Temple Masonry Ordinance to P&Z
The Temple Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on the latest draft of the masonry ordinance on Monday, April 7th. The latest draft and a TABA Government Affairs summary are available on the presentations page of our web site.
Additionally, there is a proposal included in the ordinance that would provide for standards that the City could consider in allowing metal buildings in places they would otherwise limit them. This process would officially be called a "mitigation review." A sample application is also available on the presentations page.
TAB on 3rd Party Inspections in the Unincorporated Areas
Beginning September 1, 2008, all homes in the unincorporated areas of the state must be inspected for building code compliance.
*The applicable building code will be the building code in effect for the area, as currently mandated by the TRCC Act. The applicable building code for residential construction located in an unincorporated area not in a city's ETJ is the IRC as adopted and amended by the county seat of the county in which the construction is located. If the county seat has not adopted and/or amended the IRC, the applicable building code is the IRC as it existed on May 1, 2001.
(*County Commissioner Eddy Lange is currently working with TABA to make sure the County is fully aware of this provision. TABA has recommended that the County consider adopting the 2006 IRC as recently amended by the City of Temple.)
The types of inspectors that may be used are:
-- a professional engineer licensed by the Texas Board of Engineering
-- an architect registered with the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners
-- a TREC inspector
-- a code certified TRCC inspector.
The inspections must cover the foundation; the framing and mechanical systems prior to the installation of insulation and wall coverings; and final construction upon substantial completion.
The TRCC will create a unique numbering system using a builder's registration number for all construction subject to the new inspections. This number will be used to track the inspections.
The fee inspectors will electronically report the completion of an inspection using the unique number and receive a verification document showing the inspections have been satisfactorily completed. The purpose of this document is to show satisfactory inspections so as not to hold up closings.
Within 30 days of the registration of the home, the homeowner and builder will receive an official Certificate of Completion.
Inspection records and documents will not be turned over to the TRCC by the inspector or builder. However, the TRCC will conduct random audits of the inspection records, and builders must maintain those records for a minimum of five years.
Building Science Workshop was very successful...
Steve Easley, a nationally recognized building scientist was at the TABA office in March to teach our builders, developers, HVAC installers and insulation experts more about code compliance and buidling science technology. All in attendance received TRCC continuing education credits and had very positive things to say about the training.
Fire Safety Training on the Horizon...
TABA is currently working with Temple Fire Marshall, Mark Smith to prepare an educational seminar on fire safety. The training date is tentatively scheduled for April 30th from 10 am to 1:30 pm and lunch will be served. Click here for more.
