Pearsall, Texas to require masonry in new construction

Words: Rudy Garzahttps://masoncontractors.azurewebsites.net/Public/News/20120806110000-1.jpg" width="600" height="338" border="0" alt="The fast-growing city of Pearsall has decided to require minimum percentages of masonry for new construction." />
The fast-growing city of Pearsall has decided to require minimum percentages of masonry for new construction.
Pearsall, a fast-growing South Texas city, has decided to join a growing state trend and require minimum percentages of masonry for new construction, reports the Texas Masonry Council.

Located 54 miles south of San Antonio, Pearsall is the county seat of Frio County. It lies within the Eagle Ford Shale Play, a major oil and gas exploration and production area, and grew nearly 28 percent over 10 years to a population of 9,146 in 2010. Continued significant population growth has spurred new residential and commercial development, but also concerns about construction quality.

Citing concerns about the city’s appearance and the long-term sustainability of the tax base, the City Council on June 12, 2012 voted unanimously to require minimum percentages of masonry for all new residential, multi-family, commercial and industrial buildings. The new masonry requirements are:
  • Residential — Minimum 3 ft. masonry at the ground level and minimum 50 percent masonry or stucco on all walls visible from a street.

  • Multi-family — Minimum 3 ft. masonry at the ground level and minimum 50 percent masonry or stucco on all exterior walls. Minimum 75 percent masonry or stucco on all walls visible from a street.

  • Commercial — Minimum 3 ft. masonry at ground level and minimum 75 percent masonry or stucco on all exterior walls.

  • Industrial — Minimum 50 percent masonry on the building front.
Councilmember James Houston Leal, an advocate for the masonry requirements, said after the council vote, “The Masonry Ordinance will address the rapid growth and concerns regarding the quality and sustainability of the new construction in Pearsall. Furthermore, increasing our tax revenues will allow us to continue to improve the infrastructure and address other needs of our citizens in the future.”

Leila Siqueiros, representing the Texas Masonry Council, noted that by enacting the masonry requirements Pearsall joins a growing trend in the state. Statewide, more than 170 cities have enacted masonry requirements, according to the Texas Masonry Council. Pearsall is the first city in South Texas to adopt masonry requirements, according to the TMC.

Research has shown that masonry (brick, stone, concrete block) provides greater protection against fire, and windstorms, such as tornadoes and hurricanes, than non-masonry siding products.

In addition, other research has shown that masonry requirements result in: 1) higher overall property values; 2) growth in the tax base, lessening the tax burden on residents; 3) continued population and housing growth, and 4) no significant impact on affordability for either renters or buyers of housing.

Rudy Garza, executive vice president of the Texas Masonry Council, said, “Texas has a rich history of building with long-lasting masonry products. Masonry is part of the Texas heritage, and by embracing masonry planning, local officials and civic leaders, such as those in Pearsall, are helping to build a strong legacy for their communities.“
About: Featured
2024 Architectural Awards: Excellence In Masonry Winners

The Masonry Advisory Council held the 2024 Excellence in Masonry Awards on Saturday, October 26th at 167 Green St., Chicago, Illinois. Honoring 80 projects from over the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Area. The Awards program celebrates outstanding ar

By: Ashley Kelly
Read More
NSI and ISFA Announce Silica Exposure Literature Review

NSI and ISFA are proud to present a literature review that summarizes the growing library of studies related to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure. Completed by Yale Occupational and Environmental Medicine, the study covers 34 publications and d

By: Amy Oakley
Read More
La Maison Franchère: How Masonry Turns Functional Buildings Into Timeless Beauty

La Maison Franchère, or the Franchers’ House, stands as a notable relic of stone architecture in Saint-Mathies, a small Quebec town on the edge of the Richelieu River. Unlike the neighboring homes, this towering, two-and-a-half-story mansion immediately c

By: Vera Autushka
Read More
MASONRY STRONG Podcast Episode 5 Recap: Zach Everett

Welcome back to another insightful episode of the Masonry Strong podcast! Today, we have a very special guest, Zach Everett, sharing his journey and experiences in the world of safety within the masonry industry. From humble beginnings to becoming a vital

By: Justin Stengel
About: Featured
Read More