Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Planning & Development Services

TO:	Toni Wheeler,  Legal Services  Director
FROM:	Brian Jimenez, Code Enforcement Manager
Thru:	Scott McCullough, Planning & Development Services Director
Date:	August 5, 2008
RE:	Property Maintenance Amendment

The text amendment pertaining to requiring all kitchen countertop and bathroom receptacles to be ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected was inadvertently omitted during the adoption process.   Attached is the proposed ordinance to amend the City of Lawrence Code 5-1004.13 Section 605.2. 

Background

The absence of GFCI receptacles in kitchens and bathrooms is considered a life safety issue.  The City of Lawrence’s previous housing code had similar code language incorporated into the code that required GFCI’s in these two locations.  A ground fault circuit interrupter is an inexpensive device that, if installed in household branch circuits, has the potential to prevent over two-thirds of the approximately 300 electrocutions each year in and around the home.  Installation of the device can also assist in preventing thousands of burn and electric shock injuries each year.  Because a GFCI detects ground faults, it can also prevent some electrical fires and reduce the severity of others by interrupting the flow of electric current.

Action Requested

Review attached proposed ordinance and submit for earliest available City Commission agenda.