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 25, 2020
New ISO standard for optimizing building use and reusing and recycling components released
Aim is to realize full potential value of a building throughout its life cycle.
Codes and Standards | Feb 21, 2020
Architects push back on proposed uniform design mandate for federal architecture
AIA speaks out against measure.
Codes and Standards | Feb 20, 2020
City-owned buildings to go carbon-free in Los Angeles
Mayor commits to goal for new and extensively renovated structures.
Codes and Standards | Feb 19, 2020
Public is willing to volunteer to maintain green infrastructure
Perceived benefits make residents willing to help public works departments.
Codes and Standards | Feb 18, 2020
Recent Dept. of Energy grants emphasize grid-interactive building technology
National labs, universities, businesses selected for total of $74 million in funding.
Codes and Standards | Feb 14, 2020
At least 13 states create incentives for utilities to use demand response programs
Practice optimizes power grid, incorporates more renewable power.
Codes and Standards | Feb 13, 2020
Living Future Institute’s JUST program helps measure progress on sustainability, social justice
Functions as a transparency platform for organizations to disclose their operations.
Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2020
Commercial Building Energy Saver Wins R&D 100 Award
Software toolkit enables access to deep energy retrofit and zero-net energy strategies.
Codes and Standards | Feb 11, 2020
Fenestration Rating Council launches faster energy performance testing system
New windows, doors, and skylights will get to market faster.
Codes and Standards | Feb 7, 2020
Landlords scramble to comply with the New York City Council’s Climate Mobilization Act (CMA)
Intent is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve efficiency for buildings larger than 25,000 sf.
