HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/22/1988WORK SESSION MINUTES
August 22, 1988
5:30 p.m.
Large Conference Room
Members present: Mayor McKinley, Dell, Fox, Brown, Buck, Angel,
Wright, Budak.
Moved by Buck, seconded by Dell that the Agenda, as proposed, be
approved. Motion carried.
Jim Curran, Building Official, presented proposed changes to the
Advertising and Sign Ordinance of the Waterloo City Code of
Ordinances. Representatives of various sign companies in the
City have reviewed the proposed changes. Although a majority of
the Committee members were not in favor of all the changes, the
proposed Ordinance contained the following items: 1) A new fee
schedule, 2) Elimination of bond requirement for flat wall signs
of 32 square feet or less and not exceeding $500 in valuation, 3)
Enforcement of the UL approval for electrical signs, and 4)
Clarification of the Zoning Ordinance relating to the Sign
Ordinance.
The elimination of requiring a bonded sign erector to install
flat signs to exterior walls less than 32 square feet in size or
less than $500 in valuation was discussed. Mr. Curran reported
that most of the objections are with small contractors as they
feel this would be "taking money out of their pockets." This
does not present a safety problem if the sign is properly put up
and flat against the building. It was pointed out that permits
are still needed for the erection of all signs. A sign can be
painted on a window or a wall without a permit.
Amendments to Section 600 require that every sign erected must be
UL approved. UL approval means that all parts of the sign are
fireproof. Prior to becoming an UL approved sign maker, UL will
send someone to the shop to assist in meeting their criteria and
standards. A minimal fee is charged for receiving UL
certification. Mr. Curran explained that UL approval is a
requirement of the National Electrical Code, which has been
adopted by the Waterloo City Council by reference; therefore,
this is not an additional requirement but merely enforcement of
the existing Ordinance.
It was also pointed out that the Sign Ordinance and the Zoning
Ordinance will be coordinated as to the types of signs that are
allowed in each zoning district.
Mr. Curran referred to a City of Waterloo memorandum of March 1,
1983 stating that the City would not require a building permit
for re -roofing and/or re -siding work. Mr. Curran stated that the
Building Department has been experiencing some difficulties with
contractors who are structurally changing the building. Said
structural changes may interfere with safeguarding the life,
health, property and public welfare and therefore must be
regulated. Individuals who are structurally changing a building
by re -roofing or re -siding are cited on a complaint basis or a
drop-in inspection by a City Inspector. Due to the increased
number of building permits that have been issued during this
construction year, together with the increased time that
inspecting all re -roofing and re -siding jobs would produce, a
part-time additional staff member may be required.
Discussion was heard on charging homeowners for the cost of these
inspections. Councilperson Wright stated her opposition to
charging homeowners for these inspections.
Works Session Minutes
August 22, 1988
Page 2
Angel now present at 6:05 p.m.
Since the permit for a re -roofing job is determined by the value
of the improvement, it was suggested by Councilperson Buck that a
flat fee schedule be developed based on value. Also, a
simplified fee structure of charging all homes the same for
re -roofing or re -siding was discussed. The staff agreed to come
up with an alternative fee schedule.
Proposed increases in the installation, replacement of old with
new, or change of location of plumbing fixtures was reviewed.
The last increase in plumbing fees was in 1978. The Citizens'
Budget Review Committee has made recommendations that the fee
structure for plumbing inspections be increased. The cost of the
permit also includes an inspection by the City Plumbing
Inspector. Inspections insure the health, safety and welfare of
our residents.
Amendments to the Gas Piping Code for thermal plastic use for
natural gas were reviewed. ed.
All of the Ordinance changes discussed above will be presented to
the City Council for action.
With no further business before the Council, the meeting was
adjourned.
Larry P. Burger
Clerk/Auditor