Title
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 whethe...
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