[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6501898,"mediaKeyId","5693933-aef4fb6a141f1302bc2e40efdcea8931","parentId",5693933,"title","Staff reports: flood mitigation open house turnout, and proposed budget boosts abatement line to about $25,000","audioSeconds",127,"startMs",194285,"endMs",321915,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5693933-aef4fb6a141f1302bc2e40efdcea8931&start=194&end=321","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5693933-aef4fb6a141f1302bc2e40efdcea8931/thumbnail_194285.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6501898/Bellaire/Harris-County/Texas/Staff-reports-flood-mitigation-open-house-turnout-and-proposed-budget-boosts-abatement-line-to-about-25000","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6501898-37b7f45c04860a0346ce828777f78b3a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437448&Signature=ZUkPGWK1G232oAFPZam7410qSAp5WMD09px2yiQk6TrChUo6vZP55l8iEVFKrKwAArpY342~4tB49gZA97txD-U440a5xGNle5EGf2cTJEAx5xBxX9ltQ~4PZak72PIHPg59UUzvsw03dpPhpz4NE3IWeoY-CH~6DoTyUlb9fjnfdDqKCyJy84qTxrue2wVJM7KGnCowXtEOU65BAIacyVgjjtyqjBCKKZWCm2LcFQgnhkRw3PSzjuwmuWT80a5PIkIQaIiboa~D63yM7hVYSxI4ZPbBC10LfD-u2~7np-g-Xi7ECKW0Itr3KmRkTHiI8bKOT7yAAjoz6iegU0wLHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Bellaire","date","2025-08-28T00:00:00Z","article","During staff reports at the Aug. 28 meeting, city staff said a flood mitigation task force open house earlier this month drew more than 30 residents and generated a “lively discussion” on long-standing flood concerns.

Commissioners thanked Nathan Wesley for joining the flood mitigation task force. In a separate budget update, staff said the proposed fiscal-year budget (the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1) increases the line item for substandard-structure abatement to about $25,000 from roughly $12,000 in the prior year to allow the city to address multiple abatement needs.

Staff explained the abatement budget must cover demolition, mowing and related enforcement costs; some additional padding was included in the proposed line item to handle unexpected issues (staff said the city can do two demolitions under the proposed level and have funds left over). The staff presentation noted abatement and demolition work can extend into the next fiscal year because of notice, utility disconnects and other procedural requirements.

Commissioners asked for the specific line-item number and whether taxes on affected properties are current; staff said they would follow up with precise tax and budget-line information. Staff also reported a recent case in which an abated beehive was taken to a rehabilitation farm and would be released back to the wild.

The commission took no direct formal action on the budget at the meeting; staff said the city council is expected to take final budget action on or around Sept. 15.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Bellaire - Building and Standards Commission","oneSentenceSummary","Commissioners heard staff reports that a flood mitigation task force open house drew more than 30 residents and that the proposed city budget raises the substandard-structure abatement line from about $12,000 to roughly $25,000 for the coming fiscal year.","taxTitle","Bellaire, Harris County, Texas","taxId",69496,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6501903,"Bellaire commission adopts revised rules: two-term limit, shorter public-comments and agenda reordering",512,2526805,3039515,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5693933-aef4fb6a141f1302bc2e40efdcea8931&start=2526&end=3039","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5693933-aef4fb6a141f1302bc2e40efdcea8931/thumbnail_2526805.jpg","/articles/6501903/Bellaire/Harris-County/Texas/Bellaire-commission-adopts-revised-rules-two-term-limit-shorter-public-comments-and-agenda-reordering","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6501903-f8175872b8ece121353e1f38c03ac245/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437448&Signature=LHzi4ZS8pRaQdsOTQuyjFGetho0SxcxdGZ-RSQ4azU3~ZuAu~KAjzbqBuo5bVFM4yBTh8~sW9KWX-bVkYJu7FbzXg1X0N7Ej9AWFkOc-Q2pU-oudDro~2HRRsrT92YIHiWWYf5fkOihq5eUbNfgw8M589RcPR1qNTf~JHBmEX0X9X88kLt4Z-edyN133weK4-QMdOqntwVg6o6aUHdZTJQEd67uJeVdlbbYD9YS~rwR-2S-8lncwZHnupAzGLMUYni5TfNalmqLSq277ZX5di4Vd4jngJ605eHGbDlBYxzcBcd33Npg4WkG700HP-Vtcjx7DZGLA1r9zJVdg~zQwGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bellaire Building Standards Commission voted unanimously Aug. 28 to adopt revisions to its rules of procedure that change membership terms, shorten public-comment time and alter the meeting agenda order.

Under the adopted changes, commissioners will be limited to no more than two consecutive terms (members may be reappointed after a break in service). The commission also reduced the standard public-comment allotment from six minutes to three minutes per speaker with the option for the commission to extend time in increments consistent with other commissions. The adopted agenda order places city council liaison reports immediately after approval and correction of minutes and moves public hearings to earlier in the agenda.

City staff said the changes were proposed to align the Building Standards Commission with other city commissions and to streamline meeting procedures. Commissioners discussed the practicality of the reduced speaking time and noted the chair retains discretion to extend remarks in two-minute increments if needed.

A motion to adopt the revised rules of procedure was moved, seconded and passed unanimously. Staff had circulated a color-coded draft prior to the meeting showing the wording changes.","The Building Standards Commission approved changes to its rules of procedure Aug. 28, reducing public-comment time, adding a two-consecutive-term limit for members and reordering meeting agenda items to add a city council liaison report after minutes.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6501908,"Building Standards Commission recommends city adopt 2024 International Codes and 2023 National Electrical Code",901,1605100,2506180,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5693933-aef4fb6a141f1302bc2e40efdcea8931&start=1605&end=2506","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5693933-aef4fb6a141f1302bc2e40efdcea8931/thumbnail_1605100.jpg","/articles/6501908/Bellaire/Harris-County/Texas/Building-Standards-Commission-recommends-city-adopt-2024-International-Codes-and-2023-National-Electrical-Code","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6501908-38d43b42d000ebc9fe3b961d6afb8be8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437448&Signature=hu6UQATHG5iUgu--6qUUtMvXE5GXJEZHIDeCa3VbMOafI7axD9A8rMk6wdjIDopk5zpJh6Zqik-HqVlfeDt4W-~FJ9Kca2vChugVpGtzg6SIkwPfSOon4XLTqFE7BW4LCjtXqCt0D0Euk61ehhYIKcKmA5zA6zolXoqNr3g~XwRnFO7H~PhzWwJEBMebVPrMAAcYdYso7W3UbC20t~mp6MmlGBGnPhZHbaz3ZTbmfqDBsGsHncmD36gndXsVcxoYu8bBPro5MyoCS4R-NR3yRFel~uUNmOAM9FvCWyoa2RYADsqqZ95YscsiI7iOq8gBa1LUDkUhCnM8J6vOlXsywA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bellaire Building Standards Commission on Aug. 28 voted to forward a recommendation to city council to adopt the 2024 International Codes and the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC).

Commission members and staff discussed the scope and implications of the new codes, including increased life-safety measures, changes to energy and drainage requirements and a trend toward more sprinkler requirements in some building types. A commission member noted that the codes evolve in response to incidents and that while some changes can be contentious they are intended to improve life-safety. “Sometimes a bit of knee-jerk reaction, but it grammars up with regards to fire life-safety issues,” one commissioner said while describing the history of code changes after notable fires.

Staff and commissioners also addressed public access to the code commentaries. The commission asked whether the city could make commentaries available for public review; staff said full commentaries are large and typically subject to copyright and that the city could consider purchasing hard copies, which would be a substantial expense. Staff estimated premium access to commentaries could cost on the order of several hundred dollars.

Commissioners asked about optional appendices (for example, EV charger and energy provisions) and were told the commission can propose post-adoption amendments or additions to address items such as EV requirements. Staff said adopting the 2024 codes brings Bellaire in line with recent code improvements in areas including wall drainage, crawl-space vapor barriers and energy conservation.

A motion to recommend that city council adopt the 2024 International Codes and the 2023 NEC was moved, seconded and passed by voice vote. Staff noted the council will hold its own public hearing on adoption and may return the package to the commission for further review if requested.","Bellaire’s Building Standards Commission voted Aug. 28 to recommend that city council adopt the 2024 International Codes and the 2023 National Electrical Code, and discussed commentary access and code implications including sprinkler and energy provisions.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":78,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6501913,"Commission orders demolition recommendation for 4618 Maple Street after flood damage, long vacancy",1073770,1586320,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5693933-aef4fb6a141f1302bc2e40efdcea8931&start=1073&end=1586","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5693933-aef4fb6a141f1302bc2e40efdcea8931/thumbnail_1073770.jpg","/articles/6501913/Bellaire/Harris-County/Texas/Commission-orders-demolition-recommendation-for-4618-Maple-Street-after-flood-damage-long-vacancy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6501913-73db9835071a08274f4524f936a2d415/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437448&Signature=aWUBQezTqGfO7ONnyOxlsSRLp3y0xItrAQ6M35QToJEkNEhcosp0i5pKNE1bHZ239nlEEdlYHlU7Qw6zRO7Sxd2Zke-PHDgCx7Qjr5Y5UrttXiTumjso45QOyp1zsLJSgK3d6~59mPSLtI3-KnTzbsx2KbP4TVgll-Xoc-wZFvagCbnR9GKs7kST3UVq1MfxS6oE-4UnAm8WWFRtsqtDnC5uXURGGDT5TVsOw8aZSfW-VxvX0w9DGAvL9NXL5PanRhc2W1vdz1zpoSeah7AExUvblU0pPf4CjFxsErYZshQdsEo7srfpxfMZtzQFneVcuL1LAZ7PBqap2HJA~xvJbg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bellaire Building Standards Commission voted Aug. 28 to authorize city staff to proceed with demolition of a substandard structure at 4618 Maple Street after staff documented flood damage, openings to the elements and repeated failure by the owner to follow through on a voluntary demolition plan.

Latrice, a city staff member, presented photographs showing soffit damage, open rear entries and interior water infiltration. Staff told the commission the property had flooded repeatedly during past storm events and that utility service had been disconnected since the flood period. “It doesn't appear as bad as [the Howard property], but it's been open, it's gone through two floods,” Latrice said.

Staff said there had been earlier conversations with the owner — including a verbal agreement to voluntarily demolish the structure six to eight months earlier — but the owner stopped responding and required the city to pursue the last-resort abatement path. The commission discussed the evidence of mold, feral cats and debris and concluded the building is open to vandalism and vermin.

A motion to recommend demolition was moved and seconded and passed unanimously. Staff reiterated that the city will place a lien for abatement costs and that notices required by law had been sent by certified mail and published in the Southwest News; staff said some return receipts were confirmed.

The commission also discussed whether a structural engineer was necessary; staff clarified the action is demolition authorization under code standards that list multiple possible findings (structural unsoundness, openings to the elements, vermin entry), and that demolition can proceed under those code criteria without a separate condemnation engineering report.

The commission recorded the unanimous vote and directed staff to proceed with the abatement schedule.","City staff and commissioners concluded that 4618 Maple Street is a hazard after flood damage, animal infestation and prolonged abandonment, and the Building Standards Commission voted to authorize demolition.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6501918,"Bellaire commission approves demolition of dilapidated house at 1202 Howard Lane",645,413485,1058520,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5693933-aef4fb6a141f1302bc2e40efdcea8931&start=413&end=1058","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5693933-aef4fb6a141f1302bc2e40efdcea8931/thumbnail_413485.jpg","/articles/6501918/Bellaire/Harris-County/Texas/Bellaire-commission-approves-demolition-of-dilapidated-house-at-1202-Howard-Lane","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6501918-7158cc9dc6ef66724b7cc66b6f5f2132/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437448&Signature=NbUgj8WEPRtZ38IPcD84Ibx6Dj4dBbKgzDOb3TpxmAgHaQXrEK4HiqPGZKuJ1mpTfzvWqkKFbswCXIXqpNrTASPvnhb4W3dtlCqy0ke7vDob8VZeQ7DdeG9NI0xtBfqSgDjhO2Gx-7a2KfFgZFFul-b4skoUVeF1jW5GQ6KtSXKPWB-urU777Zex3AdFqdXm6XInbky5QfRDvP2rPDwTmV5Sks5ffheWne4OlUmy~VoPAAENiGv5rR0wrwiInU7reHgZBGL-XWGisE4QfHCTjrzwlx6zZ374XSooZY4WSY-LgqxgwTbBJ4sP~9xOzelWiiVqSHsLg2hK9uAPPw2dgw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bellaire Building Standards Commission voted unanimously Aug. 28 to recommend city staff demolish a derelict house at 1202 Howard Lane after finding the structure open to the elements and its owner unresponsive.

City staff presented photographs showing peeling veneers, open windows and tree damage, and said the house has been deteriorating for years. Latrice, a city staff member, told the commission she first encountered the property in 2021 when two elderly residents still lived there and that subsequent attempts to secure assistance from social groups were unsuccessful. “This is not something that can be fixed,” Latrice said during the hearing.

Commissioners discussed repair, securing and demolition options. Staff said securing the property would amount to major repair because veneers and exterior elements are failing and the house is “open to further deterioration.” The commission discussed the process for abatement, including certified mail notice, newspaper publication in the Southwest News and multiple attempts to contact owners; staff said at least one notice had a confirmed receipt.

A motion to authorize demolition was moved and seconded and passed unanimously. Staff explained the city will place a lien on the property to recover demolition and abatement costs, and that interest may be charged on that lien. Staff also said the city will follow required procedures to notify owners and provide an opportunity to abate before demolition occurs.

The commission noted neighboring properties appear maintained and that the derelict structure has attracted vermin and could present hazards in future wind events. The demolition recommendation will be implemented by city staff under the building standards process; final collection of abatement costs depends on sale or transfer of the property.

The commission moved on to other agenda items after the vote.","The Bellaire Building Standards Commission voted unanimously Aug. 28 to authorize city staff to demolish a substandard structure at 1202 Howard Lane after finding the building unsafe and the owner nonresponsive.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Staff reports: flood mitigation open house turnout, and proposed budget boosts abatement line to about $25,000

Bellaire commission adopts revised rules: two-term limit, shorter public-comments and agenda reordering

Building Standards Commission recommends city adopt 2024 International Codes and 2023 National Electrical Code

Commission orders demolition recommendation for 4618 Maple Street after flood damage, long vacancy

Bellaire commission approves demolition of dilapidated house at 1202 Howard Lane