AGENDA ITEM EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
ITEM TITLE
title
Amend Chapter 7 - Fire Prevention and Protection of the Code of Ordinance.
presenter
RESPONSIBLE STAFF, TITLE, DEPARTMENT*
Jay L. Mebane, Fire Chief, Fire Department
Chris Wells, Assistant Fire Chief - Fire Marshal, Fire Department
STAFF RECOMMENDATION*
Staff recommends that Council enact the proposed changes within the code of ordinances, specifically, Chapter 7.
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ACTION/DECISION POINTS*
The Council must approve or reject the proposed changes.
LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT*
NCGS 160A-174 provides for the creation of Ordinances through enactment by the Council. Creations, modifications, and/or deletions are required to be presented to Council for approval. In addition, the changes within Chapter 7 presented to you are consistent with local acts and all laws.
BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT*
The North Carolina Fire Prevention Code is revised on a set schedule that has changed over time. Our last adoption of this code was in 2018. At the time of adoption of the previous code and the amendments that have followed has either met or exceeded many of the Sections outlined within our Ordinance. We intend to simplify our Ordinance and align with the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code, as we believe it will improve performance and enhance the relationships between our residents, visitors, and businesses to better meet their needs and limit confusion to meet the interest of all involved.
TRADEOFFS, ALTERNATIVES, IMPACTS
Without the proposed amendments, the Town will retain an ordinance with several dated sections that contradict or overlap with the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code. While this is not problematic in all instances, in some cases it leaves residents and builders confused. In addition, some sections of our Ordinance have created confusion internally.
If Council decides to adopt the amendments to the Ordinance, the Town will have brought its ordinances into alignment with the North Carolina Fire Code as our main reference...
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