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Continued from page 8


Background on Design Values


The last major change for visually graded dimension lumber occurred in 1991 when design values for Southern Pine and other North American species were published based on In-Grade testing of full-size samples of commercially produced lumber. Since 1994, SPIB has conducted an annual resource monitoring program developed in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Products Laboratory (FPL).


SPIB is the first rules-writing agency to publish new design values. Rules-writing agencies responsible for other species are in different stages for evaluating design values. SFPA does not test lumber or establish design values. SFPA’s primary function is to market lumber products and to help users understand Southern Pine grading rules and design values. Complete information is available at www.southernpine.com.


In-Town Builders


The GHBA is actively working on demonstrating support for Chapter 42 with the In-Town Task group. The City has provided notice for a series of four public meetings on the proposed changes. There have been three critical public meetings held already, and many of our members have demonstrated their support and testified on behalf of the GHBA. The GHBA is fully in support of the extension of the urban boundary to Beltway 8.


The final, and likely the most important, meeting will be held March 8 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Trini Mendenhall SOSA Community Center, 1414 Wirt, Houston, TX 77055.


Please join the In-Town Task Group to support your industry colleagues and help make Houston the best place in the country to live. Email myancey@ghba.org for information and talking points.


For information on Chapter 42, visit the City of Houston’s Planning Department at: www.houstontx.gov/planning/ DevelopRegs/dev_regs_links.html.


There you will find information on: „ Proposed Changes To Chapter 42 „ Presentation to the Community


„ Notice of Community Meetings on Chapter 42


„ Summary of changes to Chapter 42 „ Proposed ordinance


„ Proposed ordinance related to minimum lot size/building line


10


Texas Redistricting Primary Likely in Late May


The March Primary incurred its second primary delay as a U.S. Appeals Court Judge Jerry Smith told party leaders last month to instruct candidates and their campaigns to plan as if May 29 would be the primary date, though he didn’t officially set the date.


The federal courts must redraw the maps created by the Republican-controlled Legislature because of two parallel lawsuits that have yet to be resolved. If Texas makes any changes to electoral law, it must be approved either by the Department of Justice or the federal court in Washington. A three judge panel in Washington declined to approve the redistricting maps and the justice department said they discriminated against minorities. Texas has 155 delegates, second only to California.


The HOME-PAC is instrumental in this upcoming statewide election and will be making decisions to support candidates. For more information on HOME-PAC, please contact Donna Buenik at dbuenik@ ghba.org. To register to vote, please visit www.votexas.org.


The GHBA is actively engaged in government affairs with the local municipalities around Houston and the greater area counties, as well as at the national level. If you become aware of an issue or item of interest, please contact Maggie Yancey, Government Affairs and Communications Specialist at myancey@ ghba.org or call (281)-970-8970 ext 142.


MARCH 2012 | HOUSTON BUILDER | GREATER HOUSTON BUILDERS ASSOCIATION – BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE


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