flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Berkeley, Calif., adopts balcony inspection program following deadly collapse

Codes and Standards

Berkeley, Calif., adopts balcony inspection program following deadly collapse

Regulations call for three-year inspections, new construction standards


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | July 16, 2015
Berkeley, Calif., adopts balcony inspection program following deadly collapse

Photo: Berkeley City Hall. Almonroth, Wikimedia Commons.

Apartment building balconies in Berkeley, Calif., will be subject to inspections every three years under new regulations adopted following a deadly collapse.

The city council also adopted a measure to require new balconies to be made of corrosion-resistant material and be ventilated to prevent a buildup of moisture.

Six students were killed and seven others were hospitalized when the apartment balcony collapsed during a birthday party in June.

Inspectors said the balcony was supported by wooden beams that rotted from water damage. Prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into the collapse.

Related Stories

Codes and Standards | Sep 1, 2016

Overuse of air conditioning hurts office productivity

A study found temperatures in the low 70s reduce worker performance.

Regulations | Aug 31, 2016

FEMA wants to toughen flood regulation on projects using federal funds

The proposal ‘would essentially rewrite the current 100-year flood standard.’

Sustainability | Aug 30, 2016

New federal project plans must include climate impacts

Agencies must quantify the specific impacts when possible.

Green | Aug 29, 2016

Vancouver, B.C., to require zero emissions on new buildings by 2030

No net GHG emissions will be allowed.

Codes and Standards | Aug 25, 2016

Freddie Mac extends efforts to fund multifamily energy/water efficiency projects

The Multifamily Green Advantage targets existing buildings.

Codes | Aug 24, 2016

Weak building codes no match for recent natural disasters, say industry experts

The recent floods and wildfires in Alberta are being cited as proof.

Legislation | Aug 24, 2016

World Trade Center contractor found guilty of minority-owned business fraud

The company used two minority firms as fronts in a nearly $1 billion scheme.

Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2016

Federal construction contractors propose reforms to federal project delivery

Industry leaders offer how procurement system could be improved.

Legislation | Aug 19, 2016

California lawmakers may take action to address contractor negligence

An assembly committee heard testimony on deadly balcony collapse that occurred last year.

Energy Efficiency | Aug 17, 2016

Investor Confidence Project aimed at raising trustworthiness on energy efficiency projects

The new initiative screens projects to see if they are investor-ready.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021