The City Council voted to approve a resolution to update Charleston’s building codes at Tuesday’s meeting.

Charleston is currently operating under 2003 building codes. The approved changes will update one -and two-family residential homes to comply with 2006 codes. All other buildings will comply to 2009 codes.

Although all council members voted in favor of the resolution, council member Jim Dunn said he felt afraid that some of regulations might affect those building homes in rural areas and ultimately cost them more than in-town residents.

“We’ve had growth in rural areas,” Dunn said. “It’s just a concern.”

City Planner Steve Pamperin said the building permit fees are estimated to already be around $2,000 for a $200,000 home and would not increase with the updated codes.

Council member Larry Rennels added that updating the codes would not cause major significant changes in construction costs.

Rennels said the council opted for the 2006 codes because the 2009 codes required sprinklers in residential homes, which would cost more for residents.

He added that if codes are not upgraded, it would affect their ISO rating and insurance rates will go up for citizens.

Pamperin said the last time the codes have been updated was in 2004. He said by updating the codes, Charleston will be in accordance with the state’s guidelines.

“What we’re proposing is not stricter than what the state has already,” Pamprin said. “We are consistent with what the state is requiring.”

The council also approved to amend the current unified development code regarding residential management offices in rental facilities.

Mayor John Inyart said this change will allow residential complex owners to build office facilities as a part of an apartment complex.

Inyart said this measure will address only the management of maintenance and repairs in buildings, not for shops to be built in the facilities.

He added that those wishing to build these offices would still have to apply for a conditional use permit.

Pamperin said the amendment will allow landlords to manage any other off-site prosperities they own from their buildings.

Gene Cottone, of 2010 Kimberly Dr., voiced his concern over Charleston’s current laws on leaves burning.

He said that Charleston’s current policy allows for leaves to be burnt, and if residents have problems, they can call the fire department to put out the fire. However, Cottone said this is often not enough to prevent issues from arising.

“The problem is if you have respiratory problems, sometimes it’s too late,” he said.

He said if residents have severe asthma, emphysema or other breathing problems, their lungs can become irritated from the burning leaves, which can ultimately force them to receive medical care that results in high bills.

Cottone said his neighbors were burning leaves on October 2, which caused breathing problems for his wife.

He said she is still taking nebulizer treatments every 4 hours and is unable to easily breathe.

Cottone said he wants the city of Charleston to take action immediately.

“If it continues, I’m going to locate to a different area. My wife can’t breathe,” he said.

Other resolutions and ordinances approved:

-Authorizing temporary street closure for “Christmas in the Heart of Charleston”

-Entering into a mutual aid and assistance agreement between the public water utilities of the village of Ashmore and the city of Charleston

-Petition of Matt Bower for variances of off street parking and side street set back at 1500 and 1522 Madison Ave.

– Resurfacing Decker Springs Road and South Fourth Street for the bid award of $144,309.90

Sara Hall can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].