January has been a busy month for all things Government Affairs. Read below for updates on our latest projects. City of Houston Updates: Sidewalks On January 25, Houston City Council passed the Fee in Lieu …
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Revised Definition: Waters of the United States & Significant Nexus
Insight and opinions regarding the regulatory expansion of federal Clean Water Act jurisdiction based on “significant nexus” by Jim Coody, P.E. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Corps of Engineers (the agencies) recently published new …
Get the Facts About the Recent Gas Stove Controversy
Recently, major news outlets and social media have been full of commentary on a so-called ban on gas stoves in private homes. Here’s what the news outlets have gotten right and wrong. Comments published by …
GHBA Prepares for Code Modernization Process
Throughout 2023, the City of Houston plans to adopt a Code Modernization plan and adopt the 2021 International Residential Code. The GHBA, through its Code Committee is working to participate in this process and provide …
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City of Houston Building Code Enforcement Plan Review Section Pilots New Booking Site for Plan Review
The City of Houston’s Building Code Enforcement Plan Review Section is beginning to pilot a new booking site called Microsoft Bookings. Earlier this year, the City Engineer’s Public Utilities and Permits office was the first …
City of Houston City Council Set to Vote on Sidewalk Ordinance on November 30
In August 2020, the Houston City Council passed an ordinance (Chapter 40, Article XXII) requiring home builders and property owners to install sidewalks along the public streets in front of newly built or substantially remolded …
New Tax Incentive Opportunities from The Inflation Reduction Act
By Kevin Sullivan, PE, HERS Rater, Partner, BRAYN Consulting Just as the summer was winding down, the massive legislative package known as The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”), or H.R. 5376, was signed into law …
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Proposed Sidewalk Fee in Lieu of Construction
In August 2020, the Houston City Council passed an ordinance (Chapter 40, Article XXII) requiring home builders and property owners to install sidewalks along the public streets in front of newly built or substantially remodeled …
Four Important Points to Consider with Energy Code Compliance
Changes are happening throughout the construction industry, especially related to energy code compliance and tax credits. Here are answers to trending questions that will impact all Texas homebuilders. 1 – House Bill 3215 — Why should …
GHBA Fights for Consistency in City of Houston Regulation
GHBA members and staff are currently working with several City of Houston departments and committees that have an impact on our industry. GHBA applauds improvements in policy and relations between the City of Houston and …
Newly Issued 2015 Code Words
The City of Houston Public Works Department has recently released two new 2015 Code Words. The City of Houston and other jurisdictions have memos called “code words” that instruct staff and the public on how …
City of Houston Adopts 2015 IRC
Last month the Houston City Council adopted a slate of new construction codes, including the 2015 International Residential Code (IRC). The GHBA, led by 2019 GHBA President John Williams, has been working on this code …
Newly Passed HOA Reform Bill Effective September 1
In politics, like life, there is nothing new under the sun. We see policy ideas and proposals resurface in different iterations and combinations each legislative session. This session was no different and as a result, …
City of Houston to Require Protection Against Freezing Pipes
Due to the aftermath and devastation caused by Winter Storm Uri, the City of Houston will now require protection on all water, soil or waste pipes that are subject to freezing temperatures and are located …
Texas Delays Adoption of NEC Code Requirement
Last year, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation adopted the 2020 National Electric Code (2020 NEC) with an effective date of November 1, 2020. That adoption included Section 210.8(F) of the 2020 NEC which …