HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action form dated November 14, 1989 ITEM # a
DATE
SUBJECT: Request approval for changes in Chapter 13 of the Municipal
Code regarding rental properties.
BACKGROUND:
Staff is proposing changes to the Rental Housing Code (Chapter 13) section
13.30 and 13.35. Section 13.30 was enacted in 1988 requiring 10% of the floor
area in windows. Staff's experience is that many of our current rental units
were built prior to this requirement in the building code. This then has the
affect of requiring expensive modifications to structures which were in
compliance when they were built, or subjecting the owners to a hearing
before the Housing Board of Appeals. Staff's change will leave those
buildings constructed per building code as is.
As you will note section 13.39 (Retroactive Conversion) has been modified
such that it is not affected by the change being proposed at this time. This
means that all retroactive conversions will have been inspected under the
same requirements, i.e. 10% window area.
Section 13.35 was enacted in 1988 requiring second exits out of all sleeping
areas. This has had an effect of making apartment units or sleeping rooms
above the third floor to install a Class "C" fire ladder. From reading the
staff reports that accompanied this change in 1988 it appears that council's
intent had been to apply these second exit requirements to basement and
converted attic areas only. Staff's proposed change will be more in line with
council's original intent and avoid the unintended consequences of affecting
those areas not envisioned.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve changes as submitted for your consideration.
2. Deny the request.
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is recommended by the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative
#1 granting the submitted changes.
COUNCIL ACTION•