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Georgetown Citizens Academy: Community
Development
Jacque Bucho, Citizens Council Member, attended the third
session of the Academy.
The topic for this
session was Community Development.
There are a number
of functions that are under the Community Development umbrella such as:
Housing & Neighborhood Development:
Guides long-term
housing goals to ensure that a variety of housing is available and
provides a safe and quality place to live.
Did you know?
There is a home
repair program with a budget of $44,000.00 that is no longer directed
through the Caring Place,
but anyone who needs
and qualifies for home repairs can contact the Community Development
Department.
Planning & Development:
Areas of responsibility
are current planning, long range planning, zoning decisions, annexation and
the overall
transportation plan which does not only
include automobiles, but bicycles,
sidewalks, etc.
Did you know?
A trial bus service project will be implemented by the end of
2008. The budget for this trial project is $75,000.00
and will run until the monies have been
depleted. The routes for the bus service have not been established.
In addition, future
space has been planned for the San Antonio rail stop in the Maple Street
area of Georgetown.
Just think a train
ride from Georgetown to San Antonio!
Geographic
Information System (GIS) :
Maps-maps-maps are
available in all sizes and shapes and are necessary tools for the City
Council
as well as many
other departments. GIS has one Full Time Equivalent that records names and
addresses
in the database for
the 911 systems.
Did you know?
- If you need directions just log on to www.georgetown.org
- Click "Maps and
Driving Directions". Yes, Google does call Georgetown for map
information.
Zoning:
Only applies to within the City limits. The unified
development code and manual are essential in keeping uses compatible.
Georgetown encompasses 720 acres and 48 square miles, while
Round Rock has 32 square miles.
Did you know?
The Two Rivers project which will be between the North &
South San Gabriel Rivers is being developed to include,
condominiums,
apartments, and retail. Yes, the San Gabriel Motel will be demolished, but
a couple of the motel
buildings will be used
for retail space.
Downtown Historic
and Old Town Districts:
Requires any changes, demolition, or removal of any structure
must be reviewed
by the Historic and
Architectural Review Committee.
Did you know?
There are six active downtown projects; Monument Cafe, Tamiro Plaza Phase One, Stromberg & Hoffman
Building,
Old Sherman Hotel, The Georgetonian
and the Palace Theater Annex. Check out the renderings and projects
on www.mainstreet.georgetown.org Click "Current
Projects"
Inspection Services
Areas:
Includes Fire Plans examination for code compliance,
building inspections, fire prevention, and code enforcement.
Construction
Permits:
Issued for: (Partial List)
·
Building- New
construction, repairs, remodels, etc.
·
Electrical New and
remodel/repair systems
·
Plumbing Water
Softeners, water heaters, new plumbing piping and repair to existing
systems.
·
Gas-New piping
systems, repairs to existing and leak testing for gas reconnects
·
Mechanical-Heating
and air conditioning systems, new installations and repair or replacement
of existing.
·
Decks, patios and
arbors
·
Pools
·
Fences
Did you know?
- In previous months 100+
construction permits were processed.
- Presently, they are processing
about 20 per month.
Building Codes:
Are intended to reduce property losses, improve building
safety, reduce insurance rates for taxpayers and meet
certain zoning and development requirements.
Building Inspection
Purpose:
The inspector approves each phase of the construction process,
checking to see that work is done safely, properly,
and in accordance with codes and ordinances.
Did you know?
- Beginning January 2009 any
irrigation system that is installed must have an irrigation plan
on file with the City of Georgetown.
- In 2010 all new
construction will be required to have a sprinkler system installed.
Code Enforcement
Team
Helps maintain the public health, safety and welfare, protects
neighborhoods, keeps up property values and maintains
and protects the beauty
of our City
Did you know?
The most common violations are tall grass and weeds, trash and
debris, obstruction of right of way, basketball goals,
parking vehicles for sale, junked vehicles, and home
occupations (some are not legal).
In the months ahead, the Community Development Department will
undergo reorganization and structural changes.
A Community Development
Director will be recruited and
hired.
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The next session of the Georgetown Citizen's Academy will
cover Management Services which includes Airport, Human
Resources,
Main Street Program, Economic Development and Information
Technology. Watch for the report on the session next week.
*****
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