May 2024 is Building Safety Month! The International Code Council (ICC) sponsors an international campaign to raise awareness about building safety and the professional tasked with promoting and ensuring safe building practices and construction.

What is building safety?

Building safety starts with our adopted codes and regulations, which guide the design of safe and sustainable structures and regulate the construction, inspection and maintenance of property. All communities need building codes to protect citizens from disasters like fires, weather-related events, and structural collapse. Codes and regulations protect homes, offices, schools, facilities, stores and all types of venues. Many of safety mechanisms put in place through the enforcement of code are not readily recognizable to the general public, but play an important role in the case of an emergency. Our regulations establish minimum standards and there are many ways that additional efforts can be made to improve on the minimum standards for functional and sustainable designs and operations.

Who works on building safety?

Code officials work to ensure that the required design elements are put in place during review of plans, constructed per the plans during inspections, and maintained as the property is operated over time. The City employs trained and certified professionals to help enforce and maintain building safety. We have a building official, plans examiner, fire marshal, commercial inspector, residential inspector, property maintenance inspector, engineers, permit technicians, and more!

The design professionals, tradespeople, contractors, engineers, and others who work on the design and construction of public and private projects are also an integral part of promoting and maintaining building safety in our community. Property owners, businesses and residents can also help to maintain and encourage building safety.

How to participate in building safety month?

Each week during the month of May, there is a different aspect of building safety highlighted. During the month, the City will update the website to share information about the weekly theme including tips and videos. As a part of the community, you can use this information to learn more about building safety and actively work to make your home or property safer and more sustainable. ICC uses its extensive network of professionals, non-profit organizations, government members, and more to develop regulations and best practices. This wealth of information is translated into simple tip books and documents to share with the public and community.

Week 1: Understanding the Mission

Week 2: Preparing a Building Safety Plan

Week 3: Learning from the Pros

Week 4: Engaging Your Community

Week 5: Celebrating Success in Building Safety