HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated January 12, 1993 CA
ITEM #
DATE Januar 2 1993
SUBJECT: Request approval for changes in Chapter 13 of the Municipal Code
regarding rental properties.
BACKGROUND:
Chapter 13, Rental Housing Code, states in the first paragraph:
"Sec. 13.1(1) the City of Ames, Iowa, hereby adopts by reference the
housing quality standards (HQS) promulgated by the United States
Department of Housing and Urban Development. . ."
In a memo from HUD on August 26, 1992, Housing Quality Standards were
raised to require at least one working smoke detector on each level of each
unit (including basements) . The Public Housing Authorities are required to
implement this rule within 60 days after the effective date of August 31,
1992.
Since the City has adopted HQS, the inspection office suggests we implement
this same rule. An average battery operated smoke detector costs less than
$10.00, so this would be a small price to pay for additional fire safety.
The current rental policy requires at least one working smoke detector on
each floor where sleeping occurs. The new building code requires smoke
detectors on each story, in the basement, in common areas where sleeping
occurs, and in each bedroom. The smoke detectors described in the new
building code are to be hard wired with a battery backup.
Therefore, a single battery operated smoke detector on each floor is a small
cost for the extra fire safety obtained. It would be virtually impossible to
implement in 60 days, but we can implement this over this 3-year cycle as each
inspection occurs.
The landlord's association has been asked for their input and they felt this
would be acceptable.
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: