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Discussion with possible action regarding the exemption of designated landmarks, and buildings within the Historic Districts from the City of Laredo adopted International Code Council (ICC) codes, and any other matters incident thereto.
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PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
On June 10th, 2024, City Council directed Staff to investigate and report on other cities adopted exemptions for historic buildings, and possible exemption of Historic buildings in Laredo from the ICC family of codes. After contacting al eight (8) benchmark cities, none adopted exemptions to the existing building code.
BACKGROUND
During the June 10th, 2024 council meeting, City Council considered possible action to amend Ordinance No. 2021-O-198, which adopted the 2018 editions of the International Code Council (“ICC”) code, to create an exception for Historical Buildings in the Historic District and any other matters incident thereto. Council requested Staff to reach out to other cities in order to verify exemptions to their ICC Codes for change of use to Historical Building Inspections.
Historic Buildings in the City of Laredo are exempt from all the 2018 adopted ICC Codes for the exception of Chapter 12 of the International Existing Building Code (IEBC). IEBC is the only applicable code, which provides requirements for Historic Buildings to comply with the provisions of this chapter relating to their repair, alteration, relocation and change of occupancy. In cases of change of occupancy, Chapter 12- Section 1204.1 General: Historic buildings undergoing a change of occupancy shall comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 10 of the International Existing Building Code (IEBC).
The Building Development Services contacted the eight (8) benchmark cities, to serve as reference points for the department comparative analysis for exemptions/ deviations from the IBC Codes due to a change of occupancy, and results are as follows:
1. City of Coppell
2. City of College Station
3. City of McAllen
4. City of Denton
5. City of Brownsville
6. City of Arlington
7. City of El Paso
8. City of San Antonio
All of the listed benchmark cities currently have no exemptions to Historical Buildings- Change of Occupancy and must abide by the IEBC Codes.
The City of Laredo Building Development Services is in the process of adopting the 2021 ICC Codes at the next council meeting scheduled for July 22, 2024 by submitting a Public Hearing and Introductory Ordinance.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
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Staff recommends that the City Council approves this Staff Report.
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Fiscal Impact
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FINANCIAL IMPACT:
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