In this issue:

  • Latest on BuildSA
  • 2018 ISPSC Adopted
  • Special Inspections Certification Extension Ends Dec. 21
  • Contractor Connect Training Resumes
  • SABCA Goes Virtual
  • FY 2021 Budget Adopted
  • Return to Work Plan
  • Online Resources
  • Performance Measures
DSD is pleased to share that Code Enforcement moved from the Legacy mainframe system to the web-based BuildSA application. This upgrade took place on Sept. 21, 2020 and provides Code Enforcement a more robust system for managing investigation cases. We used this transition opportunity to implement a new look to the customer portal (see image).
Building and Fire Permits/License Registration Go-Live Targeted for Nov. 30
The team continues to work on the final BuildSA Release, which includes building and fire permits and license registration. User Acceptance Testing (UAT) with our stakeholders will take place in October. We will also offer virtual training throughout November, with the following topics available:

  • Navigating the customer portal
  • Electronic Plan Review
  • Combination permit structure for commercial and residential construction projects
  • Change in permit fee structure for trade permits

For more information about BuildSA, please review the Information handout, or visit the BuildSA New Releases web page. For questions, please email the BuildSA team.
Council Approves 2018 ISPSC
On Sept. 3, 2020, City Council adopted the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), which is now in effect. The ISPSC is in response to the Texas State Legislature that passed HB 2858 in 2019 and sets a model code for the construction of swimming pools and spas for the state and all municipalities.

For more information about the city’s current Building-related, Fire and Property Maintenance codes, visit our website.
Special Inspections Certification Extension Ends Dec. 21
In 2017, a Special Inspections requirement was added to the City’s registration program. The requirement mandates non-design professionals (field technicians) to be certified by Aug. 1, 2020. Due to the pandemic, the deadline was extended to Dec. 21, 2020. In order to meet this special inspections requirement, non-design professionals must submit their certification with a revised application to DSDspecialinspections@sanantonio.gov by Dec. 21. For a list of required certifications by discipline, visit page 19 of Information Bulletin 132 (IB 132); applications can be found on pages 16-20.

DSD implemented this registration program to ensure 3rd party inspectors were qualified to do special inspections, per Chapter 17 of the International Building Code, within the City of San Antonio. 

For more information regarding special inspections, including program policies, procedures and guidelines, please refer to IB 132
Contractor Connect Training Resumes
We are excited to announce Contractor Connect training will resume Oct. 8, 2020 as a virtual setting, using WebEx video conferencing – the training sessions were suspended earlier this year due to COVID-19. As such, Homebuilder and Home Improvement, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing contractors are encouraged to register for two trade-specific trainings per year to be eligible for the Contractor Connect program. Each session runs from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., with two, one-hour classes. The first hour of training is trade specific, and the second is STRIKE team. 

Please register in advance by selecting and completing the training link below:


For residents, Contractor Connect also provides an enhanced search tool that generates a list of registered contractors to choose from. The list is compiled based on the type of work (home improvement, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, etc.) needed for the project, along with the category-level of Registered, Registered Plus, or Premier.

Visit the DSD Website to learn more about Contractor Connect, including training details and contractor registration categories and criteria.
SABCA Goes Virtual
Due to the pandemic, DSD held its first virtual San Antonio Building Codes Academy (SABCA) this past August. The summer academy offered two courses: Legal Aspects of Code Administration (LACA) and 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), with two sessions each. Both trainings were extremely beneficial for DSD staff and customers alike and was considered a success with 297 attendees over the 4-day training period.

George Dean, member of the Nashville, TN and American Bar Association, trained the LACA sessions held on Aug. 21 and 24. Mr. Dean works mainly in the areas of zoning and land use planning law.

The 2018 ISPSC sessions were held Aug. 28 and 31, and instructed by William H. (Bill) Hudson, CBO, MCP. Mr. Hudson is the Building Official for the Village of Oak Brook, IL and has a broad base of experience as a facilities manager, contractor, and code instructor.

All sessions were conducted through WebEx Events, allowing for easy registration and tracking of attendees. Development Services held several “dry runs” for employees and the ICC instructors to make sure the virtual sessions ran smoothly. If needed, additional assistance was available for technical difficulties. Using WebEx allowed participation through several platforms including desktop computers, tablets, laptops, and cell phones, making it easier to host online events. This will be the way of future trainings at DSD.
City Council Approves FY 2021 Budget
On Sept. 17, 2020, City Council unanimously adopted the $2.9 billion FY 2021 City of San Antonio Budget.

 “The goal of the fiscal year 2021 budget is to maintain the city services that our residents expect, while also helping them recover from the devastating economic and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said City Manager Erik Walsh. 

The approved budget makes investments in public health, housing and workforce development which includes keeping people in their homes, training people to secure jobs that are available today, supporting small businesses and improving digital connectivity for residents.

In line with the new budget, DSD will maintain our services, continue to be timely, and uphold current job vacancies.

For more information about the adopted FY 2021 budget, visit the Office of Management and Budget website, or read the City’s press release.
DSD's Return to Work Plan Update
As the city moves toward the safe risk level regarding COVID-19, DSD continues to work hard to minimize the spread. The health and safety of our staff, customers, and visitors remain our top priority as we transition into phase 3 of the four-phase Return to Work plan, tentatively scheduled for Oct. 19.

At phase 3, DSD will increase the number of customers to no more than 30 in the building during business hours. Additionally, customers can continue to drop off applications and plans at designated drop-off locations at the front of the building, or if necessary, can come inside to visit with our Meet and Greet team for questions. Requests that are dropped off will be processed by the permit counter team within one business day.  

Safety protocols including temperature checks, face coverings and 6' social distancing requirements will remain in place for all customers and staff who enter the building. As the One Stop reopens, customers will notice the new plexiglass barriers, hand sanitizer stations, and fewer staff in the lobby area. Virtual boards and commissions meetings will remain as-is until further notice. 

For more information, visit our website.  
Online Resources
For a complete list of resources, visit the following sites:

Performance Measures
Performance Measures
The complete Performance Measures report is available online.
Permit Report
Quick Links
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