Building codes, etc

I am currently renting a rehearsal room and the construction does not seem to respect some codes (especially for fire, exits, etc). The sound proofing is also not very good... (they used sand filled blocks, created a 3 leaf system, etc) The guys running the place don't seem to have any problems with authorities. Is it possible that many people "bend" the code? Do inspectors exist? Who are they? Can someone really force you to rebuild your place?

I doubt that anyone here will tell you that it is OK to ignore code. And most likely you can be forced to tear down or re-build if your construction does not meet code. Building codes exist for several reasons: safety is one of them. If you build something that does not meet code and then someone gets injured or property gets damaged as a result, you would most likely be held liable for everything, perhaps even criminal liability (for example, if some dies as a result of what you built). Code should never be ignored, broken, or even bent. - Stuart -

tenkas wrote:

I am currently renting a rehearsal room and the construction does not seem to respect some codes (especially for fire, exits, etc). The sound proofing is also not very good... (they used sand filled blocks, created a 3 leaf system, etc) The guys running the place don't seem to have any problems with authorities. Is it possible that many people "bend" the code? Do inspectors exist? Who are they? Can someone really force you to rebuild your place?

Meeting specified building code is about the same thing as getting a failing grade in school. Hacks are why enforced code came about to protect people from themselves. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_code You can have an older structure that was built, for example, with balloon framing that can still exist today even though this building practice has been dead for decades (for good reason). The simple answer is no, code departments can not make a person tear down a structure or building. What they can do is double permit fees in the event that permits were never pulled. Then the building code guys can hold you to the fire on every little detail they see fit or that needs attention. That could mean a lot of things as a visual inspection could be ordered for load bearing areas which would mean opening up walls, ceilings and floors to have a better understanding of the methods and material involved. In an older building that may have out-dated building practices or material from any of a number of different crafts these items can be "grandfathered in" or considered passable as long as any of the trades in question, be it electrical, framing, material, etc., do not present either a fire hazard or the ubiquitous safety violation, inadequate air, means of egress, etc. If too many aspects of the building or structure are in question then it could be condemned. This is a "worse case" scenario since meeting code is essentially failing anyway. The constantly evolving issue is that people will attempt to do what they have never done before thinking they can bluff their way through it because someones Daddy was a brick layer and someone else watched three episodes of This Old House. But if people still have issue with authority, as you have said, then let them get it insured if possible ;) Sand filled block is not a three leaf. I'm reading that, for the most part, you guys are in a fire hazard since if isolation is in place you would not be able to see the building methods or material anyway. Placement of code is put on architects and engineers in the design of structures, bridges or what-have-you. The implementation comes from qualified trades people in the crafts that they are involved with, since code is a reliable road map but is not the end all be all. The science involved in building, in general, is far outside of the scope of what building inspectors can visually see and from my experience, outside of what the inspector actually knows, which is why methods have been devised to establish that what is being constructed will at least support itself with furnishings in place and be able to withstand environmental impacts, within limits.

The simple answer is no, code departments can not make a person tear down a structure or building.

Actually, they most certainly can! Sorry to disagree, and maybe in Alabama inspectors don't have any authority to enforce regulations, but where I live, a building inspector certainly can close and condemn a building if it infringes code dangerously, for any of several reasons. OK, he can't do that if you painted it the wrong color, but he sure can if there is a structural issue that could lead to collapse. So your blanket statement is totally wrong. It might apply where you live, but does not necessarily apply to the rest of the world. Form first-hand experience I can tell you that Municipal inspectors even have the authority to shut down an event in a public auditorium, theater, etc., and to seal the building, for infractions as simple as unsafe rigging, insufficient aisle widths, blocked emergency exists, fire hazards, etc. How do I know this? Because I've been in meetings for organizing such events where the municipal inspector has read the relevant regulations to the organizers, to make sure that they are aware of the facts. If you rig a speaker, scenery, projector, screen, lighting truss etc. in such a way that it does not meet the regulations, inspectors can shut down the entire building and prevent it from being re-opened until the offending item is taken down and re-rigged correctly, and yes, they can order you to tear down unsafe structures, even a temporary one for an event. If that item were to fall and injure someone, or start a fire, or damage property, then the organizers would be responsible for the consequences, even criminally. It has happened. If something in the building is dangerous and does not meet code, then the entire building can, indeed, be condemned, or at least be closed down until the problematic structure is torn down or fixed. So yes, inspectors actually do have that authority in some parts of the world, and your claim to the contrary is just plain wrong.

Do inspectors exist? Who are they?

If you are concerned, then call your local municipality, and ask! Let them know you think there might be a safety hazard in a building where you work, and ask them what should be done about it. Ask them where you can get a copy of the relevant regulations, and what they can do about it. Even ask them to send an inspector. If you think there is a fire hazard, then call your local fire department and ask them. In some places, the fire department can shut down a building if it is a major fire hazard. One major point: Since you rent space in tat building, you might even find that you would be just as liable as the owners of the building in the event of an accident! It would be a good idea to call around and find out as much as you can. - Stuart -

"Actually, they most certainly can! Sorry to disagree, and maybe in Alabama inspectors don't have any authority to enforce regulations, but where I live, a building inspector certainly can close and condemn a building if it infringes code dangerously, " I covered that when condemning a building was mentioned. "If too many aspects of the building or structure are in question then it could be condemned. " That is a far cry from having authority to tear a structure down, no matter your opinion of the great Southern heritage where I have been raised. For the most part, if you will read what I said, I said professionals will meet and often exceed the minimum code requirement because it is there business. "Placement of code is put on architects and engineers in the design of structures, bridges or what-have-you. The implementation comes from qualified trades people in the crafts that they are involved with, since code is a reliable road map but is not the end all be all." If someone has to tell you how to do your job properly, then you are most likely a fly be night anyway. I recall Mr. Sayers posted a picture of an entire building that fell over, it is somewhere in this forum. What that suggests, to my limited education from here in Alabama, is that people can be purchased. We here live by so many rules that it is often better to meet and/or exceed code specification and not worry about if code violations are even a consideration. While we do not have earthquakes I personally have experienced the disaster brought on by our yearly hurricane season.