May 10, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — The city of Phoenix Development Services Department celebrates Building Safety Month throughout May, highlighting the importance of building codes for safety and the men and women that ensure code compliance of all construction in the city.
This year’s nationwide campaign focuses on energy and green building (Phoenix currently is working on a new Green Building Code); disaster safety; fire safety and awareness; and backyard safety.
“The public safety role we play is often overlooked until a tragedy occurs,” said Mark Leonard, director, Phoenix Development Services. “Development Services exists to make sure that the places where you and your family live, learn, work, worship and play are safe.”
The city of Phoenix Development Services Department reviews plans, issues permits, inspects each phase of construction for code compliance and issues certificates of occupancy for all commercial and residential construction in the city. Building safety and fire prevention codes address all aspects of construction, such as structural soundness of buildings, reliability of fire prevention and suppression systems, plumbing and mechanical systems, and energy efficiency and sustainability.
First observed in 1980, Building Safety Month is sponsored by the International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety, fire prevention and energy efficiency, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings. The international codes also serve as the basis for construction of federal properties around the world, and as a reference for many nations outside the United States.
For more information, visit phoenix.gov/devserv. Watch the Building Phoenix Show on PHX 11, phoenix.gov/video or youtube.com/buildingphoenixshow.
Media Contact:
Michael Hammett 602-495-5405
