08-17-2014, 04:38 PM
The problem with building codes is how they are enforced. For any given structural issue there exist multiple perfectly safe and effective solutions, yet only a single 'approved' solution, often the most expensive one to build, is allowed. This means that other, equally safe and effective solutions must be 'torn down'. That is wasteful nonsense that leads otherwise good intentioned people to ignore the entire permitting process and its perceived harassment and expense. Also it is a known fact that competency and conflict of interest issues exist with some 'building inspectors'. Who wants to play russian roulette where you may wind up with an inspector one day who will write you up for dozens of irrelevant but expensive to fix details, when on a different day with a different inspector you may get signed off with no problem.
The purpose of building codes should be to ensure that structures are safe and durable within known general design principles. Period. We need to move away from the authoritarian conformance to a single 'code book' and take a more inclusive approach that looks at a bigger picture where construction expense is also addressed. Building codes are moving in a direction that will make it impossible for persons of modest means to afford to build legally permitted structures. What good are draconian building codes when all you do is force people to live under tarps, as rent slaves to landlords, or as fugitive scofflaws? No one wants a landscape covered with decrepit shacks, but telling everyone they must build a $300,000, double-wall california villa with thermal-pane windows to be code compliant is a non-starter.
The purpose of building codes should be to ensure that structures are safe and durable within known general design principles. Period. We need to move away from the authoritarian conformance to a single 'code book' and take a more inclusive approach that looks at a bigger picture where construction expense is also addressed. Building codes are moving in a direction that will make it impossible for persons of modest means to afford to build legally permitted structures. What good are draconian building codes when all you do is force people to live under tarps, as rent slaves to landlords, or as fugitive scofflaws? No one wants a landscape covered with decrepit shacks, but telling everyone they must build a $300,000, double-wall california villa with thermal-pane windows to be code compliant is a non-starter.