City Council Updates City Construction Standards

By George Slaughter

The City of Katy recognized the 25th anniversary of the Katy Star of Destiny Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Monday night at City Hall. Pictured, left to right, are Mayor Chuck Brawner, Stephanie Kinghorn, and Adrienne Danke – George Slaughter photo

The Katy City Council Monday night passed an ordinance to update city construction standards by adopting the 2015 International Building Codes and the 2017 National Electrical Code.

The ordinance goes into effect January 1.

In a note to the council urging adoption of the updated codes, Building and Standards Commission Chairman Ricky Burch wrote that many of the code revisions allow “for the most flexibility to builders while at the same time decreasing building costs. In numerous instances, codes have been upgraded by the International Code Council for life- safety reasons. In addition, updating the codes will allow for the deletion of several local amendments from the City’ s ordinance since those amendments are already addressed under the International Codes or the National Electrical Code.”

The city had been operating under the 2012 International Codes and the 2011 National Electrical Code. The commission on October 11 held a public hearing about making the changes, and gave its unanimous recommendation of approval.

The changes have no fiscal impact to the city.

In other action, the council:

  • Recognized winners of the art and cooking competitions at the recently-held Katy Rice Festival.
  • Presented a proclamation recognizing the 25th anniversary of Katy’s Star of Destiny Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution.
  • Presented a Katy Proud Business Award, from Keep Katy Beautiful, to Colburn and Angie McClellan, of Willie Burger and Crown Pizza, at Tiger Square Plaza, 6191 Highway Blvd.
  • Reviewed the city’s bank statement and check register through August 31.
  • Approved minutes for the August 24, August 17, September 4, September 10, and September 14 meetings.
  • Approved two final plats for Cane Island in Waller County.
  • Adopted a resolution that approves an agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for the temporary closure of portions of State Highway 90, FM 1463, and Katyland Drive for the annual Katy Independent School District FFA Parade, which is set for February 16, 2019.
  • Adopted a resolution that authorizes city administrator Byron Hebert to enter into a financing agreement with Government Capital Corporation to procure vehicles and related equipment for various departments.
  • Appointed Jason Ward to succeed Dan Burris on the city’s planning and zoning commission.