Georgia Community Bans Light-framed Combustible Construction

In a unanimous decision, the Sandy Springs (GA) City Council instituted a permanent ban on all light-framed combustible construction in order to preserve the safety of their constituents that inhabit and work in buildings above three stories and exceed 100,000 square feet. In the ordinance, the Council stated that it wished to institute a requirement for construction with enhanced quality materials that increase the durability and longevity of the buildings.

The ordinance, No. 2016-08-23, amends "the state minimum standard building code to provide for increased building quality, sustainability, durability, and longevity while revitalizing the areas zoned for uses other than what is currently developed." The only construction that will be allowed in the town moving forward shall be of non-combustible Type I or Type II construction (concrete or steel construction) and takes effect immediately. It should also be noted that the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (Codes and Industrialized Buildings Section) that promulgates the Georgia State Building Code did not object to the local amendment.

 

The executive director of the Georgia Ready Mixed Concrete Association, Jimmy Cotty, applauded the City Council’s decision. "Our organization advocates for the construction of durable and more resilient building statewide," he stated. "Sandy Springs is leading the way in Georgia by prioritizing the long-term benefits of non-combustible construction for its citizens and property owners. The City Council has taken a huge step here in making buildings safer."