Agenda

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ARF- 2673

Public Hearing 2. A.

Regular BOS Meeting

Meeting Date:	08/18/2014
Submitted For:	Robert Gould
Submitted By:	Robert Gould, Community Development Division Director, Community Development Division
Department:	Community Development	Division:	Building

Information

Request/Subject

Adopt as Amended Ordinance No. 2014-03, the Gila County Building Code Ordinance

Background Information

Ordinance No. 2014-03 with proposed revisions repeals the current Building Code Ordinance of the County of Gila last amended on June 28, 2011, and replaces it in its entirety with the Gila County Building Code with amendments for the unincorporated areas of Gila County.

The current ordinance consists of 8 Codes from mostly the Code year of 2003, whereas the proposed ordinance includes 9 Codes from mainly 2012. The one additional code pertains to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Evaluation

Building materials as well as construction technologies and methods are constantly evolving. Many of these new products and improvements make their way into the Codes. This allows both the residential and commercial builder more options and flexibility when designing and constructing.

Updated Codes also correct errors and clarify the intent of code sections from previous code books as well as removing any issues that have been found to be a problem or dangerous.

The amendments consist largely of recommendations from the Arizona Building Officials Organization and some general housekeeping items.

These newer versions of the Codes also contain advancements in building safety in an effort to further protect the occupants.

Other Arizona municipalities and jurisdictions have already or are currently in the process of adopting these same year Codes. This allows consistency and greatly benefits the draftsman, architect, and contractor when they conduct business in multiple areas of the state.

Conclusion

While there will be some added construction costs with the adoption of these new Codes, it is partially offset by the increased choices of building materials, building methods, and improvements in building safety.

At the time of this writing it was decided to change this proposed Ordinance to the new format for Countywide ordinances. The public hearing will be held on this date because the public hearing notice has been advertised in the official County newspaper, the Arizona Silver Belt. Another public hearing notice will be advertised for a hearing date of September 2nd so that the Board of Supervisors and the public will be able to view and comment on the "final" Building Code Ordinance prior to the Board taking an action to adopt it.

Recommendation

Staff recommends that the Board of Supervisors conduct a public hearing regarding Ordinance No. 2014-03, the amended Gila County Building Code Ordinance, but defer taking an action to adopt the Ordinance until September 2, 2014, at which time the "final" Building Code Ordinance will be presented to the Board of Supervisors for adoption.

Suggested Motion

Information/Discussion regarding Ordinance No. 2014-03, which is the amended "Building Code Ordinance" for the unincorporated areas of Gila County, and to inform the public that the Board of Supervisors will conduct another public hearing on September 2, 2014, to adopt as amended Ordinance No. 2014-03. (Bob Gould)

Attachments
Bldg. Code Ordinance
Staff Report
Legal Notice