In this issue:
- Introducing CityPass - The Wait is Over!
- BuildSA News
- Legislative Session is Underway
- Special Inspector Certification Extension Ends April 1
- Safety Measures in Place at the One Stop
- Performance Measures
- Online Resources
- Low Impact Development Training by SARA
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The Wait is Over! No More Standing in Lines
We are excited to be the first in the City to use CityPass, powered by QLess. What is CityPass? It’s a new tool giving you the flexibility to join a line, avoid standing in it and wait anywhere you like.
Starting Feb. 1, DSD customers needing services from the One Stop are encouraged to check in with CityPass from anywhere using your PC, laptop or mobile device – no need to visit the One Stop to get in line. CityPass replaces the department’s current paper ticket-based queuing system Now, you can move freely while getting SMS text notification providing real-time updates, including wait time, placement in queue, and when it is your turn. Estimated wait times will also be available on the City and DSD website.
To claim your spot in line, customers can either:
(2) download the QLess App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
(3) text the word “csaonestop” to (210) 794-6955
When ready, enter your name, cell phone number, and choose the queue (service) you need. Some of the services include addressing, zoning, permits, Certificates of Occupancy, and more.
CityPass will be expanding to other city departments later this year.
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To join the line from your mobile device, download the QLess App from the Apple App store or the Google Play store. To help
identify the correct app, see the QLess App image.
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With the Nov. 30, 2020 BuildSA release, plans and permit applications are to be submitted online to offer customers the convenience of completing all transactions electronically. We appreciate your patience as we continue to work with our customers to transition to the new system. To help with this effort, we have the following assistance available:
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Customers who need help setting up their on-line account or linking their professional license, email the BuildSA Team; be sure to include your license holder name, contact phone number, license number, username ID, email address, and company name.
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For questions related to trade permits in Hansen, use the Hansen email for assistance.
- Added staff to the One Stop call center and counter to assist with wait time.
- Implemented new CityPass service to help manage the wait time - customers can join the line from anywhere using CityPass and select the service you need to visit before coming down to the One Stop.
- Conducted multiple stakeholder group training sessions with additional sessions coming soon.
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Recorded training sessions are online, including the Get Started Guide for Permitting, the Digital Plan Room series, and Linking Licensed Professional to New Online Account.
- Hansen made available on a temporary basis for submittal of Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing permits for residential permits issued prior to Nov. 30, 2020.
A software change is a huge undertaking for any organization. We understand it will take time as everyone becomes fully acquainted with the new system. In the meantime, rest assured DSD is committed to providing support for all BuildSA users and will continuously evaluate the need for additional training and resources.
For more information on BuildSA and the latest training resources, please visit our website.
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Legislative Session Underway |
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The Regular Session of the 87th Texas Legislature started Jan. 12, 2021 and will run through May 31. Legislators started pre-filing bills last November. While in session, Development Services Department’s Policy Administration section, along with the City’s Government and Public Affairs Office, will monitor the proposed legislation for impact to the department and organization.
As these bills are monitored, DSD will play a role in advocating for or against proposed legislation, either in writing or by testifying before congressional committees. Roughly 1,300 bills have been pre-filed through early January.
The deadline to submit bills is March 12.
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Special Inspector Certification Extension Ends April 1 |
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Due to the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic this year (e.g., temporary shutdown of testing centers), the Special Inspector Certification requirements deadline was initially extended to Dec. 31, 2020 to obtain the proper certifications. However, based upon feedback from the Nov. 30 stakeholder meeting, DSD agreed to a final extension of April 1, 2021.
Once a special inspector obtains an approved certification, the special inspector experience requirements will be up to the Registered Design Professional in Responsible Charge (RDPiRC) and the testing agency, firm or company.
The current system of special inspectors registered under the seal of a design professional and actively registered with Development Services will be allowed to continue through the end of the construction project for all permits issued before April 1, 2021. All permits issued on or after April 1 will require all special inspectors to be actively certified and registered with DSD.
DSD implemented this registration program in 2017 to ensure 3rd party special inspectors were qualified to do special inspections, per Chapter 17 of the International Building Code, within the City of San Antonio.
The Special Inspector Certification requirement documents that reflect the new April 1 deadline have been updated. For more information regarding special inspections, including program policies, procedures and guidelines, please refer to IB 132.
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Safety Measures Continue at One Stop |
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While all plans and permit applications are to be submitted electronically online, with the Nov. 2020 BuildSA release, we understand there may be a need to visit the Cliff Morton Development and Business Services Center (DBSC).
For your safety and ours, we continue to permit up to 30 customers at a time inside the DBSC. For customers who need to visit us, before coming down, please join the line using CityPass and select the service you need to visit. You will get a notification alerting you to your place in line. Upon entry to the building, please be prepared to:
- Maintain 6' social distance
- Have your temperature checked
- Wear a face mask
In line with safety protocol, we have plexiglass barriers at each customer station, floor and counter signage to assist with directional flow, and hand sanitizer throughout the lobby.
We ask if you or anyone in your household is experiencing COVID symptoms, to please stay home.
Virtual boards and commissions meetings will continue as-is until further notice.
Like you, we will monitor the latest COVID-19 news and do our part to keep our customers, staff and visitors safe. For more information about the department's safety measures, online, or lobby services, please visit our website.
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Performance Measures
The complete Performance Measures report is available online.
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Permit Report
The numbers in the FY 2020 columns show the totals for the complete fiscal year.
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For a complete list of additional online resources, visit the following sites:
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Low Impact Development Credential Courses |
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The San Antonio River Authority and Bexar County are hosting Design of Common Low Impact Development (LID) Practices on February 23-24, 2021 and runs from noon to 4 p.m. each day. This virtual training course will provide the knowledge, expertise and skills required to design the most common LID permanent stormwater management practices in the San Antonio region including bioretention, bioswale, permeable pavement, and cistern. LID practices support stormwater quality improvements within the watershed and can often serve multiple functions in any landscape. The course benefits engineers, architects, landscape architects and other individuals participating in design of permanent stormwater management features.
Continuing education and professional development hours are available. To register and view the agenda, CLICK HERE. The course fee is $175.00
More details and registration information can be found on the River Authority website. For questions regarding the LID credential program please contact Lee Marlowe at (210) 302-3624.
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