Measure Goes

To Commission;

'Grace Period'

Is Suggested

BY STEPHANY NAPIER

Staff Intern

The Greene County Commission's Building Code Committee voted without opposition Tuesday evening to recommend adoption of the 2006 International and Residential Building Codes for Greene County.

Feelings were mixed at the meeting about how to proceed but members of the committee and citizens in attendance agreed that the county needs a building code.

To take effect, a building code must be adopted by the full county commission.

Greene County does not have a building code, though Greeneville does. In 2000 the county adopted a different code, but quickly rescinded it when many problems surfaced.

The committee has been discussing adopting the International Building Code for almost a year.

"The code educates the builder," said Jeff Idell, of Idell Construction.

Committee member John Cox didn't vote, but said he is in favor of adopting a building code for the county. Cox said he just wanted to wait longer and take more time in learning.

He said that they needed to determine first what types of construction and levels require a building permit “because a permit’s what drives the inspection.”

“I don’t think we’re ready for a vote on it because we don’t know enough ourselves,” Cox said.

Building Commissioner Leon Bird said he had confidence that his assistant Tim Tweed would be able to put together a recommendation and make a presentation to the county commission.

Committee member Sam Riley agreed.

Tweed told the committee that nearby counties had already adopted the code and the state of Tennessee had already adopted the International code, but not the residential code.

"It's an even standard for everybody," Tweed said.

Realtor Ted Hensley compared the building code to driving laws. He stated that if there were no laws for driving some people would still drive responsibly, but others would not.

He said it was the same with the code: some builders would build as carefully as possible, but there are others who may not know what is the standard or are just careless.

Hensley suggested adopting the code immediately and then having a "grace period" during which the code wouldn't be enforced.

"Adopt the code now and then we'll get busy educating everybody," he said.

County Mayor Alan Broyles said he was in favor of having a grace period under which builders would have time to adjust to the new rules.

Ralph Dingus, of Idell construction, said that there are homes being built every day in this county that are not up to widely accepted standards.

Clifford Williams, of Afton Construction, told a story about a woman who was complaining of pain when she walked up and down her steps. After inspection it was discovered the steps were built too steep and had to be changed.

"This building code will solve these problems," said Williams.

Committee member Sam Riley made a motion to adopt the building code with a grace period until Jan. 1. The motion was approved without opposition.

Tweed said during the grace period the code won't be enforced, but he will advise any builders to follow it.

Tweed also stated there are plans to educate the community about the building code. Public meetings will be held to teach anyone interested in learning about the code.

Copies of the building code are currently located in the county clerk's office on Carson Street for public viewing.