Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-02-05
SPEAKS TO ENGINEERS
INSPECTOR ASHFORD DISCUSSES
NEW BUILDING REGULATIONS.

Changes in the local building regulations
which will probably be recommended by
the commission now considering the mat.
ter We're discussed by Snowden Ashford
District building inspector. before the
Washington Society of Engineers at its
meeting at Rauscher's last evening. Dis
cussion of the subject followed.
The first building regulations for the
District were promulgated by President
George Washington in 1901, it was ex.
planned. They have been revised or
numerous occasions since to meet new
conditions and new engineering ideas. In
the spring Of 1901 a committee OF local cit
liens was appointed by the District Com
missioners, it was stated. to suggest q
proper revision OF the building regula-
lions. 1t is composed of Nathaniel VIII
son. Appleton p. Clark. Leon n. Dessez.
James l.. Parsons. Joseph Richardson.
DR.. George NJ. Kober. F. l.. Averill. w. B.
Upton Thomas Power, S. w. Woodward
and W. II. Rapley. Mr.. Ashford discussed
which the committee will probably recon-
mend.
The fundamental principle of building
regulations. the speaker remarked, is to
require a form Of construction that will
afford reasonable safety to life and limb.
fort Of the public in SO far the struc-
lures affect the physical condition of the
occupants. One of the subjects taken UP
by the committee is in regard to the CEN
tralizatjon OF authority In the building
inspector. At present. Mr.. Ashford said.
there are indefinite lines of demarkation
between the duties of the inspector of
buildings, electrical engineer, plumbing
inspector and health officer. That all
notices regarding buildings shall issue
4
stated, will be recommendation.
Committee Of Appeal.
1t is also proposed. Mr.. Ashford said,
to establish a committee on appeals from
the decisions Of the inspector of build
ings between the latter and the Commits
sioners. 1t will also be suggested that
the assistant inspectors of buildings, as
well as the inspector. be put under bond
for the faithful performance Of their dr-
ties. Under the suggested regula tons tn.
requirements as to permits will be en-
larged 50 as to cover all forms OF con-
struction. and 1t will be suggested that
permits be required to convert a building
authorized for one purpose to that of an
other. This is regarded as important be-
cause the old residential section Is fast
changing into a section OF Office buildings
The revision COMMITTEES will recommend.
it was also stated. that the fees he
changed with a view to making the ONCE
self sustaining. This would make fee
Of about Sc for the average house.
The subject Of light and ventilation, il
was explained. has received much atten-
ton by the committee. and II will be
proposed TO regulate the spaces re-
served for light and ventilation with
reference TO the public spaces on
which they abut. The height Of
building. it was explained. will not
only depend on the width of the street or
road at it's front. but also OH the size Of
alleys. yards and courts. SO that the
height of IA building will bear stated re
Iation to the depth OF the yard or width
of a court. thus allowing sunshine to PEN
of the day. The present law regulating
the heights of buildings will not be radi-
ca!ly changed il was stated. Mr. Ashford
explained that he thinks il Is better to
have a square solidly built up with mod