The City of Houston will launch a new version of its online development application portal, PlatTracker, on Monday, April 14, 2025. This updated system will replace the more than decade-old in-house platform and is designed …
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Re-Opening of COH One-Stop Plan Review
The City of Houston’s One-Stop Plan Review will officially reopen for in-person reviews, with the pilot program starting on February 4, 2025. During this pilot phase, in-person plan reviews will take place on Tuesdays and …
2021 Building Code Now in Effect
The 2021 Building Code went into effect on January 2, 2024. These updated building codes usher in a new era of construction standards for our city. We encourage all stakeholders, contractors, and interested parties to …
New Detention Requirements Take Effect Nov. 27
Following meetings by GHBA members with Mayor Turner, city council members, and other City of Houston officials, new detention requirements for single-family lots have been modified by the City of Houston and will take effect …
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Electric Code Changes Coming Sept. 1
Article by Dave Yelovich You can’t do this anymore! Say what? Why? Here’s why… They say there are two certainties in life – death and taxes. Well, I’d like to add a third to the …
January Advocacy Updates
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 …
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 …
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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 …
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 …
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 …