José Roig Officially Named DSD Director

 Director Roig Appoints Leaders to Three Key Positions 

DSD Director José Roig has announced appointments to three key leadership roles at DSD, effective July 2. They are Brenda de la Garza, Assistant Director for Building Plan Review; Keith Mars, Assistant Director for Land Development Review; and Todd Wilcox, City of Austin Building Official. All three leaders have been serving in these roles in acting capacities during recent months. You can learn more about the new assistant directors in this announcement from Director Roig. Learn more about the new Building Official in this announcement. 

Assistant Director Rick Holloway Retiring in January 

Assistant Director Rick Holloway has announced he will retire from the City of Austin in January 2024. Rick has been an invaluable member of the DSD leadership team. His dedication and service have led to innumerable contributions to DSD. To make this a smooth transition, over the coming months, Rick will transition the divisions he oversees to other members of the leadership team. The first phase will involve the transition of the Building Inspection team, which will be overseen by Assistant Director Brenda de la Garza. That change is effective Monday, July 3. More information about the transition plan for the remaining areas will be provided in the coming weeks as we assess the best approach. Join us as we say thank you and congratulations! 

New Contact List Improves Accessibility of DSD Employees

DSD has posted a comprehensive employee contact list, with phone numbers and emails for all DSD employees. The contact list is available on the About page of our website. An update to the department’s organization chart with contact information will be posted next week. We will update the information monthly to keep it current. Our goal is to ensure you can communicate effectively and quickly with DSD staff.  

You may have also noticed more consistent use of web cameras by DSD staff during all virtual meetings. We strive to be accessible to our customers and communities, and we appreciate ongoing feedback that helps us continue improving your experience with the development process. 

Right-of-Way Services Transition to Transportation and Public Works

Land Management Review and Engineering teams have moved to the Transportation and Public Works Department, effective June 4. These teams review a variety of activities in the right-of-way and administer related development agreements, including license agreements and encroachment agreements. This move places these transportation-related reviews in a single department for the convenience of our customers and community.

Council Postpones Safe Fencing Discussion

The Austin City Council has postponed consideration of proposed safe fencing regulations until its July 20 meeting. At its June 8 meeting, Council members received public input on the proposed ordinance and discussed potential amendments related to historical design standards. Council voted to postpone the final vote to allow for additional discussion before a vote on the code amendment. The proposed ordinance was developed in response to a previous Council resolution directing staff to consider requiring flat-top designs for new fences, and some repairs and remodels, to improve safety for children and wildlife.

City Preparing to Adopt 2023 Updates to National Electrical Code 

The City of Austin is preparing to adopt the 2023 National Electrical Code, which will align with State of Texas plans to adopt the amended code in September. Updates to the national code include clarifications and additional requirements related to ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) and surge protection. The changes also address physical access concerns, provide guidance for medium voltage installations, and eliminate redundancies. Proposed local amendments would help simplify and standardize code requirements for buildings in Austin. The Development Services Department has requested an Aug. 31 public hearing by the Austin City Council. If approved, the amended code would go into effect in November. Meanwhile, we invite interested stakeholders to provide feedback via Public Input through Sunday, July 30, 2023. 

Update on Proposed Rules Change for Expired Applications

The proposed amendments to the City of Austin’s Building Criteria Manual that were referenced in last month’s Building Connections newsletter have been postponed until a future date. Watch your email for updates and additional opportunities to provide input.

Roots & Wings to Return All Over Austin in October

As hot summer days settle in, we are preparing for fall and Austin’s annual community celebration of Arbor Day and Monarch Appreciation Day. The Roots & Wings Festival returns on Oct. 18 and continues through Nov. 5. As in other recent years, the festival will offer a variety of opportunities throughout the community to celebrate Austin’s urban forest ecosystem, including trees, plants, butterflies, bees, and all the natural beauty that makes Austin so special. Opportunities to host a Roots & Wings Festival event are now available, and applications are open until Aug. 1. Some grant funding is available for eligible events. Learn more on the application page, and watch for more information in the coming months on the Roots & Wings Festival website.

Trees Need Water, Too

As we take steps to keep people, pets, and property safe during this early summer heat wave, it’s also an important time to remember our trees. Trees are one of our most reliable friends on hot summer days. After another severe winter weather event, these friends continue to battle stress, which can lead to more pests and diseases. This Nature in the City blog offers guidance on caring for our urban forest during dry summer weather. For more tree information all year long, visit the Tree Information Center.

Weathering Another Austin Summer Safely

Triple-digit temperatures are slated to continue as area residents settle into the second week of an already sweltering summer. With its Heat Emergency Plan already at Stage 3 (Excessive Heat Phase) last week, the City of Austin has been making resources available to keep area residents safe. Here are a few reminders to help you stay safe and conserve energy as dangerously high temperatures persist:

• Stay hydrated and be sure to drink water even when you are not thirsty.
• Take shade breaks, especially if you work outside. Remember that Austin’s rest-break ordinance for construction workers is in effect this summer.
• Know the signs of heat-related illness and act quickly if you or someone around you becomes ill.
• Always check your vehicle for people and pets before locking and leaving your vehicle.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing and use sunscreen as directed.
• Use energy and water wisely. Learn more about ways to save money and use resources efficiently here.
• Visit ReadyCentralTexas.org for more heat safety tips.

Recycling Ordinance Saves Resources and Money

A Special Message from Austin Resource Recovery

The City of Austin's Construction and Demolition (C&D) Recycling Ordinance, in place since 2016, requires general contractors to reuse or recycle construction debris. An efficient recycling program can help you meet these requirements with limited time and labor. The tips in this recent web post from Austin Resource Recovery can help you create a successful recycling program at your project site.

Upcoming Dates

Independence Day (City Offices Closed) – July 4

Tree Smart Brown Bag Lunch & Learn – July 19

Tree Smart Brown Bag Lunch & Learn – Aug. 24

If you received this newsletter from a friend, we encourage you to subscribe to our email list. Whether it is severe weather, important department updates, or this newsletter, we will do our part to keep you updated all year long.