The Surfside Working Group, a coalition of seven Florida engineering and building professional associations, has recommended that the state impose mandatory building inspections for aging high-rise buildings.
The group was formed following the collapse of the Champlain Towers South condominium buildings in Surfside. The 12-story building collapsed in a matter of seconds, killing 98.
The building needed costly repairs, but no statewide inspection laws or building code requires structural and safety re-inspections for aging high-rises. The panel’s recommendation is for all Florida buildings greater than 2,000 sf with more than 10 occupants to have mandatory structural inspections. Recertification would be required after 30 years, and every 10 years thereafter.
If the building is close to saltwater, it would have to be inspected after 20 years with re-inspections every seven years. The report is now in the hands of state lawmakers, but they are not obligated to act on it. The panel is hopeful, though, that the report will spur action.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Feb 6, 2017
New York State offers $36 million for energy efficiency on commercial buildings
Programs will provide money for both owners and renters.
Codes and Standards | Feb 6, 2017
New white paper on modular bathroom pods offers insight on best uses
When to use them, cost, and installation are issues that are explored.
Codes and Standards | Feb 3, 2017
Justice in Design initiative to explore how to design a modern jail
The report will inform design principles for New York City jails.
Codes and Standards | Feb 1, 2017
Massachusetts, Colorado, Illinois lead annual Top 10 States for LEED Green Building list
LEED for Building Operations and Maintenance the most popular rating system in top 10 states.
Codes and Standards | Jan 31, 2017
Planning for world’s first floating city underway
New approach to resiliency examined in French Polynesia.
Codes and Standards | Jan 30, 2017
Denser development could reduce emissions more than building energy retrofits
More tightly packed cities would cut building emissions significantly, study says.
Codes and Standards | Jan 27, 2017
Calif. legislator proposes statewide solar mandate for new buildings
It would be the first such requirement in the U.S.
Codes and Standards | Jan 25, 2017
Standard baseline for measuring building efficiency needed
EUI could push sustainability through market-driven approach.
Codes and Standards | Jan 23, 2017
Workers, local officials rally for new construction safety law in New York City
The new law would require those who work on 10-story-plus buildings to go through an apprenticeship program.
Codes and Standards | Jan 23, 2017
Prominent Atlanta construction executive faces charges in $1 million bribery scheme
The company has worked on some major projects, including Hartsfield Airport.