Building Board of Appeals

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Roles and Duties

Effective January 1, 2016, the Board of Aldermen adopted, by ordinance, the 2015 International Building and Fire Codes. The Codes include a provision for a Board of Appeals to hear appeals from property owners regarding the interpretation of the Code by City staff. Application for appeals must be filed with the City Clerk and be based on the claim that the intent of the Code has been incorrectly interpreted, that the provisions of the Code do not apply, or an equivalent form of construction can be used. Decisions of the Board of Appeals are binding on the City's Code officials and can be used by his or her as interpretations from the Code for future reference.

The International Codes states that the Board of Appeals must consist of five members appointed by the Mayor. Each member shall be a licensed professional engineer or architect or a builder or construction superintendent with at least ten (10) years of experience. Not more than two members can be from the same profession or occupation, and at least one professional engineer must be a structural or civil engineer with architectural engineering experience. The Code also states that two (2) alternate members shall be appointed to serve during the absence or disqualification of a member.

The Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshal serves as staff liaison. The Fire Department's Administrative Secretary maintains the Board's files and performs clerical duties as needed.