HD12 - Building Code Security Needs
Executive Summary: The full Crime Commission met on October 18, 1988 and received the report of the subcommittee. After careful consideration, the findings and recommendations of the subcommittee were adopted by the Commission. The Crime Commission subcommittee researched numerous studies conducted nationwide and heard testimony on crime prevention through building codes and environmental design. These studies and testimony demonstrated that incorporation of crime prevention into the construction phase of buildings can be very successful. The Virginia Crime Prevention Association (VCPA) put together a list of security requirements which at recommended be added to the Building Code. These recommendations were put together with input from both law enforcement and fire safety officials and were influenced greatly by a former Arlington County building security ordinance, and were submitted to the Crime Commission for consideration in this study. (See Appendix B) The VCPA's list of recommendations met with mixed reactions. In a well-attended public hearing on July 20, 1988, law enforcement agencies, fire service representatives, and building inspectors among others, testified. Law enforcement officials have shown unanimous support for the proposals. Fire safety officials approve of the recommendations but have expressed concern over continued focus on security and crime prevention. They are concerned that these recommendations may start a trend of future security requirements less sensitive to fire safety needs. As homes become more secure, they fear that fire officials may have more trouble entering a building during a fire and occupants may have more trouble exiting. These concerns may be alleviated if law enforcement and fire services work together in monitoring security standards. Builders expressed concern over potential increased costs in construction resulting from the additional requirements. Additionally, building inspectors argue that the proposed security requirements would be too difficult to enforce. After the public hearing, the VCPA revised its recommendations to alleviate some of the concerns raised and presented the revision at the final meeting of the subcommittee on September 1, 1988. Some of those assisting with the study who had expressed concern with the original set of recommendations welcomed the revisions but still had reservations. After considering the current law, the other studies conducted In Virginia and nationwide, input from the public hearing and from others assisting with the study, the subcommittee was convinced that crime prevention through environmental design is a very important aspect of public safety. Indeed, research has shown that prevention of residential burglary reduces crimes of violence. The Board of Housing and Community Development has specific building code proposals from the VCPA currently under consideration pursuant to the Administrative Process Act. The subcommittee strongly encourages the Board to incorporate such crime prevention security requirements, as it deems feasible, into the Uniform Statewide Building Code. The subcommittee concluded that examining the intricacies of construction components was beyond the scope of this legislative study and is properly handled by the Board. On the second issue, the VCPA requested the amendment of § 36-99 of the Code of Virginia to place the word "security" in the provision describing the purpose of the Uniform Statewide Building Code. After careful consideration, the subcommittee was convinced that the current language which includes the word safety already enables crime prevention measures to be placed in the Building Code. Indeed, the Board is currently considering such measures. Therefore, the subcommittee did not recommend amending § 36-99 of the Code. |
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