Building Safety Actions Urged In Fairfax County Board Matter

McLean VA

13 July, 2021

12:19 PM

Description

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — After the death toll continues to rise from the condo building collapse in Surfside, Florida, Fairfax County's Board of Supervisors is looking into what can be done in the county and state to ensure building safety. The 40-year-old oceanfront Champlain Towers South building collapsed on the morning of June 24. Over 90 people have been confirmed dead as search and rescue efforts continue in the rubble of the building. Others remain missing and are likely to not have survived. A 2018 report showed major structural damage to the condo building, but the exact cause of the collapse has not yet been determined. The news has caused concern about aging buildings in many communities, including Fairfax County. On Tuesday, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors passed a board matter related to inspections of aging buildings. According to the board matter, there is no recertification program for older buildings under the Virginia building code. The inspection process happens during construction and before occupancy. After occupancy, property owners are tasked with proactively maintaining the buildings. "With a nationwide turn to the importance of well-maintained infrastructure, we have an opportunity to highlight the importance of routine building maintenance and verification of the structural integrity of our aging buildings," the board matter states. The board matter from Chairman Jeff McKay and Sully District Supervisor Kathy Smith requests that staff investigate resources available for voluntary inspections of aging buildings. The supervisors also ask county staff to determine inspection capabilities should more resources be provided in the future. Lastly, staff are asked to determine options to ensure buildings are proactively maintained under the state building code. County staff are asked to report back to a county Land Use Policy Committee meeting in the last quarter of 2021.