HomeMy WebLinkAboutA011 - Letter from Ames Rental Association dated December 10, 2010 - Plumbing Issues on Rental Housing Code proposal Ames Rental Association
PO Box 2409
Ames, IA 50010
(515)232-8579 E-MAIL ladgrove@hotmail.com FAX (515)233-2095
December 10, 2010
The Honorable Mayor Ann Campbell
Ames City Council Members
Ames, IA 50010
Dear Madam Mayor and Gentlemen of the Council,
Revised Proposed Variance Language
Re: Plumbing Issues
We request 5 things be done with regard to plumbing issues arising out of current
inspections, as follows:
1. The first is to change the 5 year provision to bring unvented S traps into
compliance with the code and to have it considered a technical violation to the
plumbing code and allowed to continue as long as they are noted and the
technology is maintained in a not unsafe manner.
.2. The second is to change the language of 13.600(3) to remove the words
"repaired or replaced" and add the word "new".
3. The third is similar to the second and has only recently come to our attention.
Section 13.400(4) should have the word "plumbing" removed in two places to
make it consistent with the change requested to 13.600(3).
4. The fourth is to grant the PMAB the power to grant code modifications in Section
13.108(9) when strict compliance with the code is impractical.
5. The fifth is similar to the fourth to grant the Building Board of Appeals authority to
grant code modifications in Section. 5.609 when, strict compliance with the code is
impractical.
Sincerely yours,
Lad Grove
ARA, Board Member
Addendum A- Proposed Ordinance Language
Revise 13.600(3)to read:
(3) New Work Must Comply. New plumbing items shall comply with current city of
Ames Plumbing Code and all other relevant standards. (The words `repaired or
replaced'were deleted.) Maintenance includes replacement of failed parts in the
original lawfully installed plumbing system.
Revise 13.103(1)to read:
(1) Modifications: Whenever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out
the provisions of the Code, the Building Official shall have the authority to grant
code modifications for individual cases, provided the Building Official shall first
find that special individual reason makes the strict letter of the Code impractical
and the code modification is in compliance with the intent and purpose of the
Code and that such modification does not substantiallv lessen health, life and fire
safety requirements. The details of action granting code modifications shall be
recorded and entered in the Inspection Division records and be permanently
maintained in the office of the city clerk.
Revise 13.108(9)to read:
(9) Board Decisions:The board has authority to affirm, modify or reverse the
decision of the Building Official and to grant code modifications when strict
compliance with the code is impractical and the modifications is in compliance
with the intent and purpose of the Code and that such modification does not
substantially lessen health, life and fire safety requirements. The details of action
granting code modifications shall be recorded and entered in the Inspection
Division records and be permanently maintained in the office of the city clerk.
Revise 13.400(4) (The word "plumbing"was deleted twice.)to Read:
New Work to Comply.All building, electrical, and mechanical items that are
repaired or replaced shall meet the building, electrical, and mechanical codes in
effect at the time the work is performed, unless otherwise specified in this Code.
(The word "plumbing"was deleted twice to be consistent with 13.600(3).)
In reading the Building Code I found that the provisions of proposed section 13.108(9)
should be added to section 5.609 of the Building Code to make it consistent with
13.108(9).
Existing Section 5.609 of the Building Code provides:
Sec. 5.609 Board Authority. The Board has authority to affirm modify or reverse the
decision of the Building Official.
Proposed Revision of Sec. 5.609 Board Authority.The board has authority to
affirm, modify or reverse the decision of the Building Official and to -grant code
modifications when strict compliance with the code is impractical and the code
modification is in compliance with the intent and purpose of the Code and that such
modification does not substantially lessen health, life and fire safety requirements.
The details of action granting code modifications shall be recorded and entered in
the Inspection Division records and be permanently maintained in the office of the
city clerk.
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Addendum B
Abstract of Minutes of Council Resolutions RE: Plumbing Code Changes
on 11-9-10
Motion to allow Technical Violations "Not Unsafe" to Continue in Use
Moved by Orazem, seconded by Mahayni, to direct staff to allow one with technical
violations to the Plumbing Code to continue as long as they are noted and the
technology is maintained in a not unsafe manner.
Amendment to Only 4 Items
Moved by Goodman, seconded by Wacha, to amend the motion that the wording only be
applied to four items on the list, excluding existing unvented S-traps.
Vote on Amendment: 4-2.
Voting aye: Goodman, Mahayni, Orazem, Wacha. Voting nay: Davis, Larson. Motion
declared carried.
Vote on Motion
as Amended: 4-2. Voting aye: Goodman, Mahayni, Orazem, Wacha. Voting nay: Davis,
Larson. Motion declared carried.
S Traps 5 years.
Moved by Goodman, seconded by Mahayni, to move that with regards to unvented S-
traps, five years be allowed to be brought into compliance.
Vote on Motion: 3-3. Voting aye: Goodman, Mahayni, Orazem. Voting nay: Davis,
Larson, Wacha. Mayor voted aye to break the tie. Motion declared carried.
City Attorney to Draft Ordinance
Moved by Davis, seconded by Mahayni, to direct the City Attorney to draft an ordinance
with the above-named changes and bring it back to Council for its consideration.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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