The Greater Houston Builders Association is delighted to announce that we have a new member of our team. Sara Alhalabi joined GHBA in October as the Government Affairs Coordinator. She works closely with Director of …
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. …
Houston Land Bank Opens RFQ for Builders and Developers to Acquire Property
The Houston Land Bank (HLB) is requesting Statements of Qualifications (RFQ), now through September 20, from builders/developers wishing to acquire land from the HLB for development or redevelopment under their traditional program. This qualification process …
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 …
Understanding Land Use Updates in the 2020 National Green Building Standard
Source: National Association of Home Builders The ICC 700-2020 National Green Building Standard® (NGBS), released in spring 2020, updated two key sections that should be bookmarked for home builders engaged in land use and housing …
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 …
GHBA Announces New Executive Vice President and CEO, Aimee Bertrand
The GHBA is pleased to announce that Aimee Bertrand has been named the new executive vice president and CEO of the association, effective January 4, 2021. She will oversee the executive management and daily operations …
Contact 811 Before Building That Fence
Did you know that fence builders are required to contact 811 at least 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) prior to installing a fence? While the common misconception about 811 is it’s only for large-scale …