BLOG CATEGORIES

Tips To Help Ensure Your Building Is Up To Code (In Any State)

Tips To Help Ensure Your Building Is Up To Code (In Any State)

Meeting building code requirements is surely an essential part of your job as a property manager, but when is the last time you stepped back and looked at the bigger picture of how your building syncs up with its building code and why this is so important? Here, we take a closer look at some of the more common building-code requirements and why the most obvious violations are often overlooked, even unintentionally.

Building codes can be required by state, county, city, or municipality (or all of them at once). Note that not all areas issue the exact same kind of codes; they may differ slightly or greatly. Check with your city’s municipal office to make sure you are following the code that is required.

Code guidelines for your site can seem overwhelming because they cover a multitude of categories. Building codes can cover:

  • Structural guidelines
  • Plumbing
  • Mechanical
  • Electrical
  • Energy
  • Elevators
  • Public pools
  • Fire/safety

FREE GUIDE: Understanding Elevator Emergency Communication Code Compliance >>

While adhering to code in so many different areas can seem daunting, there is no denying the importance of having them set in place as comprehensive guidelines that help you make your site a safe place that serves your tenants well.

Find out how to improve safety and reduce costs at your property

Our best-in-class emergency phone + monitoring solutions provide peace of mind and are backed by decades of expertise

Learn More

2022 ELLIES WINNER
Best Supplier -
Communication System

What exactly is code enforcement?

Standards must be set and adhered to; otherwise, there would be chaos (and worse). Building codes assure that all commercial, residential, public assembly, and other public buildings are constructed in a way that enforces structural stability, fire safety, sanitation, good wiring, and adequate egress (exits). The goal is to protect the public health, safety and welfare relating to buildings and property.

How does the process work?

Initial code compliance starts with an application for a building permit. If the building already exists, official inspections are made periodically to help ensure that the building is up to code. If there is a violation or deficiency, an order is issued by the code inspector to correct the condition and bring it “up to code.” In many cases, property managers and building owners will have to pay a fine if they do not meet a certain code requirement.

Records of code inspection activity and compliance measures — including permit applications, fees, inspections, notices ,and orders — are kept on file, usually at city hall or a local municipal office.

Are building codes law?

Yes. Building codes are considered local laws. However, must municipalities take their rules and regulations from one of the national model codes:

Model Codes are usually updated and/or revised every three years, and anyone can suggest and submit a code change. The suggestion is usually evaluated by a committee and given a hearing. If the suggestion goes unchallenged, it usually becomes approved. Other national bodies that local municipalities pull from include The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). For an in-depth look at the latest updates to ASME’s elevator code visit this page.

How to stay current and relevant with your local building codes:

Know the local building code. 

Local building code is not always easy to read or interpret, so be sure to get some clarity by asking for explanation from your local inspector when needed.

Create a working partnership with your local inspector. 

Reaching out to your local inspector shouldn’t be a one-time thing. Keeping open communication with your inspectors is especially a good idea if you are planning on remodeling or expanding your property.

Ask questions of your contractors and subcontractors. 

Make sure that they are aware of the latest building codes before they begin work, or have your local inspector review the project before any work begins. Finding contractors/subcontractors who are knowledgeable on code requirements pertaining to their specialty should be a top priority.   

Click here to check the specific building codes for your state.

An essential property item when it comes to code compliance: emergency communications.

Life safety is one area you don’t want to mess around with when it comes to code compliance, as failure to comply can result in severe consequences. 

Don’t wait for your next code inspection. Make sure your tenants are protected 24/7 with an easy-to-use emergency communications system. It can serve as a lifesaver in an emergency situation, allowing your tenants to get help and guidance as quickly as possible.

In fact, Kings III operators are all Advanced Emergency Medical Dispatch certified (AEMD), allowing them to give your tenants step-by-step pre-arrival medical instructions until help arrives, including CPR, if needed. An AEMD certification meets and exceeds all national safety requirements, allowing for dedicated attention in any emergency.

Kings III offers dependable phone equipment, installation, ongoing maintenance, and 24/7/365 elevator phone monitoring. We design our equipment with code compliance and caller experience in mind, staying at the forefront of code and technology changes.

The benefits for your tenants are clear. In addition to helping to ensure that you are up to code, the benefits for you: reduced risk, liability, and costs.

While you’re checking up on your building codes, remember to contact us to help you evaluate your emergency phone system needs.

Understanding Elevator Emergency Communication Code Compliance

KEEP LEARNING

How is Your Premise Liability Law IQ?

A premises liability lawsuit holds a property owner responsible for any damages arising out of an injury on that person or entity's property. Keeping your property safe is, therefore, your number-one priority. Here's exactly what you need to know.

Kings III of America Announces CEO Transition

Kings III today announced that as part of a thoughtful succession process, Dennis Mason will be stepping down as Chief Executive Officer and transitioning to Senior Advisor. Norm Nelson, who has served as Chief Operating Officer since 2018, will succeed Mr. Mason as CEO.

Apple iPhone Setting Ties Up 911 Call Centers

A recent news story highlights how an iPhone safety feature may be adversely affecting 911 call centers. Here's what property managers should be thinking about when it comes to their own onsite emergencies.

Types of Emergency Phones: Glossary and Resources

If you are looking into information on emergency phones, it’s worth getting some context on all emergency response options at a high level. Here, we’ll attempt to do just that with a ‘types of emergency phones’ glossary where we’ll provide important facts and links to outside resources for ALL types of emergency phones, along with special considerations.

Winter-Proof Your Elevators

When elevators break down or work improperly, especially during inclement weather, we are reminded of their vital importance. Pay attention to the following items, especially in winter weather, to help keep your elevators running safely and smoothly.

Kings III Makes The Dallas Morning News Top 100 Places to Work List Becoming a 3x Winner

We're honored to be recognized by our employees and The Dallas Morning News by making the daily newspaper’s Top 100 Places to Work list for the 3rd year in a row, falling in at 28th in the midsize companies category.

Best Practices for Using Video Surveillance on Your Property

Video surveillance is a common life safety tool for property managers. In fact, the latest elevator safety codes show how it can even be an essential component of emergency response for those with a disability. Here are some best practices to keep in mind when adding video surveillance to your security mix.

Arcline Investment Management to Acquire Kings III of America

Arcline Investment Management ("Arcline"), a growth-oriented private equity firm, today announced the acquisition of Kings III of America ("Kings III"), a leading third-party provider of elevator and pool emergency monitoring solutions in North America, from Rockbridge Growth Equity and Thayer Street Partners.

Saving Labor and Service Costs During Inflation

We simply can’t ignore the elephant in the room: inflation is causing unprecedented rises in prices. Learn how turnkey solutions with maintenance included can be your saving grace as a property manager.

Kings III makes it easy as a single point-of-contact for all your emergency response needs. With expertise in line connectivity, compliance codes, equipment maintenance and safety protocol, we offer the total package.