New Florida building code legislation will allow building owners to postpone for several years a requirement for all new and existing buildings to provide minimum radio signal strength for fire department communications.
The code change that requires installation of necessary equipment and wiring in most commercial and multi-family buildings was to go into effect immediately, with no grace period. The provision, which necessitates opening up sections of walls and ceilings, has been estimated to cost over $1 million for some large structures.
A recently enacted update to the legislation provides for existing non-residential buildings to install the radio enhancement systems by Jan. 1, 2022, if owners submit their application for the installation permit by Dec. 31, 2019. Existing apartment buildings (including residential condominiums) are not required to install radio enhancement systems until Jan. 1, 2025, if they apply for the appropriate permits by Dec. 31, 2022.
The legislation now allows unit owner associations to stretch out special assessments over a number of years.
Related Stories
| Jun 14, 2012
Minnesota Vikings stadium plan gets legislative go-ahead
Legislation that approved the construction of a new billion dollar stadium for the Minnesota Vikings passed the Minnesota legislature.
| Jun 14, 2012
Report alleges New York’s prevailing construction wages are miscalculated, costing billions
A miscalculation in how prevailing wages are calculated in New York reportedly costs the state $3 billion a year in public-infrastructure projects.
| Jun 14, 2012
AGC, other business groups oppose hiring rules for disabled
Business groups have asked the U.S. Department of Labor to reconsider a proposed hiring quota aimed at federal contractors pertaining to people with disabilities.
| Jun 5, 2012
HP Labs aims for net-zero energy data centers
Building sustainable data centers is one of the goals of HP Labs, and it believes technology, combined with the right building techniques, could result in the construction of energy-efficient data centers.
| Jun 5, 2012
USGBC delays LEED 2012; renames it LEED v4
In response to concerns by LEED users, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced that it will delay the ballot on LEED 2012 until June 1, 2013.
| Jun 5, 2012
Baltimore officials vow to block $1.8 billion urban renewal project
Baltimore officials want to block a $1.8 billion urban renewal project until more neighborhood residents and minority contractors are hired and displaced residents can benefit from the revitalization.
| Jun 5, 2012
OSHA launches campaign to warn of heat dangers in outdoor work
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has begun a campaign to warn outdoor workers about the dangers of heat exposure.
| Jun 5, 2012
AGC’s Safety and Health Conference focuses on regulations, legislation
More than 150 industry professionals and other attendees will participate in the Associated General Contractors of America’s (AGC’s) safety and health conference July 11-13 in Washington, D.C.