PC 12/09/1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

ordinance that does not make it voluntary. It is mandatory after a ce 'n period of time, something like five years to complete the job. The City is trying to ncourage an owner to make the improvements while a building might be vacant. Commissi ner Finch added that it is certainly more economically feasible and easier to make the impro ements before it is rented or leased to someone. It is best to do the project all at one ti e, rather than in piece- meal sections. Commissioner Finch felt a time frame should be set by the City so t when a building becomes vacant that the owner of a business be required to reinforce the building before it is again used. He noted that it takes about 4-6 months to reinforce a b ilding. He further stated he did not think the incentives are that substantial. In response to Commissioner Finch's comment regarding the amount of incentives offered by the City, Mr. Swift noted when the City first began to look at URM' and incentives, that the City had already been giving a number of incentives about six y s before the Unreinforced Masonry Building Law was passed. The incentives be" g offered exceeded those being suggested by the City Manager. Commissioner McGuirk discussed with Mr. Swift the possibility of d wntown parking becoming a critical issue if all owners take advantage of the offered i centives. Mr. Swift did not think that parking would become a major issue; however, he elt it is critical that existing unreinforced buildings are reinforced. Chairman Hovingh further questioned staff as to the possibility of all downtown owners making use of the opportunity to expand their FAR to 200 percent. e asked whether it would then be automatic that second-story structures be made accessi Ie to the handicapped. Mr. Beougher replied that such buildings would have to be fitted wi elevators. mE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. No one spoke for or against the application. mE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. Commissioner Wright asked whether the City has any in-lieu parkin replied that the City does have between $20,000 and $30,000 genera He further noted that it costs $5-6,000 for each parking space. Commissioner Finch reiterated his desire to have a certain time fram unreinforced buildings are reinforced when they become vacant. Mr Commission can make this suggestion to Council in regard to a time that several buildings have already been reinforced when they becam Planning Commission Minutes December 9, 1992 Page 5 funds. Mr. Swift in parking funds. requirement so that Swift said the e. He pointed out vacant.