To coincide with the rule updates for the Elimination of Architectural Barriers (EAB) program, TDLR has updated its forms to match the rules references.

When we updated each form, we added clarifying instructions on how to complete the form. In addition, we added fields to help us process them more efficiently. For example, we added a "required County Appraisal District (CAD) number" to the TDLR Project Registration Form. This number helps us verify that the owner contact information matches our records about the entity or person(s) that holds the title to the project facility. 

All updated forms are available on the TDLR program website in a fillable pdf format. You must use the latest version of all EAB TDLR forms, and all forms must be handprinted or typed and completed in full. As of Sept. 8, 2023, we stopped accepting older versions of the forms.

The Elimination of Architectural Barriers program recently updated the Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 68, also called the “Rules.”

The new rules began as a clean-up to clarify some areas that may have been confusing to the public, and we added sub-chapters to group certain responsibilities together. For example, several owner responsibilities were scattered throughout the document, but they're now grouped into one sub-chapter so the public can easily find them.

We also added a requirement that an owner must respond to the Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS) within 30 days of the inspection report on the TDLR Inspection Response Form.

• The initial response shall be that the violation(s) have been corrected, they need additional time to correct, or they will be applying for a waiver to not correct the violations.
• After the initial response, the owner can provide documentation in any format that can be created into a PDF and uploaded into the Texas Architectural Barriers online System (TABS) to show that they have completed corrections.

Further rules updates that affect the RAS:

• Procedural responsibilities were located in a separate document, but they are now conveniently located within the rules.
• A RAS must complete four hours of continuing education hours annually instead of eight hours. Those education hours are self-reported, instead of having TDLR-approved providers, allowing for more diverse continuing education opportunities for the RAS. 

The rules updates will make the upcoming Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) update an easier transition.

A Code Enforcement Officer (CEO) registration is valid for two years. To renew the CEO registration, a CEO must complete 12 hours of continuing education within the 24 months preceding renewal of their registration. 

A Code Enforcement Officer-In-Training (CIT) registration is valid for one year. To renew the CIT registration, a CIT must complete six hours of continuing education within the 12 months preceding renewal of their registration.

As part of the continuing education requirement for both CEO’s and CIT’s, a registrant must complete one hour of continuing education in legal or legislative issues related to code enforcement.

Approved continuing education topics include:

• zoning and zoning ordinance enforcement;
• sign regulations;
• home occupations;
• housing codes and ordinances;
• building abatement;
• nuisance violations;
• abandoned vehicles;
• junk vehicles;
• health ordinances;
• basic processes of law related to code enforcement;
• professional, supervisory, or management training related to the profession of code enforcement;
• legislative or legal updates related to the profession of code enforcement; and
• principles and procedures to be followed when possessing or carrying a bite stick.

More information about the continuing education requirements for Code Enforcement Officers can be found in the program rules (specifically 16 Texas Administrative Code Sec. 62.24) on TDLR’s Code Enforcement Officers website.

The new year is the perfect time to focus on the safety of your electronics and HVAC system.

Here's what to look for:

• Update your electronics. This might be a good time to update those in-home appliances like space heaters, lighting and other items. Should you pursue a heavy-up or electrical upgrade service to ensure safe operation of your appliances?
• Evaluate your home’s HVAC system. If you haven't already done it, you're almost past the time to get your furnace checked by a professional! If there are potential loose electrical connections or dust clogs, you might see some serious electrical issues when the system kicks on during a chilly night.
• Check your appliances and tools. Leaf blowers and similar electrically powered tools should be checked over carefully for damage at least once a year. Inspect the cables and wires of your tools use for cracks, cuts, and other forms of damage. If there is damage, either replace the wire or replace the tool. Left alone, you could be risking electric shock and similar injuries.
• Check outdoor lighting and wiring for damage. Or better yet, have a licensed expert do it! Changes in the weather can bring in more moisture, so it’s a good idea to check wiring for damage that may cause trouble.
• Use outdoor-appropriate materials. You're probably taking down holiday lights -- be wary of old lights and outdoor fixtures. Do you need to replace any holiday lights? Do you need to buy more outdoor use extension cords? Don't use indoor cords and strips that can put you at risk and can even kill the power in your home.
• Keep up with your landscaping. Falling leaves and other forms of discarded foliage can present a hazard when they begin to pile up around electronics and outdoor lighting. To remove the risk of electrical fire, be sure to rake up and dispose of leaves as they fall.

Reminder: Most house fires are electrical-related and many of them originate with the misuse of electrical equipment in the kitchen. Make sure you’re using GFCIs where you should and that your outlet wiring is up to date,

Eleven people have been named to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation’s new Mold Assessment and Remediation Advisory Board. Members will serve staggered, six-year terms on the board.

The new board was created by Senate Bill 1213, 88^th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature, authored by Senator Judith Zaffirini and sponsored by Representative Craig Goldman. Members will advise TDLR on technical matters; standards of performance and work practices for mold assessment or remediation; any qualifications for holding a mold remediation license, including any training or continuing education requirements; and other issues affecting mold assessment and remediation.

The board’s membership will be made of:

• Three members who are licensed and engaged in mold assessment as consultants
• Three members who are licensed and engaged in mold remediation as contractors
• Two members who are building contractors
• One member who is a representative of the insurance industry
• One member who is a representative of an accredited mold training provider; and
• One member who represents the public.

The members of the new board are:

• Gary Standford of Houston (term expires Feb. 1, 2029)
• Antonio L. Piña of Houston (term expires Feb. 1, 2027
• Marion Kay Armstrong of Arlington (term expires Feb. 1, 2025)
• Chris Jeter of Abilene, Presiding Officer (term expires Feb. 1, 2029)
• Victor M. Ochoa of San Antonio (term expires Feb. 1, 2027)
• Blake Howard of Round Rock (term expires Feb. 1, 2025)
• Bruce Okruhlik of Houston (term expires Feb. 1, 2029)
• Brad Gahm of Dallas (term expires Feb. 1, 2027)
• Sherri Gaither of Greenville (term expires Feb. 1, 2025)
• Luis Acuna of El Paso (term expires Feb. 1, 2027)
• Laura Couvillon of Kingwood (term expires Feb. 1, 2029)

Welcome to our new board members!

EBI Consulting was awarded the contract to perform mold inspections for TDLR.

Beginning in December of 2023, EBI started conducting regulatory inspections for the TDLR Enforcement Division based on TDLR's mold notification system.

TDLR's Compliance Division is assisting EBI in achieving regulatory compliance. 

Sign up for email updates regarding the Mold Assessment and Remediation Program.

Please welcome our new Chief Elevator Inspector, Edmund Villasana!

Edmund has more than 50 years of industry experience in installing, maintaining, inspecting and repairing elevators, escalators and related equipment in Texas and surrounding states. He started in the elevator industry when he was just 20 years old and has worked in every capacity in the field as well.

Edmund is extremely passionate about the industry and is eager to provide assistance whenever he can -- his greatest concern in the industry is the safety of personnel who work on equipment to protect the riding public.

"I want to ensure that all equipment is properly installed, maintained, inspected, serviced, and repaired by qualified personnel utilizing safe practices without any undue pressure or stressors from manufacturers," Edmund says. "My overall goal is to provide the riding public with an enjoyable and safe riding experience."  

Elevator Door Safety Tips

An elevator is a machine. 

Following these simple tips can help prevent injury and property damage:

• Please enter and exit the elevator carefully. Hold children firmly, watch your step, and stay distraction-free.
• Please pay special attention that clothing, pet leashes, and other items you may have with you have safely cleared the doors, so they don't get caught between closing doors.
• Never try to stop the doors from closing by placing any body part, cane, or other item between them.
• Passengers may push and hold the "door open" button if doors need to be held open.

To find disciplinary actions taken on complaints filed with TDLR, visit the TDLR Administrative Orders Search page.

You can search by name, license number, location, or by program. All disciplinary actions posted on the TDLR website are final actions taken by TDLR. No actions taken by previous licensing boards or agencies are included.

For information on why specific violations of the law or rules might fall into a certain penalty range, please see TDLR's Enforcement Plan.

What about license denials?

License denials and revocations are included. If an application denial is based on criminal history, you can find information on why that criminal history was relevant in the program’s Criminal Conviction Guidelines.

Please take a moment to subscribe to TDLR’s Email Updates to receive important information about programs of interest and upcoming Commission and board meetings, including meeting agendas.

In early September, TDLR's Industrialized Housing and Building staff members were invited to visit a multi-story, Z Modular project located in Jarrell (directly across the street from Jarrell High School).

Z Modular is building an apartment complex using modular units.

TDLR Compliance Manager Delisa Hamilton reports that "it was amazing and interesting to see everything that they have done so far. We can’t wait to see the finished project."

IHB Program To Adopt New Building Codes Soon

The IHB program is getting closer to adopting the 2021 International Building Codes, along with the 2015 IECC and 2020 NEC.

The Texas Industrialized Building Code Council approved these adoptions on November 16, 2023, and the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation is slated to vote on the code adoptions in late January.

Do you need a verification of your license? You can do that online! Find the link on the right-hand side of your profession's program webpage.

Reminder: Most licensees can renew online using a credit card instead of mailing in a paper form and a check whenever possible, as online renewals are automated and processed within a week of receipt.

Applicants for new licenses should check the TDLR website to see whether their license type allows for original applications to be submitted online. If so, they should apply online and submit documents electronically to help speed up the licensing process.

1. What is a CAD number?
2. When is a Code Enforcement Officer allowed to carry a bite stick?
3. What is wet bulb depression?
4. If a municipality has an ordinance that has adopted a previous edition of the National Electric Code (NEC), which code does a state licensed Texas Electrical Contractor install the electrical system by?
5. What documents are required to be present on a licensee for a mold remediation job?
6. Is a plan review approval from TDLR required for the installation of an elevator in a single-family dwelling?
7. Are you required to get a permit from the local jurisdiction to replace a water heater?
8. Texas Boiler Rule 65.206 (a) (1) requires the carbon monoxide detector and boiler(s) shall be interlocked to disable the burners.  What methods of interlock are allowed in order to meet this requirement?

Unless otherwise noted, all advisory board meetings are held via videoconference. You can view live broadcasts or archived meetings in TDLR's YouTube channel. Meeting notices, agendas and staff reports are posted on the TDLR meetings page.

• The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation is scheduled to meet Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. When the agenda is available, it will be posted online. The meeting will be held at 1106 Clayton Lane, Suite 125E, Austin Texas 78723 and will be broadcast live on TDLR's YouTube channel.

Please file a complaint with TDLR alleging unlicensed practice if you have evidence that a person or business with a revoked license is continuing to advertise or perform services that require a license in Texas.

HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT- You can file a complaint online for most TDLR programs. You will be asked to choose whether you are filing a complaint against a licensed or an unlicensed person or business. If you are unsure about whether the person or business holds a TDLR license, use the unlicensed link.

Although TDLR accepts anonymous complaints, you must provide your name and contact information when you submit the complaint if you want to receive information about the status or progress of your complaint.

Please note that if your complaint does not allege a violation of the law or rules or does not include enough information for TDLR to investigate the allegations, TDLR will not open a complaint.

Read more about TDLR's complaint investigation and resolution process.

Have you ever thought about taking a job with the State of Texas? 

TDLR employs 505 people in a wide variety of professional, administrative and technical positions and provides a total compensation package that enables us to attract, motivate, and retain highly skilled and talented employees. Our employees also enjoy agency and state benefits and the opportunity to contribute toward TDLR's vision of being the leader in public service by creating innovative, low cost and regulatory best practices, and cultivating employees who provide exceptional customer service.

Please look at the full range of available positions, and feel free to share with your family, friends and anyone you know who might be interested in pursuing a career with TDLR.