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). View this ordinance.
Visit the Web Site of the International Code Council (ICC)
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). View this ordinance.
Visit the Web Site of the International Code Council (ICC)