Council Passes Changes to Fire and Building Codes

A number of changes were made to Highland Park’s building and fire codes by a 5-0 vote of the Monday night, but a provision to impose recycling requirements on contractors was delayed for further discussion. 

Effective April 1, new or renovated projects will require a separate permit for new roofs or roof replacements and covers for window wells deeper than 30 inches in new buildings. All commercial and residential properties except single family homes will require . 

“We are adopting several national model codes. This is done every three years,” said Building Director Michael Blue making a presentation to the council. “We are doing what is appropriate.” 

voted for the ordinance updates along with council members Jim Kirsch, Scott Levenfeld, Terri Olian and Nancy Rotering. Councilmen Steve Mandel and Larry Silberman were absent. 

During the council’s Committee of the Whole meeting prior to the regular session, members discussed a number of proposals to place recycling requirements on debris accumulated from demolition and renovation efforts. They agreed to make further modifications before adding those mandates to the code. 

Unlike the other changes, the recycling constraints were scheduled to go into effect January 1, 2012 so the temporary delay will have little effect. 

Under the existing proposal, all principal new construction, renovation of more than 2,500 square feet of a property and debris from demolition of a property in excess of 1,500 square feet must recycle 50 percent of the waste starting Jan. 1, 2012 and 75 percent effective Jan. 1, 2013. 

“Between 25 and 40 percent of all solid waste is from construction,” Blue said.

Council members expressed concerns about enforcement and compliance. 

“We want to encourage builders and contractors to do the right thing, but we don’t want to make it so onerous as to discourage building in Highland Park,” Olian said. 

is one of two candidates vying to replace Belsky, who is not seeking re-election in the April 5 election. She suggested incentives be used to motivate compliance rather than punishments. 

“I’m concerned this will be too much of a burden,” said , Olian’s opponent for mayor. “I’d like to see a simpler approach,” she added, explaining that she'd like to observe the effects of Northbrook’s similar law. 

Kirsch was more concerned with the effect the regulations could have on property values and wants to study the proposal further to make sure the impact is positive. 

“The approach should be more award-based, not fine-based,” Kirsch said. He warned that nothing will be more “chilling” to economic recovery than further declines in local property values. 

Belsky, who has been approached by the to seek the nomination to oppose Rep. Robert Dold (R-Kenilworth) in 2012, hopes issues surrounding the recycling efforts can be resolved within a month. 

“We are the leading recycler in Lake County. I’ve always felt construction debris in a landfill is a problem,” Belsky said. “This is an excellent start and a great first step.” 

In other business, Deputy Police Chief David Schwarz told the council about the Police Department’s new program that enables a citizen to file a police report on line. If a matter requires an officer’s personal investigation, the citizen will be informed before submitting the report. 

Before passing the building code changes, members of the council and those in attendance were treated to Azza Cohen’s presentation of the essay she will read March 4 and 5 in a state wide competition in Peoria sponsored by the American Legion. 

Receiving the only standing ovation of the night, Cohen read her essay on the United States Constitution focusing on the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment. 

The Council also recognized the efforts of students to organize the school’s 17th annual charity drive and honored the 10th anniversary of the East on Central fine arts magazine. 

The , benefiting the Saving Tiny Hearts Society, will feature fundraising events for both students and the general public through the end of February.