Washington Missouri - Council Adopts Mandatory Occupancy Inspection Code

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Council Adopts Mandatory Occupancy Inspection Code

By Ed Pruneau

12/15/2006

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One of the goals of a new city law requiring mandatory inspections for existing buildings in Washington is to minimize the number of fire calls, Mayor Dick Stratman said. The new law, which goes into effect next spring, also is designed to protect citizens and "improve the quality of life" in the community, according to Fire Chief Bill Halmich.

Those were among the comments made Wednesday evening before city council members unanimously approved an ordinance amending Title V of the city code relating to certificates of occupancy and inspections of existing homes and buildings.

"I'm in total favor of it," commented Councilman Tim Brinker. "It's been a long time coming."

Halmich said the new code sets minimum standards for maintaining buildings.

"These are basic life safety issues. As buildings age, the more maintenance they need," Halmich said. "It's good to have benchmarks" for safety standards.

The measure requires annual inspections of commercial and industrial properties to ensure compliance with city codes. Inspections of residential homes, including apartment units, are required whenever there is a change of occupancy.

The city discussed adopting the mandatory inspections two years ago, but the idea faced stiff opposition from some owners of commercial and rental properties and it was not adopted at that time. The city did adopt a property maintenance code that is limited to the exterior of homes and buildings.

No one expressed opposition to the code amendment Wednesday night.

Darren Lamb, director of planning and engineering services, requested that the ordinance take effect April 1, 2007, to provide time for educational workshops directed at realtors, title companies and the general public. Also, it would provide time to train additional staff needed to implement the program.

According to the ordinance, applications for occupancy inspections will be filed with the planning director.

Proposed fees for the inspections are:

Single- or two-family dwellings, $75;

Multi-family dwellings, $40;

Commercial and industrial structures, $100 on change of occupancy;

Annual inspections of commercial and industrial structures, no charge.

The fees will cover the initial inspection and one reinspection if deficiencies are found and must be corrected. The charge will be $25 for all subsequent reinspections.

The measure also provides for an appeal process and allows the planning director to issue occupancy permits on a conditional basis for up to 90 days.

Halmich said he met with other jurisdictions that have mandatory inspection codes, including Kirkwood and Pacific, and the reaction in those areas have been positive.

"We'll be working with citizens through education programs to help protect them and improve their quality of life," Halmich said. He said it's crucial that the city follow a "fair and equitable" enforcement of the program.

Halmich said other communities that have adopted the inspection program have seen a reduction in fire calls.

"There are other tangible benefits besides improving the quality of life for citizens," he remarked.

©Washington Missouri 2010

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