By Leah Deitz
White Sulphur Springs City Council voted down a proposed International Property Maintenance Code during the ordinance’s second reading at a meeting Tuesday. However, the issue is far from dead. City Attorney Steve Hunter recommended council wait to pass the code to make sure it reflects their needs before moving forward.
Hunter addressed the crowded room of potential public commentators, who had packed the house to discuss the ordinance. He stated that the building code must be adopted as a whole, and that any changes must be made prior to passing the ordinance. Thus, council cannot adopt the International Building Code and make changes to it after the fact. For this reason, council is going to heed legal advice and look closely at the code and see what amendments need addressed before adopting it as city policy.
Members of the local community voiced questions and concerns about how the code would be enforced, how this code would affect existing structures versus new construction, and what this would mean for property owners from a financial standpoint.
Resident Marie Lewis asked, “Who determines what is dilapidated?” She wanted to know who would get to determine dilapidated buildings, would there be a “grandfathering” clause, and if so, what structures would be included under it. Someone else in the room asked if there was a “grandfathering” clause, would it apply even if the structure was sold to a new owner. Hunter explained that the code would only be enforced for new structures and buildings. Meaning that if the property owner was going to renovate or change their structure, they would have to do so under the new building code.
Mayor Lloyd Haynes explained that one vital component of this code will be to have a professional available to make decisions regarding the condition of buildings. Part of the state’s version of the building code includes a five member board, which is operated as an unpaid volunteer board, in which an architect and contractor must be party to. When the city has a newly amended building code to present to the public, a series of readings will be posted.
The mayor also informed the White Sulphur Springs constituents that one of the reasons to adopt the building code is to help the city secure grant funding for city improvements. White Sulphur Springs Grant Writer Doug Hylton said that although the code is not a requirement for the grant, it does give the city additional merit points. “It shows that the city is already taking action,” he said. The grant will qualify the city for $200,000 to identify problem properties, monies that will be crucial in securing professional services for determining which properties can be salvaged and which ones must be condemned. The grant will also supply an additional $200,000 to assist the city in tearing down and remedying properties.
Hylton asked council to grant him official permission to begin the grant process. He was approved.