Contractors' Complaints Spark Review of Code Requirements

James Island Town Council Will Revisit Rules After Disputes Over Electrical Inspections

By David Slade

The Post and Courier

Thursday, May 29, 2008

James Island officials are taking a closer look at how the town enforces building codes, following complaints from contractors.

At a Town Council meeting May 20, council members and Town Attorney Bo Wilson took up the issue with Roni Abdella of England Enterprises, a company the town hired to handle building-code inspections.

At issue is a rule the town has been enforcing requiring the installation of outside electrical shutoffs in new construction, and when major renovations involve electrical work.

Abdella said the shutoffs are required by existing, national building codes as a safety measure for firefighters.

"I had a couple of contractors threaten to sue me, and say that they aren't going to do it," she told council, adding that it's up to licensed contractors to keep current with code regulations.

Councilman Leonard Blank, a retired but still-licensed electrical contractor, said it's been the town's intention to have the same code requirements as Charleston County.

"I think we need to clearly define how we apply it," Blank said.

Municipalities in South Carolina must use the same building codes adopted by the state, though they are allowed to make some changes to account for geographic differences or for life safety issues.

Top code officials for Charleston County and the city of Charleston, interviewed after the meeting, said building codes require the outside shutoffs only for buildings constructed with electrical service of at least 600 amps. Most residential buildings use 200-amp service.

Some municipalities do require the outside shutoffs on all new construction at the request of local fire departments, according to Carl Simmons, director of Charleston County's building services.

"The real issue is that fire departments don't like to fight fires with live electricity," he said. "Almost all the fire departments I know just pop the meter head."

Removing the electric meter disconnects the power, he said. A shutoff switch is easier even if there's a lock on the switch that needs to be cut off.

After learning last week that Charleston County does not require outside shutoffs on all new construction, Blank said the town may need to revisit the issue.

"Mr. DeHaven (Town Administrator Roy DeHaven) wants to follow whatever Charleston County is doing, and I agree with that," he said.

England Enterprises' contract for building-code inspection is up for renewal with the town this fall.

In other business, council members expressed surprise when they were informed a 145-foot cellular transmission tower is planned behind the shopping center on Camp Road where Town Hall is located.

DeHaven said the tower is permitted under existing regulations, and is not subject to a public hearing or a council vote.

"Well, then, we need to change that," said Councilman Joe Qualey. "I'm sure the people who live here don't want a 145-foot cell tower in their neighborhood."

DeHaven said the tower will be a flagpole-style cell tower. Mayor Mary Clark wondered aloud if the town could require that a flag be flown from the tower.

Also during the meeting, Shirley Carter of the Sol Legare community asked if the town would pave Jeff Gaillard Lane, a dirt road where she lives.

Council members said they would have to check and see if the road is a public road or a private road.

Reach David Slade at 937-5552 or dslade@postandcourier.com.