COPING WITH
COMMERCIAL
CODES
The complex maze of regulations and regulators
can set you back if you're not prepared
by John Ed Ryan
In most states, the plans for singlefamily
dwellings may be obtained offthe-
shelf or you may draw your own.
Building officials even see the occasional
single-line drawing on the back
of a grocery bag. Regulations for construction
of dwellings are relatively simple.
You buy a lot, check the zoning
setback and area restrictions, dig a hole
or trench and go to work.
Commercial and industrial buildings
are different. The codes are more complicated.
There are also more agencies
and applicable statutes and ordinances
such as those governing land use, environmental
concerns, soil erosion, offstreet
parking, handicapped access, and
fire