Is Silas Allen Enforcing the Building Codes in Murphy NC?

There are at least 4 building code violations before you step into this newly completed office bldg.--

As per the I.C.C. Code. Stair riser heights should not exceed 7" inches. The handrail system only shows a guard rail, which is too low. There should be a handrail below the guard rail--presently, there is no handrail. The 18* degree sloped driveway that pedestrians use to get up to the stairs, in the front of the building, is too steep, even if it this "ramp" had handrails too hold on to.

Were applicable building codes violated/compromised through ignorance or as a pattern of negligence?

With the passing of A.D.A. - ( the Americans with Disabilities Act) in 1990, have we forgotten about the rights of able bodied Americans and the building codes that are in place to prevent and reduce serious injuries?

Should all users be directed to use the "handicapped ramp" in the rear of the building?

Cases of "intentional discrimination" against able bodied users are common when one group of users is favored over another. Discrimination affects us in so many ways, infiltrating so many parts of our lives, that it is difficult to identify what is, or what is not, the product of discrimination.

Contact info for: Department the Cherokee County N.C. Head of Building and code compliance is Silas R. Allen---Phone (828) 837-6730
silas.allen@cherokeecounty-nc.gov
Director of Building Code Enforcement
Available in office for questions
8:00 am - 9:00 am
Monday - Friday

In 1977 it became clear that, although the building codes had been written and adopted by North Carolina, enforcement of these building codes was lacking.
Therefore, the General Assembly mandated that "MANDATORY ARRANGEMENTS FOR ENFORCING THE STATE BUILDING CODE" be arranged with Counties and Cities. Based on the 1970 population census, July 1, 1985 was the effective date for Cherokee County to create an Inspection Department.

As directed by Chapter 153A, Article 18 of the General Statutes, Cherokee County did, in June of 1984, create the Inspection Department, known now as the Office of Building Code Enforcement. This department functions under the general supervision of (and in cooperation with) the North Carolina Department of Insurance through the Division of Engineering and Building Codes.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities of this department and the inspectors in it are to enforce within the county's territorial jurisdiction State and local laws and local ordinances and regulations relating to:
(1) The construction of buildings;
(2) The installation of such facilities as plumbing systems, electrical systems, heating systems, refrigeration systems and air-conditioning systems;
(3) The maintenance of buildings in a safe, sanitary and healthful condition;
(4) Other matters that may be specified by the Board of Commissioners.

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