Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Swimming Pool Wetland Setback Encroachment Update

For many years, Hillsborough County has routinely administratively granted wetland setback encroachments for swimming pools, decks and screen enclosures. This has been done to eliminate the requirement to apply for a wetland setback encroachment through the Land Use Hearing Officer (LUHO).

Recently there have been some administrative setback encroachments that were approved which resulted in walls and structures being constructed within the wetland setback. There has been much discussion between Development Services managers and representatives both for and against the administrative approval of wetland setback encroachments. This has resulted in questions regarding what the Land Development Code allows.

Development Services staff is currently reviewing the code and determining how to proceed from this point forward and whether an amendment to the LDC will be required to allow the administrative approval of wetland setback encroachments to continue. Until this is resolved, the current staff position is that pools and pool deck encroachments can be approved administratively, but the screen enclosure encroachment must be approved through the LUHO process.

The challenge with the LUHO process is there is cutoff once a month (either the 3rd or 4th week of the month) and the final decision from the LUHO is not rendered for three to four months. This could result in the approval of a screen enclosure setback encroachment not being rendered until well after home construction being completed. To look at the current LUHO schedule for submittal dates, hearing dates and date of UHO decisions, paste the following address in your web browser:   
 
If you have a lot that will have a pool setback encroachment, make sure you apply for the screen encroachment as soon as possible.

We will continue to work with County staff on this matter and keep you advised of any changes in policy. If you have any questions, I can be reached at eem@lesc.com.

Everett Morrow
Chair, TBBA Horizontal Codes Committee

New Flood Map Info Service by Pinellas County

As part of the annual “Flood Map Information” outreach efforts to Industry professionals, here is a new map information service provided by Pinellas County.  

This service can be accessed online at the following link: http://www.pinellascounty.org/flooding/maps.htm

This service is free and easy to use, simply enter the address for the property of interest to find: 
  • FIRM information needed to write a flood insurance policy, such as whether the property is in an SFHA and which zone it is in
  • Additional FIRM information, such as whether the property is in floodway
  • Other flood information, such as whether the property may be affected by storm surge
  • Flood depth information, including potential storm surge flood depths
  • Information about areas that should be protected because of their natural floodplain functions, including the National Wetland Inventory
  • Evacuation zones, routes, and shelters

 And more!

Pinellas County also provides copies of completed FEMA elevation certificates.

For more information, contact a Pinellas County Map Information Specialist at
727-464-7700
440 Court Street
Clearwater, FL 33756

New Online Payment Method Available for City of Tampa

We are pleased to announce the roll out of a new payment service in Accela Citizen Access (ACA).  In addition to credit cards, the City will now also be accepting eChecks as a form of payment in ACA.  This option allows another easy and convenient way to make online payments.  Because this new form of payment requires a phone number be entered, you will notice that the phone number field is now required when making a credit card payment. 

To avoid processing delays, it is imperative the correct payment fields are filled out for eChecks.  If a personal check is being used, the Driver License Number and State fields must be entered.  If a corporate check is being used, the Company Tax ID field must be entered. 

To find out more on how to use eChecks, please see http://www.tampagov.net/sites/default/files/paying-with-an-echeck.pdf.

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Cardel Homes is Hiring


Member Corner

Cardel Homes is Hiring








Sales and Marketing Manager

Cardel is a group of companies that include Cardel Homes, Cardel Lifestyles and Cardel Resorts with offices in Tampa Bay, Denver, Calgary, and Ottawa. We offer beautifully designed and exceptionally well built homes for every stage in life from condominiums & town homes, to starter homes and move-up product to beautiful retirement & vacation property. Cardel Homes is extremely proud to be part of the following communities in Tampa Bay: Fishhawk Ranch, Lakewood Ranch, Waterset, Mira Bay and Country Walk. 

Position Summary

Responsible for all sales and marketing activities of Florida operations. Also responsible for fostering a positive working environment for sales staff with an emphasis on teamwork and cooperation.

Responsibilities

A. Business Growth

1.      Develop and nurture relationships with key business contacts that will lead to sales growth and business opportunities in the future
2.      Enhance company's reputation by participation in industry associations and social functions (may involve occasional work on weekends)
3.      Assist Regional President with expansion plans throughout Florida


 B. Market Research

1.      Continually research and evaluate the industry to learn of competitor strategies
2.      Monitor competitor sales volumes, advertising campaigns, programs, etc.
3.      Suggest ideas for development 
4.      Become knowledgeable of company’s product and culture

C. Training & Staff

1.      Train salespeople in sales processes and techniques
2.      Motivate salespeople and their assistants
3.      Hold weekly training and information meeting
4.      Hire new salespeople as required
5.      Be available to cover sales territories as needed (may involve occasional work on weekends)
6.      Be available by phone on weekends for contract approvals or questions

F. Marketing

1) Liaise with corporate marketing to develop and procure marketing materials.
2) Maintain organized stock of marketing materials for sales staff

E. Financial Control
1.      Responsible for preparation of all advertising, marketing and promotional budgets
2.      Responsible for approval of all sales & marketing department funds

 Requirements
·       Post-secondary education in Business/Management/Sales or similar degree
·       Minimum five years sales experience
·       Minimum five years sales staff management experience
·       Have solid business judgment, sales, leadership and negotiation skills
·       Work effectively in a team environment
·       Communicate effectively staff and managers and customers
·       Posses solid time management and computer skills
·       Have a desire and the ability to engage in continuing education and skills upgrading

Drug Free Work Place
Equal Opportunity Employer

Pleaes email a copy of your resume to tampa.employment@cardelhomes.com

Vertical Codes Committee Update

Dave Ford
Vertical Codes Chairman

Vertical Codes Update

Contributed by: Dave Ford, Chairman 
Meeting Date: October 5, 2015
Next Meeting: Monday, November 2, 2015 at 2:00 PM
Location: TBBA Office








  • October’s Vertical Codes Committee meeting, held Monday, October 5th, was well attended by both TBBA members and Hillsborough County staff.

  • The main topic of discussion was associated with the new FBC requirement for 1-hour fire protection of the underside of projections (soffits) within 5 feet of the property line.  Hillsborough County is accepting 2 layers of 5/8” Type X exterior gypsum board, or 2 layers of 5/8” Densgold with fire guard protection. Details need to be included in the building plans.  Adam Gormly will be getting to us as soon as possible pertaining to inspection requirements, if any.

  • Inspection rollovers are now averaging 6%, with Mechanical Inspections on the high side.

  • The Building Fund balance as of the end of August is $2,259,202.

Horizontal Codes Committee Update

Everett Morrow
Horizontal Codes Chairman


Horizontal Codes Committee Update

Contributed by: Everett Morrow, Chairman 
Meeting Date: October 5, 2015
Next Meeting: Monday, November 2, 2015 at 1:00 PM
Location: TBBA Office






  • Updated Hillsborough County Technical Manuals became effective October 1.

  • Acceptance letters for subdivisions should be available approximately one week after the sign off by utilities and streets and drainage.

  • Approval letters for parcel splits should be available within two weeks of submittal of the application packages.

·       Hillsborough County is working to shorten the time required to receive construction plan approval packages once the checklist items are submitted. One of the challenges is that some of the reviewers are approving plans with conditions. When this is the case, the engineer must make sure the conditions have been addressed when the checklist items are submitted.

  • Engineers are encouraged to attend post DRC meeting to address design concerns and review comments which cannot be worked out at for approval at DRC.

·                  Hillsborough County is working to address the time required to sign LOMAR forms for submittal to FEMA.

  • Please contact Everett Morrow, Committee Chair, at eem@lasc.com, if you have any items to be included in November’s agenda.