To: Mark R. Hafner, City Manager
From: Julie Smith, Director of Community Development
Subject:
Title
Consider an ordinance approving an amendment to the City of Keller Code of Ordinances Chapter 4 - Buildings, by replacing Article IV in its entirety regarding the regulation of substandard structures; providing a repealing clause; providing a maximum penalty of $2,000.00; providing a severability clause; and establishing an effective date.
Action Requested:
Consider an ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances Chapter 4 - Buildings by replacing Article IV in its entirety regarding the regulation of substandard structures.
Background:
Although rare in Keller, a few recent substandard building cases (primarily burned-out structures) brought to light the need for a codified process for handling dilapidated structures within the city. The absence of such a process has historically caused lengthy delays as the city’s legal team had to pursue cumbersome procedures through the municipal court system that were not always effective. The city’s inability to properly address such structures has created distress and potential negative property value impacts to the homeowners surrounding the substandard buildings.
Summary of Code Amendments:
- Authorizes the city’s Building Official, Fire Marshal, and Code Compliance Officers to enforce the Substandard Buildings Code.
- Creates a Building and Standards Commission (the same members as the Zoning Board of Adjustment) to hear and determine cases related to violations of the proposed ordinance.
- Provides detailed minimum standards for the use and occupancy of structures in the City of Keller. The minimum standards are intended to be used by the Building Official, Fire Marshal, and Code Enforcement Officers to determine if a building is substandard and a potential hazard to the public health, safety, and welfare.
- Establishes notice and public hearing procedures for the Building and Standards Commission to follow after the Building Official or Fire Marshal has found a building to be substandard.
-Rulings by the Commission are appealable to District Court.
Financial Impact:
N/A
Citizen Input/Board Review:
N/A
Legal Review:
The City Attorney drafted the proposed ordinance.
Alternatives:
City Council has the following alternatives:
- Approve as submitted
- Approve with changes
- Denial