Lawrence building-code board moves to three-week meeting cycle, extends meetings to 90 minutes

The City of Lawrence Building Code Board of Appeals voted to switch its regular meetings to every three weeks and to extend meeting length to 90 minutes to give members more time to review proposed code amendments. The change follows a staff recommendation that more frequent and slightly longer meetings are needed to complete review of numerous code amendments and carryover items. City staff said holidays and scheduling conflicts make a three-week cadence more workable than once-a-month meetings. Board members and city staff framed the change as a practical step to manage a dense workload. City staff member Matt told the board staff’s recommendation was a move to “try to adhere to it every 3 week, here on out” to allow more time for review and to provide “a little bit more leg room for obstacles and so forth and delays.” Board members agreed to tentatively hold meetings on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons, aiming for a 3 p.m. start and a 90-minute length. The board took a voice vote on the scheduling proposal; members indicated support during the meeting and staff will circulate a proposed recurring schedule. Board members and staff said they will publish the updated calendar and send materials ahead of meetings so members can prepare. Staff and several board members also asked that roll call and clearer attendee records be taken at the start of future meetings so participation is documented. The board plans to reconvene in roughly three weeks with the new meeting cadence and extended time frame; staff will distribute the updated schedule to all members in advance.