Dublin Core
Title
Box 1, Folder 1, Complete Folder
Text Item Type Metadata
Text
LASS
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x
Municipal Court
City of Atlanta
PRESS RELEASE
Date
For Immediate Release
MUNICIPAL COURT CITES
€No. )
FOR HOUSING CODE VIOLATIONS
defendents received sentences varying
(No. )
from to :
(Sentence) (Sentence) (Date)
in Atlanta Municipal Court on charges of violating the City's
Housing Codes.
Judge handed down the following
(Name)
sentences:
(Defendant) (Address)
’ » for
(Sentence) (Charge)
(signature)
Judge, Atlanta Municipal Court
The Building Inspectors Department
The Building Inspectors Department i
Frewicpaemtem administers and enforces the Zoning
Ordinance, the Housing and Slum Clearance Code, the Housing Demolition Ordinance, ihe Georgia
Safety Fire Law and ihe Elevator Ordinance. lis responsibilities generally regulate ine private use of
private property. The manner in which the department does its job and works with other agencies both
_ in and out of the City government will be reflected in the quality of total community developre ni.
Biatfing, organization, and records must be so developed as to have flexibility, comprehens iveness,
and sensitivity to the needs and requirements of area action. |The Building Inspectéss Department has
been the subject of extensive review and reorganization to better prepare it for thé role. Implementation
of the reorganization is now in the final stage. This presentrevtews-therefore;-must be timttet io
ihereceni-history-of the deparitient, It would be inappropriate to attempt to evaluate performance
because cdpoleen “in Community development, a constant t
systematic performance.measuremeni-should=be=developedy==
OMe AawZaAartuy
In 1964 Public Administration Service prepared a survey report relating to the consolidation of
inspection servicesin the City of Atlanta. This report reviewed and identified all inspectional functions
carried out among several departments withthe City government. The major attention of the report
was focused on the Depariment of Building Inspections. The findings of the report led to recommendations
for an expanded depariment of Building Inspections to include plumbing inspection (from the Consiruction
Depariment), elecirical inspection (from the Department of Electricity) and housing code inspection
(from the Depariment of Urban Renewal). The City adopted the full report.. The Departments of
Electricity and Urban Renewal were abolished when their few remaining responsibilities were transferred
to other deparimenis and agencies. No one lost his job or was reduced in salary due to the implementation
of these recommendations.
~
The Building Inspection Department : Page 2
Consolidation began in July of 1964, In-She beginning little more could be accomplished than
to effect a legal change. The various officej's were spread from the third floor of City Hall to the
thirteenth floor. ? In late summer 1965, one year later,major office realignments were richie at City Hall
wajch resulted in the Building Inspecti‘on Deparimenit occupying all of the eighth and ninth floors. tha
Wetec’ MNbgrnorsdty wert rele wr 19Gb » an
Physical provisions were made for a ceniral records ard statistical unit and the ceniral permits desk.
Staffing for the Records Bureau was provided by clerical personnel formerly assigned to each of the
inspection divisions. a
A
ceientiailiaaaimiiain a
= =
The present organization differs from the proposed plan in two minor ways. First there is
fore
no separate zoning #7" rneirA, Zoning enforcement is carried out by the Building Code Enforcement
Ser
we
rcement
en
—
Division. The building inspectors carry on this dual function. |
\ /
# One aspect of the zoning enforcement and conirol is in the
Planning Department. Street number assignment and zening certification and applications for
\
rezoning are functions of the Planning Department. At seems logical that the zoning information
\
\
section of the Planning Department could most ae be assigned to the Building Inspection Department.
This would be another important step in congoli ating related functions concerning building construction.
Another area of responsibility that could proayrly be assigned to ihe Building Inspection Department
would be the functions now carried out by peers of City Hall. The Building Department
presenily supplies the Depariment of City/ Hall Bpubabbodbeo@ioyaiddingsox with technical asictunies
and prepares plans and supervises all additions ony alterations to the City Hall and all other City
buildings. This new division, to be £alled a Division of City Buildings, would be responsible for the
custodial duties at City Hall, sup¢rvising alterations to all City buildings, and ta, provide technical
\
information and assistance to otfer City departments \in the operation and maintenance of their buildings.
An Organization Chart indicgting the present organization and including the suggested addition of the
Division of City Buildings js presented in Chart Ley
The Building Inspectors Department Page 3
Staffing. The Depariment has a technical staff of 72 and a clerical staff of 1d: The technical
staff includes the department head (Building Official), an estefan Building Official, two
architect engineers, ten plumbing inspectors, 10 electrical inspectors, 2 elevator inspectors, 9 heating.
and ventilating inspectors and engineers, 16 building inspectors and 15 persons engaged in Housing
Code enforcement. Six technicians are ities registered engineers or architects. Most of the
specialized inspectors are licenseg in their trades,
Dual Inspections . There is a decided trend throughout the county towards the use of dual
inspectors. By combining inspectional duties one person inspects two or more inspectional
fields providing competent inspection in an economical manner. The most common dual inspections
are building and zoning, plumbing and heating, and building and hosting. The City of Atlanta has
only one type of dual inspection - building and zoning. Efforts to extend combined inspections
usually meet strong resistance from craft unions, The use of dual inspections might necessarily
have to be limited to resideniial buildings. This will involve the greatest volume of work, but also
the most routine from the standpoint of technical difficulty. An expanded program of dual inspections
requires a well developed in-training program, cooperation and understanding of the craft unions,
and support from the City administration. Atlanta could probably extend ifs dual inspections to include
Housing Code inspections to all its inspectional specialities. Every inspector, then, would be
responsible to note and report to the Housing Code Division any violations observed. Follow-up
inspections regarding housing code violation would remain the responsibility of the Housing Division.
This modification would go far in expanding the ability of the City to identify homes that are
developing features that lead to blight.
Work Program Inspectional services are provided fo insure the health, safety and general welfare
of the community. Building inspections insure that siruciures will be built, repaired and altered
in accordance with accepied standards. Plumbing inspections insure that water and sewer facilities are in-
stalled in a manner that will protect the occupants health, Heating and Ventilating inspections assure
that heating units are installed property and includes provisions for smoke abatement in order to reduce
The Building Inspecté*$ Department Page 4
air pollution. Electrical Inspections insure that wiring installations will reduce fire hazards.
Housing inspections differ from the above in that the housing code is concerned with buildings
that were built under former regulations (usually these required lower standards of safety and sanitation).
li is the general purpose of housing inspection to upgrade the standing of living in existing housing.
Zoning ordinance enforcement activities support the regulationtof land use, conirol of height
and bulk of buildings, establish area requiremenis for yards and other open spaces.
The volume of work undertaken by the department may be measured by the value and number of
building permits issued in the past 10 years@,
Year Value of Building (millions Number of Permits
of Dollars)
1955 76 t 10,613
1956 59 9,682
1957 59 7,79)
1958 108 8,327
1959 4 8,728
1960 91 8,31]
1961 96 10,158
1962 117 9.357
1963 109 9,168
1964 150 9,142
aS x
Building Codes . The City of Atlania provides through these Various codes a high standard of
construction. The National Building Code is basically used for building. In 1965 wee
National Elected be issued which will be adopted by the City, Currently the Ciiy is using
the existing National Elecirical Code with some local amendments. The City is a leader
in developing a Heating Code. This code has recedved national acclaim and has been widely
adopted by other cities. The Plumbing and the Housing codes are not based after any nena code,
b ut do incorporate high standards. Generally, the codes provide for eight inspections to be made
during actual consiruction. A final inspection ismade upon completion of all work to assure
conformance to land use, type of building, area of lot and other requiremenis of the zoning and
building ordinances and codes. A certificate of occupancy is issued at that time.
The Building Inspection Depariment Page 5
Budget and Revue. The depariment collects in fees enough funds to cover all the expenses of
operation. A recent survey of municipal building inspection practices indicated that 72 per cent
of 101 cities over 100,000 population receive 75 per cent or more of their operating budget from
fees. Thirty-two per cent of these cities receive 100 % or more of their operating budget from
fees.
Public Convenience. The consolidation of inspectional service and a central building permits
desk serves as a public convenience. A contractor or individual can get all building permiis
at one location. He must, however, still go to several other locations within City Hall
for other basic information and permits. Water permits, water meters and location of water
facilities are obtained from the Water Depariment} Sewer permits, Street Opening permits,
sewer assessmenis, curvcut permits and location of sewer facilities are obtained from the Consiruction
Depariment. Applications for rezoning and sireet numbers are provided at the Planning Depariment.
Copies of the Zoning Code are purchased from the City Clerk as are licenses to engage in the construction |
business. Complete consolidation of these information and permiz issuing functions requires considerable
study and would sfisict changes that cross over deparimental lines. Debarimenis have a ‘andagks to
hold on to functions. They aim is Puncte their spher of inflvence not to-ransfer it. Realignment
of functions, as would Be required if a\gehtral license and)germit activity were desirayhvould require |
/ J .
the participation of a central administrative agent whoAvould have authority over alll deparimenis.
\ f ; /
None presenily exists.
PYLE D UNE
BwuiL oie
DE PARTIVE*7
fACSPAEC TH CRS
Frick
AS36S TAT
CRE IrcrAaL
Beit OA’
HEvsi/ 6 Pivisier?
BviLDWw Ss AS
Zine Divi spore
MEAT He
VEMmTititTéinw €
|_ Divisions
fox Pele rie
AecrheiS
Divisren >
[ PLumMa ne G
Orisiod/
PLANS eee
fe
FEV ew
a PIV sion
Pvyi Sion oe
City puis Dire’ s
one
DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS
The Department of Buildings administers ut enforces the
Zoning Ordinance, the Housing and Slum Clearance Code, the Housing
Demolition Ordinance, the Georgia Safety Fire Law and the Elevator
Ordinance. Its responsibilities generally regulate the private use of private
property. The manner in which the department does its job and works with
other agencies both in and out of the City government will be reflected in
the quality of total community development. Staffing, organization, and
records must be so developed as to have flexibility, comprehensiveness,
and sesnitivity to the needs and requirements of area action.
The Department of Buildings has been the subject of extensive
review and reorganization to better prepare it for its role. Implementation
of the reorganization is now in the final stage. It would be inappropriate
to attempt to evaluate performance.
Or ganization
In 1964, Public Administration Service prepared a survey report
relating to the consolidation of inspectional services in the City of Atlanta.
This report reviewed and identified all inspectional functions carried out
among several departments within the City government. The major attention
of the report was focused on the Department of Building Inspections. The
findings of the report léd to recommendations for an expended department of
Page Two
Building Inspections to include plumbing inspection (from the Construction
Department), electrical inspection (from the Department of Electricity) and
_housing code inspection (from the Department of Urban Renewal). The City
adopted the full report. The Departments of Electricity and Urban Renewal
were abolished when their few remaining responsibilities were transferred
to other departments and agencies. No one lost his job or was reduced in
salary due to the implementation of these recommendations.
Consolidation began in July of 1964. In the beginning little more
could be accomplished than to effect a legal change. The various offices
were spread from the third floor of City Hall to the thirteenth floor. In late
summer 1965, one year later, major office realignments were made at City
Hall which resulted in the Department of Buildings occupying all of the eighth
and ninth floors. Further office assignments were made in 1966. Physical
provisions were made for a central records and statistical unit and the central
permits desk. Staffing for the Records Bureau was provided by clerical
personnel formerly assigned to each of the inspection divisions.
Staffing
The Department has a technical staff of 72 and a clerical staff
of 16, The technical staff includes the department head (Building Official),
an assistant Building Official, two architect engineers, ten plumbing inspectors,
Page Three
ten electrical inspectors, two elevator inspectors, nine heating and
ventilating inspectors and engineers, sixteen building inspectors and
. fifteen persons engaged in housing code enforcement. Six technicians are
either registered engineers or architects. Most of the specialized inspectors
are licensed in their trades,
Work Program
Inspectional services are provided to insure the health, safety
and general welfare of the community. Building inspections insure that
structures will be built, repaired and altered in accordance with accepted
standards. Plumbing inspections insure that water and sewer facilities
are installed in a manner that will protect the occupants health. Heating
and ventilating inspections assure that heating units are installed properly
and include provisions for smoke abatement in order to reduce air pollution.
Electrical inspections insure that wiring installations will reduce fire
hazards. Housing inspections differ from the above in that the housing
code is eoncerned with buildings that were built under former regulations
(usually these required lower standards of safety and sanitation). It is the
general purpose of housing inspection to upgrade the standard of living in
existing housing. Zoning ordinance’enforcement activities support the
regulations of land use, control of height and bulk of buildings, establish area
requirements for yards and other open spaces.
Page Four
The volume of work undertaken by the department may be
measured by the value and number of building permits issued in the past
ten years.
Year Value of Building Number of Permits
(Millions of Dollars)
1955 76 10, 613
1956 59 9, 682
1957 59 7,791
1958 108 8, 327
1959 114 8,728
1960 91 8,311
1961 96 10, 158
1962 117 993537
1963 109 9, 168
1964 150 9, 142
1965
Building Codes
The City of Atlanta provides through these various codes a high
standard of construction. The National Building Code is basically used for
building. In 1965 a revised National Electrical Code will be issued which
will be adopted by the City. Ourrently the City is using the existing National
Electrical Code with some local amendments. The City is a leader in
developing a Heating Code. This code has received national acclaim and has
been widely adopted by other cities. The Plumbing and the Housing Codes
are not based after any model code, but do incorporate high standards.
Page Five
Generally, the codes provide for eight inspections to be made during actual
construction. A final inspection is made upon completion of all work to
assure conformance to land use, type of building, area of lot and other
requirements of the zoning and building ordinances and codes. A certificate
of occupancy is issued at that time.
Budget and Revue
The department collects in fees enough funds to cover all the
expenses of operation. A recent survey of municipal building inspection
practices indicated that 72 per cent cf 101 cities over 100, 000 population
receive 75 per cent or more of their operating budget from fees. Thirty-
two per cent of these cities receive 100 per cent or more of their operating
budget from fees.
Public Convenience
The consolidation of inspectional service and a central building
permits desk serves as a public convenience. A contractor or individual
can get all building permits at one location. He must, however, still go to
several other locations within City Hall for other basic information and
permits. Water permits, water meters and location of watér facilities are
obtained from the Water Department} sewer permits, street opening permits,
sewer assessments, curb cut permits and location of sewer facilities are
Page Six
obtained from the Construction Department, Applications for rezoning
and street numbers are provided at the Planning Department. Copies of the
Zoning Code are purchased from the City Clerk as are licenses to engage
in the construction business. Complete consolidation of these information
and permit issuing functions requires considerable study and would effect
changes that cross over departmental lines.
Total
Structures
Residential 97879
Non-Residential 11830
Total 109709
Housing
Units . -- 163205
% 100.0
Estimated Number of Structures and Hevsing Units
City of Atlanta CIP Field Survey
. Standard
66127
8543
74670
113999
69.9
In need of In need of
Minor Major
Repair Repair
'
20991 * 8988
2757 434
23748 9422
t $2412 30 !-s 13807
19.9 | 8.5
ee ee ne
b
a
Dilapidated
1773
96
1869
2987
1.8
wy
156,097 fi Total rel ie baie) of! At
66,550 Total owner-occupied dwellin;
52,461 White owner occupied. ©:
14,089 Non-White owner occupied
79,365 Tenant occupied.
45,266 Tenant occupied, White.
34,099 Tenant. occupied, Non-Whi tes:
5,710 Vacant unite. ich
4,131 For rent.
1,579 For sale.
2,472 Other (vacant).
8,182 Total vacant.
, sc F
QETERTORATING:
28, 901” Total. iat
13, 434% /Al1 plumbing: present. be esas Nee 4 Beare & ee sage fl ft
3,535) No hot water. na RG ie aaa ap ah ARG Bey og te Se
aul 1932 No bath, toiled or ronning water. Ba ee E-wit
Pease eg
il, 788” otal. . Wieetld
- DILAPIDATED § & ‘DETERIORATED: | 1.
Totals) i
iv :
1 1 .
i
48,188 Total
SOUND?)
25,645 Total.
DETERIORATING:
14,614” Total. NY
5,405: All plumbing present.
Q, 204 GesB Lacking some or all t6t aes
DILAPIDATED: 7 hs ; See |g
7,929” Total. mee ae |
DILAPIDATED & DETERIORATED:
Y 22,543° Total. a
(In a telephone conversation with Miss Peg Breeland, of M.P -C., on July 12,
she told me the Federal Census figures on dilapidation are lower than M.P. Ce
estimates. She spot checked and found Census figures lower than actual con=
ditions show in the field.) — J.A, abe Assist. Director
CaN He rita at API lk ea ae Ve
ae Sh ae:
NON WHIT2 HOUSING 3 nt De eRe
ow
7
ar
iy aa A) a? Sage
ns hd ees te
Qe Aaty An Aygo Siete oo ye
Gee LED OYE ee aa an hie Oe teeta ee pee
eto at a2 OF cn pe nT ee a le Fe At & Gee Sie
fees aid bare anrherak Pe et Sate ep tee ee ae ~~7,
[en eon ant Hare <2 hire WY heey: dine Aaa (rom pk
pete ba ee
he as AOD pert Aathy gn 8 bapa Appts 4 for
+ wl, ’ att , £ a . - %
4 os tts sb Coleen eee of bgp! perrn. A ;
feks Belen,
Mee | ¢ 2 Ze
tinct. eve: obUuL Che ar Strnlares ; Ob fs 0 | Covs-tut-)
j fn EF 0b > > Vea Go 633 \ tet here
Pas wea, Wise aii |
> [8 <4 Ve ee SO Yl63 ‘27, 006
: id a Ore ;
Se S49 OS Cha
2G sea (aye)
/O-MVR " |b, 689
built (io —~ 6 0 qo0o (>Y
mi i CEG sis Eo bee (123)
ar) 4/9389 nH , ae emt *
gS tase NEY
oF 28/0
670% divin arforcirmsnk wrantd be i
dintcTecl at Ulin griupe 20,900 prise |e
November 25, 1962;
Mr. Joo C. Behrons, Chie?
Conservation and Rehabilitation Branch
Urben Reneval Division
Housing and Home Finence Agency
6L5 Peachtree=Seventh Building
Atlanta, Ceorgia = 30525
Dear Mr. Behrens:
Some time ago at the request of Mr. Willian R. Wofford, the
Building Official of the City of Atlanta, you reviewed the
draft of the S0CA Basic Housing Code and submitted some
comments. Under scparate cover, at Mr. Woffordts request,
we have sent to you three complinentary copies of this cede
as it was finally published. We are enclosing a copy of
our Publication and Price List for your information in the
event you have occasion to refer to this and the BOCA codes
in the areas which you serve.
ia Very much appreciate your taking the time to comment on
the early draft of this code and must apologize for not
earlier commmicating with you rogarding this. In the
volume of work involved it was impossible for us te
communicate our appreciation to everyone. FPlesse forgive
this oversight.
Your comments were carcfully reviewed by the Committee and
you msy find that some of them wero incorporated in the code. ©
Others may not hava been used since in the overall concept
of the Code the cormmitics may have felt it undesirable to
use them at this time. We anticipate modifications of the
code as experlonce indicates necessary and this may lead
to the adoption of some of the things previously suggested
but not accepted by the Comsittes.
The BOCA Basie Housing Code isa propared to. be used in cone
junction with the BOCA Basic Building Code. Together they
provide all the necessary authorities for the administration
of regulations governing both old and new buildings. Thoy
are based on the policy that all activities dealing with the
buildings in a community should cova under the direct supere
vision of the building official. Housing authorities or
similar local public agencies, plarming boards and other
a ee
ra
s Dd
ee
a
OP ee we
SUI Nao!
x
Municipal Court
City of Atlanta
PRESS RELEASE
Date
For Immediate Release
MUNICIPAL COURT CITES
€No. )
FOR HOUSING CODE VIOLATIONS
defendents received sentences varying
(No. )
from to :
(Sentence) (Sentence) (Date)
in Atlanta Municipal Court on charges of violating the City's
Housing Codes.
Judge handed down the following
(Name)
sentences:
(Defendant) (Address)
’ » for
(Sentence) (Charge)
(signature)
Judge, Atlanta Municipal Court
The Building Inspectors Department
The Building Inspectors Department i
Frewicpaemtem administers and enforces the Zoning
Ordinance, the Housing and Slum Clearance Code, the Housing Demolition Ordinance, ihe Georgia
Safety Fire Law and ihe Elevator Ordinance. lis responsibilities generally regulate ine private use of
private property. The manner in which the department does its job and works with other agencies both
_ in and out of the City government will be reflected in the quality of total community developre ni.
Biatfing, organization, and records must be so developed as to have flexibility, comprehens iveness,
and sensitivity to the needs and requirements of area action. |The Building Inspectéss Department has
been the subject of extensive review and reorganization to better prepare it for thé role. Implementation
of the reorganization is now in the final stage. This presentrevtews-therefore;-must be timttet io
ihereceni-history-of the deparitient, It would be inappropriate to attempt to evaluate performance
because cdpoleen “in Community development, a constant t
systematic performance.measuremeni-should=be=developedy==
OMe AawZaAartuy
In 1964 Public Administration Service prepared a survey report relating to the consolidation of
inspection servicesin the City of Atlanta. This report reviewed and identified all inspectional functions
carried out among several departments withthe City government. The major attention of the report
was focused on the Depariment of Building Inspections. The findings of the report led to recommendations
for an expanded depariment of Building Inspections to include plumbing inspection (from the Consiruction
Depariment), elecirical inspection (from the Department of Electricity) and housing code inspection
(from the Depariment of Urban Renewal). The City adopted the full report.. The Departments of
Electricity and Urban Renewal were abolished when their few remaining responsibilities were transferred
to other deparimenis and agencies. No one lost his job or was reduced in salary due to the implementation
of these recommendations.
~
The Building Inspection Department : Page 2
Consolidation began in July of 1964, In-She beginning little more could be accomplished than
to effect a legal change. The various officej's were spread from the third floor of City Hall to the
thirteenth floor. ? In late summer 1965, one year later,major office realignments were richie at City Hall
wajch resulted in the Building Inspecti‘on Deparimenit occupying all of the eighth and ninth floors. tha
Wetec’ MNbgrnorsdty wert rele wr 19Gb » an
Physical provisions were made for a ceniral records ard statistical unit and the ceniral permits desk.
Staffing for the Records Bureau was provided by clerical personnel formerly assigned to each of the
inspection divisions. a
A
ceientiailiaaaimiiain a
= =
The present organization differs from the proposed plan in two minor ways. First there is
fore
no separate zoning #7" rneirA, Zoning enforcement is carried out by the Building Code Enforcement
Ser
we
rcement
en
—
Division. The building inspectors carry on this dual function. |
\ /
# One aspect of the zoning enforcement and conirol is in the
Planning Department. Street number assignment and zening certification and applications for
\
rezoning are functions of the Planning Department. At seems logical that the zoning information
\
\
section of the Planning Department could most ae be assigned to the Building Inspection Department.
This would be another important step in congoli ating related functions concerning building construction.
Another area of responsibility that could proayrly be assigned to ihe Building Inspection Department
would be the functions now carried out by peers of City Hall. The Building Department
presenily supplies the Depariment of City/ Hall Bpubabbodbeo@ioyaiddingsox with technical asictunies
and prepares plans and supervises all additions ony alterations to the City Hall and all other City
buildings. This new division, to be £alled a Division of City Buildings, would be responsible for the
custodial duties at City Hall, sup¢rvising alterations to all City buildings, and ta, provide technical
\
information and assistance to otfer City departments \in the operation and maintenance of their buildings.
An Organization Chart indicgting the present organization and including the suggested addition of the
Division of City Buildings js presented in Chart Ley
The Building Inspectors Department Page 3
Staffing. The Depariment has a technical staff of 72 and a clerical staff of 1d: The technical
staff includes the department head (Building Official), an estefan Building Official, two
architect engineers, ten plumbing inspectors, 10 electrical inspectors, 2 elevator inspectors, 9 heating.
and ventilating inspectors and engineers, 16 building inspectors and 15 persons engaged in Housing
Code enforcement. Six technicians are ities registered engineers or architects. Most of the
specialized inspectors are licenseg in their trades,
Dual Inspections . There is a decided trend throughout the county towards the use of dual
inspectors. By combining inspectional duties one person inspects two or more inspectional
fields providing competent inspection in an economical manner. The most common dual inspections
are building and zoning, plumbing and heating, and building and hosting. The City of Atlanta has
only one type of dual inspection - building and zoning. Efforts to extend combined inspections
usually meet strong resistance from craft unions, The use of dual inspections might necessarily
have to be limited to resideniial buildings. This will involve the greatest volume of work, but also
the most routine from the standpoint of technical difficulty. An expanded program of dual inspections
requires a well developed in-training program, cooperation and understanding of the craft unions,
and support from the City administration. Atlanta could probably extend ifs dual inspections to include
Housing Code inspections to all its inspectional specialities. Every inspector, then, would be
responsible to note and report to the Housing Code Division any violations observed. Follow-up
inspections regarding housing code violation would remain the responsibility of the Housing Division.
This modification would go far in expanding the ability of the City to identify homes that are
developing features that lead to blight.
Work Program Inspectional services are provided fo insure the health, safety and general welfare
of the community. Building inspections insure that siruciures will be built, repaired and altered
in accordance with accepied standards. Plumbing inspections insure that water and sewer facilities are in-
stalled in a manner that will protect the occupants health, Heating and Ventilating inspections assure
that heating units are installed property and includes provisions for smoke abatement in order to reduce
The Building Inspecté*$ Department Page 4
air pollution. Electrical Inspections insure that wiring installations will reduce fire hazards.
Housing inspections differ from the above in that the housing code is concerned with buildings
that were built under former regulations (usually these required lower standards of safety and sanitation).
li is the general purpose of housing inspection to upgrade the standing of living in existing housing.
Zoning ordinance enforcement activities support the regulationtof land use, conirol of height
and bulk of buildings, establish area requiremenis for yards and other open spaces.
The volume of work undertaken by the department may be measured by the value and number of
building permits issued in the past 10 years@,
Year Value of Building (millions Number of Permits
of Dollars)
1955 76 t 10,613
1956 59 9,682
1957 59 7,79)
1958 108 8,327
1959 4 8,728
1960 91 8,31]
1961 96 10,158
1962 117 9.357
1963 109 9,168
1964 150 9,142
aS x
Building Codes . The City of Atlania provides through these Various codes a high standard of
construction. The National Building Code is basically used for building. In 1965 wee
National Elected be issued which will be adopted by the City, Currently the Ciiy is using
the existing National Elecirical Code with some local amendments. The City is a leader
in developing a Heating Code. This code has recedved national acclaim and has been widely
adopted by other cities. The Plumbing and the Housing codes are not based after any nena code,
b ut do incorporate high standards. Generally, the codes provide for eight inspections to be made
during actual consiruction. A final inspection ismade upon completion of all work to assure
conformance to land use, type of building, area of lot and other requiremenis of the zoning and
building ordinances and codes. A certificate of occupancy is issued at that time.
The Building Inspection Depariment Page 5
Budget and Revue. The depariment collects in fees enough funds to cover all the expenses of
operation. A recent survey of municipal building inspection practices indicated that 72 per cent
of 101 cities over 100,000 population receive 75 per cent or more of their operating budget from
fees. Thirty-two per cent of these cities receive 100 % or more of their operating budget from
fees.
Public Convenience. The consolidation of inspectional service and a central building permits
desk serves as a public convenience. A contractor or individual can get all building permiis
at one location. He must, however, still go to several other locations within City Hall
for other basic information and permits. Water permits, water meters and location of water
facilities are obtained from the Water Depariment} Sewer permits, Street Opening permits,
sewer assessmenis, curvcut permits and location of sewer facilities are obtained from the Consiruction
Depariment. Applications for rezoning and sireet numbers are provided at the Planning Depariment.
Copies of the Zoning Code are purchased from the City Clerk as are licenses to engage in the construction |
business. Complete consolidation of these information and permiz issuing functions requires considerable
study and would sfisict changes that cross over deparimental lines. Debarimenis have a ‘andagks to
hold on to functions. They aim is Puncte their spher of inflvence not to-ransfer it. Realignment
of functions, as would Be required if a\gehtral license and)germit activity were desirayhvould require |
/ J .
the participation of a central administrative agent whoAvould have authority over alll deparimenis.
\ f ; /
None presenily exists.
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DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS
The Department of Buildings administers ut enforces the
Zoning Ordinance, the Housing and Slum Clearance Code, the Housing
Demolition Ordinance, the Georgia Safety Fire Law and the Elevator
Ordinance. Its responsibilities generally regulate the private use of private
property. The manner in which the department does its job and works with
other agencies both in and out of the City government will be reflected in
the quality of total community development. Staffing, organization, and
records must be so developed as to have flexibility, comprehensiveness,
and sesnitivity to the needs and requirements of area action.
The Department of Buildings has been the subject of extensive
review and reorganization to better prepare it for its role. Implementation
of the reorganization is now in the final stage. It would be inappropriate
to attempt to evaluate performance.
Or ganization
In 1964, Public Administration Service prepared a survey report
relating to the consolidation of inspectional services in the City of Atlanta.
This report reviewed and identified all inspectional functions carried out
among several departments within the City government. The major attention
of the report was focused on the Department of Building Inspections. The
findings of the report léd to recommendations for an expended department of
Page Two
Building Inspections to include plumbing inspection (from the Construction
Department), electrical inspection (from the Department of Electricity) and
_housing code inspection (from the Department of Urban Renewal). The City
adopted the full report. The Departments of Electricity and Urban Renewal
were abolished when their few remaining responsibilities were transferred
to other departments and agencies. No one lost his job or was reduced in
salary due to the implementation of these recommendations.
Consolidation began in July of 1964. In the beginning little more
could be accomplished than to effect a legal change. The various offices
were spread from the third floor of City Hall to the thirteenth floor. In late
summer 1965, one year later, major office realignments were made at City
Hall which resulted in the Department of Buildings occupying all of the eighth
and ninth floors. Further office assignments were made in 1966. Physical
provisions were made for a central records and statistical unit and the central
permits desk. Staffing for the Records Bureau was provided by clerical
personnel formerly assigned to each of the inspection divisions.
Staffing
The Department has a technical staff of 72 and a clerical staff
of 16, The technical staff includes the department head (Building Official),
an assistant Building Official, two architect engineers, ten plumbing inspectors,
Page Three
ten electrical inspectors, two elevator inspectors, nine heating and
ventilating inspectors and engineers, sixteen building inspectors and
. fifteen persons engaged in housing code enforcement. Six technicians are
either registered engineers or architects. Most of the specialized inspectors
are licensed in their trades,
Work Program
Inspectional services are provided to insure the health, safety
and general welfare of the community. Building inspections insure that
structures will be built, repaired and altered in accordance with accepted
standards. Plumbing inspections insure that water and sewer facilities
are installed in a manner that will protect the occupants health. Heating
and ventilating inspections assure that heating units are installed properly
and include provisions for smoke abatement in order to reduce air pollution.
Electrical inspections insure that wiring installations will reduce fire
hazards. Housing inspections differ from the above in that the housing
code is eoncerned with buildings that were built under former regulations
(usually these required lower standards of safety and sanitation). It is the
general purpose of housing inspection to upgrade the standard of living in
existing housing. Zoning ordinance’enforcement activities support the
regulations of land use, control of height and bulk of buildings, establish area
requirements for yards and other open spaces.
Page Four
The volume of work undertaken by the department may be
measured by the value and number of building permits issued in the past
ten years.
Year Value of Building Number of Permits
(Millions of Dollars)
1955 76 10, 613
1956 59 9, 682
1957 59 7,791
1958 108 8, 327
1959 114 8,728
1960 91 8,311
1961 96 10, 158
1962 117 993537
1963 109 9, 168
1964 150 9, 142
1965
Building Codes
The City of Atlanta provides through these various codes a high
standard of construction. The National Building Code is basically used for
building. In 1965 a revised National Electrical Code will be issued which
will be adopted by the City. Ourrently the City is using the existing National
Electrical Code with some local amendments. The City is a leader in
developing a Heating Code. This code has received national acclaim and has
been widely adopted by other cities. The Plumbing and the Housing Codes
are not based after any model code, but do incorporate high standards.
Page Five
Generally, the codes provide for eight inspections to be made during actual
construction. A final inspection is made upon completion of all work to
assure conformance to land use, type of building, area of lot and other
requirements of the zoning and building ordinances and codes. A certificate
of occupancy is issued at that time.
Budget and Revue
The department collects in fees enough funds to cover all the
expenses of operation. A recent survey of municipal building inspection
practices indicated that 72 per cent cf 101 cities over 100, 000 population
receive 75 per cent or more of their operating budget from fees. Thirty-
two per cent of these cities receive 100 per cent or more of their operating
budget from fees.
Public Convenience
The consolidation of inspectional service and a central building
permits desk serves as a public convenience. A contractor or individual
can get all building permits at one location. He must, however, still go to
several other locations within City Hall for other basic information and
permits. Water permits, water meters and location of watér facilities are
obtained from the Water Department} sewer permits, street opening permits,
sewer assessments, curb cut permits and location of sewer facilities are
Page Six
obtained from the Construction Department, Applications for rezoning
and street numbers are provided at the Planning Department. Copies of the
Zoning Code are purchased from the City Clerk as are licenses to engage
in the construction business. Complete consolidation of these information
and permit issuing functions requires considerable study and would effect
changes that cross over departmental lines.
Total
Structures
Residential 97879
Non-Residential 11830
Total 109709
Housing
Units . -- 163205
% 100.0
Estimated Number of Structures and Hevsing Units
City of Atlanta CIP Field Survey
. Standard
66127
8543
74670
113999
69.9
In need of In need of
Minor Major
Repair Repair
'
20991 * 8988
2757 434
23748 9422
t $2412 30 !-s 13807
19.9 | 8.5
ee ee ne
b
a
Dilapidated
1773
96
1869
2987
1.8
wy
156,097 fi Total rel ie baie) of! At
66,550 Total owner-occupied dwellin;
52,461 White owner occupied. ©:
14,089 Non-White owner occupied
79,365 Tenant occupied.
45,266 Tenant occupied, White.
34,099 Tenant. occupied, Non-Whi tes:
5,710 Vacant unite. ich
4,131 For rent.
1,579 For sale.
2,472 Other (vacant).
8,182 Total vacant.
, sc F
QETERTORATING:
28, 901” Total. iat
13, 434% /Al1 plumbing: present. be esas Nee 4 Beare & ee sage fl ft
3,535) No hot water. na RG ie aaa ap ah ARG Bey og te Se
aul 1932 No bath, toiled or ronning water. Ba ee E-wit
Pease eg
il, 788” otal. . Wieetld
- DILAPIDATED § & ‘DETERIORATED: | 1.
Totals) i
iv :
1 1 .
i
48,188 Total
SOUND?)
25,645 Total.
DETERIORATING:
14,614” Total. NY
5,405: All plumbing present.
Q, 204 GesB Lacking some or all t6t aes
DILAPIDATED: 7 hs ; See |g
7,929” Total. mee ae |
DILAPIDATED & DETERIORATED:
Y 22,543° Total. a
(In a telephone conversation with Miss Peg Breeland, of M.P -C., on July 12,
she told me the Federal Census figures on dilapidation are lower than M.P. Ce
estimates. She spot checked and found Census figures lower than actual con=
ditions show in the field.) — J.A, abe Assist. Director
CaN He rita at API lk ea ae Ve
ae Sh ae:
NON WHIT2 HOUSING 3 nt De eRe
ow
7
ar
iy aa A) a? Sage
ns hd ees te
Qe Aaty An Aygo Siete oo ye
Gee LED OYE ee aa an hie Oe teeta ee pee
eto at a2 OF cn pe nT ee a le Fe At & Gee Sie
fees aid bare anrherak Pe et Sate ep tee ee ae ~~7,
[en eon ant Hare <2 hire WY heey: dine Aaa (rom pk
pete ba ee
he as AOD pert Aathy gn 8 bapa Appts 4 for
+ wl, ’ att , £ a . - %
4 os tts sb Coleen eee of bgp! perrn. A ;
feks Belen,
Mee | ¢ 2 Ze
tinct. eve: obUuL Che ar Strnlares ; Ob fs 0 | Covs-tut-)
j fn EF 0b > > Vea Go 633 \ tet here
Pas wea, Wise aii |
> [8 <4 Ve ee SO Yl63 ‘27, 006
: id a Ore ;
Se S49 OS Cha
2G sea (aye)
/O-MVR " |b, 689
built (io —~ 6 0 qo0o (>Y
mi i CEG sis Eo bee (123)
ar) 4/9389 nH , ae emt *
gS tase NEY
oF 28/0
670% divin arforcirmsnk wrantd be i
dintcTecl at Ulin griupe 20,900 prise |e
November 25, 1962;
Mr. Joo C. Behrons, Chie?
Conservation and Rehabilitation Branch
Urben Reneval Division
Housing and Home Finence Agency
6L5 Peachtree=Seventh Building
Atlanta, Ceorgia = 30525
Dear Mr. Behrens:
Some time ago at the request of Mr. Willian R. Wofford, the
Building Official of the City of Atlanta, you reviewed the
draft of the S0CA Basic Housing Code and submitted some
comments. Under scparate cover, at Mr. Woffordts request,
we have sent to you three complinentary copies of this cede
as it was finally published. We are enclosing a copy of
our Publication and Price List for your information in the
event you have occasion to refer to this and the BOCA codes
in the areas which you serve.
ia Very much appreciate your taking the time to comment on
the early draft of this code and must apologize for not
earlier commmicating with you rogarding this. In the
volume of work involved it was impossible for us te
communicate our appreciation to everyone. FPlesse forgive
this oversight.
Your comments were carcfully reviewed by the Committee and
you msy find that some of them wero incorporated in the code. ©
Others may not hava been used since in the overall concept
of the Code the cormmitics may have felt it undesirable to
use them at this time. We anticipate modifications of the
code as experlonce indicates necessary and this may lead
to the adoption of some of the things previously suggested
but not accepted by the Comsittes.
The BOCA Basie Housing Code isa propared to. be used in cone
junction with the BOCA Basic Building Code. Together they
provide all the necessary authorities for the administration
of regulations governing both old and new buildings. Thoy
are based on the policy that all activities dealing with the
buildings in a community should cova under the direct supere
vision of the building official. Housing authorities or
similar local public agencies, plarming boards and other
a ee
Comments