Title
Support to a Change to the State Vertical Accessibility Requirements (B)
Explanation
On April 5, 2001, the Downtown Redevelopment Advisory Board (DRAB) discussed a recent change in the State's vertical accessibility requirements. DRAB is concerned that because downtown has a considerable number of
two-story historic structures, the potential impact could be significant.
In 1999 changes were made in the State Statutes that no longer allow local building officials to waive the vertical accessibility requirement based on the building owner providing proof of disproportionate costs. If the eligibility requirement is triggered for vertical accessibility and the building owner now wants a waiver, the owners must attend a two-day meeting of the Florida Building Commission. Historic structures are referred to the Department of State rather than the Florida Building Commission.
DRAB has requested that the CRA and the City Commission put this on their legislative wish list and contact our legislative delegation about this issue.
Doug Murdock, the City's Building Official, will attend the CRA meeting on April 16, 2001, to address this issue.
Fiscal Note
None
Recommendation
The City Commission contact the Alachua County legislative delegation about reinstating the previous state vertical accessibility requirement.
Explanation
Recommendation