Bradley County to consider building code changes

photo Bradley County Commissioner Charlotte Peak-Jones
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ONLINERead a summary of Bradley County's current building codes at www.bradleyco.net/buildinginspecthome.aspx.

CLEVELAND, Tenn. - Proposed updates to Bradley County's building codes are on the table and may go into effect on Jan. 1, 2015.

Bradley County commissioners are scheduled to vote today on whether to advertise the proposed changes in local media. If they vote to go forward, a public comment period will follow.

The current codes date back to 2006. Commissioner Charlotte Peak calls for adopting the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code, the 2012 International Building Code and a number of other 2012 fire, plumbing and mechanical codes.

"Time is running out," said Peak, a developer. "If the county chooses not to make an update to its codes, the state will step in and mandate that we adopt the upcoming 2015 codes, which are more restrictive."

A number of goals is involved with the proposed choices, she said.

One is to offer codes that are "less burdensome to contractors," said Peak.

And adopting the 2009 energy code and 2012 building codes would match what Cleveland has already done, she said.

Home builder Dennis Epperson has spoken to the commissioners several times in recent weeks as they grappled with the intent and impact of the proposed changes.

He said some efforts are under way to tackle code requirements at the state level. He cited items of concern to regional builders, such as requirements to insulate warm-climate homes to standards relevant only to cold climates.

A few commissioners voiced concerns with making changes to the county's current codes, which were adopted Oct. 1, 2010, by a two-thirds vote, according to the Bradley County government website.

Changes to codes can affect both homeowners and builders financially, said Commissioner Terry Caywood.

"This is what you get," Commissioner Dan Rawls said in regards to state and federal bureaucracy. "How does this interact with us? You can't do anything for yourself."

Paul Leach is based in Cleveland. Email him at paul.leach.press@gmail.com.

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