Legislative Process Now in Session
Prefiling bills for the 88th Texas Legislative Session began Nov. 14, but the session officially kicked off Jan. 10, 2023. DSD staff will be monitoring proposed bills and working closely with the Government Affairs Department to determine support or opposition. The deadline for filing is scheduled for Mar. 10 and the session will conclude May 29.  For the 87th Session, our department tracked close to 100 bills.

2021 UDC Codes Now in Effect
The newly adopted 2021 Unified Development Code (UDC) updates took effect on Jan. 1, 2023.  Staff is working to incorporate the 191 amendments into Municode, the online site for the city’s municipal codes. The ordinance adopting the new UDC can be viewed by visiting our webpage or clicking here.

2021 I-Codes and 2020 NEC Start in February
The new 2021 building-related codes are effective starting Feb. 1, 2023, while the San Antonio Property Maintenance Code goes into effect Feb. 9. For more information on the code updates, visit our website. 

Sign Code Community Meetings 
The Signs and Billboard Ordinance is Ch. 28 of the municipal code and is updated every 5 years. Throughout January, DSD held community meetings to discuss a proposal of changing painted (static) billboards into digital ones. The Committee will continue to meet in order to finalize the proposed amendments for City Council consideration.

One Stop HVAC Repair Project Underway! 
Depending on where you work at the One Stop, it’s likely that you’ve thought either “it’s too hot!” or “it’s so cold!” Fret no more! Development Services has partnered with Building & Equipment Services (BES) and L.C. Mosel Co. to repair the facility’s existing aging HVAC system.  

Nearly twenty years ago, City staff moved into the facility named after prominent home builder and well-known civic and political leader Cliff Morton to enhance customer services and better serve the development community by providing a “One Stop” location that consolidated multiple development-related departments and agencies. The building is approximately 75,000 square feet – and while the number of customers visiting us has been impacted by the pandemic and the rollout of our e-business model through Accela, we average about 350 customers a day. In addition, we have converted many spaces to offices and cubicles throughout both floors, with space for over 300 staff.  

The planned upgrades will improve temperature controls and air quality throughout the entire building and ensure the system is heated and cooled with energy efficiency in mind. 

The first phase of this project began during the winter holiday break in limited areas on the first floor, with the project ramping up in a few weeks and estimated to be completed by April 2023, based on current project schedules.  

Coordination efforts are conducted in partnership with BES, contractors and the project design team, along with DSD Plan Review and Inspections staff to keep disruption of operations to a minimum. Communications will be sent out frequently regarding current and future work areas. 

SABCA Registration is now open!
DSD will host the Winter San Antonio Building Codes Academy (SABCA) training sessions in February. All training will be in-person from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hardberger Park, Urban Ecology Center in Gathering Hall, located at 8400 NW Military Highway, San Antonio, Tx. 78231. The course schedule is as follows:

2021 International Building Code (IBC) Means of Egress (6-Hours)
Dates: Feb. 21 & 22

One- and Two-Family Dwelling Electrical Systems (6-Hours)
Dates: Feb. 23 & 24

Each course will be offered twice and will generate six (6) Continuing Education Units (.6 CEUs). 

Registration closes on Feb. 17. Be sure to get supervisor approval prior to signing up. To register, click here.

For questions, please contact Amanda Quijano or visit the SABCA website for more information.   

To view the video, click here!

Spend Your 2022 Health Care FSA $$$ Before It’s Too Late!  ​
If you contributed to a 2022 Health Care FSA, whatever money isn’t spent on eligible health care services by March 15 and submitted for reimbursement by March 31 will be lost. Click here for the Health Care FSA Reimbursement Form. 

To view a list of items that can and can’t be purchased using your Health Care FSA funds, view the eligible expenses list. Generally permitted expenses include acupuncture, bandages, breast pump and supplies, crutches, contact lens solution, dental treatment, diabetes care accessories, eyeglasses, guide dog or other service animal, hearing aids, prosthesis, and wheelchair. Non-eligible expenses are babysitting, cosmetic surgery, diaper service, electrolysis, hair transplant, health club dues, insurance premiums, maternity clothes, nutritional supplements, teeth whitening, toothbrush / toothpaste, and veterinary fees.

Note: This message doesn’t apply to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

Do You Have a Will? Need help to get one done?
Most know a will is important, but many put off writing one. While it may seem like a will won’t be needed anytime soon, planning for the future will be appreciated by your loved ones left behind. 

When making your will, consider the tips below:  

• Clearly define your beneficiaries. Include their full legal names, addresses and social security numbers. 
• Remember the law typically favors the current spouse. If you want others to inherit, including children from a prior relationship or extended family, make it clear in the will. 
• Appoint the executor, and guardian for minor children. Choose someone you trust to be honest and fair. 
• Once you have a will, keep it in a safe location. Make sure to tell the executor of its location so your wishes are followed. 
• Update your will periodically to care for life events like changes to your estate, getting married or divorced, or if you have a child. It is important to make sure your will reflects such changes.   

Having a will is a critical step to safeguarding your family’s future, and Deer Oaks can help. This service offers employees online access to legal resources like the interactive online Simple Will preparation. Other services include unlimited telephonic consultation with a plan attorney; free 30-minute in-person consultation; 25% discount on hourly attorney fees if representation is required; and access to state agencies to obtain birth certificates and other records.   

Deer Oaks is free of charge, and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. All sessions are confidential. For more information, visit www.deeroaks.com (sign up with your COSA login and password) or call (210) 615-8880. 

Have questions about the EAP benefit? Contact the Employee Wellness group at 207-WELL (9355).

Help Spread the Word: DSD is Hiring! 
Please check the City Career Center website for upcoming job opportunities. If you know someone who might be a great addition to our department, encourage them to check out our available career opportunities at sanantonio.gov/careers.     

For an easy submittal when completing an EnCORE card, please use Internet Explorer.