drains have a direct connection to creeks, rive rs and lakes. They are designed to prevent flooding when heavy rains occur. As members of the construction business, we must protect the water that is washed into these storm drains in order to protect our local waterways.  Ensure silt fencing and other sedimentation prevention measures are properly working both before and after a rain. Large amount of dirt washed into storm drains can clog the storm sewer and cause localized flood- ing. If it makes it past the storm sewers, the excessive sediment can cause is- sues to local waterways such as fish kills or increase flooding at the outfalls.  Contain all chemicals and check equipment for leaks. Hazardous materi- als that could leak should be kept in a dry storage area. Machinery should be properly maintained to reduce spills. All measures must be taken to prevent these materials from entering the storm sewer system. City of College Station does not treat our local stormwater. The water you see going into the storm drain is the same water that will wash into our creeks.  Check and replace construction rock entrances as needed. To keep sedi- ments out of the street, construction vehicles should drive over rough rock entrances to shake loose materials on site. As rain events occur, check the con- struction entrances to ensure they are working properly.  Pick up debris and trash daily. Heavy rains can easily wash loose trash off site and into the storm sewer system. Assist in keeping our fishing spots and swimming holes clean and clear of trash and debris by picking up daily. For more information about this article or to learn more about stormwater, please feel free to contact Caroline Ask or Debbie Stickles at (979)764-3570 or visit us at City of College Station, Planning and Development Services Department, 1100 Texas Avenue. Page 7/January 2019/www.cstx.gov 2018 Unified Development Ordinance Amendments Throughout 2018, the Planning and Development Services Department and the Planning and Zoning Commission have continued to initiate amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) in an effort to increase efficiency in the development pro- cess. A summary of those amendments approved by City Council is provide below and direct links to the ordinances referenced can be found at http://www.cstx.gov/index.aspx?page=3841. Approved amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance in 2018 include:  Changes to the Non-conformities section to permit increased flexibility for non -conforming uses and structures to expand. (Ordinance #2018-3970).  Allowing for administrative approval of Site Plans, Buildings, and Signs in the Wolf Pen Creek District in lieu of Design Review Board approval (Ordinance #2018-3985).  Revisions to the review criteria for evaluating Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map Amendments (Ordinance #2018 - 3984).  Updating the City's bicycle parking standards to include a revision to parking standards and additional bicycle park- ing options (Ordinance #2018-3990).  Retiring the College Station Color Palette, removing the screening requirements for mechanical equipment in most zoning districts, and the creation of an option for staff to consider alternative non -residential architectural relief ele- ments. (Ordinance #2018-3991).  Revisions to the Suburban Commercial zoning district, including an expansion of uses allowed in the zoning district, a reduction in buffer requirements and removing the requirement for a pitched roof (Ordinance #2018 -3999).  Removing Krenek Tap Overlay regulations from the UDO as the City is no longer pursuing that vision and the over- lay is no longer applied to any property (Ordinance #2018-4001).  Changes to Non-Residential Landscaping standards provide flexibility for landscaping and buffer requirements of non-residential and multi-family developments, provides options for water conserving irrigation; and creates ability to gain additional landscaping point credits for retaining existing and Texas native trees (Ordinance #2018 -4018).  Revisions were made to Single-Family Parking to remove maximum parking requirement, for areas designated Neighborhood Conservation on the City's Comprehensive Plan (Ordinance #2018 -4040).  An amendment to the standards for Accessory Living Quarters to allow for the rental of accessory living quarters to no more than two (2) unrelated people and requires one additional off -street parking space (Ordinance #2018-4059).  Simplifying Low-Density Residential Height Protection requirements by prescribing a 1:2 slope from the property line under which a multi-family or non-residential structure being constructed adjacent to a single -family use must fall. The amendment also adds a definition of Building Height with graphics in the UDO's Defined Terms (Ordinance #2018-4060). For specific questions regarding any of the above ordinance amendments, please call the Planner On Call line at 979 -764-3858 or email POC@cstx.gov.