Item 3B - CM Report
Building Safety Month
City Manager’s Report
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Building Safety Month-May
Good Evening City Council - Building Safety Month was founded by the International Code Council and is celebrated by jurisdictions worldwide during the month of May. Building Safety
Month is a public
awareness campaign to help individuals, families and businesses understand what it takes to create safe and sustainable structures. The campaign reinforces the need
for the adoption of modern, model
building codes, a strong and efficient system of code enforcement and a well-trained, professional workforce to maintain the system. The Southlake
City Council recently approved ordinances adopting the
2015 International Building, Energy, Residential, Fuel Gas, Plumbing, Mechanical and Existing Building Codes. These ordinances
became effective on May 1, 2016 and are the latest versions of each of these codes.
A wealth of Building Inspection related information can be found on the City’s web page under
the Planning and Development Services Department links and we encourage the public to visit the web site before beginning a construction project whether this be a remodel project, a
new home or a commercial project. Information on the site includes contractor registration requirements, when a permit required, public tips on selecting a contractor, guidelines the
contractor must follow when doing work in Southlake, access to applicable codes and local amendments, and the scheduling an inspections. Also the City provides the ability for the public
or contractors to submit questions on line to the department related to questions regarding a permit, code or inspection questions.
The next scheduled Building Inspections public
outreach effort is planned for June 3, 2017 at the City’s annual Summer kick off event held at Town Square. As Council is aware the Summer Kick off event is geared for departments to
provide the public information on upcoming programs and events such as Recreation programs and camps, Library Reading Club, City volunteer opportunities, and water conservation. The
Building Inspections Division of the PDS department will have a table and booth at the event and provide literature and other information (including stickers and color books for the
kids) on the Building Codes with a special emphasis on pool safety.
Consider getting at least written three bids on a project and examine the scope of work covered, warranties,
exclusions, etc.
Never pay for a project in advance. Be wary of any contractor requesting total payment up front prior to any work being started. A small retainer fee or payment for
materials may be appropriate.
Never use a contractor who advises that permits or inspections are not required. Be aware of contractors who intend to perform work that does not comply
with established standards.
Be especially wary of contractors suggesting that the property owner obtain the necessary permits for their work. The property owner then becomes responsible
for the work. Contractors will do this to relieve themselves of responsibility.
Verify that the contractor is licensed by asking them to produce credentials. The State of Texas requires
that electricians, plumbers, heating & air conditioning contractors, and irrigation contractors must be licensed. They must carry a license on their person and their vehicles must be
identified with their state license number affixed to the vehicle.
General contractors must be registered with the City before doing any work. Contact Building Inspections to ascertain
such information.
Ask for a list of work previously performed that are similar to your project. Ask for references and check them.
Verify the contractor’s place of business by
driving there and observe the site for anything unusual that may be cause for concern.
Check with the Better Business Bureau for any complaint records on your contractor.
Before
the project begins, insist on seeing the permit issued by the City. During the course of construction, monitor your contactor’s inspection records. This will protect you from being responsible
for code violations and ensure project completion.
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Building Safety Month - May
On Friday, April 28, Mayor Hill presented a proclamation for Building Safety Month to the Planning and Development Services and proclaim the month of May 2017, as Building Safety Month.
I would like to thank City Council and the Southlake Citizens for their continued support of the Building Inspections division.
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