We are excited to announce our next phase of BuildSA will launch on Nov. 30, 2020. With this release, customers can start pulling their building and fire permitting and licenses online when doing business with Development Services and the Fire Marshal’s office.

What does this mean? Simply put, customers can obtain all counter permits and license registrations online using our new BuildSA platform. Such permits and licenses include:
For those who prefer to visit us, customers still have the option to come to the One Stop and drop off an application for counter staff support.

To take advantage of our new electronic plan review system, customers will need to create a portal account and submit plans on-line. This is a requirement for all Residential, Commercial, Fire System, Solar, and Demolition Building Permits as these must be submitted on-line.  This enhancement will save customers time by no longer having to print and submit paper plans; seeing the plan issues created by the reviewers in real time; and having clear and easily identifiable plan markups (issues) on the plan set. Please note, one set of the approved plans must be at the job site at all times.

As we transition to BuildSA, please note the following takeaways:
  • In-flight applications and permits will be available in Hansen.
  • Building permits still under review in Hansen on Nov. 30 will be created in BuildSA after technical reviews are completed in Hansen. Customers will continue their project in BuildSA from that point on. All permit fees will be paid in BuildSA.
  • Building permits in the inspection process in Hansen on Nov. 30 will be closed out in Hansen. If the type of permit results in a Certificate of Occupancy, staff will generate the certificate record in BuildSA for future reference.
  • All active contractor licenses will be migrated to the new platform, meaning registered license holders will be able to submit a renewal application online and receive a new badge by mail.
  • The following Items in Hansen will be migrated to BuildSA on Nov. 30:
  • All certificates of occupancy issued for commercial projects
  • Sign applications and permits
  • Tree permits
  • Fire annual permits and licenses
  • Strike Team investigation
  • Building Permits still in Hansen on May 31, 2021 will be converted to BuildSA applications or permits to continue.

We know November will be busy as we prepare to deliver a new system for you. But don’t worry, we will make sure you’re ready for this release with WebEx training sessions throughout the month, into next year, and we will continue to share information as it becomes available. To stay updated on our upcoming release, visit our BuildSA website
Land Development Organization Changes
DSD continuously looks for ways to streamline, enhance and improve our development processes. As such, please note the following Land Development Organization changes:


To view the complete division org chart, visit the Land Development Org. Chart.
DSD & City Holiday Schedule
The office will be closed on the following days:

November:
Veterans Day - Nov. 11
Thanksgiving Break - Nov. 26 & 27

December:
Winter break runs between Dec. 24 and 31. We will once again offer pre-scheduled inspections alongside SAFD. See below for more info.

January 2021:
Happy New Year! The office will be closed Jan. 1; we will also be closed MLK Day observed Jan. 18, 2021. 
Winter Holiday Pre-Scheduled Inspections Now Available
Winter Holiday Inspections
DSD and the Fire Marshal’s Office will be closed Dec. 24, 2020 through Jan. 1, 2021 in observance of the City Winter Holiday. Both offices will re-open on Jan. 4. 2021, as regularly scheduled, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
 
Inspections on Dec. 28 and 29 will be available if scheduled and paid for by 10 a.m., Friday, Dec. 18.  The inspection fee over the holiday break is $100 per discipline (Building, Fire, Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical), per inspection. Note:  Online scheduling for inspections will not be available during the Winter Holiday Break.
 
Please call the following numbers to schedule an appointment.
  • Plat Construction Inspections - (210) 207-0281
  • Building Inspections - (210) 207-0220
  • Fire System Inspections - (210) 207-8410 (Fire Inspection fee is $82.40/hour with 2-hour minimum.)
Lobby Now Open - Safety Measures Continue
DSD entered Phase 3 of the Return to Work plan on Oct. 19, 2020 with the re-opening of the Cliff Morton Development and Business Services Center (DBSC). For your safety and ours, up to 30 customers are permitted inside the building at a time. Upon entry, please be prepared to:

  • Maintain 6' social distance
  • Have your temperature checked
  • Wear a face mask

In line with safety protocol, we also added plexiglass barriers at the customer stations, 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.

For your convenience, our online and curb side services will remain in place. Customers are encouraged to use these services when applicable. Plans and applications can be dropped off at designated drop-off locations at the side of the building during business hours.

Requests that are dropped off will be processed by the permit counter team within one business day.

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, curb side or lobby services, please visit our website.

See the image below for additional options to meeting with us:
Contractor Connect Training is Here
Homebuilder and Home Improvement, Mechanical, Residential and Plumbing contractors are encouraged to register for the upcoming Contractor Connect classes. 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:


Visit the DSD Website to learn more about Contractor Connect, including training details and contractor registration categories and criteria.
Virtual LID Construction Inspection Course
The San Antonio River Authority and Bexar County are offering the Low Impact Development (LID) Construction Inspection Course Nov. 17-18, 2020. LID practices support stormwater quality improvements within the watershed and can often serve multiple functions in any landscape. Each day will consist of 4 hours of training on key elements for inspection of LID permanent onsite stormwater management practices at the time of construction. LID practices covered include: bioretention, bioswales, permeable pavement, rainwater capture, extended detention basin, sand filter, stormwater wetland, vegetated swale, vegetated filter strip, planter box and green roof. This course will address the knowledge, expertise and skills needed for construction inspection of these practices in the San Antonio region.
 
The course will be virtual and opportunities to take an exam for a certificate credential will be offered following the training. The names of individuals earning a credential are published in an online LID Credential Registry administered by the River Authority.
 
More details and registration information can be found on the River Authority website at www.sariverauthority.org. For questions regarding LID training courses, please contact Lee Marlowe at (210) 302-3624.
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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