AGENDA #4d

memorandum

to:	Roger L. Stancil, Town Manager
from:	Lance Norris, Public Works Director
subject:	Chapter 5 of the Code of Ordinances Text Amendment
date	February 25, 2008

PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to present information from staff regarding the proposed text amendment to the Town Ordinance regarding materials used in the fire limits. 

BACKGROUND

As adopted, Chapter 5 of the Town Code of Ordinances describes materials that are banned from the established fire limits within the downtown area as “fireproof.”  Use of the term “fireproof” while enforcing the ordinance has recently been questioned by property owners.

DISCUSSION

The North Carolina General Statutes beginning with §160A‑435 set forth the municipal right to establish and define fire limits. The Town of Chapel Hill refers to the State Building Code for the allowable materials.  Both the General Statutes and the State Building Code now use the term “fire-resistant.”

Recommendation

We recommend that the Council enact the attached ordinance for the text amendment to Section 5-2 of the Code of Ordinances to ensure that the language of the Town Code of Ordinances will better reflect the State laws.