title
Consider/Discuss/Act on an Ordinance Amending Chapter 126 of the Code of Ordinances (Housing), Specifically Pertaining to the Building and Standards Commission (Article II, Division 2)
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Direction for Strategic Growth
Operational Excellence
MEETING DATE: February 16, 2016
DEPARTMENT: Development Services / Building Inspections
CONTACT: Rick Herzberger, Chief Building Official
Michael Quint, Executive Director of Development Services
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
* Staff recommends approval of the proposed ordinance amendments.
ITEM SUMMARY:
* Per City Council direction, Staff is proposing to modify the Code of Ordinances so that the Building and Standards Commission has the authority to review amendments to the Model Codes prior to City Council action. Additionally, Staff is proposing to modify the Code of Ordinances to grant the Building and Standards Commission quasi-judicial authority to perform the role of a Board of Appeals for the Model Codes. Lastly, Staff is proposing a series of additional modifications to Chapter 126 of the Code of Ordinances to ensure compliance with applicable state statutes.
* The current ordinance was also reviewed in detail by legal counsel to ensure that the ordinance is consistent with the Texas Local Government Code Chapter 54, Subchapter C, entitled "Quasi-Judicial Enforcement of Health and Safety Ordinances".
* With the adoption of the Ordinance Amending Chapter 126 of the Code of Ordinances, the Building and Standards Commission will review and make recommendations on new Model Code updates, every three years.
* The proposed ordinance does not change any section under Division 3, Housing and Substandard Building Code.
* The Development Services Division (Building Inspections and Code Enforcement Departments) and the Fire Department have reviewed the proposed ordinance amendments and agree that the concerns expressed by the City Council are addr...
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