PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City Council removed residency requirements for Pittsfield's building commissioner during its regular meeting on Tuesday. 

Mayor Peter Marchetti reported there is a candidate for the position that does not live within a ten-mile radius, as required by the city code. 

"I understand why the police chief, fire chief, and DPW commissioner need to live within a 10-mile radius. I don't necessarily see the same from the building commissioner," he said. 

"So, in order to be able to move forward, we have offered the position to a candidate, and that candidate has accepted. So, I'm looking to streamline this process. The candidate won't give notice to their current employer until they know that we've made it through the hurdles of being able to hire someone that is outside of the code, so that's the purpose of tonight's request." 

Councilors approved an amendment to Chapter 16, section 23.1 (F), deleting "The Building Commissioner must establish a residence within 10 miles of the perimeter of the City within 90 days of appointment."

Rule 34 was waived so that it didn't have to go before the Ordinances and Rules Subcommittee before ordainment. 

The mayor said he can come forward with a name at the July meeting if this requirement is deleted. 

"When I saw this, I did not see why this position should have to be within 10 miles of the city," Councilor at Large Kathy Amuso said.