April 2013

The City of Bryan Planning and Zoning Commission decided on their Plan of Work items for 2013 at a workshop meeting on February 21, 2013. The items on the Plan of Work include the Comprehensive Plan update, Subdivision Ordinance update, and Zoning Ordinance/Land and Site Development Ordinance updates. So what does this mean and how does it impact you?

The City of Bryan Comprehensive Plan is required by the Texas Local Government Code for cities wishing to govern land use with-in their corporate limits. Every five years, the goals and objectives of the Plan are reviewed and updated in accordance with cur-rent development, City needs, and community concerns. Some of the primary goals of the plan are to manage the growth of the City in an orderly manner, facilitate development, and to provide a rational and reasonable basis for making land use decisions about the community.

The Subdivision Ordinance regulates platting, which is dividing land into building lots or subdivisions. During the subdivision process, the layout of streets and utilities is established, blocks are numbered, and lots are created for individual ownership. The ordinance outlines all the City of Bryan

requirements for lots within the city limits as well as subdivision in the City’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). If an owner is interested in selling a portion of their land, the Subdivision Ordinance will inform them of all the rules and requirements for subdividing.

The Zoning Ordinance determines the land uses allowed on your property based on the zoning district in which your property is located. Zoning provides for the division of land into different zoning districts, including residential, retail, and industrial. The Land and Site Development Ordinance establishes the process by which site development proposals will be reviewed and it defines the submittal and content requirements for all nonresidential and multifamily site plans.

In the coming weeks, Commissioners and staff will begin working on these comprehensive planning projects. Citizens will have many opportunities to provide input at stakeholder, Commission and Council meetings that will be held to discuss each document. If you have any questions or would like more information about the Commission’s Plan of Work items, please contact Martin Zimmermann, AICP, Assistant Director of Development Services, at 979-209-5030 or by email at [email protected].

Planning:

Planning and Zoning Commission Plan of Work for 2013

Did you know…

Code Enforcement

The City of Bryan drive-in

recycling center accepts tires

from Bryan residents only!

Please follow these

guidelines when recycling

your tires:

Must bring a current BTU bill and matching drivers license

Only passenger tires allowed

No rims allowed

Limit 8 tires per year

Planning and Zoning

Commission Plan of

Work for 2013

1

Neighborhood

Improvement

Standards

2

Flood Safety

Awareness

2

Proposed City

adoption of the 2011

National Electrical

Code

3

Frequently Asked

Planner On-Call

Questions

3

City of Bryan

Calendar

4

Development Stats Insert

Inside this issue:

April 1, 2013

Volume 1, Issue 3

C i t y o f B r y a n

3 0 0 S o u t h T e x a s A v e n u e

B r y a n , T e x a s 7 7 8 0 3

Development & Engineering Services

Newsletter

April 1, 2013

mailto:[email protected]

The City of Bryan’s Code Enforcement Division is tasked with keeping Bryan a safe, healthy and beautiful place to live. The City Council has adopted standards that assist in that endeavor and require that anyone owning and/or occupying property in Bryan is responsible for keeping their property in a safe and sanitary condition. Here are a few requirements property owners and residents should know about:

Yards must be kept mowed and free of litter and trash. Weeds and grass should not exceed 12” in height. There will only be one notice per year from Code Enforcement. (Ch. 50-88)

Grass clippings from the mowing of property should not be blown into the street or gutter, nor dumped in bar ditches. This can possibly lead to the blockage of storm drains and culverts and in turn increase the chance of flooding from storm water runoff. (Ch. 46-46 (8))

Address numbers are required on all buildings. The numbers have to be at least 4” high, a contrasting color and visible from the street. This requirement is very important to the fire, police and

emergency services. (Ch. 14-20))

Obstruction of rights-of-way prohibited. Any tree, shrub, or plant of any kind, vehicle of any kind, fence, basketball goal (fixed or portable) or any other object in the right of way is prohibited. (Ch. 130-33(a)(3))

Parking on lawns is not allowed. Any vehicle, recreational vehicle (boat, jet ski, etc.), motor home, trailer or truck-tractor may not be parked in yards of houses or duplexes but must be on an improved surface such as concrete or asphalt. (Ch. 118-88(b))

Open storage is the keeping, displaying, or storing outside a building, of any new or used goods, material, merchandise, or equipment on a lot for more than 24 hours. Open storage is only allowed in industrial areas with proper screening. (Ch. 130)

It is a parking violation to park any truck or other vehicle with a rated capacity in excess of one-ton or any other motor home, trailer, truck-tractor or recreational vehicle upon any public street or right-of-way. (Ch. 188-88(a))

Junk vehicles are vehicles with expired license plates or inspection stickers, and are wrecked, dismantled or inoperable for a period of more than 30 days. These vehicles must be removed from public view. (Ch. 38-108)

Garage Sales require a permit that can be obtained in the Municipal Office Building for a $3.00 fee. Sales are limited to 3 consecutive days and can be held once every four months. The permit must be displayed at the site during the sale. (Ch. 18-22(a))

Signs, handbills, & flyers must not be placed on utility poles, street signs or in a public right-of-way. These signs are prohibited. (Ch. 98-5 (4))

Code Enforcement Officers may issue notices and/or citations to property owners/residents whose property is in violation of these municipal ordinances. Citations may carry a fine up to $2,000. If you have any questions or would like to report a code violation, call 979-209-5544 or email [email protected].

their vehicles, which is the most prevalent cause of death associated with flooding.

Awareness of this dangerous practice has been promoted through the “Turn Around Don’t Drown” campaign, aimed at keeping motorists from putting themselves and their passengers at serious risk. Moving water exerts tremendous forces on a vehicle, such that only inches in depth may be required to sweep a large truck or SUV off the road and into deeper and faster water. www.floodsafety.noaa.gov

Recognizing the benefits to its citizens, the City of Bryan participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. Through this FE-MA process, adoption of standard flood loss reduction ordinances and practices allows our property owners to obtain low cost in-surance against flooding. Because damage

The week of March 17-23 is National Flood Safety Awareness week, intend-ed to make our citizens and neighbors more aware of the potential dangers and damages that exist from flooding. In 2011, flooding caused over $8.4 billion in property damage and claimed 113 lives nationwide.

Texas has the undesirable recognition of leading the nation in the number of flood-related deaths. Most of these result from attempts to cross flooded roadways in

from rising water is not covered under most home owners insurance policies, this pro-gram is an important means of protecting property value from significant risks. Addi-tionally the City of Bryan participates in the Community Rating System which in ex-change for higher regulatory standards and community outreach, discounts on the Flood Insurance Premiums are available to the citizens of Bryan.

As part of this program, the City of Bryan maintains for public viewing the Flood Insur-ance Rate Maps (FIRMS) where owners, pur-chasers, real estate agents and insurance specialists can obtain basic data on flooding risk. For more detailed information, the City Floodplain Administrator can be reached by phone or email for property and case-specific discussions and determinations.

Code Enforcement:

Neighborhood Improvement Standards

Engineering:

Flood Safety Awareness

Page 2

Development & E nginee ring Services

Newsle tter

Apri l 1 , 201 3


http://www.floodsafety.noaa.gov

In 2012, the City of Bryan underwent a Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS) survey administered by the Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO). ISO is the leading supplier of statistical data, underwriting information, and actuarial analysis to the property/casualty insurance industry in the United States. The BCEGS classifications are distributed by ISO for use by property/casualty insurers to assist in their insurance underwriting and premium development programs for residential and commercial properties. Insurers can use the BCEGS classification number to offer insurance premium discounts to eligible properties in Bryan. In the 2012 survey, it was found that the City of Bryan needed to adopt a more current electrical code in order to

keep its current low classification rating of three (3). The state of Texas has adopted the 2011 National Electrical Code (NEC), which is the latest current edition available. Many cities across Texas have already adopted the 2011 NEC such as Abilene, Austin, Houston, and College Station. The City of Bryan current adopted electrical code is the 2005 National Electrical Code. The city proposes to adopt the 2011 National Electrical Code by the end of summer 2013 in order to maintain the current BCEGS classification number. The result of this adoption process will be a safer and more current electrical code and also will allow property owners to continue to take advantage of insurance premium discounts. The code adoption process is currently underway at staff level with the review of the

National Electrical Code editions published since the 2005 edition. On April 4, 2013, the Development Services department will hold an open house in the City Council Chambers from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for those who wish to come and ask questions about the 2011 NEC. On April 8, 2013, at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers a public hearing will be held with a staff presentation preceding the proposed adoption of the 2011 NEC by the Board of Adjustments and Appeals. Pending approval by the Board of Adjustments and Appeals, the proposed amendments to the 2011 NEC will be presented to the Bryan City Council in May/June 2013 for final approval and adoption. Please call 979-209-5031 or email [email protected] if you have any questions.

Building:

Proposed City Adoption of the 2011 National Electrical Code

Page 3


Newsle tter

Apri l 1 , 201 3

One of the most common questions received on the Planner on-call line is “Can I install a sign on my property?” The answer to this questions is: maybe. The City Bryan requires that any sign that is (1) located on private property, (2) visible from any public or private street, or (3) used for advertising, must obtain a permit from the Development Services Office.

In all residential zoning districts, only low-profile signs are allowed (5-foot height, 60 square feet max. area) and are not allowed to be illuminated. The City of Bryan’s Office, Retail, and Commercial zoning districts allow freestanding signs, attached or wall signs, and banner signs. The number of signs allowed depends on how many public streets the property has frontage on. If a property only has frontage on one street, then they are allowed only one freestanding sign and one wall sign. It is important to note that no off-premise signs are allowed in the City of Bryan

The area allowed for freestanding signs is based on a ratio of property frontage to sign area. For every 50 linear feet of frontage a property has along a public street, that property is allowed 25 square feet of sign area.

The height of the sign starts out at 5-feet and then for every 50-feet of street frontage the sign can be an additional 3-foot in height.

To determine the area allowed for a wall sign, you must first know the length of the building the sign will be attached. For every linear foot of building frontage facing a public right-of-way, a property is allowed one square foot of attached signage. This method applies to banners as well. If the sign is composed of individual letters or symbols, the total area of the sign is calculated by measuring the perimeter of each letter or symbol. For questions regarding signs and the permitting process, please contact Matthew Hilgemeier at 979-209-5030 or email him at [email protected].

Frequently Asked Planner On-Call Questions

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Newsle tter

Apri l 1 , 201 3

April 2013 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

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May 2013 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

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June 2013

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

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30 City Holiday—Office closed

City Council Meeting—Council Chambers, 300 S. Texas Avenue

Planning and Zoning Commission Meetings

Historic Landmark Commission Meetings

Zoning Board of Adjustment Meetings

Building and Standards Commission

Every Tuesday Site Development Review Committee (due Wednesday by noon)

City of Bryan - Building Report

DECEMBER 2012 DECEMBER 2011

Permit Type # Permits Value Permit Type # Permits Value

Residential - Single Family 9 $3,281,258.00 Residential - Single Family 6 $1,552,398.00

Residential - Duplexes 0 $0.00 Residential - Duplexes 0 $0.00

Residential - Apartments 1 $858,792.00 Residential - Apartments 0 $0.00

Residential - Add/Alter/Reno 58 $438,827.16 Residential - Add/Alter/Reno 24 $157,974.00

Manufactured Homes 7 $221,000.00 Manufactured Homes 6 $120,000.00

Demolition 19 $0.00 Demolition 8 $0.00

Commercial - New Construction 2 $770,000.00 Commercial - New Construction 7 $14,266,100.00

Commercial - Add/Alter/Reno 8 $1,690,260.00 Commercial - Add/Alter/Reno 10 $4,003,304.00

Swimming Pools 2 $124,180.00 Swimming Pools 1 $10,000.00

Moving Permits 0 $0.00 Moving Permits 0 $0.00

Signs 10 $0.00 Signs 4 $0.00

TOTALS 116 $7,384,317.16 TOTALS 66 $20,109,776.00

JANUARY - DECEMBER 2012 JANUARY - DECEMBER 2011


Residential - Single Family 170 $33,558,700.80 Residential - Single Family 127 $24,511,435.00

Residential - Duplexes 3 $310,308.00 Residential - Duplexes 1 $167,000.00

Residential - Apartments 41 $4,183,869.94 Residential - Apartments 32 $16,754,701.00

Residential - Add/Alter/Reno 701 $5,495,190.83 Residential - Add/Alter/Reno 598 $4,559,297.00

Manufactured Homes 56 $1,136,640.00 Manufactured Homes 52 $1,496,695.00


Commercial - New Construction 69 $62,892,916.00 Commercial - New Construction 44 $37,740,764.00



Moving Permits 2 $0.00 Moving Permits 2 $0.00

Signs 139 $0.00 Signs 180 $0.00

TOTALS 1493 $119,346,345.35 TOTALS 1330 $101,853,865.00

City of Bryan - Building Report

FEBRUARY 2013 FEBRUARY 2012


Residential-Single Family 25 $4,633,676.00 Residential-Single Family 17 $2,638,786.00

Residentiql - New 2 Unit Bldgs 0 $0.00 Residential - New 2 Unit Bldgs 0 $0.00

Residential - New 3-4 Unit Bldgs 0 $0.00 Residential - New 3-4 Unit Bldgs 0 $0.00

Residential - New 5+ Unit Bldgs 0 $0.00 Residential - New 5+ Unit Bldgs 0 $0.00





Commercial - Add/Alter/Reno 11 $505,820.00 Commercial - Add/Alter/Reno 13 $583,463.00


Signs 17 $0.00 Signs 6 $0.00

TOTALS 127 $9,338,467.20 TOTALS 87 $17,103,218.72

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2013 JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2012

Permit Type Total Value Permit Type Total Value

Residential-Single Family 33 $6,289,036.00 Residential-Single Family 25 $4,392,554.00

Residential - New 2 Unit Bldgs 0 $0.00 Residential - New 2 Unit Bldgs 0 $0.00

Residential - New 3-4 Unit Bldgs 0 $0.00 Residential - New 3-4 Unit Bldgs 0 $0.00

Residential - New 5+ Unit Bldgs 1 $1,370,400.00 Residential - New 5+ Unit Bldgs 1 $291,200.00







Signs 38 $0.00 Signs 16 $0.00

TOTALS 233 $17,397,839.2 TOTALS 173 $21,420,869.04

Documents

April 2013