By By Lisa Tindell
News Editor
Building codes for the city of Brewton have been in a holding pattern since 1997. However, following a presentation by Community Development Director Steve Yuhasz, council members agreed to move to a new set of codes for the city.
Yuhasz encouraged the council to consider adopting an ordinance that would allow the current building codes to be updated to the 2006 edition of codes as set forth by the International Code Council.
After a brief discussion, council members agreed to approve an ordinance that would change the current codes to reflect the ICC codes as recommended by Yuhasz. The new building codes will become effective Dec. 1, 2009, according to the wording of the ordinance passed.
The codes adopted will replace the 1997 standard of building codes with the 2006 edition of codes recommended by ICC. Changes will include areas of codes in building, plumbing, flue gas, mechanical, residential, existing building and energy conservation codes. Electrical codes will be changing to align with the National Electrical Code 2008 edition, Yuhasz said.
Councilman Dennis Dunaway commended Yuhasz for the work done that will help allow the city to maintain the integrity of historical buildings in the downtown area.
Yuhasz explained the change in codes will also require a change in fees for permits issued by the city.
Building permits will change to include fees of $2.50 per $1,000 in construction value of any project, Yuhasz said. Electrical fees will be $25 for a temporary pole or $50 for any other electrical permit. Plumbing and mechanical permits will also be issued at $50 each.