University of Missouri says it uses same building codes as city

After a a building collapse on the University of Missouri campus that left a fireman dead, many are asking how buildings on campus are inspected.

The University of Missouri officials said Monday they use the same codes for buildings and inspections as the city of Columbia.

The city uses what it calls the International Code Council with some local amendments. But despite using the same code, residents on campus can’t call the city with their concerns for code violations because the University does its own inspections.

Under the International Code Council, the city looks at buildings to make sure they’re structurally sound with no cracks in the foundation, no cracks in walkways, sidewalks or driveways and makes sure the exterior and interior are free from deterioration.

The city Neighborhood Services department has staff that patrol the city to look for code violations.

According to the Neighborhood Services maintenance code, the Neighborhood Response Team reviews areas in central Columbia annually.

On the first business day after the deadly collapse, The University of Missouri could not immediately provide inspection records for the University Village apartments. But officials said campus buildings are audited every five to eight years.

The University also said it has procedures when an issue arises, but it’s still unknown when the apartments were last inspected.