In this Issue:

  • Lobby Closes, Still Open for Business
  • UDC Amendment Process is Postponed
  • Department Accreditation
  • Planning Commission Update
  • PCTAC Looking for Members
  • Contractor Connect Expansion
  • Online Resources
  • COVID-19 Information
To our valued customers:

Due to the rapidly changing circumstances surrounding COVID-19 and as part of our effort to put the safety and well-being of our customers, staff, and ultimately the community as our top priority,  the Cliff Morton Development and Business Services Center (DBSC) located at 1901 S. Alamo St. is closed to the public until at least April 19. We will be sure to communicate any changes as they occur. While the DBSC is closed to the public, our services and business operations will continue as described below: 

Operational Updates

  • DSD staff will be available outside our front doors for DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP of project plans, applications and required documents. Drop-off and pick-up times will be 7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding holidays).
  • Use of our available electronic systems and portals for submitting, payments and meetings such as WebEx, BuildSA, and email is strongly encouraged.
  • All DSD issued contractor licenses and registrations with an expiration date between now and June 30, 2020, are automatically extended until that time without penalty and without business interruption. DSD staff will be reaching out to those contractors that fall in this category via a separate communication. 
  • All preliminary plan reviews, TIA scoping, denial comment resolution meetings, etc. will be conducted via WebEx conference calls.
  • Our call center (210-207-1111) remains open. We may be experiencing higher than normal call volume and longer wait times. We apologize for any inconvenience and ask for your understanding as we work to serve all of our customers.

All Boards and Commission meetings (Zoning Board of Adjustment, Planning Commission, Zoning Commission, Building Standards Board, Historic Design and Review Commission) are postponed until April 19.   

For specific e-business and contact information, click  here .

Lastly, and most importantly, for current information on the city's response to COVID-19, please visit   www.sanantonio.gov .
 
Thank you for your cooperation. We will continue to provide you with new information pertaining to Development Services as soon as we are aware.
COSA Postpones UDC Amendment Process
We have postponed updates to the UDC as a result of COVID-19 and the rapidly evolving events surrounding this public health crisis.

"This process is one requiring extensive public engagement, something which cannot be accomplished at this time," Michael Shannon, DSD Director points out. " In order to uphold the efficiency and objectivity of this process, we must defer this effort until we can adequately engage the community and business partners."

Post COVID-19, we will reassess the timeline and communicate our next steps. Thank you for your continued support.
Code Enforcement Receives IAS Accreditation
In March 2020, the City of San Antonio Development Services Department was reaccredited as a building department for its plan review, permitting, and inspection services by the International Accreditation Service (IAS). First accredited in 2010, this reaccreditation marks the fourth time IAS recognized DSD as a national leader among building departments. DSD is one of only 23 accredited building departments in the United States and one of three in Texas.

In addition to the building re-accreditation, DSD received accreditation for code enforcement/property maintenance. This new accreditation became available in 2019, and the department decided to pursue it at the time of re-accreditation. DSD is the fourth jurisdiction in the United States to receive this designation, the first in Texas, and the first large jurisdiction.

The IAS Building Department Accreditation Program is based on the IAS Accreditation Criteria for Building Departments/Code Enforcement Agencies (AC251) and the International Code Council’s (ICC) International Building Code. The IAS accreditation process provides objective evidence that an organization operates at a high level of organizational, legal and technical standards. Accreditation from a globally respected agency like IAS means immediate acceptance and assures confidence in your service or product. The best way to demonstrate the highest level of service and good value is through accreditation; comparing one’s organization against the highest standards in the field of study. The internationally recognized IAS Accreditation Mark means that a company has been evaluated for its technical competence and quality of service and has proven that it meets recognized standards.
New Members Appointed to the Planning Commission
On January 16, 2020, City Council approved the appointment of Matthew D. Proffitt and John Jackson, and the re-appointment of Christopher C. Garcia, Michael A. Garcia, Jr., and Connie Gonzales to the Planning Commission.

The Planning Commission has the principal duty of acting as an advisory body to City Council regarding both amendments to the master plan of the City and the Unified Development Code. The Commission also serves as a final authority pertaining to subdivision plats within the City of San Antonio city limits and within the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction.

The Planning Commission is comprised of 9 at-large members for overlapping two-year terms of office. There is no limit to the number of terms that may be served; appointments as Chair are limited to two terms.

Information on future meeting dates is available on our website .
PCTAC Looking for New Members
The Planning Commission's Technical Advisory Committee (PCTAC) is looking for applicants in these areas:
• Environmental/Historic category – 1 Alternate
• Planning Professional – 1 Primary & 1 Alternate
• Registered Professional Engineer – 1 Primary
• Development/Real Estate Professional – 1 Primary
• Community – 2 Primaries & 1 Alternate

New deadline for applications is April 30, 2020.

A copy of the application and more information on this subcommittee is available here .
Did You Know? Contractor Connect is Expanding!
Today, customers are responsible for ensuring the contractors they hire for their home projects are registered with the City of San Antonio prior to work being done at the property.

Last year, the department launched our Contractor Connect initiative to provide customers with an enhanced search tool that allows residents to select from a list of registered homebuilders and home improvement contractors based on the type of work (roofing, fences, foundations, etc.) needed for the project. In January, the program was expanded to include Plumbing contractors, with Mechanical and Electrical contractor registrations joining the program this Spring.

For more information, please visit our Contractor Connect website.
Online Resources
The Information Bulletin (IB) listed below has been updated; to learn more, select the link.  


DSD has created this Information Bulletin to reflect the code updates to “RM” Residential Mixed Districts and “MF” Districts approved by City Council on December 12, 2019. This IB helps to assist Department customers understand the new code requirements in conjunction with development in the “RM” and “MF” zoning districts, as referenced in Table 310-1 of the Unified Development Code (UDC).
For a complete list of resources, visit the following sites:

COVID-19 Prevention
The best way to prevent infection is to take precautions to avoid exposure to this virus, similar to the ones you take to avoid the flu. CDC always recommends these everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

For up to date information, visit the City's website .
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