HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated March 28, 1995 ITEM # CP-4
DATE: March 28, 1995
SUBJECT: Request approval for changes in Chapter 5, Building Code of the City of
Ames Municipal Code.
BACKGROUND:
The Building Board of Appeals was asked to review an exception to the Uniform Building
Code provision on continuous handrails. This was asked for because of aesthetic value
of trying to create a continuous handrail when the stair in a single family home is partially
open and partially enclosed. The manufacturers of stair components have not created
a good transformation from one type of rail to another, making it virtually impossible to
enforce the code as written.
The Building Board of Appeals reviewed this concern and unanimously agree that lifting
a hand off one rail and grabbing another a few inches away is not a general problem for
safety. The Board believes that the people in a single family dwelling are very familiar
with the area and it wouldn't be a concern. The reason the Board chose a code that
allows the building official the end decision is to eliminate writing a code for each specific
case and to allow judgment based on common sense. There was no one at the public
hearing to speak in opposition of this proposed change.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the changes as submitted for your consideration.
2. Deny the request.
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative #1
granting the submitted changes. It is also recommended to waive the second and third
readings to pass the cost savings onto the contractors immediately.
COUNCIL ACTION: