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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

  Jurisdiction Statistics (for Merced County, California):

PROBLEM:
Building Code Compliance

Code enforcement departments, such as the Building and Safety Division of Merced County, CA, needed a tool to assist staff and customers in answering code compliance questions.

SOLUTION:

Multimedia Software Database

Carl Mileff & Associates developed the CodeBuddy software program, which compiles building code information into a user-friendly CD-ROM database that is easily adaptable to several common computer platforms. Merced County, and the cities of Selma, Oakdale, and Gilroy in California have purchased and implemented the CodeBuddy software.

CodeBuddy is an interactive, easy-to-use building codes CD-ROM database that provides instant access to state and locally-adopted building code information for use by developers, homeowners, builders, and city/county staff. It is loaded with code text in summarized format, tables, shortcuts, and graphics that clarify and explain the code intent. The program references the Uniform Building Code, Uniform Mechanical and Plumbing Codes, and the National Electrical Code. CodeBuddy uses paraphrasing language to present code requirements, and was produced with the assistance of the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO).

CodeBuddy saves time by providing accurate and consistent information to end users. The program familiarizes and educates the public as to code requirements, making building permit submissions more complete and code compliant, and allowing permit office staff to operate at a more efficient level. The program is used in several ways, such as on building department computers and on laptops by field personnel such as building and housing inspectors.

The software presents the code database through a modified version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, a copy of which is included on the CD-ROM. Users select from different code topics on the main menu, which then takes them to text sections that contain imbedded hyperlinks. These hyperlinks take the user to diagrams, more detailed code sections, or related topics.

Each version of CodeBuddy is based upon specific code editions. Regular maintenance updates and fixes are available for registered users to download free from the internet. For new code editions, current users can obtain an upgrade for a fraction of the cost of the original purchase price. The single user purchase price is $199 and the multi-user license is $399, the latter of which allows for unlimited installations at the same site plus on any laptops owned by the user. For users that do not have CD-ROM equipment, CodeBuddy is available from the manufacturer on 3.5" floppy disks.

Merced, California is one jurisdiction that uses the CodeBuddy software. Deputy Building Official Richard S. Graves states that CodeBuddy was chosen to assist their understaffed department in providing customers with quick answers to code questions, and is a popular alternative to sifting through code manuals. It was also selected for its simple point and click operation and because it requires no special computer training. Mr. Graves says a product comparison was not made because no similar products exist on the market.

Additionally, Merced Building & Safety Division customers are given access to the software at the office counter so they may look up the information on their own. The same computer terminals can also be used to check the status of permits, or to view County web pages from the internet. Merced plans to add other CodeBuddy modules as they become available to cover multifamily and commercial construction.

RESULTS:

Mr. Graves of Merced, CA, reports that most customers that use the system at the counter are impressed with it and find it easy to use. Many designers have also asked for contact information so they can purchase CodeBuddy for use in their homes and offices. Mr. Graves also reports no negative feedback on the software.

SAVINGS:

1. Government: 100 hours/year
2. Industry: 200 hours/year
   

EVALUATION BY STREAMLINING COMMITTEES:

• Increases productivity, reduces time, and reduces complexity;
• Software is an easy to use low-cost tool to assist in communicating code requirements to the general public;
• Uses common, readily available, free browsing software (also included in the software package);
• If used properly, the tool can improve the quality of plan preparation which may reduce plan review time;
• Well worth the investment if properly used for public information or training.
  

Drawbacks

• Is not project specific, and therefore not a good plan check tool.

The Streamlining Committees designated this program as a streamlining model with the following comment:

Jurisdictions wishing to create their own versions of this model should research copyright law before attempting to make code language available to the public.

IMPLEMENTATION:

CodeBuddy software was produced by Carl Mileff & Associates, Inc. It was implemented in Merced County, California by administrative action of the Building & Safety Division.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR ASSISTANCE IN CONSIDERING THE USE OF THIS MODEL, PLEASE CONTACT:

Imad Naffa

President/CEO, Naffa International, Inc.

www.naffainc.com

7415 N. Palm Ave.

Fresno, CA 93711 Phone: (559) 272-2110

Email: info@bcodes.com

Richard Graves, C.B.O.

Deputy Building Official

Building and Safety Division, Department of Public Works

2222 M Street

Merced, CA 95340

Phone: (209) 385-7477