Friday, August 5, 2022

The Franklin County Commission has agreed to schedule public hearings to make a few changes to the county’s building code

The Franklin County Commission has agreed to schedule public hearings to make a few changes to the county’s building code.

The changes are recommended by the County’s Building Official Steve Paterson.

One would do away with the county requirement of using 12-gauge wire on a 15-amp circuit when the state only requires 14-gauge wire.

Removing that requirement would bring the county in line with the Florida Building Code and the National Electric Code.

The second change would do away with Franklin County’s specialty contractor’s license.

That rule creates different licenses for general contractors as opposed to air conditioner contractors and swimming pool contractors and many others.

The problem is the state doesn’t recognize the specialty licenses and Franklin County seems to be the only county in Florida that requires them.

Paterson said doing away with the specialty licenses will make life easier and be one less thing that contractors have to deal with.

Paterson also recommended adding a section to the building code specifically banning the use of outdoor sheds as rental properties, particularly BnB’s.

He said there are a growing number of property owners who are buying outdoor sheds, connecting them to plumbing, and renting them out even though they are not meant for human habitation.

He added that staff at the building department are spending more time arguing with property owners about the issue, and it would help to have the ban spelled out in the county ordinance.

The changes will require that the county commission hold a [public hearing so that members of the public can voice their opinion on the changes.

That hearing will be scheduled for the next few weeks.



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