In this issue:

  • BuildSA Go-Live Coming Soon
  • 2018 ISPSC Scheduled for Council
  • FY 2021 Budget Process Update
  • Mobile Living Park Annual Registration
  • Open for Business
  • SAWS Development Guide
  • Online Resources
  • Performance Measures
  • Closed for Labor Day
As the go-live dates for BuildSA draw nearer, we are pleased to share the latest updates with you. The timeline below shows important dates, noting the planned go-live dates of Sept. 21 for Code Enforcement and Nov.30 for Building/Fire Permits/License Registration.  
For the latest information on BuildSA, continue to read this newsletter. If you have any questions, please email us [email protected].
2018 International Swimming Pool & Spa Code
Development Services Department proposes for City Council to adopt the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) as the minimum safety code for pool and spa construction. This item will be on the City Council A Session agenda for adoption on Sept. 3, 2020 and will go into effect at time of Council approval. The adoption of the ISPSC with amendments is in response to HB 2858 that passed in 2019 by the Texas State Legislature; setting a model code for the construction of swimming pools and spas for the state and all municipalities, effective in September.

The Building-Related and Fire Codes Appeals and Advisory Board (BRFCAAB) formed a sub-committee on June 12, 2020 to review and discuss proposed amendments. The committee met twice in July, and proposed amendment recommendations were approved by the board in August.

DSD hosted a 2018 ISPSC Stakeholder Forum for those impacted by the adoption including Building Owners and Managers Association, San Antonio Apartment Association, Greater San Antonio Builders Association, Associated Builders and Contractors, Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association, Independent Electrical Contractors, American Institute of Architects, Pool and Hot Tub Alliance, and contractors who have obtained pool permits over the past two fiscal years. All stakeholders were invited to BRFCAAB Committee and Board meetings and provided drafts of proposed amendments for review and comment.

Thank you to all who participated in the adoption process of the 2018 ISPSC including all citizens, stakeholders, and industry representatives. This is another example of our partnership with the community to keep San Antonio safer.
FY 2021 Budget Update
The FY 2021 Budget is currently underway. On Aug. 6, 2020, City Manager Erik Walsh presented the City of San Antonio’s Fiscal Year 2021 Proposed Operating and Capital Budget to the Mayor and City Council.

Since Mr. Walsh's presentation, City Council members and staff have participated in many budget work sessions, virtual SASpeakUp sessions and public hearings, engaging the community for input and feedback.

The FY 2021 proposed budget will be presented to Council on Sept. 17 for adoption, and once approved, will run Oct. 1, 2020 to Sept. 30, 2021.

For the complete Budget process, visit the Budget Development and Budget Calendar websites. 
FY 2021 Mobile Living Park Annual Registration
Mobile Living Park registration is open for FY 2021; owners and operators must register by Sept. 30, 2020 for the annual license and to comply with the 2017 Ordinance.

To register, applicants need to provide an application, a Zoning Verification Letter or Nonconforming Use Registration, National criminal background history checks of owner(s) and operator(s), and $35 license fee for each usable mobile living park site, occupied or unoccupied, as of Oct. 1, 2020. Please note in addition to the license fee, other costs may be associated with obtaining the zoning verification letter, national background check, etc. In addition, representatives from all registering mobile living parks are required to attend a health and safety training class. This year’s session will take place virtually in response to COVID-19.

Applicants may submit their application material for processing by emailing all materials to Phil Laney, Senior Special Projects Manager, at [email protected]; or submitting all materials by mail to the Cliff Morton Business Development Center at 1901 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX, 78204. If sending by mail, please include ATTN: Code Enforcement Services - MLP on the envelope of submitted materials.  

For more information, visit the Mobile Living Parks website including the training schedule and registration process. 
DSD is Here to Help Get Your Business Done!
The health and safety of our staff, customers, and visitors remain our top priority. To support this effort during the pandemic, we encourage doing business online as a first option when applicable. Please note when our online services do not fit your business needs, DSD requires all customers and staff who enter the building to go through a health screening and have their temperature checked. We also mandate facial coverings to be worn by both customers and staff, and social distancing of 6’ be practiced at all times. For more information, visit our department contact information website.
Curbside Plan Pick-up
DSD continues to have three designated parking spots outside the building, near the back entrance. To obtain your plan, call the phone number on the sign and provide the parking space number. Your plan will be delivered to you at your car shortly after. Please ensure payment has been made prior to pickup.
Drop-off and Pick-up
DSD maintains the current process for the DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP of project plans, applications and required documents. As such, we continue to allow five customers at a time to enter the building during business hours.Drop-off and pick-up times remain the same, 7:45 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), with drop off only from 4 - 4:30 p.m.
Now Available SAWS Development Guide
SAWS Development Engineering updated the SAWS Guide to Development for 2020. This guide details the procedures for obtaining new service within the SAWS potable water and sanitary sewer systems. Intended for developers, engineers, utility contractors and individual customers, the guide offers additional information pertaining to development and can be found on the SAWS website on the Developer Resources page. 
Online Resources
The following Information Bulletins (IB) recently posted:

IB 579 - Lot Numbers for Amending Plats, posted 8/26/20 - This IB was created to inform customers under which circumstances DSD will require new lot numbers for amending plats.

IB 533 - Building Setback Line Plat Process, posted 8/26/20 - This IB was revised to align with the BuildSA application submittal program, and clarifies how BSL plats are handled, approved and more.

IB 183 Landscape Irrigation System Requirements, posted 7/27/20 - This IB was revised to include an update from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for irrigators. The main rule change is “a wye strainer is no longer required for a double check assembly installed below grade.”

For a complete list of resources, visit the following sites:

Performance Measures
Performance Measures
The complete Performance Measures report is available online.
Permit Activity
DSD will be Closed on Sept. 7 for Labor Day
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