General Appeals Board
Department of Public Works and Engineering
3300 Main Street, 2nd Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Contact: Robert Buck
Phone: (713) 535-7580 Fax: (713) 535-7580
Email: Robert.buck@cityofhouston.net
Updated as of: 6/8/2010
LEGAL AUTHORITY FOR CREATION AND OPERATION(City)
The City of Houston Amendments to the 2003 International Building Code – Chapter 1, Administration, Sections 112.1 – 112.4, effective January 4, 2006.
GENERAL POWER AND DUTIES
1. To interpret the provisions of the Building Code in appeals of decisions by the Building Official.
2. To settle possible jurisdictional disputes between Plumbing, Electrical and Air Conditioning Appeals Boards.
3. To determine the suitability of alternative types of construction other than those relating to Air Conditioning, Plumbing and Electrical.
4. To make recommendations to the Mayor for amendments to the City of Houston Building Code.
MEETING TIME AND LOCATION
Meetings are held the fourth Thursday of the month; 3300 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Houston.
COMPOSITION
TOTAL: 10 members
The positions shall be filled as follows (appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council):
Position 1: By an architect registered as such under the laws of the State of Texas who shall be actively engaged in the practice of architecture of heavy construction works.
Position 2: By an architect registered as such under the laws of the State of Texas who shall be actively engaged in the practice of architecture of residential works.
Position 3: By a professional engineer registered as such under the laws of the State of Texas who shall be actively engaged in practice as a structural engineer.
Position 4: By a professional engineer registered as such under the laws of the State of Texas who shall be actively engaged in practice as a mechanical engineer.
Position 5: By a person who shall be actively engaged in the business of residential construction.
Position 6: By a person who shall be actively engaged in the business of general contracting of heavy construction work.
Position 7: By a well-respected citizen of the jurisdiction who shall be chairperson of the Board.
Position 8: By the Building Official of the City of Houston or duly authorized representative, who shall also serve as secretary of the Board, serving ex officio.
Position 9: By the Fire Marshal of the City of Houston or duly authorized representative serving ex officio
Position 10: By a professional engineer registered as such under the laws of the State of Texas who is actively engaged in practice as an electrical engineer.
NOTE: The City of Houston Legal Department shall have an attorney present for each Board meeting. The attorney shall advise the board on legal matters relative to topics under the Board's authority.
COMPENSATION: Each member of the Board shall be compensated at the rate of $50.00 per diem for each meeting the member attends at which a quorum is present; provided, however, no member shall be paid for more than three meetings in any one month. A City of Houston employee member of the Board shall be paid only for those meetings that the employee attends at which a quorum is present that are held outside of or continue beyond the employee's working hours.
QUORUM: Five members at a meeting shall constitute a quorum.
TERM: Serve for a term of two years. The terms of office for the appointees to Positions one, three, five and seven shall expire on the second day of January of each odd-numbered year, and terms of office for the appointees to Positions two, four, six and ten shall expire on the second day of January of each even-numbered year; however, each member shall continue in office until the member’s respective successor is appointed and qualified.
CHAIRPERSON: The Mayor appoints chairperson who shall reside in Position seven.
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY
Entity is NOT included in the financial reporting for the City of Houston.
MEMBER LIST