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 …
2021: Government Affairs Year in Review
As we anticipate a new calendar year, it is only natural to reflect on and evaluate what has happened over the last 12 months. The first question is always, “where did the time go?” It …
Special Session Number Two Concludes, Third Special Session Begins
As you may have seen on the news, the Texas Legislature has been in session for most of the summer. That said, it wasn’t until late August before they actually began hearing and debating legislation. …
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 …
COH Planning Department Recordation Appointment Change
For all Plat Tracker applicants, the Planning Department is aware of the extended wait times for scheduling recordation appointments on TimeTap. In an effort to address the issue and improve customer service, the Planning Department …
Texas Legislative Session is Over… for Now
Texas Legislature Adjourns Sine Die On January 12 at noon, members of the Texas Senate and House of Representatives gathered in their respective chambers at the Capitol in Austin to convene the 87th legislative session. …
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 …
City of Houston Adopts Water & Wastewater Impact Fees
Last month, the Houston City Council adopted new water and wastewater impact fees that will be effective on July 1, 2021. Impact fees are charged to developers before a newly developed property can connect to …
The GHBA Goes to Rally Day
On Tuesday, April 13, GHBA members participated in COVID-19’s version of the Texas Association of Builders’ Rally Day in Austin. With health and safety protocols still the highest priority and wanting to be a responsible …
City of Houston Adopts New Detention Requirements, Effective April 1
(Updated March 15, 2021) 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 …
CenterPoint Slab Requirement Change
After a thorough review of CenterPoint Energy’s current policy requiring a slab prior to the installation of the joint trench, the company will no longer consider a home start as a prerequisite for a final …
Texas Adopts 2020 National Electrical Code
On June 30, 2020 the Texas Commission on Licensing and Regulation adopted the 2020 NEC as the electrical code for the state of Texas and established it as the “minimum standard” for all electrical work …
HOME-PAC Election Recap
While the race for the presidency is still undetermined, we do have positive results for a number of races that were of great importance to HOME-PAC and our Houston region. With a highly anticipated blue …
USACE Releases Buffalo Bayou Study Interim Report
Last month, the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) released an interim draft of its Buffalo Bayou and Tributaries Resiliency Study. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the current conditions of Buffalo …