HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.03.2004Ordinance Committee
May 3, 2004
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ORDINANCE COMMITTEE
May 3, 2004
4:45 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Hurley, Kincaid, Cole, Greenwood, Clark, Schmitt, Gunderson, Welper.
Moved by Gunderson, seconded by Cole that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Seven.
Motion carried.
Lou Cutwright, Building Official/Maintenance Administrator, reviewed the International Property
Maintenance Code. The International Property Maintenance Code addresses existing properties and
the maintenance of existing properties. The present Housing Ordinance, Chapter 9-7 of the Waterloo
Code or Ordinances, applies to rental units and establishes the Fire Department as the enforcement
agent. The International Property Maintenance Code applies to all properties. This will assist code
enforcement to work on commercial and residential properties if a problem exists. Section 304
provides guidelines for the exterior of all buildings that provides a good platform for its enforcement
so neighborhood appearances will improve.
Section 307-Rubbish and Garbage provides a platform to reduce rubbish and garbage accumulation
on properties. Section 307.2.1 can be amended to assist apartment owners to size the container for
their apartment. The small container issued by Waste Management is 32 gallons. If an apartment
had 12 units, the container size for the building for weekly pickup would be a 7-yard container (12 x
32 gallons). This would prevent, or cut down, on the practice of piling garbage outside the container
because it is too full.
The application of the International Property Maintenance Code could put some homeowners at a
disadvantage. The International Property Maintenance Code could be amended to add a section titled
"Hardship." When the application of the code would cause hardship to the owner or occupant of the
affected structure, the Building Official could grant exception upon application if all safety and
sanitary conditions are met. An application could be made for financial assistance through the
Building Official. Community Development could be the local agency charged with administering
the financial assistance. The financial assistance would be in the form of paint materials for those
applicants who are physically able to supply the labor for the job. For the elderly that cannot supply
the labor, a search will be made for volunteers to supply the labor, beginning first with the family of
the owner.
Forty-four states have adopted the International Property Maintenance Code by reference. A few
cities within Iowa are: West Des Moines and Council Bluffs. Peoria and East Moline, Illinois and
Hastings, Nebraska have also adopted the code.
Don Temeyer, Community Planning and Development Director, reported that Community
Development has an emergency fund that normally is used for roof and furnace repairs.
Mr. Cutwright noted that the International Property Maintenance Code can be amended so that it
applies to the City of Waterloo. Section 302.8, Motor Vehicles, could be amended to add front yard
parking and parking of recreational vehicles.
Mr. Cutwright stated that the International Property Maintenance Code is being adopted across the
country to help hold the value of properties in neighborhoods and increase values of homes. It gives
citizens something good to feel about their neighborhoods and homes.
Mr. Cutwright stated that initially enforcement will be driven by complaints, but the Rath area could
be set up as a proactive area.
Mayor Hurley stated that he feels the city needs to start some place, and that if we don't look good,
we don't look safe or inviting as a city.
Ordinance Committee
May 3, 2004
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Mr. Cutwright will bring the International Property Maintenance Code with the amendments back to
the council. It will probably be two months before it is placed on the council agenda. Mr. Cutwright
stated if the code is adopted, he will need three additional code enforcement officers and one clerk.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Clark, seconded by Gunderson that the
meeting be adjourned at 5:19 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk
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