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Home My WebLink AboutA001 - Council Action Form dated February 10, 1998 ITEM # DATE: Februar)t 10, 1998 SUBJECT: Change the local building code to update from the 1994 Uniform Building Code to the 1997 Uniform Building Code as written with one significant local amendment regarding stairways. BACKGROUND: The Building Code Board of Appeals and Inspection Staff have reviewed the 1997 Uniform Building Code (UBC). There are only three areas where significant changes occur in the 1997 UBC that are different from the 1994 UBC. 1. The Chapter on exiting was rewritten entirely, reducing many restrictions. This occurred because the three major code groups in the U.S.A. are working together to come up with an International Building Code to be printed in 2000. Since the UBC is the most restrictive of the three, the writers compromised and reduced restrictions. 2. The Chapter on accessibility was rewritten. This section is mandated by the Federal Government via ADA. We are required to follow the State Handicapped Code which parallels the ADA, so we have no choice in this matter. 3. The spans for wood framing members were reduced once again. This came about because the old growth forests are in such limited supply that the lumber mills have to cut newer trees which are not as strong. The builders have adjusted to this concern over the years by using alternative materials, such as, metal framing, trusses made from plywood or other composite materials. Also, the Building Code Board of Appeals received a request to allow a ten inch (10") stair tread (current code 11") on those stairways where less than ten (10) people occupy the second floor. This request is already allowed by code for private stairways ( one tenant only), but the Board agrees that the hazard is not greater for a public stairway (two or more tenants). Therefore,the City's Building Code Board of Appeals recommends the addition of exception 3 to Section 1003.3.3.3 of the 1997 UBC stating that a ten inch(10")tread is allowed for those stairways supporting an occupant load of less that ten(10)persons regardless of "public" or "private" use. The proposed ordinance change also includes several changes correcting sections' cross- references to the UBC. Section 5.230 also clarifies that zoning-related sign appeals are taken to the Zoning Board of Adjustment, and not to the Building Code Board of Appeals. Jon Hunziker was the only person to come to the Public Hearing. He did not have any problems with these issues. The Building Code Board of Appeals is asking that the City Council approve these changes as stated in the attached revision. ALTERNATIVES: 1. Approve the request and adopt the 1997 Uniform Building Code and local amendments. 2. Deny the request. MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION: It is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative #1 by adopting the 1997 Uniform Building Code and the local amendments. COUNCIL ACTION: ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF AMES, IOWA, BY REPEALING SECTIONS 5.101, 5.119, 5.120, 5.121, 5.126 AND SUBSECTION 5.230(2) AND RE-ADOPTING SAID SECTIONS AND SUBSECTION,REVISED,AND ADDING A NEW SECTION 5.132 FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADOPTING THE 1997 EDITION OF THE UNIFORM BUILDING CODE BY REFERENCE, SUBJECT TO LOCAL REVISIONS; REVISING CERTAIN SECTION REFERENCES; CLARIFYING THE JURISDICTION OF THE ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT RELATIVE TO SIGNS;ALLOWING FOR 10" STAIRWAY TREADS;REPEALING ANY AND ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT TO THE EXTENT OF SUCH CONFLICT;PROVIDING A PENALTY;AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. BE IT ENACTED,by the City Council for the City of Ames,Iowa,that: Section One. The Municipal Code of the City of Ames,Iowa shall be and the same is hereby amended by repealing Sections 5.120, 5.121,5.126,and Subsection 5.230(2)and re-adopting the same to read as follows: "Sec.5.101. ADOPTION OF UNIFORM BUILDING CODE. The Uniform Building Code, 1997 Edition (herein called UBC), as published by the International Conference of Building Officials, is hereby adopted and designated, together with and subject to the additions,deletions and modifications hereinafter stated,as the Building Code of the City. Copies of the said UBC shall be kept on file in the office of the City Clerk. (Ord.No.2696,Sec.2, 1-16-79;Ord.No.2891,Sec. 1, 3-27-84;Ord.No. 3194,Sec. 1, 9-24-92; Ord. No. 3217,Sec. 1, 3-23-93; Ord.No.3378, 4-9-96) [State Law Ref.Iowa Code Sec. 103.Al2] Sec.5.119. FOUNDATION WALLS. Section 1806.6 of the UBC notwithstanding, anchor bolts shall be placed every four feet on center. (Ord.No.3194,Sec. 1, 9-24-92;Ord.No. 3217,Sec. 10, 3-23-93;Ord.No. 3316, Sec. 1, 12-20-94) See.5.120. FOOTINGS. Amend the provisions of Section 1806.3 of the UBC so that Exception I thereof states: Exception: 1. A detached one-story wood or metal frame building not used for human occupancy and not over 720 square feet in floor area may be constructed with walls supported on a wood foundation plate when approved by the building official or administrative authority having jurisdiction. (Ord.No. 3194, Sec. 1, 9-24-92;Ord.No. 3217,Sec. 10, 3-23-93;Ord.No. 3378, 4-9-9�) Sec.5.121. FOUNDATION,STUD BEARING WALLS. Delete Table 18-1-C UBC and insert in lieu thereof the following: Table 18-1-C—FOUNDATIONS FOR STUD BEARING WALLS—MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Number of Floors Thickness of Foundation Wall Width of Footing Thickness of Depth Below Undisturbed Supported By the (inches) (inches) Footing(inches) Ground Surface(inches) Foundation` x 25.4 for mm Concrete Unit Masonry x 25.4 for mm 1 6 6 12 6 12 2 8 8 15 7 18 3 10 10 18 8 24 All buildings shall have perimeter footings to 42" below grade, and such footings shall be designed to withstand all forces placed upon them as per the 1997 UBC. Trench footings are allowed as a continuous 8"single pass trench for a single story wood frame structure with spans not exceeding 16 feet. The trench must be 42" deep and have at least two (2) horizontal rods fixed in place and tied into the existing structure. Soil bearing pressure to be minimum of 2000 psi. (Ord.No. 3194, Sec. 1, 9-24-92; Ord.No. 3217, 3-23-93; Ord. No. 3378, 4-9-96) Sec.5.126. FIRE MARSHALL'S RULES. Section 904.2.8 of the UBC is amended by adding a sentence as follows:Rules promulgated by the State Fire Marshall may also apply (Ord. No. 3194, Sec. 1, 9-24-92) Sec.5.230. SIGN APPEALS. (2) A sign is also subject to the zoning regulations. Appeals and applications for variances and exception to zoning regulations applicable to a sign or signs shall be the exclusive jurisdiction of the Zoning Board of Adjustment. (Ord.No. 2578, Sec. 2, 12-21-76; Ord.No. 3194,Sec. 1, 9-24-92)" Section Two. The Municipal Code of the city of Ames is further amended by adding a new section as follows: See.5.132. STAIRWAY TREADS. Sec. 1003.3.3.3 of the UBC is amended by adding thereto, an exception 3 to state: A ten inch tread is allowed for those stairways supporting an occupant load of less than ten persons,regardless of "public"or"private"use. Section Three. Violation of the provisions of this ordinance shall constitute a municipal infraction punishable as set out in Section 1.9 of the Municipal Code. Section Four. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict,if any. Section Five. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and publication as required by law. Passed this day of 11998. Sandra L.Ryan,City Clerk Ted Tedesco,Mayor 0482