Editor’s Note: The City of New Ulm presents a weekly column highlighting activities in different departments in the city government. Once a month the city will answer questions from readers. Questions on New Ulm city issues can be sent to comments@ci.new-ulm.mn.us.

Building codes and how they affect me. Building codes affect every one of us directly or indirectly. If you are building a new building, remodeling, or putting on an addition, you are directly involved with building codes and the process. All of us are indirectly affected with building codes, from living in your home, to shopping in the local stores, to attending events held in private or public venues. Building codes are used to promote safety, environmental and longevity of the building.

Building codes have been around for a long time, but have not been uniformly represented until relatively recently. Minnesota adopted the 1970 Uniform Building Code in 1972, and it superseded any codes that were currently in effect in any municipality, or any municipality that choose to adopt the building code after that time frame. The Building Code, has gone through many changes since the first adoption. We currently use the International Building Code, 2012 edition.

Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry administer the codes. Along with the building code, there are numerous other codes that interrelate with the building code. They range from plumbing, mechanical, electrical, energy, accessibility, fire codes, and many other referenced documents that supplement the codes. The Construction Code and License Division of DOLI, oversees the adoption of the codes. They work adopting new codes every six years, with amendments put in to tailor the code to Minnesota. The building code applies state wide, but there are some areas that do not have building safety departments to perform the inspections. Along with enforcement of the code, the Building Safety department also tries to educate the contractors and the public on what the regulations mean and why they are in the code.

May is Building Safety month, and is promoted by the International Code Council. This is the organization Minnesota uses for most of the codes adopted by the state. They have themes for each week. Week one is May 1-7, mentoring the next generation of building professional. Week two is May 8-14, building design solutions for all ages. Week three is May 15-21, manage the damage, preparing for the natural disasters. Week four is May 22-28, investing in the technology for safety, energy and water efficiency.

If you have any questions concerning any of the information from Building Safety Month, or any questions concerning building codes please contact your local building safety department.