This information was provided courtesy of the city of Webster Groves.

Webster Groves recently adopted the 2009 International Code Series to protect the health, safety and welfare of the community. These codes will go into effect on Sept. 1.

The series includes more current versions of the building code, the electrical code, the plumbing code, the mechanical code, the fire code and the property maintenance code. In addition to the code adoption, a new fee structure was approved for permits and inspections as well as zoning-related matters. 

The adoption of newer editions of the codes allows the city to continue to maintain a high level of safety for construction and to ensure that neighborhoods do not become blighted due to lack of property maintenance.

“We are proud of the fact that five percent of our building stock is more than 100 years old and that we have two buildings that are over 200 years old," said Michael Harney, the city's building commissioner. "Quality code enforcement is critical, not only to the safety of newly constructed buildings, but also the survival of older buildings.”

The changes are the result of extensive research of the model codes and adaptation of those codes to conditions that are unique to Webster Groves. Among the changes are:

• A fee increase (about $35 on a $10,000 improvement project)
• Residential sprinklers as an option rather than a requirement
• Improved energy efficiency in buildings

More information is available on the Webster Groves website.