Feedback Wanted On New Building Codes
The Department of Planning is advising the public that it has revised the current building codes and is seeking public feedback before the codes are finalized.
“The existing codes are out of date and they do not reflect advancements in the building and materials industry,” explained Building Control Officer Gordon Ness. “The Residential Code covers all residential development up to two storeys in height.
“The Commercial Code, meanwhile, is applicable for all other types of development, including commercial buildings, and residential development greater than two storeys in height. Together the two codes will make up the Bermuda Building Code 2014.”
A spokesperson said, “There are a few key areas that are substantially different in the new codes when compared with the existing codes. The highlights of these changes are energy efficiency, accessibility for the physically challenged, and the fact that the new Commercial Code will now adopt the IBC [International Building Code 2012], which supersedes the BOCA Code.
“The new codes will affect all new building permit applications for residential and commercial developments. Everyone from the architectural and design community to the general public will now have to ensure their applications conform to the new codes.
“The IBC 2012 was reviewed by a consultant team selected through an RFP process. This highly-skilled team of local professionals produced the draft Commercial Code which adapts the IBC 2012 code by making appropriate Bermuda-specific provisions.
“The existing Residential Code was reviewed by a volunteer steering committee which comprised of Bermudian design, architectural, and engineering professionals. The new draft Residential Code is the product of this review.
“The new codes are available for viewing at the Department of Planning on the fifth floor of the Dame Lois Browne-Evans building at 58 Court Street between 8.30am and 5.00pm. All documents are also available online on the Department of Planning website.
“You may provide feedback via the Public Consultation Form on the Department of Planning website or, alternatively, you can email Gordon Ness at gkness@gov.bm. You can also visit the Department of Planning and make a submission in person.
“The Department of Planning will be receiving comments for a minimum one month period. All comments should be received no later than July 30.”
“While the legislation does not require a public consultation period, in the spirit of accountability, transparency and openness, the Department would like to provide all members of the public the opportunity to comment on both of the new codes,” said Director of Planning Aideen Ratteray Pryse.
“However, the legislation does require a three month notice period in advance of the adoption of the new codes. It is expected that the official notice will be advertised in August/September 2014 with the operative date being in November 2014.”
“Anyone currently possessing an approved building permit is not impacted by the new codes. Revisions to existing approved permits will be subject to the existing codes. Any applications and subsequent revisions received prior to the adoption date [November 2014] will be subject to the existing codes. All new applications received after the adoption date [November 2014]) will be subject to the new codes.”
The Bermuda Building Code 2014 FAQ can be read in full below [PDF here]:
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- BEST “Applauds” Upgrade Of Building Codes | Bernews.com | July 21, 2014
Here is a sure sign that another Goverment Department with too manny staff are trying to find something to do.As there is not enough work to cover up what they dont do.
Do we still have 31 un-used Goverment buildings and still paying $11Million per year in rent.
Every one of the 69 Goverment Dept should be mandated to cut 10% each and every year.
Actually, updating building codes is something done regularly in most if not all developed parts of the world.