City council approves second round of building codes
The adoption of building codes for properties in Red Oak was the topic of discussion at yet another city council meeting last week.
At last Monday’s meeting, the council voted on the readings for building codes, residential codes and maintenance codes.
The council voted in favor of the first reading of all three codes at a previous meeting; however, the city will consider adopting the 2009 edition of the International Building Code and the International Residential Code instead.
An issue was brought to City Administrator Brad Wright and Mayor Bill Billings that most people in the state who work with these codes, including most construction companies and the state fire marshal, have not adopted the newest edition.
“There were some comments brought up to us that made sense to consider adopting the 2009 International Building Code and International Residential Code, as that is what the state fire marshal’s office is still inspecting for,” Wright said. “Initially, [the Southwest Iowa Planning Council] felt comfortable with adopting the [2015 codes], and because of the language that we had in our ordinance stating that if there was anything more restrictive, we would still adhere to the state code. But, with the questions, concerns that have been raised from [local] folks, SWIPCO had no problem with going ahead and changing it to the 2009 code. It would appear to them it would be less conflict with some of the state agencies.” Due to the concerns, the council decided to approve the first reading of the adoption of the 2009 codes.
At the last meeting, the council approved the 2012 International Property Maintenance Code’s first reading, which requires inspections of rental properties every three years. It passed by a 4-1 vote, with councilman Bill Haufle voting against the ordinance.
The ordinance was on the agenda for its second reading at last week’s meeting. Haufle again expressed his concern about length of time in between inspections.
“I’m still opposed to every three years,” Haufle said. “I just think that’s too much. I wouldn’t want people coming in and inspecting my house every three years. That’s just my feelings on that.”
Bryce VanHouten, a Red Oak landlord was also at the meeting and expressed his concerns. He believes the codes will make life in the city more difficult, especially for those with low incomes.
“I just don’t really think Red Oak is ready for this,” VanHouten said. “I don’t think we need it. We’re struggling now, as a community, just to try and keep jobs and people here. And it just seems like every time we turn around, people are trying to make it more difficult for people to live here. I just don’t think it’s right.”
After discussion of the codes, the council approved the second reading of the property maintenance code, with Haufle voting against it.
Councilman Larry Barnett addressed Haufle’s concerns about permit lengths and asked if the council could vote to lengthen permit periods at a later time.
Wright said the council could decide to change the terms and limits at any point or even make the inspections necessary on an as needed basis.
The third reading of the maintenance code will take place at the council’s next meeting June 15. The council will also vote on the second reading of he 2009 International Building Code and International Residential Code. At that time, they can choose to forego the third reading so that all three codes can be adopted at the same time.