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04-19-1984 (.) C.) ;: "7 CITY OF EDGEWATER Building Code Board April 19, 1984 Minutes Chairman Howard called the regular meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. in the Community Center. ROLL CALL Members present: Messrs. Howard, Monaco and Vanzin. Excused: Mr. Troutner. Absent: Mr. Cole. Also present: Mr. Dennis Fischer, Building Official, and Mrs. Taylor, Secretary. Mr. Frank Opal was also present. Mr. Howard welcomed new Board member, Mr. Paul Monaco. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by Mr. Vanzin and seconded by Mr. Monaco to approve the minutes of the January 19, 1984 meeting; the motion CARRIED unanimously. OLD BUSINESS - Ownerjbuilders Mr. Howard asked for Mr. Vanzin's report of what he has learned on this matter since the last meeting. Mr. Vanzin said that he has talked to the Home Builders in Daytona and they made inquiries to all the different areas; most of the areas work the same as in Edgewater - the owner can do what he wants to do. He stated that he has also talked to Lorin Coppock and in New Smyrna Beach the only thing which the owner cannot do is the electrical wiring. Mr. Vanzin said that according to Mr. Coppock the owner/builder can build two houses a year, but can only sell one. He reported that Mr. Coppock said Orlando has a questionnaire which must be filled out by the owner; if the owner cannot pass the questionnaire he can require him to get a registered electrician. This has been upheld in Court. Mr. Monaco asked if it was a State law that the owner can build two houses a year to which Mr. Vanzin replied that that is the way it is intrepreted; they can only sell one a year. Mr. Fischer said that Florida Statutesr Chapter 489r saysr ~in all action brought under this Act proof of the sale, or lease, or the offering for sale or lease of more than one such structure by an owner/builder within one year affecting completion of same is presumed evidence that the construction was undertaken for the purpose of sale or lease" . Mr. Fischer said that he would like to talk to the Board about proposing a Contractor's Ordinance modeled after the Port Orange ordinance. He feels there needs to be some form of registration for subs and everyone working in the trades. There needs to be some form of regulation for the labor force. Mr. Fischer stated that a good many of his complaints received are because of incompetency in the field. Mr. Fischer said at this time he is requiring the applicant who is an owner/builder to sign an affidavit which states that he will accept the responsibilities which a registered con- tractor must accept. He suggested that to alleviate the problem of the owner/builder getting a permit under different names that he be required to show proof of ownership at the time the permit is pulled. His office will also attach a copy of the permit to the Water Dept. deposit card as a reminder that whenever the service is changed he will have to come back to the Building Department. This will pick up the year of resale. Mr. Fischer said his goal is to see all the contractor's pass the Block exam; the licensed contractors would also like to see everyone working with a competency card from the Block exam. The subcontractors should be able to pass the test in their specific areas. The number of appren~ tices should be limited and should be registered with the City, with an application stating their work history, etc. They should be knowledge- able of the Code in the area in which they work. o o ~ Mr. Howard said that a competency card can only be issued to someone who must pass a State test. A registration card is for anybody working under those people who have a competency card. He stated that it has worked out well in New Smyrna Beach to have all of the people either registered or with a competency card. The members discussed making a recommendation to Council to follow the Standard Building Code and accept the Board's recommendation to require a licensed subcontractor in the three trades, electrical, plumbing and mechanical. Mr. Monaco said that it appears to him that if a certified building contractor has to comply with all the building codes, it should apply to individuals and owner/builders. There should not be a double standard. Mr. Howard recommended that the Board consider the Port Orange ordinance, but suggested that on page 3 in the statement of fact by owner desiring to construct his own residence a statement that they would construct, under the State Statute, only one building for their own habitation per year. There should also be a certificate of zoning, the legal description, parcel number and the proof of ownership. Mr. Howard said he would like to see it put into a recommendation to Council that it is one owner/builder single family residence occupied by that owner/builder for a 12 month period before it can be sold. Mr. Howard said that there should be added that builders of one or two family dwellings which are farm buildings should be exempt. Mr. Fischer said that farm buildings are exempt. This is stated in the State Statute. Mr. Fischer and the Board members agreed that the Port Orange ordinance is excellent. to recommend Mr. Vanzin motioned/that the City Council adopt an ordinance similar to the Port Orange ordinance but to be included in the Statement of Fact that the owner/builder submit to the Building Official a Certificate of Zoning, a legal description, parcel number and proof of ownership. The motion was seconded by Mr. Monaco and was UNANIMOUSLY approved. MISCELLANEOUS Floor elevations - Ordinance 84-0-4 Mr. Fischer brought the Board up to date on some of the problems he faces in his department as a result of the varied floor elevations in certain areas. On another matter, Mr. Fischer asked the Board's feelings about dumping water from washers, chemicals, etc., which are now going into the septic tanks. Mr. Howard said that a dry well is against the law; it is his opinion that that law should be repealed. A smaller septic tank could be utilized. This is controlled by the State. Mr. Vanzin suggested that a representative from the Health Department be invited to the next meeting to talk to the members about this subject. The secretary was asked to contact Roger Beeman with the Health Department and invite him to speak at the next meeting of the Building Code Board. Mr. Howard again welcomed Mr. Monaco to the Board. The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. - 2 - \ Building Code Board April 19, 1984 Regular Meeting