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Politics & Government

Jefferson County Adopts New Building Code

Changes should make remodeling project completion easier, county planner says.

The Jefferson County Council has adopted a new building code and on-site sewage treatment code.

County Services Director Kristi Bales said the revised code establishes minimum requirements regarding the design, construction, alteration, enlargement, repair, demolition, removal, maintenance and use of all buildings in Jefferson County’s unincorporated area.

The code also provides the requirements for permits, collection of fees, inspections and penalties for violations.

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Under the new building code, the county will now license mechanical contractors. Previously no licenses were required for contractors working in Jefferson County's unincorporated areas.

In addition, the code adopts the International Existing Building Code, which will allow county inspectors to review only the proposed changes to existing buildings instead of requiring inspection of the entire building.

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Bales said the change should reduce the costs of residential remodeling projects and make it easier for new businesses to move into existing buildings in the county.

“It will mean the completion of more projects,” Bales said. “This will allow them to finish in a more cost-efficient manner, rather than having an idea and not following through because of the costs associated with that.”

The new codes will go into effect on Jan. 1.

“We’ll take these next few months to notify contractors of the code changes and to change our computer system and get any new forms in place,” Bales said.

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