Ocean Springs News
OS Receives High Rating for Building Codes and Enforcement by MS State Rating Bureau
Ocean Springs, MS – The City of Ocean Springs has received a Building Code Effectiveness Grading Classification of 5 for 1 and 2 family residential property and 5 for commercial and industrial property. Because of the improved rating, Ocean Springs has the potential for less damage during natural hazards resulting in lower insured losses and improved insurance rates for commercial and residential properties.
“Lessening catastrophe-related damage and lowering insurance costs is the best incentive for the city to enforce building codes,” explained Terry Agar, Building Code Inspector for the City of Ocean Springs. “We are pleased that we can pass insurance savings on to business owners and residents.”
The Mississippi State Rating Bureau uses advisory rating credits, BCEGS, to rate each state municipality based on its enforcement of nationally recognized building codes with an emphasis on controlling losses from natural hazards. Communities are graded on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 representing full compliance with the building codes as well as maximum enforcement and staff expertise. A rating of 10 represents no recognized protection.
“The Mayor, Board, and Planning Director all helped by recognizing the need to upgrade the Building Department’s infrastructure and training curriculum. Their foresight provided me the resources to upgrade both,” said Mr. Agar.
BCEGS applies only to buildings receiving a certificate of occupancy in the year a community is graded or later. Existing buildings are not subject to the program. Existing properties can receive the best grade, 1 and be eligble for associated credits if a registered architect or engineer certifies that the individual structure was designed and built according to a nationally recognized code.
The City of Ocean Springs received a rating of 6 in its last review by the MS State Rating Bureau.
