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 …
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 …
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 …
City of Houston to Require Floodplain Identification on General Plans
Starting on July 24, 2020, the City of Houston Planning Department will require that the 100-year, 500-year floodplains and floodway be identified on all general plans submitted to the department with the Plat Tracker application. …
Updated TDI Windstorm Code Effective Date Delayed Until Sept 1, 2020
The Texas Department of Insurance released an emergency rule on April 3, 2020 which postpones the effective date of the updated TDI windstorm code to September 1, 2020. Beginning September 1, 2020, the 2018 windstorm …
Coronavirus Could Affect OSHA Compliance on Home Building Sites
Source: National Association of Home Builders The effects of the COVID-19 illness associated with a new coronavirus have already proven to be extraordinarily broad, ranging from the obvious strain on countries’ healthcare systems to a …
EPA Releases Final Navigable Waters Protection Rule
In late January, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army published the final Navigable Waters Protection Rule to define “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) in the Clean Water Act (CWA). …
Government Affairs/Volume Builders Meeting on Dec. 10
The GHBA’s Government Affairs and Volume Builders Committees will hold a joint meeting on Tuesday, December 10 at 11:30 a.m. in the GHBA boardroom. This meeting will cover a wide variety of topics both at …
Harris County Issues Clarification on Development Regulations
In June, Harris County adopted new drainage and floodplain management regulations, as well as new development requirements based on the updated Atlas 14 study of historical rainfall data. At the time the GHBA, along with …
EPA Repeals 2015 Waters of the U.S. Rule
Last month, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) repealed the 2015 joint Clean Water Act (CWA) “Waters of the U.S.”(WOTUS) definition and rule. That rule would have dramatically expanded jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act and …
New State Laws Effective September 1
The 86th Texas Legislature has come to a close with hundreds of bills signed into law. Here are three that should be on your radar as a Texas homebuilding professional. House Bill 2439 by Representative …
City of Houston Announces Green Infrastructure Incentives
Last summer, the GHBA along with other development and community stakeholders were invited to participate and contribute in the process to develop the City of Houston’s Green Stormwater Incentives to encourage the use of green …