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The
regulation of building construction is not a recent phenomenon.
It can be traced through recorded history for over 4000
years. This provides evidence that people have become increasingly
aware of their ability to avoid the catastrophic consequences
of building construction failure.
Today, most of the United States is covered by a network
of modern building regulations ranging in coverage from
fire and structural safety to health, security and conservation
of energy.
Public safety is not the only byproduct afforded by modern
codes. Architects, engineers, contractors and others in
the building community can take advantage of the latest
technological advances accommodated in these codes with
resultant savings to the consumer.
For codes to be effective, an understanding and cooperative
relationship must exist between building officials and the
groups whom they serve - homeowners, developers, urban planners
and designers, as well as other echelons of the construction
industry. Codes must therefore be responsive to government's
need to protect the public. They must provide due process
for all affected and they must keep pace with a rapidly
changing technology, which gives birth to innovative ideas.
The inability of communities individually to provide such
a code process is understandable, but collectively these
communities can work together to develop and maintain codes.
This approach has given birth to the model code system.
Model codes have now become the central regulatory basis
for the administration of building regulatory programs in
cities, counties and states throughout the United States.
They represent a collective undertaking which shares the
cost of code development and maintenance while ensuring
uniformity of regulations so that the advantage of technology
can be optimized.
Building safety code enforcement has historically been accomplished
by defraying the costs of administration through a system
of fees relating to a specific project - a system that is
self-supporting. These fees are generally less than one
percent of the cost of the building project. Public protection
is thus obtained in a cost-effective manner with the entire
process, from plan review to field inspection, carried out
in a professional manner. This is a well-developed and complex
system that provides an important and valuable public service.
Below are some commonly asked questions about building codes.
Reading these questions and their answers should further
engender an understanding of, and appreciation for, the
importance of building code enforcement:
What
is a building code?
Practically, it is the government's official statement on
building safety. Technically, it is a compendium of laws
and ordinances setting minimum safety standards and arranged
in a systematic manner (codified) for easy reference. It
embraces all aspects of the building construction - fire
and structural items as well as the plumbing, electrical
and mechanical systems.
Who needs building codes?
We all do - whether in our homes, offices, schools, stores,
factories or places of entertainment. We rely on the safety
of structures that surround us in our everyday living. The
public need for protection from disasters due to fire, structural
collapse and general deterioration underscores the need
for modern codes and their administration.
But how reliable are they?
Building codes provide safeguards. Although no code can
eliminate all risks, reducing risk to an acceptable level
helps.
Who uses building codes?
All people are impacted in a building construction project
- architects and engineers, contractors and subcontractors,
the manufacturers and distributors of building materials
and, finally, the owner, user or occupant of the building.
Why inspect a building during construction?
It is the only way to independently verify that code compliance
has been achieved. On the average ten inspections are made
to verify conformity to minimum standards affecting electrical
safety and sanitation as well as structural, fire and life
safety before a building is certified for occupation.
How are safe buildings achieved?
Through proper design and construction practice and a code
administration program which verifies compliance. This affords
significant protection of your substantial investment as
a home or business owner.
What if I want to do a building project myself?
The Vestavia Hills Department of Building Safety and Inspection
is ready to assist you. Please contact us for assistance
with obtaining the needed permits and for advice on the
design and safety requirements associated with your planned
building project.
Why
should minimum safety codes apply to my own house?
There are several reasons:
- Your
personal safety and the safety of your family and guests
invited into your home.
- To
ensure the well being of the community by reducing potential
spread of fire and disease.
- For
the conservation of energy.
- To
protect future home purchasers who deserve reasonable
assurance the home they buy will be safe.
*This
section, slightly abbreviated and edited, is taken from
the brochure "Building Codes - How do they help you?",
published by the former Southern Building Code Congress
International of Birmingham, Alabama. This material is presented
here with permission.
Please,
note that in November 2006, the Vestavia Hills City Council
adopted Ordinance No. 2170.
Ordinance
Number 2170 adopts the 2006 edition of the International
Building Code and the 2006 International Residential Code
published by the International Code Council (ICC), To view
this ordinance, click HERE.
Visit
the Web Site of the International Code Council (ICC)
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