March 21, 2003
MECKLENBURG COUNTY ENCOURAGES TRAINING
FOR REHAB OF OLDER BUILDINGS
Rules Promote Restoration and Affordable Housing
Charlotte, NC - Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement encourages developers, contractors and architects to attend a training session for the North Carolina Rehab Code. The N.C. Rehab Code makes it easier and less expensive to rehab existing buildings, thus saving those with character, history and a story to tell.
The North Carolina chapter of the American Institute of Architects is offering two sessions:
- April 22 - 23, at the Hyatt Charlotte, 5501 Carnegie Boulevard, Charlotte, NC
- April 24 - 25, at the North Raleigh Hilton, 3415 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC
The seminars are open to anyone with an interest in preserving and rehabbing existing buildings - developers, contractors, architects, re-modelers, do-it-yourselfers, etc. The training costs $200 for AIA members and $250 for non-members. Register at
www.ncrehabcode.com or by calling 919-833-6656.
The Rehab Code provides a framework where code requirements on renovations of existing structures gradually increase as the scope of work increases. The new code addresses six categories:
- Repair: patching and minor replacement
- Renovation: refinish and replacement, but no space reconfiguring
- Alteration: reconfiguring space less than 50% of the area
- Reconstruction: reconfiguring space affecting exits or exit access
- Change of occupancy: change in use requiring change in application of the code
- Addition: increase in building area
In general, the Rehab Code is friendlier to small rehab projects, encouraging rather than discouraging the upgrading of buildings. It also supports affordable housing efforts and is more flexible for historic building projects.
The code can be viewed at
www.ncrehabcode.com. It is also available at Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement, Hal Marshall County Services Center, 700 North Tryon Street, Charlotte.