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Bradley County adopts building codes

Bradley County Commissioner Charlotte Peak, left, listens as Commissioner Howard Thompson expresses opposition to a proposed adoption of new building codes by the county. His opposition was based on negative feedback received from his constituents, not his own feelings, he said. Bradley County Commissioner Charlotte Peak, left, listens as Commissioner Howard Thompson expresses opposition to a proposed adoption of new building codes by the county. His opposition was based on negative feedback received from his constituents, not his own feelings, he said.

By Paul Leach January 21, 2015 3 min read

CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Bradley County’s new building codes faced a challenge to stay on the books within minutes of their adoption on Monday.

At the heart of the conflict was whether the county should adopt the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code and 2012 International Codes pertaining to building, fire protection, plumbing, fuel gas and mechanical standards, as recommended by Commissioner Charlotte Peak, a building contractor.

After a sometimes passionate discussion, the Bradley County Commission voted 8-5 to adopt the new standards.

Commission Chairman Louie Alford and Commissioners Milan Blake, Johnny Mull, Robert Rominger, Mark Hall, Mike Hughes and Thomas Crye supported Peak’s proposal. Vice Chairman Jeff Yarber and Commissioners Bobby Goins, Howard Thompson, Dan Rawls and Terry Caywood opposed adoption of the codes.

Opponents of the new codes cited increased homebuilding costs, the loss of local government control and negative feedback from county residents as reasons for not supporting the standards.