Committee reviews proposed updates to Topeka’s property‑maintenance code, including fire and carbon‑monoxide provisions

Topeka — City staff walked the Public Health and Safety Committee through proposed local adaptations of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) on Sept. 17, emphasizing targeted updates to abatement language, tenant definitions, fire‑safety coordination and the possible addition of carbon‑monoxide requirements.

Nicole Stovall (staff) said the city compared the adopted 2012 local code to the 2024 IPMC and proposed limited local customizations, keeping most current standards while removing or adapting specific appendices. One recommended change is to retain boarding guidance as a guideline while deleting an added appeals appendix that duplicates existing local violations and hearings language.

Staff proposed expanding the definition of “rubbish” to reflect items commonly encountered in abatements (appliance parts, bicycle parts, operable lawn equipment and unsecured bins) and stressed a focus on voluntary compliance, clearer notice language and better communications before abatement crews remove property. Chair Hiller and staff discussed prior instances where residents said useful items were taken during abatements, and staff described steps to improve inspector outreach and notice timelines.

A change to the tenant definition would clarify that an occupant is a tenant only when occupancy is with the owner’s permission, affecting which party is charged for cleanups. Other discrete updates included a pool-safety cover standard referencing ASTM F1346 and a proposed insect‑screen requirement that screen doors used for insect control have self‑closing devices; members raised concerns about older homes and daily practicality for families with children.

Fire staff described new Sections 701–704 as a limited set of additions to align fire‑safety and property‑maintenance inspections — primarily egress and other basic safety items in multi‑tenant or mixed‑use buildings. Fire Marshal Alan described the package as “a large enhancement to the international property code, but it's a complimentary enhancement” intended to let departments work together.

The meeting also addressed carbon‑monoxide detection: Alan said combination smoke/CO alarms (installed per NFPA 72) would improve tenant safety and noted dual alarms cost about $50 apiece; members urged public education and phased implementation so residents and rental-property owners are not surprised by a sudden requirement. Alan said the city has tried to include dual alarms in giveaway programs but has been constrained by nonprofit funding; staff said they would consider phased plans and outreach rather than immediate enforcement.

Fines, fees and whether some criminal elements should be converted into administrative processes remain under discussion. Staff said the fines-and-fees framework and standard‑operating procedures would be further developed to set timelines, extension policies and consistent enforcement practices.

Next steps: staff will continue drafting the localized IPMC customizations, refine standard operating procedures and public‑education plans (especially for CO alarms), and return with recommended language for further committee consideration and public input.

Sources: Public Health and Safety Committee meeting transcript, Sept. 17, 2024 (IPMC overview SEG 1135–SEG 1160; fire coordination SEG 1528–SEG 1556; carbon‑monoxide discussion SEG 1841–SEG 1971).