A packet of information explaining the requirements for a rezoning request is available from the Zoning Office. There are a number of codes that deal with everything from the construction of residential and commercial buildings to the installation of electrical wiring and other utilities, such as plumbing and gas installation. It is through the use of these codes that this Division prevents dangerous and hazardous construction work from endangering the lives of the public against fire, electrical shock hazards and explosions, as well as the collapse of buildings. Codes are simply a written document that is written in a legal language which through long term experience, provides the rules and regulations for the proper method of safe construction. In the every day world of work, people make mistakes.
Honest mistakes can be just as dangerous as intentional mistakes.
Most people do not have the expertise or training to understand those things that could be harmful in construction if they were not required to be corrected. Therefore the functions of the inspection department through code enforcement provides that protection. Additionally, through the safety of construction inspection and review, fire prevention is practiced and the public benefits from a much lower fire insurance rate which covers their homes and possessions. Any individual may obtain a permit to build his own home, do his own electrical work, plumbing work, air conditioning and heating work without a contractors license. The only requirement is that they demonstrate that they have some basic knowledge of these various fields of work in order to insure that they do not create dangerous conditions which the inspectors would have to require that they correct.