Engineering
Code Compliance
MZA is familiar with numerous codes that may come into play on a given project. These include local, state, and federal codes. As a member of organizations such as the International Code Council and the National Fire Protection Association, MZA keeps abreast of the latest revisions to building and occupancy codes.
A variety of local, state, and Federal code requirements have often been triggered by restoration work required subsequent to a natural disaster or other catastrophic event. In addition to earthquakes and catastrophic building fires, this has most recently been the case in hurricane-prone areas such as the Gulf Coast (Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Ike) and South Florida (Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Wilma). It is common in these situations for there to be a cascading effect in code compliance; that is, the reconstruction can trigger a multitude of codes including zoning, building and occupancy codes, that must be met before re-occupancy can occur. MZA's forensic specialists have helped building owners sort through these complex code compliance issues.
MZA has assisted communities with development, adoption, and administration of land use ordinances and building codes, including development of enabling statutes as well as code development. MZA has frequently been required to interpret building codes and other codes as these codes apply to projects, and to resolve conflicts between code requirements.