Columbia builders discuss new codes

Columbia builders heard about new rules Tuesday night.

City officials gave a presentation on newly adopted building codes.

One of the biggest changes includes a requirement for new schools and “critical emergency operation” buildings to have storm shelters. Building Regulations Supervisor John Simon said the shelters need to go through “rigorous” tests as part of the code, such as tests to withstand things that hit them at certain speeds.

For Columbia, the storm shelter rule also applies if a school adds a certain amount of new floor space. Emergency operations, like police, fire, ambulance and dispatch services, are exempt from the rules if its buildings already meet storm shelter codes. All must bring any new building they move into up to code. Simon said one Columbia school will soon be built with the storm shelter in place.