Approving Progress Report Under the Workable Program for Community Improvement

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', � HU✓-1G2t (11-62) 3. Identify and justify any major deviations in the codes adopted by the community from the standards set forth in the nationally recognized codes as amended, excluding minor administrative changes and revisions. Use extra sheets if necessary. * The City of South Bend has adopted the BOCA Basic Fire Prevention Code of 1967 as its Fire Prevention Code. In so adopting this code, the chapters of the code directly relate to fireworks was deleted due to the fact that the use, sale and possession of fire works is prohibited by State Statutes in the State of Indiana. The State Statutes then renders the control of fire works a new - question and mandates the removal of these chapters from the code. There are no further major deviations in local codes from the .standard set forth in the nationally recognized codes. 4. Describe in general, and to the extent possible quantifiable, terms the longer-range plans and objectives for using housing, building and related code enforcement to help eliminate and prevent the formation and spread i of slums and blight. The Building Department will continue following sound local code enforcement practices that have been effective in preventing and eliminating blight and blighting conditions. The City plans to continue with Federally-assisted programs with emphasis placed on code enforcement and related grant programs. The i utilization of these and other programs augers well with local activities in 1 preventing the formulation and spread of blight within the community. Through this total effort, the City plans to identify all remaining buildings in need of repairs, and see that 'all repairs are underway within the next four to five �- years. If repairs are not undertaken by this time, the blighting conditions (Cons'd on Page 3a) 5. Describe the community's plan of action during the next period for effectively dealing with areas and/or types of units having high priority need for code enforcement, including both programs to stop blight in sound but deteriorating areas and programs to deal with serious threats to health and safety in slum areas. l The City has, for several years, maintained a Substandard Building Division, under the City Building Department. The City will continue to use existing staff for enforcing City codes and ordinances on a City-wide basis, concentrating in areas confronted with earlier stages of blight and blighting influences, with Federally-assisted programs, concentrating on areas that are in an ad- vanced stage of deterioration. A full range of programs are proposed, in- eluding Code Enforcement and Demolition Grant Programs, Urban Renewal and Rehabilitation Projects. This total approach will provide the staff and f financial assistance to accomplish the objective identified in Item No. 4. (a) Explain the basis for the areas and program'strategies selected.�(Attach:maps, charts.or other informa- tion as may be necessary to explain the context for the plan of action.) Since 1958, the City has maintained a Substandard Building Department, under the general direction of the City Building Commissioner. In 1960, a thorough evaluation was made of the U.S. Census Report on Housing, resulting in the selection of specific code enforcement areas. Priorities were established, based on the level of deterioration identified by the 1960 Census Report on Housing. About this. same time, the City began its urban renewal program, which focused on the City's two most seriously blighted and deteriorated residential areas. These areas were subsequently cleared and redeveloped. In 1968, the Area Plan Commission of St. Joseph County completed a Neighbor- hood Analysis Study which identified the .level of blight and blighting (Cont'd on Page. 3a) . - 3. * Changes that have been made since the original submission.