Building Code

What is a "Code?"

A Code is a collection of requirements which pertain to a specific subject, to regulate specific practices.

An example is a Traffic Code. A Traffic Code is a collection of requirements (driving and parking regulations) intended to regulate practices for automobile use on public thoroughfares.

A Building Code is a collection of requirements (such as exit signs and smoke detectors) which pertain to specific subjects (such as exiting and fire protection systems) which regulate specific practices (such as designing, constructing or remodeling buildings).

What is the Purpose of a Code?

No matter what the specific subject may be - construction property maintenance, fire prevention, electrical, or plumbing - ALL codes have the same purpose: To protect the public health, safety and welfare by requiring safe construction.

How are Codes Used?

• Codes are adopted as laws or ordinances by Governments such as states, counties, townships and cities. Once a jurisdiction adopts a BOCA National Code as law, the structures in that jurisdiction must conform to that law.
• Codes become part of the permit and inspection processes. Once a code has become law, Code Officials and Inspectors from the jurisdiction need the code to help their enforcement of the law. Inspections made during construction verify that code compliance has been achieved. Inspections are made during construction to verify electrical, sanitation, structural, fire and life safety.
• Codes provide standards for design, construction and maintenance of homes and businesses. Codes are used by architects, contractors, builders and materials manufacturers to ensure safety, economy, and consistency of construction. You, as a homeowner or business owner, have a substantial investment which can be seriously jeopardized through code violations.

How Do Codes Help You?

• Codes protect the public's health, safety and welfare.
  We all need protection from tragedy due to fire, structural collapse and general deterioration of the structures that surround us: our homes, schools, stores and manufacturing facilities. Building Codes provide protection by reducing potential hazards to building occupants.
• Codes keep construction costs down.
  Codes provide uniformity in the construction industry. This uniformity permits builders and materials manufacturers to do business on a larger scale - statewide, regionally or nationally - than if construction was unregulated. Larger scale allows cost savings which are ultimately passed on to the consumer.
• Codes provide consistent standards in construction.
  Codes establish predictable and consistent minimum standards which are applied to the quality and durability of construction materials.
• Codes contribute to the well-being of a community.
  The preservation of life and safety as well as the maintenance of property values over time are a direct result of the application and enforcement of Building Codes.

Building Permits

What is a Building Permit?

A building permit is a license which grants legal permission to start construction of a building project.

What Construction Projects Need Building Permits?

Check your Building Department for the requirements in Stow.  Building Permits are typically required for the following.

New buildings	Electrical systems
Additions	Plumbing systems
Renovations	HVAC systems
Demolitions	Misc. for Residential (fireplace, pools, decks, fences, etc.).
Prefabricated structures	Temporary Buildings
Mobile Homes	Misc. for commercial (parking, health, food handling, etc.)

What is the Purpose of a Permit?

Permits allow the enforcement of the codes which have been adopted as law by a state, county, township or city. No matter what the specific project may be, enforcing codes to assure safe construction helps to protect the public health, safety and welfare.

How are Permits Used?

Code Officials and Inspectors use building permits as a vital step in their enforcement of codes. You have an investment in the home or business you are about to build or remodel.  When that home or business building does not comply with the codes, your investment could be reduced. Applying for a building permit notifies the Code Official that you are constructing or remodeling a building so he or she can ensure code compliance.

Why a Building Permit?

• Building Permits provide the means for Code Officials to protect us by reducing the potential hazard of unsafe construction and therefore ensuring public health, safety and welfare.
• The Building Permit process helps us understand what our local laws and ordinances are. Before any construction of remodeling work begins, application for a permit should be made.
• Building Permits provide the means for Code Officials to inspect construction to ensure that minimum standards are met and appropriate materials are used.

Storm Water Quality Regulations

The EPA’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II program is heading towards its final year in the City of Stow.  As part of the requirements for cities like Stow, the program requires that the City meet six “minimum control measures” as listed below: 

* Public Education and Awareness
* Public Participation and Involvement
* Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
* Construction Site Runoff Control
* Post-Construction Site Runoff Control
* Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping

The City of Stow is working with the Summit County Engineer’s Office, Summit Soil and Water Conservation District, Summit County Health Department and other government entities to meet the EPA’s required five year deadline for implementation ending in 2008.

If you have any question or comments, please contact Bradley Kosco in the City of Stow Engineering Department at (330) 689-2719.