Amending Chapter 6 Entitled Buildings 03/10/86 7616-86

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South Bend Common Council Members February 18, 1986 Page Two (3) The Indiana Handicapped Accessibility Code will take effect March 1, 1986. This code adopts standards for making buildings and facilities accessible and usable by physically handicapped individuals . Several changes to Section 6-6.5, entitled "Restricted Fire Limits", are being proposed . This section of the code designates two fire districts within the City -the central downtown area and the East Bank area. As you are aware, these areas were so designated because of the congestion of buildings and structures within these areas, making it necessary to impose certain restrictions . The changes to the fire limit section make it possible for construction in less congested areas and permits minor improvements to existing buildings if the specified criteria are followed. The criteria established ensures that cost effective development can occur in these districts in conformity with all health and safety factors . Section 6-40 governing Vacant Structures has been amended to allow Code Enforcement to secure buildings that have been open five ( 5) days rather than waiting ten (10) days . A vacant structure in a neighborhood is a hazard and should be secured as soon as possible after adequate notice has been provided to the property owner. Five (5) days is sufficient time for a property owner to secure a structure after receiving notice from Code Enforcement. If you have any questions concerning the amendments to the Building Chapter, please feel free to contact me. Sincerely yours, er Katherine G. Barnard Director Department of Code Enforcement KGB/vls/14-43 cc: Mayor Roger 0. Parent Jack Mathews, Building Commissioner Luther Taylor, Fire Chief Jon Hunt, Director, Redevelopment Marva J. Leonard, Assistant City Attorney