HomeMy WebLinkAboutA004 - Cover Memo to Council on TOP code changes 21 Memo
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TO: Mayor Campbell and members of the City Council
FROM: Sheila Lundt - �' ,
DATE: April 20, 2007
SUBJECT: Changes to sections of the code pertaining to Temporary Obstructions
and City Manager Responsibility
The City Manager's Office receives many requests for temporary obstruction permits.
Staff has observed certain instances in which permits could not be granted because
code requirements were too strict, and others in which the code is silent with respect to
the situation. The following changes are proposed by staff in order to maintain the spirit
of the ordinance while allowing for adequate flexibility:
• The expansion of Section 22.4(1) to include public parking lots in areas where
temporary obstruction permits may be issued. In order to facilitate remodeling or
building repair, establishments on the south side of Main Street frequently ask to
place dumpsters or construction trailers in various CBD lots. Requiring a
temporary obstruction permit (for which there is no fee) would allow staff to have
input on the set-up, help ensure public safety, and protect the City against liability
when objects are placed in any public parking lot. This will also allow for a
process to keep all departments informed of any traffic impediments.
• The addition of Section 22.4(4)(a) to allow the City Manager to waive or alter
insurance requirements, based on certain situations. Last summer one
homeowner, who lived in an older section of Ames, wanted to erect scaffolding
over part of an alley in order to paint his two-story garage, which is situated less
than a foot away from the lot line. He had homeowner's insurance, but was
unable to provide the commercial liability insurance required. Similar situations
have arisen in instances when citizens contracted with moving companies to
deliver trailers to their homes or apartments and leave them for several days
while the residents self-load (or unload) their household belongs. Again, only
homeowner's coverage was available in some cases.
Allowing the City Manager's discretion in this area would also avoid any conflict
in the intent of this section of the code with section 26.4, which is cited for
authorization of neighborhood block parties (see below).
• A change in the wording of Section 26.4(1)(c) to identify both vehicular and
pedestrian traffic to specifically include block parties. The current wording of the
code only addresses "heavy pedestrian traffic," but staff often receives requests
for events such as car shows and parades which necessitate closure of the street
due to vehicular traffic and may also require a temporary obstruction permit.
The City also receives large numbers of requests for neighborhood block parties,
which are not open to the general public. Section 26.4 appears to be the logical
section in which to address these events.