The International Code Council (ICC) has
proposed to Congress a Community Building Code Administration Grant Program.
This proposal would provide federal grants to building departments to enhance
code enforcement capabilities.
The International Code Council has proposed to
Congress a Community Building Code Administration Grant Program. In more than
130 meetings on Capitol Hill with Congressional offices, Code Council leaders
promoted the proposal that would provide federal grants to building departments
to enhance code enforcement capabilities.
"The program will help local jurisdictions by providing the resources they
need to make sure the codes they adopt are being adequately enforced,"
said International Code Council CEO Rick Weiland. "It also will give
jurisdictions the flexibility to invest in equipment, training, additional
staff or whatever they need most to provide the highest level of safety
possible." .
The funds would support hiring adequate staff and training of inspectors to
save lives and protect property. Many communities see their resources stretched
when they face building booms or major rebuilds after a disaster.
.
"This grant program will help increase professionalism in order to better
protect the public, especially during natural disasters," International
Code Council President Wally Bailey, Director of Development and Construction
for the city of Fort Smith, AR, told Congressional representatives. "It's
all part of protecting our country and providing our citizens with the safest
possible built environment."
The national benefits of the proposed federal program would be to reduce the
impact of natural disasters on buildings, individuals and communities. Studies
show that every dollar invested to build stronger and safer results in savings
of $4 to $7 in reduced damages when a disaster occurs. State and local code adoptions
and enforcement of modern building codes are important and effective elements
in a community's ability to survive and recover from disasters.
Congressional representatives responded positively to the proposal and
follow-up efforts will focus on continuing to build a bipartisan coalition of
sponsors and co-sponsors. The Council's Hill delegation included Code Council
Board members, the Government Relations Advisory Committee, chapter leaders and
senior staff.