No Residential Building Code Adopted in Vermont?
No Residential Building Code Adopted in Vermont?
(OP)
I am conducting a forensic investigation on a home in VT involving a heaving slab. When I went to the local jurisdiction's website to determine the adopted building code, I was unable to find any information. So I called the Zoning department (which handles residential building permits), and was told by the department head that there is no residential building code! I asked what structural requirements a new residential structure would need to comply, and was told that when someone wants to build a new home, "they just build it!"
Anyone familiar with residential building codes in VT?
Anyone familiar with residential building codes in VT?






RE: No Residential Building Code Adopted in Vermont?
There are many states that adopt a Building Code but leave it up to local jurisdictions to enforce - which may or may not happen.
That is the case in my state - only the larger cities enforce any building codes - hence "they just build it"
It is still up to the architect/engineer to provide a safe and sane set of plans. However, the home owner and builder may have just sketched the house on the back of napkin and started digging.
Good Luck
RE: No Residential Building Code Adopted in Vermont?
http://www.dps.state.vt.us/fire/
The only design I've ever provided for a residence here has been in high-end homes at the discretion of the Architect or Builder. The only time I ever have seen an Engineer consulted while I was in residential construction prior to graduating was in a high end renovation. I think this is not required to pull a permit.
So yes, as far as I know "we just build it!".
RE: No Residential Building Code Adopted in Vermont?
RE: No Residential Building Code Adopted in Vermont?
All the builders I've worked with are pretty sharp - the cold drives the hacks further south.
RE: No Residential Building Code Adopted in Vermont?
RE: No Residential Building Code Adopted in Vermont?
RE: No Residential Building Code Adopted in Vermont?
RE: No Residential Building Code Adopted in Vermont?
I can understand the fact that small towns sometimes lack the resources to enforce codes, but I can't see any reason why they wouldn't at least stipulate that structures must comply with a formal set of regulations.
RE: No Residential Building Code Adopted in Vermont?
That said, I'm in this business so obviously I'm in the business of being conservative. I wouldn't trust any builder to build a house for anyone in my family without me checking it, VT Builder or otherwise.
I think as the demand for housing increases more people get into building trades which can be bad for overall quality - Burlington aside there isn't a big push. Most new homes here are custom requiring the builder to have more design skill than would be required going off a set of cookie-cutter plans. Although there are some pretty special multi-phase DIY trailer additions scattered throughout the hillsides...
RE: No Residential Building Code Adopted in Vermont?
RE: No Residential Building Code Adopted in Vermont?
Several years ago I made a call to a small rural municipality to get design criteria for their town.
When I asked the building official what building code they were using, the answer was "I guess the current one"
I asked the design wind speed- answer "30 mph or so"
That's when I decided that this phone call was over.
RE: No Residential Building Code Adopted in Vermont?
RE: No Residential Building Code Adopted in Vermont?
http://www.dps.state.vt.us/fire/snowload_map.pdf
RE: No Residential Building Code Adopted in Vermont?
RE: No Residential Building Code Adopted in Vermont?
Obviously can't place blame without the facts
Just saying....
http://www.wmtw.com/news/27055845/detail.html
RE: No Residential Building Code Adopted in Vermont?
RE: No Residential Building Code Adopted in Vermont?
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RE: No Residential Building Code Adopted in Vermont?