Codes ensure public safety as structures are erected

During the week of May 8-14, building departments across America and around the world will celebrate Building Safety Week to promote the use, enforcement and understanding of the importance of building codes to public safety. This year's theme is "Making Homes, Schools and Workplaces Safer Together."

Building code enforcement is the job of professionals who work right here in Hernando County. We are active members of the International Code Council, an association that develops building codes to safeguard the public at home, school and work.

Building Safety Week, which was first observed in 1980 and is sponsored annually by the council, also recognizes professional code enforcement officials who regularly attend educational training to make sure they are aware of the latest code changes and technological advances in construction.

The Hernando County Development Department helps ensure that safe buildings save lives by reviewing building plans, issuing building permits, and inspecting buildings during and after construction. This past year 17,474 building permits were issued and a total of 78,681 inspections completed. Permits can be obtained at the Hernando County Development Department's offices at: 789 Providence Blvd., Brooksville (residential and commercial), or 7431 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill (residential only).

Everyone should try to keep Florida clean

Wouldn't it be nice if, instead of dropping their litter at every vacant lot or corner, people would take it home and dispose of it?

Wouldn't it be nice if all builders got their Dumpsters to the jobs before their subcontractors started working? (Some do.)

Wouldn't it be nice if these subcontractors picked up after themselves? The builders might check to see if they did and if they didn't, charge them to have it done.

Wouldn't it be nice if the police, when they saw somebody littering, gave real large fines and made the public aware of it in the local newspapers?

Wouldn't it be nice if a code enforcement officer would stop if he saw a violation, without waiting to be called?

[Last modified May 6, 2005, 00:38:16]