Updated : 04/22/2024
Overview
DeSoto County Planning and Building Code officials have spent the better part of a year working to adhere to parts of the 2012 and 2009 building code but remain largely operating under the 2006 International Building Code standards.
The cities of Olive Branch, Southaven, Horn Lake and Hernando have all adopted the 2012 International Building Code but according to DeSoto County officials aren't actively enforcing those standards.
"I hear through the grapevine they (cities) are not enforcing the 2012 code," DeSoto County Building Code Official Randy Williams told DeSoto County Supervisors on Monday. "It bothers me that we have jurisdictions who adopt something that they have no intention of enforcing."
In Williams' mind, why should the county or a city for that matter adopt a set of standards if they aren't going to be enforced, and opt instead to develop a "clean" plan that spells out exactly what the standards are.
Sean Green, the past president of the North Mississippi Homebuilders Association, said safety is the "number one concern" among homebuilders, but he quickly added that "there are a lot of things in the 2012 code that don't make any sense."
Green said requiring sprinklers to be installed in residences located in unincorporated areas doesn't make sense if water flow pressure and supply in those rural areas is not adequate.
Building Code sparks debate, 2014 WLNR 31024583 (News from Nov. 5, 2014).
HERNANDO, Miss. (AP) – The DeSoto Board of Supervisors has tabled action until their Dec. 1 session on adopting new, comprehensive building codes compatible with city guidelines.
DeSoto delays building code action 11/18/14 AP St. News 11:30:34 (Nov. 18, 2014)
Helpful resources for DeSoto County, Mississippi include the following.
