THE HOME BUILDER
October 2023
Page Two
The HomeFront Government Affairs News and Info
David Lehde Director of Government Affairs
Dallas BA Keeps Sights on Fall Advocacy
is concerned with a requirement that enforces lot widths. The Texas Local Government Code only allows a county to adopt reasonable lot standards for minimum lot frontages on existing county roads. However, the county’s regulation contains language that could give broader application. The Association has sought clarification from the county. Builders and developers who observe area counties and municipali- ties introducing regulations that may be in response to recently passed state legislation are encouraged to contact the Association. The next Government Relations Committee meeting is Oct. 19. Until then, please register for the HOMEPAC Shootout. It will be a good way to relax and help take aim on advocacy. Save the Date
maximum on impervious coverage per single-family lot. Early presentations have included recommendations for a maximum of 40%. Without an excep- tion for flatwork, such a requirement could be a deal breaker for both infill builders and new developments. Dallas BA presented preliminary concerns about the concept earlier this year, including that such a pro- posal could disproportionately impact smaller lots, and as a result, lower income neighborhoods. Builders of townhomes would find it difficult to comply with just 50% impervious cov- erage maximums if such an ordinance is not drafted very carefully. The Association also voiced concern over what would qualify as permeable coverage, as well as provi- sions that would impact setbacks and garage locations. The requirement is currently proposed for the front yard of lots. In Northlake, an ordinance re- sulting in a $1,000 fee related to the application for a release from the town’s extraterritorial jurisdiction was approved by the town’s council on Sept. 14. Dallas BA opposed the ordinance due to the impact that type of fee could introduce to housing af- fordability, especially for families who may choose to build a home on their own land. Northlake has indicated that the ordinance is in response to recent law enacted after the approval of Senate Bill 2038 during the recent Texas legislative session. That bill made significant changes to the laws related to property located in a city’s ETJ, offering the process for an owner of land in that ETJ to petition to have the property released. At the Association’s urging, the town council did provide information
that any fee resulting from the ordi- nance was not calculated based on the costs related to any possible election process. Dallas BA had reminded the council that the state statute requires that the municipality shall pay for the costs of holding an election that is ordered on the question of whether to release an area from said municipal- ity’s ETJ. After Dallas BA requested clari- fication regarding the services being provided that would result in the fee, the town offered that it was in rela - tion to the costs to verify the property ownership and the changing of the town’s maps. We will continue to monitor this issue in Northlake and other areas. Builders and developers in Gray- son County should be aware of the county’s recent amendments to its subdivision regulations. Dallas BA
Take Aim on Advocacy
The Association’s HOMEPAC Shootout, presented by BGE, Inc., is Oct. 12 and the deadline to register is Friday, Oct. 6. If you are interested in entering a team, you should send in your registration now. The HOMEPAC Shootout, which will be hosted at Elm Fork Shooting Sports in Dallas, ben- efits both HOMEPAC of Greater Dal - las and the Association’s Issues Fund. Registration for the event in- cludes breakfast, lunch, beverages, tar- get clays and the range fee. The event kicks off at 8 a.m. with breakfast and registration, with competition begin- ning at 9 and wrapping up with lunch and awards about noon time. Registration and partner informa- tion can be found in the event listing under the calendar at www.Dallas- Builders.org. The 2023-24 cycle for HOME- PAC of Greater Dallas began on Oct. 1. Members who invested at the club level are encouraged to renew at that level or even consider moving up. Association members who have not participated should really consider do- ing so. The reality is, if you’re in busi- ness these days, you’re in politics. For more information about HOMEPAC of Greater Dallas and the HOMEPAC Shootout, contact the Association’s Director of Government Affairs at David.Lehde@DallasBuilders.com. We expect a very busy upcoming election year, both at the local and state government levels, so it is important we are loaded up and ready to support our industry’s advocacy efforts. The City of Dallas is in the early phases of discussing proposed ordinance language related to imper- vious coverage. This would include a Be Aware
Presented by
Benefiting the Dallas BA’s HOMEPAC Thursday, October 12, 2023 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Elm Fork’s Woods & Meadows courses. Individual Shooter* – $150 Team of Four Shooters* – $600 Registration fees include breakfast, lunch, beverages, 100 sporting clay targets and range fee. Shooters must bring their own shotgun (12 or 20 gauge), ammo (100 rounds) and eye and ear protection. Elm Fork’s Pro Shop has shot - guns for rent and ammo for purchase if needed. *Only PERSONAL or NON-CORPORATE checks or charg - es may be accepted by HOMEPAC of Greater Dallas. REGISTER
The Home Builder is published monthly by the Dallas Builders Association at 5816 W. Plano Pkwy., Plano, Texas 75093. Telephone 972-931-4840. BARCIE VILCHES, Editor
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