Arizona republican., 1917-01-01
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BY HERBERT J. MANN
 fPhoenix Building lnspectorl

The year just past has marked a turning point in the building devel- orment of Phoenix. There has been a very gratifying change in the at titude of the public towards the of flee of the city inspector Of build ings. Tkis is undoubtedly due to the fact that the necessity for inspection and supervision of buildings is better understood. Although a building ordl- nance was passed as far back as 1901, it was only partially enforced, and very frequently violated. The first attempt at complete enforce ment was made during the first year of the commission form Of govern ment and a great deal of opposition was aroused. It was very often neces- sary to bring violators of the ordi- nance into court in order to enforce their compliance with the law. Tho ordinance itself was also very faulty; too rigid in requirements of little inn pcrtance, while entirely emitting some of the most important provi- sions which a building ordinance must contain in order to be effec tive.
 In the early part of 1916 this de- partment submitted 6 new building ordinance to the city commission, which was adopted in January. and has been strictly enforced While even this new ordinance is insuffi- cient for a city the size of Phoenix. it is very flexible one and can easily be amended from time to time. It is. however. a vast improvement over the oid building ordinance, ana contains the principal requirements for the prevention and spread or fires Property owners and business men in general have given the city building department their hearty support in the enforcement of the law. The only opposition which 1t has met is from a few contractors who oppose the ordinance for selfish req sons
 In addition to the supervision of new buildings, many old frame build ings have been condemned and torn down. Defective flues by the score have been. inspected and ordered re- built Electric wiring in about one third of the business section of the city has been placed in iron armoured conduit which has eliminated tho fire hazard to q great extent. standard in all classes of electric wiring has been maintained. which is eeualled bv few cities in the west.
 A new plumbing ordinance has been passed and strictly enforced. and many old unsanitary installations have been condemned and repaired. ur.il, in this respect, Phoenix stands very high among the cities in the west.
 All new gas installations have beeH inspected and every precaution taken to eliminate every possible danger from fire as well as danger of life. During the next year we hope to continue the condemnation of dan gerous buildings and unoccupied frame shacks in the down town dis strict. which are a great source of danger from fire.
 We intend to prosecute those few owners of theaters who persist in di.. rect violation of the orders of the building and fire departments.
 Several buildings, which are three stories CT more in height. are nos equipped with proper fire escapes. and these We hope to obtain during the coming year.
 Faulty construction of flues will not be tolerated, and every one foHnd. which is not built in an abso- lutely safe manner. will be con- demend and ordered rebuilt
 The following table. compiled from the records of the office of the build irg Inspector dp to the close of busi- ness on Saturday evening, December 90. indicates the building operations in the city of Phoenix month by month during 1916:
 January
 Residences ...-...........5 3.325.0O hrFe nfFe md u1t