Re: Building Codes

What about building codes?

Good question!
In my work as a residential building designer I deal with both sides of "the
code" every day.  From the protection of the innocent consumer (code safety
violations, fire, structure, egress) to the encroachment of civil liberties
(the right to build one's own house to the extent and ability as one has) the
code raises many questions.

The prime ingredient to being able to work within or without the system is to
understand, specifically, the code itself.  Trying to explain to a good old
boy contractor why we need plywood shear walls and hold down anchors is a
challenge.  The fact is that when we have earthquakes our newer buildings
remain safe, as opposed to the Mexico City earthquake where mass destruction
occurred where no building codes exist.

The civil liberty of assuming the risk of building your own house is a
pertinent argument.  One way in which it is mitigated is the option of an
alternative code.  Humboldt County in Califormia has such a code.  On my
agenda is to find out the specifics of this code.  I will report what I find.


Your phrase of  "legitimate extent of codes" I find quite appropriately
pointed.  There is a legitimate limit to how far they should go, that point
is quite arguable.  Probably the most effective  place to argue that is
within the code writing bureaucracy.  I have learned in the last few years
how the ICBO operates and has it's constant evolving process.  Did you know
that anyone can join ICBO and get all the mailings and updates?  I joined for
this and to get the discounts on code books.

I think we shoul continue this line of questioning about codes.  I'll be
listening/writing.

Clay C. Johnson
Claycj@xxxxxxx