CC MIN 1975 - Laserfiche WebLink

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107 Oral Communications 1. Gladys Woodhams, owner of the John Offerman House, 1018 Main Street, requested a public hearing be held on August 25, 1975 for the purpose of per- mitting her to ask for variances to cover certain departures from requirements of the Building Code. City Attorney Schricker advised that the Council does not have the authority to grant any "variances" from the Building Code requirements nor does any other body in the City. Mr. Schricker observed that "variances" are pertinent to the Zoning Ordi- nance, in any case . Mr. Schricker further advised that Council may make certain changes in the Building Code follow- ing required public hearing, but may not change Code requirements with regard to any one particular piece of property. Mr. Schricker noted that Coun- cil may hold an informational type hearing in the event they wish to consider proposed legislation in the area of historic preservation. Discussion followed and it was pointed out that the Building Code is adopted by the City Council in accordance with certain legal procedures; that the Chief Building Official is responsible for enforcement of the Code provisions; and that Council may not interfere in the administration of the Code. In response to Mrs. Woodhams ' statement that she has employed an architect to assist her, she was advised that if she has new material with regard to submitting possible alternatives which might satisfy the requirements of the Building Code, she should present them in writing to the Chief Building Official. City Attorney Schricker pointed out that it should be made quite clear that it is the intention of Mrs. Woodhams to operate the restored Offerman House as a private for-profit establishment, and she must meet the Building Code requirements for such a commercial operation. Mr. Schricker sug- gested that if Mrs. Woodhams wished to occupy the house herself or to use it for some limited type of museum where perhaps guides would be available to assist in providing for the public safety, then possibly less rigorous Building Code requirements might be applicable than for business use of the structure. Mrs. Woodhams referred to the Mills-Montoya bill which she stated would enact rules for qualified historic buildings, but acknowledged the bill has not been enacted. It was observed also that the provisions of the subject bill with regard to regu- lations for historic buildings used for commercial purposes are unknown. -9- 8/111/775