Alabama Administrative Code Title 170 - STATE OF ALABAMA BUILDING COMMISSION
The Alabama Administrative Code, Title 170, is dedicated to the STATE OF ALABAMA BUILDING COMMISSION. However, it's crucial to note that the functions and rules of the former Alabama State Building Commission have largely been dissolved and transferred to the Division of Construction Management within the Department of Finance pursuant to Act 2015-435. Therefore, while Title 170 still exists, its practical application is now often through the lens of the Division of Construction Management.
Purpose and Scope (Historical and Current Function):
Historically, and now through the Division of Construction Management, the core purpose of these regulations is to:
Establish and Enforce Minimum Building Standards: Promulgate and enforce a code of minimum building standards for specific types of buildings in Alabama.
Supervise State Construction Projects: Oversee the planning, design, construction, renovation, and improvement of state buildings and construction projects.
Ensure Safety, Health, and Welfare: Ensure that building requirements protect the safety, health, and general welfare of the public.
Mandated Oversight: The oversight applies specifically to:
All state buildings and construction (erected or acquired by or for the State of Alabama or its agencies).
Public schoolhouses (K-12).
Hotels.
Moving picture theaters.
Accessibility and Energy Conservation: Ensure compliance with accessibility standards (e.g., ADAAG) and energy conservation codes in state-funded construction and remodeling projects.
Procurement and Contracting: Regulate the processes for employing design professionals and for bidding and awarding construction contracts for projects under their supervision.
Key Chapters within Title 170:
The chapters in Title 170 reflect these responsibilities:
Chapter 170-X-1: ORGANIZATION AND AUTHORITY:
Defines the composition of the Commission (though now the Division of Construction Management exercises these powers).
Outlines the powers and duties, including the authority to supervise construction, adopt rules, and enforce the state building code.
Defines key terms like "Commission," "Director" (of the Technical Staff), "State Building Code," and "Technical Staff."
Chapter 170-X-2: ALABAMA STATE BUILDING CODE:
Establishes the specific building standards adopted by the Commission (now Division of Construction Management) as the minimum code for applicable buildings. This often involves adopting and modifying nationally recognized model building codes (like the International Building Code, International Energy Conservation Code, etc.).
Chapter 170-X-3: RULES FOR SUBMITTING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS TO THE TECHNICAL STAFF:
Details the process for architects, engineers, and project owners to submit plans and specifications for review to ensure compliance with the state building code and other regulations.
Chapter 170-X-4: EMPLOYMENT OF DESIGN PROFESSIONALS FOR PROJECTS SUPERVISED AND ADMINISTERED BY THE ALABAMA BUILDING COMMISSION:
Governs the procedures for selecting and contracting with architects, engineers, and other design professionals for state-supervised projects.
Chapter 170-X-5: BIDDING AND AWARDING CONTRACTS FOR PROJECTS SUPERVISED AND ADMINISTERED BY THE ALABAMA BUILDING COMMISSION:
Sets forth the rules for the public bidding process, contractor prequalification, and the awarding of construction contracts for state projects.
Chapter 170-X-8: COLLECTION OF USER FEES:
Specifies the fees required for plan reviews, permits, and inspections conducted by the (now Division of Construction Management) for various projects.
Chapter 170-X-24: ALABAMA HOME INSPECTORS REGISTRATION PROGRAM:
This chapter deals with the registration of home inspectors in Alabama, including application requirements, qualifications, and renewal.
Chapter 170-X-25: STANDARDS OF PRACTICE AND CODE OF ETHICS:
Outlines the professional standards and ethical conduct expected of registered home inspectors.
Repealed Chapters: Many chapters (e.g., 170-X-6, 170-X-7, 170-X-9 through 170-X-23) have been repealed, indicating that their content was either consolidated, updated, or removed due to changes in law or policy.
Current Administrative Context:
As mentioned, the powers and duties previously held by the independent Alabama State Building Commission have been integrated into the Division of Construction Management (DCM) within the Alabama Department of Finance. Therefore, when referring to Title 170 today, you're essentially looking at the rules that guide the DCM's functions related to state construction and specific public/commercial building oversight. The DCM also publishes a "Manual of Procedures" that provides more detailed guidance for compliance with these administrative rules.
For the most accurate and up-to-date version of these rules, you should always consult official Alabama government sources, specifically:
The Alabama Legislature's Administrative Code website: admincode.legislature.state.al.us
The Alabama Department of Finance, Division of Construction Management (DCM) website: dcm.alabama.gov (This site is likely to provide the most current interpretations and practical guidance).
RELATED Blog
0 comments