Summer’s Here, The Time is Right

It is already clear that, while 2022 will not be your average Austin summer, it is following a familiar pattern. On the heels of a record-setting May, the hot, dry weather appears on track to offer plenty of construction days this summer. As you continue your development projects, whether large or small, we hope you all have a wonderful summer and stay safe and healthy in the coming months. Meanwhile, keep checking Building Connections each month to learn what we are doing to serve you better, find out about upcoming opportunities for feedback and learning, and stay on top of changing requirements. We wish you all a happy and successful summer! And remember, if you have not done it yet, subscribe today so you don’t miss a connection.

DSD Simplifying Appointment Scheduling Process

In response to user feedback, DSD is revamping the online appointments section on its website to make it easier for customers to understand and prepare for their virtual and on-site meetings.

The improved interface will organize meeting options based on the steps in the development process. Each section will include a meeting explanation and links to relevant information and forms. The current appointment scheduler will remain available for at least a week while customers get accustomed to the improved interface. Additionally, Environmental Inspections will not be included in the new scheduler. Those appointments are available here.

The improved appointment scheduler is the next of several steps DSD is taking to make the development process a simpler and more intuitive process for all customers who use the site, from first time homeowners to established contractors and expediters.

The new scheduler is on track to be available later this week. If you have feedback or questions, please send them to dsdcommunications@austintexas.gov.

New Carbon Monoxide Detector Rules Start July 1

Beginning July 1, 2022, carbon monoxide detectors will be required for all new Mechanical Change-Out permits, except for projects involving only electric-powered equipment.

Under the 2021 International Residential Code, the new requirements apply to installation, alteration or repair of all fuel-fired mechanical systems. Inspectors from the City of Austin Development Services Department will check for this safety equipment when inspecting projects permitted on or after July 1. Because this is a critical life and safety issue, there are no exemptions or alternatives to compliance with this requirement.

The specific type of equipment used can be part of a combined system for detecting smoke and carbon monoxide. However, while carbon monoxide equipment must be wired into the home and include a battery backup for new construction, battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors or alarms are allowed under the Code requirements for Mechanical Change Outs.

If you have questions about this new requirement prior to inspection, please contact the DSD Building Inspections team for assistance.

Commercial Intake Launches

Customer Dashboard Tool

The Development Services Department’s Commercial Intake team recently made it possible for customers to view correspondence and development process documents related to their projects in one online Customer Dashboard.

With this new tool in place, commercial review customers have more visibility into the plan review process and access to information about their projects. Current commercial plan review applicants received activation links in early June. After activating those links, customers can track the status of submissions; search webform responses, contact information, application details, and previous correspondence between the applicant and intake team; and access active and previous incomplete tickets associated with a specific email address. Resolved tickets will remain available in the AB+C Portal and can be retrieved using the Plan Review (PR) number, permit number or address.

Tree Smart Educational Meetings Begin Again in July

The City Arborist team will resume the free in-person Tree Smart training opportunities for Austin-area contractors and their crews in July, with plans for monthly sessions through October. This program provides an overview of the City of Austin’s rules and regulations to protect trees in our community, and lunch will be provided. In this 1.5-hour training session, City Arborist staff will share key points of Austin’s tree protection ordinance, a summary of recent updates, and some helpful guidelines to help protect trees during construction.

Sessions are available on the following dates in the Event Center (Rooms 1406-1407) at the City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin.

July 14
August 11
September 8
October 13

All sessions run from 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Register here and join us to learn about Austin’s tree rules from experts with the City Arborist Program. Contact cityarborist@austintexas.gov for more information.

Parkland Early Determination Process

Improvements Begin this Month

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is initiating process improvements to the Parkland Early Determination (PED) process. The PED process allows PARD to review a project early to determine parkland requirements; land dedication; payment of a fee in-lieu; or a combination of fee and land. This process and the resulting document are required with any subdivision application. Applicants will now be asked to complete an online form in order to request a PED. The form requests basic information about the property and an owner consent letter. This online form is available at austintexas.gov/PEDRequest.

During a two-week transitional period, PARD will continue to accept email submissions using the parkland.dedication@austintexas.gov email address. The new online form will improve the ease of submission and reduce the turnaround time on all new requests. PARD staff is available to answer any questions regarding the submission form or to walk-through the new submittal process.

Roots & Wings Festival to Return in October

Austin’s annual community celebration of Arbor Day and Monarch Appreciation Day will return Oct. 22, with in-person and virtual community events continuing through Nov. 5. Throughout the two-week celebration, watch for a variety of opportunities to celebrate trees, butterflies, bees and all the natural beauty that makes Austin so special. Watch the Roots & Wings Festival website in the coming months for event details, and get ready to celebrate when the cooler air returns this fall!

The Bark Is Worse Than the (Frost)Bite

The feeling of bitter cold has faded in the face of unseasonably hot temperatures, but our community’s trees have longer memories and continue to exhibit the effects of Winter Storm Uri, the unprecedented cold-weather event that blanketed our region in February 2021.

This month’s Nature in the City Blog post highlights the trees most likely to have been damaged, ongoing threats to tree health, and potential courses of action: https://www.austintexas.gov/blog/final-reckoning-our-frozen-trees

Austin’s Nature in the City blog features informative articles that seek to examine, educate, and celebrate the natural elements in our community. This resource hosts professionals and hobbyists who wish to share their knowledge with others.

Upcoming Key Dates

July 4: Independence Day Holiday (City Offices Closed)

July 14:Tree Smart training/lunch at PDC

Aug.11: Tree Smart training/lunch at PDC

Aug. 17-19: Council Meeting Scheduled for FY 2022-2023 Budget

Sept. 5: Labor Day Holiday (City Offices Closed)

Sept. 8: Tree Smart training/lunch at PDC

Oct. 1: FY 2023 Begins

Oct.13: Tree Smart training/lunch at PDC

Oct. 22 - Nov. 5: Roots and Wings Festival