BUILDERS FRAMEWORK
FREDERICKSBURG AREA BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
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Volume 4: Issue 4 April 2020
FREDERICKSBURG - STAFFORD - SPOTSYLVANIA - CAROLINE - KING GEORGE - ORANGE
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In an effort spearheaded by NAHB, 90 companies and organizations are calling on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to designate construction of single-family and multifamily housing as an “Essential Infrastructure Business.” In a joint letter to Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Jack Wolf, the 90 organ- izations said this action is urgently needed to help stabilize the housing industry and its supply chain in the near term. “As cities and states issue declarations and public health orders as a result of the crisis, it is essential that communities have access to our professionals to build and maintain essential services including: building, plumbing, residential property management, rental housing operators, roofing, electrical, HVAC systems, waste/wastewater treatment plants and power generations,” the letter states. “Home construction, including those industries listed above, should be designated as ‘essential’ because they are necessary to maintain safety, sanitation, and economic security.” To keep the housing sector running during this economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, DHS should take the following actions: Allow government functions related to the building and development process, such as inspections, permitting and plan review services, to be modified to protect the public health. Allow supply stores, distributors and manufacturers of building products to continue to operate. Let workers in the building trades continue to maintain the essential operation of residences and other operating businesses.
NAHB-Led Coalition Asks Housing Be Designated 'Essential'
NAHB Staff Members Working Remotely NAHB staff is now working remotely after President Trump declared a national emergency in response to the coronavirus outbreak. The association is fully operational, and NAHB staff are working and accessible even though the physical offices are closed. NAHB has made available to members a wide range of resources on its website, including economic fore- casts, information on busi- ness continuity, consumer information, and materials to assist NAHB’s state and local partner associations. NAHB Analysis of New WOTUS Rule NAHB has provided analysis of the EPA and Army Corps’ new final “Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule. The new rule addresses many of the concerns NAHB had with prior rules. The rule eliminates the “significant nexus” test; encompasses fewer adjacent wetlands; narrows federal jurisdiction over tributaries; and excludes more ditches.
FHFA Announces Forebearance Measures The Federal Housing Finance Agency has announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will offer multi- family property owners mortgage forbearance on the condition that they suspend evictions for renters unable to pay rent due to the impact of coronavirus. FHFA also announced Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will suspend foreclosures and evictions for enterprise- backed single-family mortgages at least 60 days.
Congress Approves $2 Trillion Stimulus The Senate voted unanimously March 25 to approve a $2 trillion economic stimulus package in response to the coronavirus pandemic that has wreaked havoc on the U.S. economy. The House passed the measure on March 26, and President Trump was expected to sign it shortly thereafter. The CARES Act would make direct payments of $1,200 to most individuals earning up to $75,000, or $2,400 for couples earning up to $150,000. It also provides an additional $367 billion in loans for small businesses to help deal with payroll issues.
Construction Site Coronavirus Safety Tips The Construction Industry Safety Coalition, of which NAHB is a leading member, has published guidance for construction employers, employees and contractors on coronavirus exposure prevention and preparedness. The guidance describes how to prevent exposure to coronavirus, protective measures to take on the job site, personal protective equipment, work practice controls, cleaning and disinfecting procedures, and what to do if a worker becomes sick. The documents are specifically tailored to construction job sites.
DOL Offers Guidance on Families First Coronavirus Response Act Builders' Show
CFPB Relaxes Rules During Crisis The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is providing needed flexibility to enable financial companies to work with customers in need as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The agency is post- poning some data collections from the industry on CFPB rules to allow companies to focus on responding to consumers in need and making changes to its super- visory activities to account for operational challenges at regulated entities. The CFPB will not expect quarterly information reporting by certain mortgage lenders as required under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act. During this time, entities should continue collecting and recording HMDA data in anticipation of making annual submissions.
The U.S. Department of Labor announced guidance to employers and employees about how each can take advantage of the protections and relief offered by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which takes effect April 1. The guidance includes a fact sheet for employees, a fact sheet for employers and a question and answer document to address critical questions, such as: How an employer counts employees to determine coverage; How small businesses can obtain an exemption; How to count hours for part-time employees; and How to calculate the wages employ- ees are entitled to under this law. The FFCRA will give American businesses with fewer than 500 employees funds to provide employees with paid leave, either for the employee’s own health needs or to care for family members. The measure is designed to ensure that workers are not forced to choose between their paychecks and the public health measures needed to combat the virus, while at the same time reimbursing businesses.
COVID-19 Affecting Buyer Traffic A new, weekly survey of single-family home builders and other NAHB members con- firmed the coronavirus is having a signifi- cantly adverse effect on business. A drop in prospective buyer traffic was, by far, the most widespread concern. Issues respondents noted as a problem include: Drop in prospective buyer traffic; Supply of N95 respirator face masks; Time to obtain a plan review; Supply of building products/materials; Amount buyers are willing to pay for a new home; Time it takes building department to respond to an inspection request; Willingness of workers and subs to report to a jobsite. For further details about the survey and its results, go to the Eye On Housing blog post.
FABA reached out to members across the construction industry in March week asking for help protecting those on the local front lines fighting the coronavirus pandemic. Builders FirstSource, Chatham Construction, Atlantic Builders, and others immediately answered the call. FABA members donated over 650 protective masks to the Mask Collection. The N95 masks were delivered to Mary Washington Hospital, Stafford County first responders, Rappahannock Area Health District/Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and Spotsylvania Medical Center. Any additional masks donated by members will be collected and delivered as they are collected. FABA asks that anyone who has protective equipment in their inventory, equipment stock, or even in their own home workshops to donate any, and all, unused N95 masks to our local medical professionals and emergency personnel. The Association can also accept any other PPE (gowns, caps, face shields, eye protection, etc.) to donate to healthcare providers.
FABA Members, representing the Virginia Home Building Industry, Donated Masks to Local Medical Professionals
The Fredericksburg Area Builders Association is in regular communication with each of the local governments in the Fredericksburg area regarding changes, closures and updates on inspection and building permit offices that may impact day-to-day residential construction operations. Each locality in our service area is listed below alphabetically. This page will be updated as soon as we have the information from primary points of contact. If you have additional questions for FABA or for the counties regarding COVID-19 closures or disruptions, please call or email Maria Moore at mmoore@fabava.com or call 540-898-2730. 3.30.20: Virginia Executive Order 55 – Stay at Home Order CLICK HERE All individuals in Virginia shall remain at their place of residence, except as provided below by this Order and Executive Order 53. Virginia Department of Health Guidelines for Open Houses & Model Homes – CLICK HERE CAROLINE COUNTY Caroline County Buildings are closed to the Pubic until further notice. Staff is working regular business hours M-F 8:30-5:00 to meet needs of the community and county government. CITY OF FREDERICKSBURG City Government buildings are closed to public access. City departments are still available by phone and emails. Conduct all City Business Online. Real Estate: Work on permits and new construction will continue as able. Building Services: Permits picked-up in the Council Chambers lobby area off of Hanover Street. The City is still performing inspections. Schedule inspections by calling 540-372-1080. Please mail in payments to P.O. Box 7447 Fredericksburg, VA 22404. Planning and Zoning Services: You can still submit applications via email by submitting to planning@fredericksburgva.gov. Please submit payments by mail to P.O. Box 7447 Fredericksburg, VA 22404. Environmental inspections are currently being limited. For plan reviews, zoning requests and historic information call 540-371-1179. CULPEPER COUNTY County of Culpeper Announces Closure of County Buildings to the Public beginning at 8:00 a.m., Monday March 23, 2020.Staff is in the office. If at all possible, please conduct any and all business by phone or email. This includes general inquiries, submission of permits, plans and paperwork. KING GEORGE COUNTY The following King George County facilities will be closed to general public access until April 16, 2020: The King George County Administration (Horace A. Revercomb, Jr.) Building The King George County Citizens Center The King George County General Properties Department Office County departments affected will be available from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm by phone at: Administration: 775-9181 Community Development: 775-7111 Further guidance and information can be found at https://www.kinggeorgecountyva.gov/ ORANGE COUNTY All county departments will be operational; however, buildings will be closed to the public until further notice. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY County offices are closed to the public until further notice. Staff is available by phone and email 8–4:30. Application Submission, Resubmission: Drop boxes are available for application submission and resubmissions M -F from 8–4:30 inside the 1st floor front door of our building. Ensure documents are securely bundled when placed in the larger box. There's a secure drop box for payment. Submit payment in a labeled envelope. If paying by credit card, submit an Electronic Transaction Authorization Form (click here). Receipts will be emailed. Permit, Plan, and Plat Distribution: You will receive notice by email to the contact on your application that your permit/plan is ready for pick up. It will include instructions on what documents and fees are necessary for release. Contact 540-507-7222 to schedule your pick up time. Inspections: Inspections are continuing, but those inside occupied homes will follow the protocol in the notice from the Building Official found by clicking here. Recordation of Documents: The Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office is closed to the public, but will continue to record deeds, plats, and other legal documents. Please refer to the Clerk’s notices for more details HERE: Main Contacts: Permit Center, Building, and E&S: 540-507-7222 permitcenter@spotsylvania.va.us Economic Development: 540-507-7210 economicdevelopment@spotsylvania.va.us Planning & Zoning: 540-507-7434 zoning@spotsylvania.va.us Physical and Mailing Address: 9019 Old Battlefield Blvd. Spotsylvania, VA 22553 SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE HUB (Great Resouce) STAFFORD COUNTY County building is closed to the public but continuing business operations. Planning & Zoning: Citizens can submit Site Plans and Construction Plans via eplans. Subdivision Plats and other applications can be filed via the US Postal Service or other courier services. https://staffordcountyva.gov/488/Applications-Permits Other materials to be dropped off can be done by appointment only. Applicants will receive an email confirming receipt of their applications. Mailing Address: P. O. Box 339, Stafford, VA 22555-0339 Physical Address: 1300 Courthouse Road, 2nd Floor, Stafford, VA I f you have questions, please call (540) 658-8668 Building Plans (Residential) Effective immediately, Building Plan Reviewers will be available by appointment only. Please call (540) 658-8950 to schedule an appointment to meet with a Plan Reviewer. MY STAFFORD ONLINE Apply for Permits or call (540) 658- 8650 EPLANS Contact Permit Application Status Pay Permit Fees Schedule Inspections Planning and Zoning Applications COVID-19 Educational Resources CDC: Resources for Large Community Events & Mass Gatherings ASAE: Issue Roundup: Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) World Health Organization (WHO) Virginia Department of Health (VDH)
Updated Department of Labor Families First Coronavirus Response Act Posters (3/31) On March 26, 2020, Williams Mullen sent out an alert informing employers of the Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) issuance of two new posters notifying employees of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which must be posted or otherwise communicated to workers by April 1, 2020. The DOL recently made minor updates to the non-federal employee poster. Click here to view the discrepancies between the earlier and later versions. Below, please find the revised posters: Non-Federal Employee Rights|Spanish Federal Employee Rights|Spanish More from Williams Mullen can be found here. Summary of SBA Loan Programs under the CARES Act (3/31) The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) makes important changes to the Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Impact Disaster Loan (EIDL) program and creates the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Both programs provide potential financing options for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 emergency. The chart here highlights key differences between the two loan programs. Williams Mullen alerts published Friday, March 27, 2020, describe the EIDL and PPP programs in greater detail. SBA implementing regulations, which are required to be issued within 15 days of the CARES Act becoming law, are expected to provide further details regarding both programs. Click here to view the complete update from Williams Mullen COVID-19 - Impacts on Land Use & Development in Virginia In response to the COVID-19 emergency, Governor Northam and various state and local officials have issued multiple orders and guidance concerning the continuance of critical state and local government functions during the pendency of the emergency. Click here to read more.
HBAV Safety Poster: 10-pt Plan English Spanish version: Prevent Corona Virus (Spanish). The CDC Stop the Spread of COVID-19 poster: English and Spanish. Other CDC posters and materials in large sizes (English and Spanish) that can help keep you and your sites safe can be downloaded from: HERE. Construction Industry Safety Coalition (CISC) materialsyou can print post to help reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 to your job sites and work places. Resources in English CISC Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Plan for Construction COVID-19 Jobsite Checklist and Toolbox Talk Template Letter: Essential Industry Employee Notification Template Letter: Employee Notification of Potential Exposure Jobsite safety poster Jobsite safety poster (Large - 11x17) NAHB Encourages Members to Donate Masks to Fight Coronavirus Resources in Spanish CISC Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Plan for Construction (Spanish) COVID-19 Jobsite Checklist and Toolbox Talk (Spanish) Template Letter: Essential Industry Employee Notification (Spanish) Template Letter: Employee Notification of Potential Exposure (Spanish) OSHA: COVID-19 (Spanish) Jobsite safety poster (Spanish) Jobsite safety poster (Large - 11x17 - Spanish) FABA Member, Stafford Printing, has offered to print posters for any member who needs them. Please contact them directly at (540) 659-4554 for assistance with printouts.
The Associates Advisory Council meets the second Wednesday of each month at 9 am. This committee is chaired by the Associate Vice President and plans and organizes several FABA events, and keeps the association focused on the needs of all members.
Spotsylvania County Bi-Monthly Meeting TBD Spotsylvania County Builders Roundtable TBD Stafford County Bi-Monthly Meeting TBD Caroline County Quarterly Meeting TBD Fredericksburg City Quarterly Meeting TBD Orange County Quarterly Meeting TBD King George County Quarterly Meeting TBD
Calendar at a Glance
www.DominionEnergy.com
Upcoming County Meetings
All FABA Events have been postponed through at least May 15, 2020. We will reschedule once it has been deemed safe by the Governor to do so.
The Membership Committee meets the second Wednesday of each month at 10:30 am. This group is responsible for coordinating membership recruitment and the new member mentor program to increase membership retention. Emphasis is placed on recruitment and retention of members with Spike Club, new member receptions, and networking opportunities. The 1st Vice President serves as co-chair.
April 2020 Membership Report
Welcome!
NEW Associate Members (March 2020) Amy Cherry Taylor & Associates, spike Scott Hine Rainbow International Restorations, spike Suzanne Surles
84 Lumber ABC Supply Ameris Bank BB&T Bloosman Gas Carter Lumber Central Park Insurance Culligan Water of Fredericksburg Donnelly Concrete Donovan & Associates Realty ECS Mid Atlantic EZ Treat Inc Falls Run Stone & Stucco Holt for Homes M & M Soil Consultants Inc Mohawk Industries Parksite Pest Solutions Quality Building Products - TruTeam Ray's Siding Schiller Enterprises Inc SH3 Computer Systems Inc Spangler Erkert & Associates Stafford Memorial Park Stantec Consulting Services Suburban Auto Sales Sullivan Donahoe & Ingalls The Title Professionals Tiger Fuel Universal Title Virginia Construction Company
Renewed Associate Members (March 2020)
Renewed Builder/Developer Members (March 2020) Bethel Builders Bryton Homes Caroline County Habitat for Humanity Everett Enterprises dba DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen ICF Homes Vakos Companies Westbrooke Homes
April 2020 (cont.) Membership Report
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FABA works to educate, promote and represent the building industry while enhancing the region’s quality of life.
NAHB Student Chapters
FAB Foundation
The FAB Foundation is chaired by group of voluntary directors who work to help the Fredericksburg area community through several initiatives. FAB financially supports non-profit organizations in the Fredericksburg region that specifically coordinate and provide home repair and safer living conditions for those in need. Helping make repairs and improvements related to home ownership affordable. With a greater emphasis on the growing need for Workforce Development in our region, FAB has partnered with local educators and has established two local NAHB Student Chapters in Stafford and Spotsylvania counties, and will continue working toward the establishment of student chapters in all the municipalities that we serve. FAB Foundation has grant opportunities available for those looking to learn a trade and to potentially partner with member mentors and job placement opportunities. For more information on all the good that FAB Foundation does, call Maria Moore, Fredericksburg Area Builders Association Executive Vice President, at 540-898-2730, email at mmoore@fabava.com, or go to www.fabava.com and select FAB Foundation tab.
We currently have 3 active high school student chapters 1. Stafford High School 2. Spotsylvania Career and Technical Center 3. Caroline High School
2020 FABA Board of Directors
President Stacey Lampman Spaces Design Studio 1st Vice President Scott Hine Assurance Financial Group 2nd Vice President Gene Brown Atlantic Builders Secretary Jeh Hicks Jarrell Properties Treasurer Jeremiah Horstick CORELOT Immediate Past President Marc Simes MS Land Development Services, LLC Associate Vice President John Reid Embrace Home Loans Executive Officer Maria Moore FABA Legal Counsel Charlie Payne Hirschler Builder Director Michelle Hall J. Hall Homes Builder Director Tim Hall Tricord Homes Builder Director Sean Halsey Halsey Homes Builder Director Allen Harrison Battlefield Homes Builder Director Dan Sandoval Republic Home Builders Builder Director Teressa Taylor-Griffis Foundation Homes Associate Director Sara Fila Legacy Engineering Associate Director Michael King Ray's Siding Associate Director Bruce Reese Legacy Engineering, PC Associate Director Greg Schmidt Pest Solutions Associate Director Frank Sigmon Builders FirstSource
The Legislative Committee meets monthly to discuss the status of local and state level legislation that affects the building industry. For more information from each county, plan to attend the Legislative Committee meeting - third Thursday of the month at 8:30 am. The FAB Foundation board of directors meets monthly to discuss ways to involve the association with local workforce educators and help promote workforce development in our area. If you would like to be invoived with these students, contact FABA for more information.
Legislative News
Why Volunteer? Part of being a great volunteer is loving what you're doing. Find something that you're passionate about or something that inspires you, and then find a need in your community. There are dozens of reasons why you should volunteer - you just need to find the one that feels right. 20 GREAT REASONS TO VOLUNTEER - Help others - Make a difference - Find purpose · Enjoy a meaningful conversation · Connect with your community · Feel involved · Contribute to a cause you care about · Use your skills in a productive way · Develop new skills · Meet new people · Explore new areas of interest · Meet good people · Impress your mom · Impress yourself · Expand your horizons · Get out of the house · Make new friends · Strengthen your resume · Feel better about yourself
Community Service
The Community Service Committee plans and organizes FABA's outreach and service in the local community and partners with members and non-profit groups to find ways to give back.
NEWS AND HAPPENINGS Send us your press releases, news, and event information! We can post it here in our newsletter and on the Member Happenings page of our website! Contact admin@fabava.com for more information.
JOB OPENINGS? Do you have job openings, apprenticeships, or internships to fill? Contact us today! FAB Foundation is working with FABA's workforce partners to help you fill these positions with qualified and trained local students. FABA also posts job openings on the FABA website. Contact admin@fabava.com for more information or assistance.
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