The Salem City Council will not make any changes in requirements for residential use of downtown buildings.
Mayor Nic Farley brought the issue up for discussion after hearing complaints about the need for an architect to sign off on plans for residential use.
However, Councilman Royce Bringwald noted this is part of International Building Code followed by most communities.
“I think the code is pretty solid as it is. Actually Salem is a little more lenient than most of these other communities. Most communities have each portion inspected…electrical, mechanical, gas, plumbing, sewer. I think what we got is good enough and we probably do need to update to the International Building Code of 2021.”
There were also concerns from downtown building owners about needed approvals stopping building sales because the potential buyers don’t know if they will get the needed permits. That was addressed by City Clerk and Zoning Administrator Bev Quinn.
“I always recommend if they are interested in buying a building, they make their offer contingent upon getting the required permits from the city. That would allow them to come as the applicant, the current owner would also have to sign, and they could present their case to the Planning Commission. Planning Commission could make their recommendation to you still contingent on plans, but at least htat potential owner had the opportunity to hear the Planning Commission talk and know what the requirements are.”
Farley ended the discussion that no action was needed as the council was all on the same page.
In other action, the council approved a $4,400 bid from McCoy Construction and Roofing to remove the skylights and reshingle the roof on the public bathrooms near the stage in Bryan Memorial Park. The work was not budgeted, but is needed to avoid damage to the interior of the bathrooms.
