§ 22-31. Findings.

(a)

Pursuant to F.S. chs. 125 and 553, Sarasota County has the authority to adopt a building code to provide for the safe construction, erection, alteration, repair, securing, and demolition of any building within the unincorporated portions of the County.

(b)

The Board of County Commissioners finds that, to the extent the provisions of this article are more stringent than those specified in the State Minimum Building Codes, local conditions require more stringent requirements for the protection of life and property and such additional requirements are not discriminatory against materials, products or construction techniques of demonstrated capabilities.

(c)

The purpose of the building code is to serve as a comprehensive regulatory document to guide decisions aimed at protecting the public's life, health and welfare in the built environment.

(d)

The Board of County Commissioners has found and determined that the building permitting and inspections services operations shall be financed by a "Special Revenue Fund," from the revenue derived from the industry served and the citizens protected and the County "General Fund" only for services and enforcement of unrelated building and zoning permit activities.

(e)

F.S. § 320.8285 requires counties to adopt a plan providing for onsite inspection of mobile homes to insure compliance with state and local codes regarding such functions as blocking and leveling, tie downs, utility connections, and external improvements. Therefore, it is necessary to adopt standards for the installation of mobile/manufactured homes which shall be inspected by the Building Official before issuance of certificates of occupancy.

(f)

F.S. ch. 553 authorizes local governments to set a schedule of fees for the enforcement of Building Construction Standards.

(g)

The Board of County Commissioners finds that the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Sarasota County are promoted by the establishment of requirements more stringent than those specified in the State Minimum Building Codes relating to airport noise control requirements for the purpose of controlling noise within occupancies located in areas impacted by airport noise as determined by the Sarasota-Manatee Airport Authority through its adoption of an airport noise contour map.

(h)

The Board of County Commissioners, sitting as the Sarasota County Land Development Regulation Commission, has reviewed the proposed Ordinance and has found that it is consistent with the Sarasota County Comprehensive Plan.

(i)

The building codes adopted herein are necessary to promote and protect the public health, safety and welfare.

(Ord. No. 98-013, § 1, 2-17-1998; Ord. No. 2000-053, § 1, 7-25-1998; Ord. No. 2004-030, § 1, 3-17-2004)