By Terry Schrimscher, For the Tribune
ARGO – The Argo City Council met Monday night, Aug. 28, for the second regularly scheduled meeting of the month. The official agenda only contained two new items of business including an ordinance requiring building and construction permits.
Calling it an important step for the city, Mayor Betty Bradley spoke to The Trussville Tribune about the importance of the legislation.
“Permits allow the code official to reduce potential hazards of unsafe construction to provide for public health, safety and welfare,” Bradley said. “By following code guidelines, your completed project will meet minimum standards of safety and will be less likely to cause injury to you, your family, and your friends or future owners.”
Argo hired Steve Tuttle to serve as the city’s building inspector in July. He will work to ensure compliance with the details of the ordinance for all new commercial and residential construction within the city’s jurisdiction. Tuttle also serves as a reserve police officer for the city.
“Building permits allow local governments to ensure that construction and renovation work is completed in accordance with federal, state and local codes and ordinances,” Bradley added.
Municipal building codes in Alabama are regulated by the Alabama Building Commission, which now uses the standards set forth in the International Building Code (IBC) 2021 edition. The inspector will work closely with the new planning and zoning board to ensure new construction meets IBC standards.
The ordinance, which was read into the minutes by Councilmember Rick Hopkins, establishes rates for permits and outlines a schedule of fines for noncompliance including double fees, penalties and revocation of a business license for multiple offenses.
The Council approved Ordinance 2023-08-28 unanimously. The new ordinance repealed regulations set forth in 2018-10-01 and the new requirements and fees will take effect Oct. 1, 2023.
The Planning and Zoning Commission has scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, Aug. 29, at City Hall with a work session at 5 p.m. and a formal meeting at 6 p.m. The Commission plans to discuss and consider a vote on a comprehensive plan for zoning for the city in compliance with state regulations.
In other business, the Council approved an additional $1,000 for building department expenses and approved the hiring of a maintenance worker for the city.
The Council also heard discussion on upgrades for radios for Argo first responders, but the Council has not scheduled a vote to approve the purchase of new equipment. St. Clair County is transitioning to digital radios by the end of the year and many municipalities are upgrading to work with the new system.
The next meeting of the Argo council is scheduled for Sept. 11, with a work session at 5 p.m. An agenda for each meeting is posted in local businesses including Hill Top Farms, Argo Hardware, Liberty Automotive, Shell, Southland BBQ, Fox’s Pizza and Buckeye Grocery. Agendas are also posted on the city’s Facebook page.