Building Officials Association of Texas 
1821 Rutherford Lane, Suite 400
Austin, Texas 78754-5128
512-231-7400 • Fax 512-231-7494 or 7495
An affiliate of the Texas Municipal League
Mission Statement
The Building Officials Association of Texas is dedicated to enhancing the professionalism of its members, advancing the standards of the building industry, and leading in the resolution of public policy issues.
FAQ
Question: 
Does your building department accept plans in a digitized format? If so, what format do you specify? Are digitized plans only accepted for certain types of permits? At what point in the plan review process do you require the submittal of digitized plans? 
Submitted by: Jeff Harrell, Building Official, City of Denton 

Answers:

Ralph M. McCain , Building Official, City of Odessa

The City of Odessa Building Inspection Division does not accept plans on digital format. We required a printed format which can be reviewed and marked as a city approved plan. This is so the inspectors examine the prints on site and move around the job site with an approved plan to examine construction details. 

We also examined additional problems with digital format. One concern was how to maintain a city approved drawing that could not be changed without city review and city approval. 

Russ Mower, Building Official, City of Plano

In Plano, we allow the submittal of digital files. We accept most CAD formats and we use software called Voloview to do the review. We had to install larger monitors so the plans examiners would not go blind reviewing the plans. We generally work with the architect on submittal guidelines and explain how our comments will appear on a secure CAD layer.

Ravi Shah Building Official City of Carrollton 

Carrollton has the ability to receive digital files. We require that all as-builts be provided in digital files for public improvements associated with private development. Though there is ability to receive all other permit plans digitally, we do not feel this is a cost effective method for plan review. 


Question: 
Currently, our sign ordinance does not allow temporary off site advertising signs. A group of realtors recently approached the Council, to ask us to loosen up on our ordinance and to allow some temporary “Open House” type signage. The Council has asked staff to work with the realtors and come back with a recommendation within the next 30 days. Could you please provide us with your regulations regarding this type of signage? 
Submitted by: Jeffrey Widmer, Director of Building Inspections and Code Enforcement / Building Official, City of Rockwall 

Answers:
Jim Olk, Building Official, City of Farmers Branch:
We allow "open house" signs to be placed at the corner of a block where a house is open for viewing during the weekend and one day during the week. 

Randy Childers, Program Administrator, City of Waco: 

There cannot be any temporary sign(s) (e.g., real estate, construction, political, etc.) located within 10' of the paved portion of the road. Signs relating to the sale or rental of property on which the sign is placed shall be subject to the following restrictions:

(1) In an R-1 or R-2 zoning district, such signs may not exceed six square feet in area or four feet in height, as measured from ground level. 

(2) In an R-3 zoning district, such signs may not exceed ten square feet in area or six feet in height, as measured from ground level. 

(3) In an O, C and M zoning district, such signs may not exceed 32 square feet in area or ten feet in height, as measured from ground level. 

Ravi Shah, Building Official, City of Carrollton: 

Sign Code does not allow off premises signage whether temporary or permanent. This would be more appropriate definition for billboards.