CITY COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM

Department:	Planning & Development Services		Commission Meeting Date: September 18, 2018
Staff Contact:	Brian Jimenez, Code Enforcement Manager
Recommendations/Options/Action Requested:
Consider proposed International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) regulations and amendments thereto and adopt on first reading, Ordinance No. 9563, and replace current regulations as set forth in City of Lawrence Code Chapter IX, Article 6, if appropriate.
Executive Summary:		The IPMC is published by the International Code Council (ICC) with a new edition promulgated every three years. The IPMC establishes code provisions that are designed to protect the public’s health, safety and welfare by setting forth standards for all existing residential and nonresidential structures and all existing premises within the City by establishing minimum requirements for premises, structures, equipment, facilities for light, ventilation, space, heating, sanitation, protection from the elements, safety from fire and other hazards. The IPMC is kept up to date through the review of proposed changes submitted by code enforcement officials, industry representatives, design professionals and other interested parties. The 2018 edition is fully compatible with all of the International Codes (I-Codes) published by ICC. The City of Lawrence has previously adopted the 2006, 2009, 2012 and 2015 editions of the IPMC and amendments thereto. Ordinance No. 9563 is for consideration of the 2018 IPMC as amended by staff. While most of the proposed code language of the 2018 edition of the Property Maintenance Code remains the same as the City’s current 2015 edition, there are considerable proposed code regulations for the parking and storing of recreation vehicles and trailers on private property that are identified in Sections 302.9 thru 302.9.11.  The standards include but are not limited to the number, size and location of recreation vehicles and trailers that that can be parked on a property. Previous review and guidance of these proposed regulations include a citizen survey and input from the Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission on several occasions.  In addition to the recommended parking and storage standards, there are other noteworthy new code language and/or amendments that consists of the following: 1. The time period to submit a notice of appeal is reduced from 21 days to 14 days and there is new language that identifies three new statement requirements that must be included within a Notice of Appeal for it to be considered a valid appeal. These requirements match the Notice of Appeal language within the Building Code. 2. There are 34 new definitions and 5 amended definitions. The new definitions are necessary to appropriately define terms that are found within the proposed new code language. 3. Section 302.9.11 prohibits motor vehicles and recreation vehicles from being used for living or sleeping purposes while parked or stored on a premises unless such vehicles are located within a zoning district that permits a transient accommodation use. 4. Section 302.9.12 – New code section that states Heavy Equipment is prohibited to be parked or stored on a premises unless the equipment is actively being used for construction work upon the premises. 5. Section 302.14 – New code section that states a Tarpaulin (tarp) is permitted to be used for short-term use, which is typically less than 30 days, unless approved by the code official.  The code language identifies general prohibited uses of tarps. 6. Section 302.15 – New code section that establishes regulations for portable on demand storage unit (PODS) where a detached dwelling or duplex use is established. Permits the use of one POD as a short-term use, which is typically less than 30 days, unless approved by the code official.  7. Section 302.16 – New code section that establishes regulations for portable on demand storage unit (PODS) where a multi-dwelling residential or non-residential use is established. Permits short-term use, which is typically less than 30 days, unless approved by the code official. Identifies requirements for such use if desired for longer than 30 days. 8. Section 702.4.1 – New code language that clarifies when a sleeping room is considered to be located within a basement.  Minor code language change to require a permanently affixed interior ladder for emergency escape instead of two permanently fixed steps as required in the current code when sill height is greater than 48 inches. Allows for a non-compliant egress window to be replaced with a same dimensional sized window if the height and width of the window is 22 inches in either dimension and has a total net clear opening is not less than 5 square feet. 9. Chapter 7 (Fire Safety Requirements) Deleted several sections new to the 2018 edition because they are already established within the 2018 International Fire Code (IFC).  10. Section [F] 705.1 is amended to require carbon monoxide alarms when a dwelling unit contains a fuel-fired appliance or when the dwelling unit has an attached garage that opens directly into the dwelling unit. 11. Section 705.1.2 – New code language requires carbon monoxide alarms to be installed in each sleeping areas in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and when a fuel burning appliance is located within a bedroom or bathroom, the carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed within the bedroom. 12. Section 705.1.3 – New code language permits a combination monoxide and smoke alarm to be permitted to be used in lieu of a carbon monoxide alarm.
Strategic Goal Area:		Safe, Healthy and Welcoming Neighborhoods
Fiscal Impact (Amount/Source):		The fiscal impact to the City is $0.
Attachments:		Ordinance No. 9563 PowerPoint Presentation Planning Commission 2014 Presentation ( Recreation Vehicle Survey)

Reviewed By: (for CMO use only)

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