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Town Code Amendment Relating to Security for Multifamily Residential Buildings
PURPOSE: The Town Council is asked to consider options for addressing security concerns related to exterior entrances in multifamily residential buildings. A draft amendment to Chapter 17 of the Town Code, the Minimum Housing Code, has been prepared for Council consideration and discussion.
BACKGROUND: The Town recently received a concern regarding the operation of an access-controlled door within a multifamily residential building. The exterior building door leads to a vestibule, with a second door providing access to the building’s common areas through a keypad system. Concerns have been raised regarding the operation of the keypad. Staff has not identified an existing code violation related to the building’s entrance security.
Staff continues to have discussions with building management, the Fire Department, and the Police Department and is working to schedule a meeting to further discuss the access concerns that prompted this item. The discussion may provide additional information or identify other approaches for Council to consider.
In North Carolina, building code requirements are established at the state level, and the Town does not have the authority to establish additional building code requirements related to security. The Town Attorney has prepared a draft amendment to Chapter 17 of the Town Code, the Minimum Housing Code, as one potential approach for Council consideration. The draft amendment is provided as Attachment A.
The draft amendment uses the term “reasonable security against unauthorized entry.” If adopted, implementation would require staff to determine what constitutes reasonable security when evaluating individual properties. Additional guidance or objective criteria may be helpful to support consistent administration and enforcement of the provision. Council may wish to consider the additional information from the planned meeting before determining whether to proceed with the draft amendment.
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Department
DEPARTMENT: Planning, Town Attorney
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Fiscal and Staff Impact
FISCAL AND STAFF IMPACT: There are no fiscal impacts for the consideration of this item. If approved, staff time may be needed for enforcement.
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Community Impact
COMMUNITY IMPACT: The proposed amendment would potentially affect residents living in multifamily residents with exterior doors that are not currently secured with a key or key swipe/keypad system. If adopted, the amendment could lead to increased security for certain types of homes. It is possible, however, that it could create a barrier for residents with different abilities: those who are younger, those who are older, those with cognitive impairments or vision impairments who may have difficulty navigating another locked door. Likewise, it could present a possible barrier to residents being able to receive packages, medication, etc.
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Climate Impact
CLIMATE IMPACT: The proposed amendment should have little to no impact on climate action other than potentially reducing the amount of conditioned air released from inside the building with the potential reduction in the number of times exterior doors are opened. It is also possible that residents, particularly those seeking deliveries may prop doors open having the opposite effect.
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