SMCO: Building code education is prime SMCO mission

Roger Day is president of Southwest Missouri Code Officials.

The Southwest Missouri Code Officials is a nonprofit organization first chartered in 1992 that encourages the adoption of the international building codes and compliance with those codes. Building codes establish an essential standard of safety for the public.

Conforming to building codes not only means a safer building, but also results in reduced liability for building designers and owners in the rare case of a fire, accident or other mishap.

SMCO sponsors educational seminars for those involved in building code enforcement and building design and engineering. Seminar topics focus on particular aspects of codes, changes in codes and technical aspects of various construction systems. These seminars provide continuing education credit to attendees. Seminars also provide an opportunity for members to share their experiences and insights.

Seminar topics presented this year include fire alarm systems, accessibility, increasing the credibility of the code official and two seminars on the 2003 International Building Code. Past seminar topics have included light-gauge metal framing, EIFS systems, engineered wood products, firestopping, masonry fire walls, an overview of the International Residential Code, a panel discussion on design and construction issues affecting code officials, and a seminar on alterations of existing structures. Last year, SMCO also was a co-sponsor for a full-day seminar originated by the city of Springfield titled "Essentials of Plan Submittal."

SMCO membership includes code administrators, plan reviewers, building inspectors, fire marshals, health inspectors, architects, engineers, private consultants, contractors and safety equipment manufacturers. SMCO serves 22 counties in southwest Missouri and has 122 members. With Springfield being the dominant city in the region, it is not surprising that 63 members are from Springfield, with 37 of those being city or county employees. Members receive a quarterly newsletter and e-mail reminders of upcoming events.

Until the beginning of 2003, there were three principal organizations that produced building codes. They were the Building Officials and Code Administrators International, the Southern Building Code Congress International, and the International Conference of Building Officials. These three organizations ceased issuing their own building codes and became part of the International Code Council, which is now the principal creator of building codes for adoption by governmental jurisdictions. SMCO was previously a BOCAI chapter, but it is now an ICC chapter.

In 2003, SMCO is again a sponsor of the Salute to Construction, which promotes the design and construction industry in southwest Missouri. Speakers, including some SMCO members, volunteer to speak to students at various schools about career opportunities.

Salute to Construction begins with a proclamation ceremony and reception. It wraps up with a banquet during which student awards and scholarships are given out and other organizations and individuals are recognized for their industry contributions.

SMCO welcomes new chapter members. Chapter members pay reduced seminar fees. They also receive discounts on building code books and other professional reference materials, including publications on architectural and engineering topics. To pursue chapter membership, contact Jeff Volkmer, SMCO treasurer, at 417-864-1064.