May is Building Safety Month as declared by the International Code Council, a time to focus on the value of building codes in protecting lives. South Carolina law requires that the building codes created by the ICC be used and enforced at the local level, with the SC Building Codes Council approving and modifying ICC codes for the state.
The Building Officials Association of SC operates as a professional organization dedicated to safeguarding life, health and property by promoting the uniform application, interpretation and enforcement of building codes. BOASC serves both building officials and code enforcement officials. First established in 1951, it joined the Municipal Association of SC as an affiliate in 2017.
BOASC offers coursework and professional certification, a listserve for best practices, and assistance for cities and counties in managing building inspection and zoning departments. It promotes the importance of building codes for the safety, welfare and prosperity of the public. It also monitors issues before the SC Building Codes Council and the General Assembly, and provides technical assistance to local government officials.
Membership is available to government employees as well as others, including research groups and institutes, architects, contractors, manufacturers and dealers of building materials and equipment.
The association hosts an annual meeting as well as fall training sessions. The 2019 BOASC Annual Meeting takes place May 5 – 8, in North Myrtle Beach with an agenda featuring training sessions, International Building Code compartmentalization concepts and IBC provisions on tenant space improvements.
The registration deadline for the BOASC Annual Meeting is Friday, April 19.