City could get new building codes by June

HARLINGEN — New residential and commercial building codes could change as soon as June 1.

City commissioners approved the first reading of an ordinance Wednesday that calls for the adoption of the 2006 version of the International Code Council construction codes.

Currently the city operates under the 2003 version. Only new construction would be affected.

Paul Menzies, director of development and planning, said builders and engineers will be notified about the upcoming changes by newsletter.

Builders currently working on a project under the 2003 codes will have the opportunity to finish the project in accordance to those codes.

If approved, all buildings larger than 5,000 square feet, those higher than three stories and those deemed assembly, such as night clubs, educational, such as schools, or institutional, such as hospitals, would require a design by a professional architect or engineer.

Also building permits would become invalid after 365 days of their issuance, or if the project authorized with such a permit is abandoned for 180 days.

Under current codes, permits are invalid after only 180 days. Extensions for permits under the new code would be good for 180 days.

Water heaters in garages, including gas, solid fuel and electric heaters, will have to be 18 inches off the garage floor to avoid any kind of ignition or explosion.

Weeds will not be allowed to grow in excess of 12 inches. Weeds are defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation but does not include cultivated flowers or gardens.

City commissioners tabled the issue of creating a city marshal position to help collect outstanding fines.

There are currently about $4.5 million in fines owed to the city.

Mayor Chris Boswell said City Commissioner Tom Hushen, who was absent from the meeting, had asked that the item be tabled until he could be present for discussion on the item.

Commissioners also approved the design and location for the construction of two landscape entry features for a “Welcome to Harlingen” sign.

Leadership Harlingen has been working on the beautification project since the adoption of the Harlingen 100 Plan.

One landscape entry feature will be located at Loop 499 and Rebel Drive and the other will be at Primera Road along Expressway 77.

Leadership Harlingen has been collecting funds and in-kind donations to construct one of the entry features and assist in the construction of the second. They hope to collect more donations for the project.