Title
Consideration of Citizen Petition Related to Loose Railings
Description
This report provides the Land Use and Livability Subcommittee with information in response to a citizen petition submitted by Susan Steinberg at the June 24, 2020, Formal City Council meeting.
THIS ITEM IS FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION.
Report
Summary
Susan Steinberg submitted a Citizen Petition that requests an additional code or clarification be added to the current construction code that a railing is unacceptable if it is dangerously loose (Attachment A).
Staff Response
The following responds to the petition dated June 24, 2020.
The design of handrails and railings must meet the structural loading requirements of the 2018 Phoenix Building Construction Code. This is verified during the plan review process and by building inspections conducted throughout the construction phase of a building. The Planning and Development Department's authority concludes when the structure is issued a Certificate of Occupancy.
After a building is occupied, City Code section 39-6.F requires that the railings be maintained in a structurally sound and safe condition as follows:
Outdoor stairs, porches, railings. All outdoor stairs, porches, and hand railings shall be adequate for safety. Every stair and porch shall be maintained so as to be safe and in structurally sound condition. The support for railings, stairs, and porches shall be structurally sound and adequate. Every stairway, stair, porch and any appendage thereto shall be maintained in safe condition and capable of supporting a load that normal use may place thereon. Required protective railing shall be located in the manner prescribed by the City of Phoenix Construction Code. Such handrails (or protective railings) shall be maintained in good condition and be capable of bearing normally imposed loads.
City Code section 39-6.F is enforced by Neighborhood Services Department inspectors on a complaint basis. Neighborhood Preservation Inspectors investigate and work to resolve violations of Phoenix City Codes and Ordinances. To report a code violation complaint, involving a loose railing or additional violations residents may call 602-534-4444 or submit an online complaint at: https://www.phoenix.gov/atyourservice and by selecting the Property Violations option.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Mario Paniagua and the Planning and Development Department.