Submitted by Alexander Medwedew, Apr 5, 2007 01:04

Code compliance in large scale projects is not a major issue with the new code.  It is the thousands of small scale projects in existing buildings all over the city that are the real problem.  Many are implemented using unskilled and totally unqualified individuals who call themselves contractors.  The real estate industry uses countless of individuals for basic repairs and renovations that do not adhere to current standards.  Under the current code, there is no scrutiny over many of these projects even though they require certain minimum standards.  There are just not enough inspectors to check every job out there.  Many jobs that the building department is aware of, don't get inspected due to lack of access and remain flawed as far as code compliance.  Older buildings do not require upgrading of aging equipment and structure to new standards until some incident of failure occurs.  The implimentation issues of the current code must be addressed as part of the transition, success of the new code depends on it.

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