hpdmin 03-07-22 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chairman Bullock recapped the ordinance, noting that it sought to increase penalties in the building code in specific places and to increase the quality and effectiveness of building code implementation. Director Corrigan reviewed the various chapters and sub-chapters of the building code that would be affected by the ordinance. Discussion ensued regarding registration of specialty contractors, with their failure to register with the city changing from a 3rd degree offense to a 2nd degree one. Motion by Chairman Bullock, seconded by Councilmember Kepple to recommend Ordinance 04-2022 for adoption by the full Council. Discussion: Councilmembers questioned why the code language does not speck what a misdemeanor is and whether there are any other sections of the building code that had misdemeanor penalties. Commissioner Parmelee stated that the city is increasing current penalties with this ordinance, as well as establishing grounds for penalties for not pulling permits for projects. On the motion: All in favor. Motion passed. Ordinance 04-2022 was recommended for adoption by the full Council. ORDINANCE 05-2022 —AN ORDINANCE to take effect November 30, 2022 enacting requirements for structural engineer reports from property owners for the facade of any occupiable structure 30 years old and more than four stories in height, for any underground parking structure and any above ground parking structure. (1st read and referred to HPD 2/7/22) Chairman Bullock noted that Ordinance 05-2022 serves as a newly proposed preventative maintenance tool that was created in response to the Marine Towers West garage collapse that occurred this year. Commissioner Parmelee stated that although the Marine Towers West incident was not a preventative maintenance issue itself, it prompted a review of the sizable structures in Lakewood with underground parking structures. He noted that the city is going after the owners of the IA building downtown about the brick and parapet walls. He looked at Chicago, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland's codes to create Lakewood's ordinance. It would apply to any building over 30 years old and over 4 stories tall. The ordinance would require an engineer's analysis after a timeline laid out in the law. Buildings above 4 stories can be difficult for city inspectors to observe and there are private companies out there that can use drones to complete the required inspections. If the ordinance passes and a structural engineer has been conducted on a building that qualifies in the last 18 months, the Building Department will not require another one to be completed. The focus of the department is to deal with immediate hazards. The new ordinance lays out new conditions for any garage above grade and exterior cladding. Chairman Bullock clarified that this ordinance would apply to larger residential/commercial structures, not the mom-and-pop residential structures, like quad apartments. Mr. Parmelee stated that 112 buildings meet the new facade criteria, and that the smaller property owners were left out of the ordinance's purview.