06.03 State Building Code - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTE EXCERPTS April 20, 2017 NEW BUSINESS: a. State Building Code, Discussion Mr. Burslie explained the City Council directed the Planning Commission to begin discussions whether or not the City should enforce the State Building Code. This subject comes up every few years. The Fire Chief is in favor of adopting the Code for safety reasons. We should also explore whether or not to hire a staff person that would do the inspections for the City or like many other cities this size, hire an inspector to provide this service. Scott Sadusky, a licensed State Building Inspector was present to answer questions. He stated that cities over 5,000 population are required to enforce the State Building Code. Once the population is over 2,500, a city cannot rescind it. Planning Commission Member Hallan stated the City of Crosslake rescinded the Building Code after pressure from realtors regarding additional fees. Mayor Adams shared a story of previous experience with a fire inspector who would always look until he found something wrong. She asked Mr. Sadusky if that is how he would justify his position. Mr. Sadusky stated he has worked with many inspectors over the years and it depends on the inspector. Mayor Adams stated the City would expect him to not be knit picky,someone who is looking for something wrong. Mr. Sadusky stated the lifespan for an inspector in a city is 7 years. He has been in Breezy Point for ii years. He is not an authority figure;he is there to educate and help people. Mayor Adams introduced Pat Tweed. Mrs.Tweed explained she and her husband recently built a new home in Pequot Lakes and felt if there had been an inspector the mistakes their contractor made could have been alleviated. Mr. Sadusky stated if all contractors were knowledgeable and honest, inspectors wouldn't be needed. Planning Commission Member Hallan stated contractors can hide things. We are not guaranteeing that enforcement will catch everything. Planning Commission Member Habein stated the one complaint he has heard from contractors is the number of inspections required for pouring a footing for a house. Mr. Sadusky stated there is one inspection prior to pouring. Typically the contractor forms up the footing and he inspects once before the concrete is poured. Planning Commission Member Norton stated he has worked with Mr. Sadusky and that he is very detailed. This is also a level of protection for the contractors Mr. Burslie asked what the cost is to a city and if the fees are standard between all inspectors. Mr. Sadusky stated the fees to the city has to go into the Planning and