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Town Government & |
Departments: Building Department
Building Code Questions You're planning an addition to your house, will you need a building permit? You want to build a patio deck, are there building codes that apply to this project? How much does a building permit cost and where do the fees go? Building departments across the country respond to these typical questions almost every day. "Building codes are laws or ordinances adopted at the local or state level that set minimum safety standards for the construction of residential and commercial buildings," said the Building Commissioner. "Building codes regulate structural and fire safety; electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems; zoning; and even energy conservation." Whether it's a home, office, school or place of work, the public needs and expects reasonable protection from disasters due to structural collapse, fire, mechanical malfunctions or property deterioration, the Building Commissioner said. Building codes provide public safeguards. Although no code can eliminate all risks, codes reduce risk to an acceptable level. Most national model codes are updated every three years to ensure they are current and include new technologies that are proven to be safe. A system of fees, such as building permits, defray the costs of administrating and enforcing building codes. Generally, the fees are less than 1% of the overall cost of the building project. Proper design and construction practices along with an inspection program make buildings safe. Home and business owners make a large financial investment when building or adding to a structure. Those involved with a building construction project including builders, contractors, subcontractors, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, architects, engineers, manufacturers, distributors of building materials and even do-it-yourselfers must abide by building codes. "You can't afford to risk your safety and investment with anything less than complete code enforcement and compliance," the Building Commissioner said. "We inspect buildings at various stages of construction. On average, 10 different times before it is approved for occupancy. This is the best way to verify code compliance." Before beginning any building project, contact your local building department for information. Most building departments can give you pamphlets that explain in detail how to obtain permits as well as offer advice on design and construction of safe buildings that meet the ordinances of your local community. "The first and foremost reason we enforce building codes is public safety," the Building Commissioner said. "We also want to ensure the economic well-being of property in our jurisdiction by reducing damage potential from fire and other hazards associated with substandard construction." You also can save money in the long run through energy conservation, which many municipalities address in building codes. Meeting code standards also protects your investment for the future. When the time comes to sell your residential or commercial property, the purchaser deserves reasonable assurances that the property they buy will be safe. A safe property can help ensure that you get top dollar as the seller. |
