Building codes are not just bureaucratic hoops that builders have to jump through, according to Peachtree City building official Tom Carty.

The city Building Department will join other units of state and local governments in observing International Building Safety Week April 2–8.

“The importance of building codes and their regulation and enforcement is often overlooked until some catastrophic fire or other construction-related tragedy occurs and receives worldwide attention, shocking peoples' consciousness,” Carty said.

International Building Safety Week annually recognizes the role professional code officials play in enforcing building codes that allow for the safe construction of various building types and sizes.

The Peachtree City Building Department is taking steps to ensure the buildings in the community are safe, healthy and accessible places to work, play and live, said Carty. The Building Department enforces life-safety regulations by reviewing building plans, issuing building permits and inspecting buildings during the various construction stages.

During the week of April 2-8, the Building Department will promote the Building Safety Week theme, “Code Enforcement in Your Community: We're Making a Difference,” with planned activities, including an informational display booth that the department will have set up at Gil-Roy's Hardware and Lumber at 467 Ga. Highway 74 south Monday, April 3 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Building Safety Week began in 1980 to promote the use and understanding of construction and building codes and their effective code enforcement by units of government. It has continued in an effort to ensure the construction of safe, sound buildings.

The focus of this year's event is again international, reflecting the decision of U.S. model code groups to join forces in the ever-shrinking global economy.

International Building Safety Week is endorsed by such organizations as Building Officials and Code Administrators International Inc., International Conference of Building Officials, Southern Building Code Congress International Inc., the Council of American Building Officials, the National Conference of States on Building Codes and Standards, and the World Organization of Building Officials.

Everyone is invited to become a part of the observance by joining these organizations and the code officials in Peachtree City in promoting the use of building and construction codes today, for a lifetime of building safety.

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