By By Kerry Whipple Bean
publisher
New building codes and fees go into effect in Brewton Tuesday, and city leaders believe will have the effect will be fairer fees.
Last spring, the city council adopted several new international codes for building, plumbing and electrical work.
Community Development Coordinator Steve Yuhasz said the new codes — which have been adopted by most municipalities — were necessary because the Southern Building Code Congress International under which the 1997 Standard Building Code was contained is obsolete.
Permit fees will change with the enforcement of the new building codes.  Separate permits will have to be obtained depending on the type of work to be done.  A building permit will be computed on the basis of $2.50 for every $1,000 in construction value. An electrical permit will be $25 for a temporary service pole and $50 for all other forms of electrical work.  A plumbing permit will cost $50.  A mechanical permit will cost $50. Builders, contractors and individuals should factor in these expenses when calculating a work project.
Previously, building permit fees were based per square footage, Yuhasz said.
The fee structure will actually be more fair for contractors, he said.
Because the building codes will be standardized, Yuhasz said that will have a positive effect on homeowners’ insurance rates.
Building codes in the City of Brewton will now include: