Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutA002 - Council Action Form dated June 12, 2007 ITEM # 3544 DATE 06-12-07 COUNCIL ACTION FORM SUBJECT: BUILDING CODE UPDATES TO 2006 VERSION OF INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL CODES AND CONSOLIDATION OF CITY BUILDING CODES TO ONE SECTION BACKGROUND: From 2003 through 2004 Inspections Division staff worked with area design professionals, developers, and contractors to revise the City's outdated building codes. An ad hoc committee was formed that made several recommendations including that the City's codes be updated every three years. The ad hoc committee recommended that the codes be adopted within one year after the published dates. In 2004, the City adopted the 2003 International Building Code (IBC), the 2003 International Residential Code (IRC), and the companion International Fire Code (IFC). During this review, revisions to the City's ordinance were also discussed. Since the change from older versions of the Uniform Building Codes to the IBC, IRC, and IFC was a substantial undertaking, revisions to other City ordinances addressing building codes were postponed until the next code review. During 2007, the building official conducted informational meetings on proposed code revisions with the Plumbing and Mechanical Board, the Electrical Board, the Building Board of Appeals, Ames Homebuilders, and an open meeting with the general public. The conclusion of the meetings was a recommendation from all groups to proceed with adoption of the 2006 version of these national codes. Adoption of the 2006 IBC, IFC, IRC, and associated amendments to the local ordinance will take affect after the Council's decision and publication. A target implementation date of July 1, 2007 was discussed at the public and board meetings. The revision and reorganization of Ames Municipal Code Chapters 5, 7, 8, 21, and 32 into one comprehensive Chapter 5 Building Code has been developed with a focus on customer convenience. All local code amendments in each of these five chapters have been analyzed and either updated, revised for clarity, or deleted from the local ordinance as unnecessary or redundant. All administrative rules have been consolidated into one section, rather than five, and all local amendments have been grouped into one section of the ordinance. This makes it easier for architects, engineers, developers, building owners, contractors, and homeowners to find answers to such questions as "What building code has the City of Ames adopted?" or "What work requires a building permit?", or, "What electrical work must be done by a licensed contractor?" The proposed ordinance makes it easier than ever before to find answers to the most commonly asked questions. In the 1 process, the total number of pages of local code text has been reduced from 120 to 60. NEW CODE HIGHLIGHTS International Codes The 2006 International Building Code requires assembly occupancies, such as bars and restaurants with seating capacities over 100, to be provided with automatic fire sprinkler systems. The seating threshold in the 2003 Code was 300. The International Existing Building Code is added to our local code. This standard specifically enhances opportunities for safe reuse of existing buildings. The International Energy Conservation Code, as adopted by the State as the State of Iowa Energy Code, is added to our local code. Energy efficient building design is now locally mandated in the City of Ames. The International Mechanical Code replaces the previous Uniform Mechanical Code in our local code. As the nationwide shift from the Uniform to the International Codes continues, we're keeping pace. The International Fuel Gas Code is added to our local code. This universally recognized standard is the foundation for safety and complements the other International Codes. The Building Board of Appeals did receive one request to modify the stair geometry requirement in the 2006 IRC. The request was to shorten the overall length required for single family dwellings. The board voted overwhelmingly to keep the national standard. Based upon the Inspection staff's extensive interface with the public, staff does not anticipate that there will be controversy over any of these amendments to the International Codes. Local Code State Division of Labor contractor registration is required of all persons or firms applying for building permits. This includes business owners and tenants acting as their own general contractors. It does not include homeowners doing work on their primary residence. Contractor liability insurance is required of all persons or firms acting as general contractors. This includes business owners and tenants. It does not include homeowners working on their homes. A building tenant who applies for a building permit must supply the consent of the building owner prior to permit issuance. All permits, except major projects, expire one year after issuance. Owners will be charged a fee, following notice, for permit extensions beyond that date. 2 Base building permit valuations are set in accord with current City Assessor square foot construction costs for all residential and conventional commercial construction. This assures building permit fee equity among all applicants, maximizes permit fee revenue, and improves consistency of building activity reporting to the public. Penalty fees for projects starting work prior to permit issuance are formalized. Conditions for issuance of Temporary Certificates of Occupancy are clarified. Local amendments to the Building Code are reduced from 4 pages to 2. Local Fire Code amendments are reduced from 4 to 3 pages. Local Mechanical Code amendments are reduced from 9 pages to 0 pages. Local Plumbing Code amendments are reduced from 26 pages to 12. Due to the length of these code changes, a copy is not attached to this Council Action Form. However, the proposed ordinance changes are posted on the City's web site, and hard copies are available from the City Clerk. ALTERNATIVES: 1. Adopt the proposed changes to Ames local ordinance, 2006 International Building Code, 2006 International Fire Code, and 2006 International Residential Code with identified appendices, and local amendments. 2. Do not make changes to the currently adopted 2003 versions of the International Building Code, International Fire Code, and International Residential Code, or to the City building code ordinances. 3. Direct staff to make specific changes to the local building codes. MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adoption of current national codes facilitates local, regional, and national builders' construction of safe occupancies within our community. The Insurance Services Organization recommends national codes be adopted and be current within two years of publication. Staff has expended considerable effort to include stakeholders in the process to review and adopt these revisions. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, thereby approving adoption of the proposed changes to Ames local building code ordinance, 2006 International Building Code, 2006 International Fire Code, and 2006 International Residential Code with identified appendices, and local amendments. 3