What value do building codes and inspections truly serve?

The article in the March 30, 2005, Daily Bee seems to indicate that the problems at the Nowak residence in Sagle would not have occurred if Bonner County adopted and enforced the International Building Code.

As a retired engineer and building inspector, I can tell you such an assumption is absolutely incorrect. The IBC is a set of minimum standards to protect the public health and safety and deals primarily with fire and structural safety issues. Its provisions try to assure that work regulated will not cause death or injury.

Building codes are most definitely not quality control or consumer protection documents. In fact, none of the defects enumerated in the article are even regulated by the IBC. It should be noted that the hydronic heat and tub valve problems listed are regulated by the Uniform Plumbing Code which is already adopted and enforced by the Idaho Plumbing Bureau.

If a plumbing permit was issued and these items were inspected as required and approved, then one has to ask just what value codes and inspections serve at all.

BOB BOSSI

Sandpoint