The Jefferson city council at its March 11 meeting approved the first reading of an ordinance adopting the 2012 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC). The council’s housing committee has spent considerable time reviewing the code and recommends its adoption.
Council member Lisa Jaskey, a member of the housing committee, spoke about the IPMC. She said she likes the way the code is laid out, that it is very easy to follow and consistent from section to section.
“It’s a good tool to have in the box as we move forward with more building inspections,” city administrator Mike Palmer said about the IPMC.
Palmer provided the following information in his agenda summary: “The provisions of this code shall apply to all existing residential and nonresidential structures and all existing premises and constitute minimum requirements and standards for premises, structures, equipment and facilities for light, ventilation, space, heating, sanitation, protection from the elements, life safety, safety from fire and other hazards, and for safe and sanitary maintenance; the responsibility of owners, operators and occupants; the occupancy of existing structures and premises, and for administration, enforcement and penalties.”
The code is available for review at City Hall.
A news feature by Denise O’Brien Van posted March 5 on GreeneCountyNewsOnline detailed steps the city has taken to deal with substandard housing, including demolition of 86 structures. In an upcoming segment, O’Brien Van will discuss the International Property Maintenance Code in detail.
