mbx

A few notes. With the IH45N expansion, TXDOT currently has plans to completely demolish North St bridge. Nothing will be put up in its place. Sad.

Anyone go to the meeting with HPD and constables regarding WOMH yesterday?

Turner says he will investigate loophole.

Quote

The developers "have taken advantage of a loophole that is existing," Turner said Tuesday. "We need to balance what the developer is doing and the concerns from the people in the neighborhood.

Crappy writing from Chron authors as always: http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/real-estate/article/Mayor-promises-to-investigate-the-White-Oak-Music-7377654.php

2 minutes ago, rbarz said:

You barely need plans if you're doing a renovation.  Basically Any plans you submit are good enough if you're the homeowner.  I've hand drawn plans on a sheet of paper in front of the planning guy before. 

 

It's a bit different if it's a big addition.... 

Extensive gut job. Replacing plumbing, electrical, adding hvac, changing flow everywhere. 

2 hours ago, UtterlyUrban said:

I don't mean to be snarky.  But, the work you are doing is really the responsibility of the professional(s) you are paying.  

 

 

29 minutes ago, mollusk said:

You can put pulling the permits within the scope of your agreement with your local contractor.  

 

As far as applicable codes go, I'm a bit surprised that an architect or engineer would have difficulty finding them - they're all on the city website (as is very often the case).  They'll need to be aware that the Houston Residential Building Code is based on the residential IBC, but it's got a ton of modifications unique to Houston (as do the Houston versions of the other types of building code).

This is being done as a favor so I aimed to make it as easy on them as possible. Though I think it might be wise to hire someone familiar with Houston Building Codes to do the initial plans. 

I did find sample drawings here: https://www.houstonpermittingcenter.org/code-enforcement/publications.html/#drawings

Building codes: https://www.houstonpermittingcenter.org/code-enforcement/publications.html/#houston

I'm working with an out-of-state architect and engineer for a home renovation project. They are unaware of Houston's permitting process. I found the IBC codes. They've asked for some sample plans. How many plans do I need? As-built, demo, etc?

I've contacted Houston Permitting Center but no one knew how to help. I just kept getting pinged around from department to department. 

Thanks in advance.

1 hour ago, enriquewx91 said:

That's odd... Does the stage face the neighborhood? 

The outdoor stage faces northeast towards Main St. (away from Woodland Heights and towards the Glen Park and North Main subdivisions).

The concert was awesome and organized quite well. As a former sound engineer, I thought the levels inside the venue were perfect. Only problems I heard were an issue with cars getting stuck in gravel and some not allowed back-in after thinking there was re-entry.

Houston Press's review is spot on: http://www.houstonpress.com/music/if-m83-is-any-indication-white-oak-music-hall-has-a-bright-future-8314372. 

The exit music sounded faint walking over the North St bridge back towards Woodland Heights. Don't think it will be an issue on that side. Curious to know how the sound fared in Glen Park.

I learned today from hearsay that WHCA has already petitioned the city for residential permit parking in Germantown. There is also talk of converting the North St bridge for pedestrian use only when the i-45 expansion begins. 

19 minutes ago, kylejack said:

Similarly, choosing to buy a house with no garage doesn't give the homeowner the right to banish all cars from public property such as a street.

Fully agree with you. Only noted how it can be an inconvenience to people who already live there and didn't have the foresight to realize they would have the shell out beaucoup money for a new garage because street parking is no longer available to them. 

People do however have the right to shape the character of their neighborhood as they see fit. It's not uncommon for neighborhoods to strategically add stop signs and speed bumps to slow or divert traffic, or worse, petition the city and wrecker lobbies to enforce residential permit parking.

1 hour ago, Texasota said:

I don't understand "my street will be full of cars" as a complaint. It's a public street; that's where cars belong. 

I do understand if drunken people are obnoxious in front of your house, but they really shouldn't be driving anyway...

Not sure what the solution is other than continuing to increase density and improve transit. Maybe some kind of program to encourage people to use Uber?

 

Of course, it's fair for others to use a public street. But it's also a fair concern for homeowners who don't want to live on a crowded street or major thoroughfare. Many homes in that area don't have garages so street parking is the only option. I'm sure you'll agree that it would be majorly annoying for a homeowner to park a few blocks away because his/her street is filled with cars from people who don't live in the neighborhood. Passing cars also add to noise pollution. 

I've read that there are talks of closing the North St bridge during events to reduce traffic in Germantown. Hope the proposed shuttle will be a good fix. 

I'm within walking distance myself and really hope the north/main area takes off. M83 is a nice choice for WOMH's first outdoor concert. Happy to have my tickets.

Noise won't be so much of an issue as traffic and parking will. Wonder if car break-ins and other crimes will increase as a result. 

Anyone planning to go to the concert? Would be great if it is done well without disturbing the surrounding neighborhoods too much. 

(First post on HAIF btw)