Agenda Item # 4
Columbus Consolidated Government
Council Meeting
02/20/2007
Agenda Report # 101
To: Mayor and Council
Subject: Adoption of the International Existing Building Code
Initiated By: Development Resource Center - Inspections and Code
Recommendation: Adopt the attached ordinance to amend the Columbus, Georgia
Code of Ordinances in order to provide additional design options for existing
structures.
Background: During the Intercity visit sponsored by the Chamber Of Commerce to
Baltimore it became apparent to the delegates that Columbus could benefit from
utilizing the provisions of the International Existing Building Code in order
to provide additional options for development. It could also allow for
retaining existing features in certain applications.
Analysis: The adoption of this ordinance will provide an opportunity for the
City to allow more flexible design parameters in existing building
applications. Currently it is sometimes financially prohibitive to rehabilitate
existing structures if an owner must comply with the code requirements for new
buildings. The International Existing Building Code, which is a nationally
recognized code, gives architects and engineers an additional tool to be used
in design, without sacrificing the structural integrity or life safety in the
development of the building.
Alternatives: If this ordinance is not adopted, the current codes for
construction would continue to govern all projects.
Financial Considerations: Adoption of these ordinances will not increase the
cost of development or permitting.
Legal Consideration: The City Attorney has reviewed the proposed ordinance.
Recommendations/Actions: Approve the adoption of the attached ordinance to
amend the Columbus, Georgia, Code of Ordinances, in order to allow for the use
of the International Existing Building Code in the development of existing
buildings.
Attachments
No attachments for this document.