6A - State Building Code Discussion

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POLITICAL SUPPORT The implementation of any new ordinance requires strong political support, or compliance may be ineffective. This support can be achieved when there is a better understanding of the true function of the building code. Therefore, it is important that there be both work sessions for the governing body and public meetings where factual information can be shared about the State Building Code. The states' Regional Official's are especially prepared to attend meetings like this in order to give formal presentations, answer questions, or just be there"in case." Code administration should never be looked upon as being Where council members, the easy or painless. Regulatory enforcement has its mayor, and the chief drawbacks too. Many people resent regulation and any administrator are proud of their form of regimentation, especially when applied to their city, this feeling will spread. personal property. As such, when confronted with the unpopular characteristics of the codes application, it will David S.Arnold be in the strong and unanimous support for the code where the citizenry will find fairness and uniformity. With proper political and administrative support and proper staffing and direction, code administration and enforcement can be developed into a responsive,proficient and respectable public service. PUBLIC NOTIFICATION If the code is adopted within a community,the municipality should do whatever it can to inform and educate its citizens, businesses and local building contractors about the adoption and its benefits and processes. A proactive approach needs to be used. Inaccuracies and contradictions about the process and application must be avoided. i STATE BUILDING CODE ADOPTION PROCESS Adoption of the State Building Code is as simple as adopting any other local ordinance. The process works like this: (Also see MS 394.25) • Hold workshops and public meetings • Advertise for a public hearing on the adoption of the building code • Draft an ordinance(see our sample ordinances attached herein) ❑ Hold a public hearing and take political action (vote) on the ordinance proposal ❑ Set an effective date for the ordinance to become law ❑ Publish the ordinance in the official newspaper of the municipality ❑ Hire a State Certified Building Official to be the administrative authority for the code ❑ Send a copy of the newly adopted building code ordinance- and a completed building official designation form -to the Construction Codes and Licensing Division. 15