THE HOME BUILDER
September 2024
Page Two
The HomeFront Government Affairs News and Info
David Lehde Director of Government Affairs
Local Regulatory Updates, Election Season & a Date You Need to Save
Rally Day 2025
requirements with the city.
as current yield on market rent units in Denton may not be enough to offset a large percentage of discounted afford - able units. Dallas BA will look to offer rec - ommendations in an effort to help the City of Denton keep affordability in housing. There are multiple avenues to address affordability in the develop - ment of multifamily homes. Dallas BA advocacy was success - ful in addressing cost challenges that result from the City of Dallas’ infill fire hydrant requirements. Changes in design goals by the city were headed in a direction that would have seen builders, and ultimately the home- buyer, paying for new fire hydrants when building on an existing lot in developed neighborhoods that have the service of the city’s existing hydrants and fire service. Dallas BA voiced our concern that it was inappropriate to force the cost of an improvement of a city ser - vice to be carried by one homeowner. The cost for installing an additional hydrant that would also be designated to service other surrounding homes is considerably higher than some may think. After hearing from the Dallas BA and some long discussion, city staff notified the Association in August that if the city code allows for Dallas Water Utilities to design and install a hydrant, then the city covers the cost. If the city does not allow for the department to process the design and install, then the hydrant will be de- signed and installed at the customer’s expense via a private development contract. Most infill projects should be covered; however, builders are advised to confirm their particular project’s
As we move into the “ember” months there is plenty for members to remain aware of on the regulatory calendar. Municipal Regulatory Update In Denton, following the Coun- cil’s approval of the new roadway impact fees at a much lower rate than originally proposed, thanks to the advocacy efforts of Dallas BA staff and members, discussion about new water and wastewater impact fees began in July. The fee study shows that the maximum assessable water impact fees in two of the three service areas will have significant increases, while the maximum assessable wastewater impact fees more than doubles in one service area and nearly triples in another. The city currently has a target of mid-October for a public hearing before the City Council, when the rate per home will be decided. Denton is also looking over a proposed affordability incentive amendment. Dallas BA offered our preliminary comments and concerns to city staff in August. The concept, to this point, is focused mainly on multifamily projects with promoted tradeoffs to help provide more afford - able units. However, Dallas BA is concerned that, based on what has been presented thus far, the incentives may not be enough to offset the increased cost of building the proposed denser product when considering the loss of needed market rent income. Having fewer market rent units to help fund the proposed type of product could result in the city seeing fewer applications for the incentive,
Save Feb. 11, 2025, on your calendar for Dallas BA’s biggest grass- roots advocacy event focused on state government. Rally Day will provide Dallas BA members the opportunity to visit the Texas Capitol in Austin to meet with our service area’s State Sena - tors and Representatives in the Texas Legislature. This is our time to impress upon them the economic benefit home build - ing brings to Texas, and the need for a regulatory environment that protects the availability of housing. More information, including how to register, available partnerships, and travel (via charter bus), will be provided as we get closer to the end of the year. Our members have enjoyed this event for many sessions as it also pro - vides a front row view to the Legisla - ture and an opportunity for fellowship with fellow members. “Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.” – George Washington in letter to Major General Philip Schuyler, August 20, 1775
Celina has invited the Dallas BA to sit as a stakeholder in third party meetings that are intended to take industry input in hopes of making Celina’s development and permitting services more efficient. The Associa - tion will join multiple home builders who will offer ideas on how to provide a smooth process. Dallas BA had already partici- pated in regular stakeholder meetings with the city where both the city and the industry benefited from a focus on best practices. Election Season Members should keep Nov. 5 in mind. That is the general election day when voters across the Lone Star State will head to the polls to make their voices heard via their vote for county, state and federal offices. The last day to register to vote will be Oct. 7. Early voting will begin on Oct. 21 and run through Nov. 1; with the final opportunity to vote be - ing Nov. 5. You can find more details on election dates, how to find your polling place and other related information, at votetexas.gov .
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
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker