Local governments in St. Louis County, Mo. have outdated and redundant building codes that frustrate commercial and residential developers, according to a report by St. Louis REALTORS.
The report focused on commercial and residential codes and electrical, mechanical, and property maintenance. It found that no single list compiled building codes for the county.
The report examined 42 codebooks from 89 communities totaling nearly 17,000 pages. The St. Louis region’s combined codes are nearly double the length of the Internal Revenue Service Code, dwarfing the optimal length of a consistent countywide code, which should total around 3,000 pages, the report says.
The report outlined several potential solutions. One option would be for a countywide vote to approve a consistent standard, but the authors noted a similar proposal was rejected by voters 50 years ago.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 11, 2020
Two tree species native to the Northeast found suitable for CLT
Eastern white pine and eastern hemlock pass strength testing.
Codes and Standards | Mar 10, 2020
Prescient receives ICC certification for seismic resilience system
Technology suitable for buildings up to 12 stories in earthquake-prone areas.
Codes and Standards | Mar 6, 2020
Design firms creating plans to re-imagine D.C.’s tidal basin
Area including National Mall is facing increased flood risk.
Codes and Standards | Mar 5, 2020
France to mandate all new public buildings be 50% timber or other natural materials
Measure would go into effect by 2022.
Codes and Standards | Mar 4, 2020
American Concrete Institute and Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute expand partnership
Will collaborate on new code requirements.
Codes and Standards | Mar 3, 2020
Wallcoverings industry releases product scorecards concerning sustainability
Tool adds more transparency to certification.
Codes and Standards | Feb 28, 2020
Bay Area communities struggle with what to do about rising sea level
Policies include sea walls, levies, and relocation.
Codes and Standards | Feb 27, 2020
Cell phones present a safety hazard at job sites
Use of ear buds, headphones banned by some contractors.
Codes and Standards | Feb 26, 2020
American Concrete Institute releases 2020 codes, specifications, and practices
ACI Collection features guidance on structural concrete construction and rehabilitation.
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.