FLOOD06770 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Adopt And Enforce State Building Codes The need for communities to adopt and enforce building codes has arisen repeatedly. In 1993, 1994, 1995, and 1998, IHMT participants noted the absence of statewide building codes. Recommendations for state building codes were also identified in the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan. The State of North Dakota has a State Building Code that consists of the 1997 Unifonn Building Code and the 1997 Uniform Mechanical Code, both of which are published by the International Conference of Building Officials. Floodplain management ordinances adopted by communities participating in the NFIP are not part of the state building code. State law does not require c;:ommunities to adopt and enforce codes. Communities that adopt building codes must adopt and enforce the State Building Code. Few communities have adopted codes because they do not have the resources necessary for enforcement. The potential remedies encourage North Dakota communities to voluntarily adopt and enforce the State Building Code; to convince counties to adopt and enforce the codes within their jurisdiction; to pass legislation that would permit the state to enforce codes in non-code jurisdictions; or to pass legislation for a statewide building code. In addition, the state is faced with the challenge of keeping the State Building Code updated to the latest standards. The current codes are being replaced with the International Codes, but legislation will be needed to pennit the state to incorporate these codes into the State Building Code. Such legislation was not passed in 1999. The state is due to update its code in 2000. The State legislature, which convenes every two years, meets again in 2001. Recommended Action: Work with North Dakota cities and counties to adopt and enforce the State Building Code on their own or through cooperative efforts, and work with all interested entities to incorporate the International Codes in state law. Lead Agency (ies): The North Dakota Division of Community Services (DCS) with support from DEM. Implementation Strategy: The DCS will: (1) provide technical assistance or help in obtaining assistance to adopt and enforce the State Building Code; (2) work with the North Dakota League of Cities and the North Dakota Association of Counties to promote code adoption and enforcement; (3) continue to work with the North Dakota Building Officials Association to sponsor code training; and (4) continue to work with all interested groups and jurisdictions for legislation that will recognize the new International Codes that will replace the Unifonn Building Code and Uniform Mechanical Code. The DEM will publish the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan encouraging cities and counties to adopt and 7