1. Highlights of Codes, Regulations and Laws For Public Protection

2. Codes & Regulation For Public Protection: Federal Level: Federal Legislature: establishes laws for public protection. Environmental Protection Agency Housing & Urban Development Consumer Products Safety Commission Regulatory bodies: develop regulations based on laws.

3. Codes & Regulation For Public Protection: State Level Housing Codes State and local agencies adopt EPA and other federal regulations by ordinance. –This is what gives the regulations legal clout. States also adopt Building Codes that apply to new construction and/or rehabilitation. –This is what gives the building code legal clout.

4. Codes & Regulation For Public Protection: State Level Housing Codes International Building Code is the most recent conventionally adopted code. History: Uniform Building Code (UBC) Building Officials and Code Administrators (BOCA) International Building Code (IBC)

5. Common Federal Regulatory Agencies EPA: US Environmental Protection Agency –EPA publishes its regulations at Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations.Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations –EPA establishes regulations on housing problems related to: Lead-based paint Air quality Sanitary/potable water Asbestos, etc.

6. Common Regulatory Agencies HUD: United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. –HUD publishes its regulations at Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations.Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations –HUD establishes regulations for all housing and for housing receiving federal funds.

7. Common Regulatory Agencies HUD Regulates: –MORTGAGE AND LOAN INSURANCE PROGRAMS UNDER NATIONAL HOUSING ACT AND OTHER AUTHORITIES –NONDISCRIMINATION IN FEDERALLY ASSISTED PROGRAMS, FAIR HOUSING –HOUSING ASSISTANCE/PUBLIC HOUSING –HUD publishes its regulations at Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations.Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations

8. Example of State Building Code Standards Adoption The following is an example of federal regulation guidelines being adopted by State Legislature. www.energycodes.gov:www.energycodes.gov JCARR (Ohio Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review)

9. Core Elements of Housing Codes that Address Health General sanitation Pest infestation Plumbing Ventilation Carbon monoxide Combustion devices Non-absorbent flooring Hazardous materials Weather-tightness & Dampness

10. Public Nuisance Laws Local governments have the authority to address nuisances that threaten health & safety of the general public. The definition of a nuisance varies by state and locality. Most codes provide authority to take action when a condition in a residential property is harmful to health.

11. Landlord Tenant Laws These laws establish the responsibilities for tenants and landlords. For example: –Tenants may be required to keep premises free of clutter, which can help attract and harbor pests. –Landlords are required to provide maintenance to keep pests out and provide sufficient trash pick up.

12. A Closer Look At Building Codes Objectives of the building code: –To ensure safety & health of the occupants and general public Life Safety Fire Safety Structural Safety –Does NOT deal with asthetics

13. Life Safety: Handrails Building code address life safety issues like guardrails/handrails

14. Life Safety: Stairs Building code address life safety issues like: Tread/riser uniformity Accessibility regulations for handicapped

15. Fire Safety: Construction Methods Building code regulates fire safety related to fire-resistant construction materials and methods. –Ie, platform framing vs. balloon framing Balloon framing has been outlawed by building codes in many areas because of the fire danger that it poses

16. Balloon vs. Platform Framing

17. Fire Safety: Code Required Passive Fire Protection –Requires use of fire-resistance rated wall and floor assemblies Aids in managing/limiting spread of fire –Requires occupancy separations, or firewalls, to keep fires, high temperatures and flue gases within the compartment of origin Aids in firefighting and evacuation

18. Health & Welfare Provisions are included in the building code for: –Lighting –Ventilation –Sanitation –Temperature –Noise control Minimum space requirements for habitable rooms

19. Enforcement of A Building Code Codes are enforceable through the police powers of the state. States usually delegate power to local jurisdictions –County/municipality

20. Building Officials Authority to enforce/administer code for jurisdiction. –Designs nothing –Builds nothing –Repairs nothing Responsibility: –To see that persons engaged in these activities do so within the requirements of law.