200 Texas Cities Adopt Masonry Planning as Strategy

Words: Dan Kamys

200 Texas Cities Adopt Masonry Planning as Strategy


The adoption of masonry planning as a strategy for sustainable growth continues to gain favor among Texas cities, with 200 cities statewide now embracing the concept by adopting minimum requirements for masonry in new construction, according to the Texas Masonry Council.

The number of cities is about double the total of from five years ago, said Rudy Garza, TMC executive vice president. Although the number of cities is only about 16 percent of the 1,215 incorporated cities in Texas, the 200 that have embraced masonry planning are strategically located in the fastest growing regions of the state, Garza noted.

“This is where the growth is occurring,” he said. “These 200 forward-thinking cities in the major metropolitan areas of Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio and Houston, recognize that they have the power to determine whether the dramatic growth they are experiencing or potentially facing, will result in a safer environment and better quality of life for their residents.”

On Jan. 13, 2014, the city of Troy, in Central Texas just north of Temple, became the 200th city in Texas to adopt masonry requirements and masonry planning as a strategy for sustainable growth. Troy anticipates a surge in growth with the widening of IH-35 between Temple and Waco.

In its resolution justifying adoption of the masonry requirements, the Troy City Council, like the other masonry-friendly cities, cited multiple reasons:

- Masonry helps protect property values, provides for durable long-lasting structures, and helps ensure aesthetically pleasing structures and a stable tax-base;

- Masonry is the preferred residential and non-residential building material for improved fire safety, lower insurance rates, increased property value appreciation, increased energy efficiency, and lower home maintenance costs;

- Building standards for non-residential construction will help attract high-quality commercial development and preserve property values.

An interactive map at www.masonryordinance.com shows where masonry planning has been adopted in Texas.

Essential Apps for Modern Masonry Companies: Build Efficiency and Profitability

The rhythmic clink of trowels, the precise placement of bricks, the transformation of raw materials into enduring structures – masonry is both an art and a science. Yet, in today's fast-paced construction landscape, even the most skilled masons face chall

Categories: MAP Partner
Handling an OSHA Inspection From A Foreman’s Perspective

Every employer should strive to maintain a good OSHA record. Not only are customers, insurers, and others increasingly scrutinizing employers’ OSHA records as a condition of doing business, but OSHA penalties and citations can be substantial—over $165,000

Categories: Featured
How Masonry Technology Has Evolved

How masonry technology has evolved is maybe one of the most loaded questions you can ask. As we all know, masonry dates back before the pyramids. Speaking about the evolution of technology since then would be unfair, so I am going to stress the developmen

Categories: Featured
Incorporating Nature Into Your Projects

Key Strategies for Biophilic Design To create spaces that are visually and emotionally appealing, incorporating natural elements within interior spaces is fundamental. Luxury spas often use stone and wood to create calming environments, a principle easil

Categories: Featured