October 17, 2006

OUR COUNTY

D. GARY DAVIS

BRADLEY COUNTY MAYOR

Bradley County adopted the building codes effective on September 20, 1993. However, building regulation and codes extend back thousands of years. We find mention of building laws as far back as about 2000 BC. Two such laws were translated in today’s language as follows: “If a builder has built a house for a man, and his work is not done properly and the walls shift, then the builder shall make that wall good with his own silver”, and “If a builder has built a house and his work is not strong, and if the house he has built falls in and kills the house holder then the builder shall be slain.” The current building codes are not as severe, but the builder may still be held responsible for correcting the problem or damages.

We know that wooden chimneys were forbidden in New York as early as 1648 and that inspectors of chimneys were appointed. A fire district in New York was established in 1766 requiring that “all buildings shall be made of stone or brick and roofs with tile or slate.” The codes were needed because fire was destroying the buildings.

The most devastating and costly fire in American history was the fire which almost destroyed Chicago in 1871. Buildings had been constructed without good construction practices. By 1875, because of the mass destruction, a building code and fire-prevention ordinance became effective in Chicago. Over time building regulations and fire codes were added and improved based on past failures.

Earthquakes in California have resulted in many changes to the building structure codes. Now, new buildings will better withstand the forces of earthquakes. It is only human nature to become lax regarding building codes and inspections years after a disaster. However, when another disaster occurs, we always wish we had done more to prevent building failure and loss of life.

The primary intent of building regulations is to provide reasonable control for the construction, use and occupancy of buildings. Thus, such codes are minimum in nature. The intent of the codes is to protect the safety, health, and general welfare of the public.

Locally, codes are developed by many committee members from very different backgrounds. Committee members meet each year to review, change, or add new building codes. Each item is discussed in detail by all the committee members. A change cannot be made until the committee votes on and approves the change. It is not easy to add or change a building code. However, meetings are open to the public; therefore, anyone can recommend adding, deleting, or changing a code.

Because of codes and inspections, buildings today are better constructed and much safer.

The Standard Building Code, 1999 Edition, requires the following inspections: Building – 1) Foundation Inspection, 2) Frame Inspection, 3) Final inspection; Plumbing – 1) Underground Inspection, 2) Rough-in Inspection, 3) Final Inspection. The Building Inspection Department uses an inspection check list to help ensure that all items are checked during the inspection. Electrical inspections are performed by a Tennessee State Electrical Inspector. Mechanical and gas inspections are not performed in Bradley County.

Aesthetic considerations are not included in the building codes; rather, codes require only that buildings and structures be erected, utilized, and maintained in a minimal manner in order to reduce the risk to human life and safety.

For more information about the Bradley County Building Inspections Department, you may call 728-7106.