In a message dated 1/29/98 12:38:29 PM EST, [log in to unmask] writes:
> Preservation law is a powerful tool in this regard. Codes are powerful
> tools. Since I am working to make the PTN and IPTW items of influence,
> is there a presentation possibility for the next IPTW? How about a
> presentation on preservation law that is useful to the trades and
> contractors in historic preservation. The law is used everyday to
> influence the market place and assist in guiding the society in general
> to certain goals. Do you have any info for us poor slobs in the ditches.
> Maybe a code based primer on the strategies for saving and using archaic
> materials
New Jersey's Dept. Community Affairs is about to come out with a comprehensive
new set of codes for rehabs of "existing buildings," with a special section on
historic buildings. It has been years in the making, with input from
architects who work in restoration and rehab of historic buildings, among
significant others. It is not perfect, but it is certainly better than
existing building codes that require dastardly alterations to satisfy code
requirements if the total cost of rehab exceeds a certain percentage of
assessed value (I think this is the correct standard -- if I am off, someone
help me here . . .).
Apparently NJ is in the national forefront of this kind of revamping of
building codes. According to recent news reports, the builder's love it (it
reduces the cost of code compliance by something like $4000 per unit) AND the
preservation community generally supports it -- an unlikely alliance in most
circumstances.
For futher information, I attach a news release that was posted on the NJ
History listserv in September 1997, as it was going through the comment
period. In early January 1998, the DCA issued some proposed amendments --
mostly in the area of fire safety and egress, although I haven't studied them
carefully yet.
There ARE good things NJ is doing for preservation, in spite of my general
grumblings to the contrary.
Mary Krugman
__________________
Subj: New Jersey Proposes Looser Codes for Rehab
Date: 97-09-30 14:30:26 EDT
From: [log in to unmask] (Richard Waldron)
To: [log in to unmask]
CC: [log in to unmask]
From Mary Delaney Krugman Associates, Inc., Historic Preservation
Consultants.
New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs has proposed changes in
the Uniform Construction Code that would loosen current code requirements
for rehabilitation projects. It is estimated that the proposed changes
could reduce the cost of rehabbing older properties by at least 10 percent.
The proposed code changes were announced by Jane M. Kenny,
commissioner of the DCA, in August. She hailed them as a "national first."
Under the new code, builders won't have to replace parts of a building
that are structurally sound just because the original material does not
meet current code for new construction. In the past, extensive renovations
that trigger "new construction" compliance involved work that exceeded 50
percent of the value of the building, according to a Newark Star Ledger
report of August 14, 1997. (See also 29 New Jersey Register, 3603 et seq.
[August 18, 1997]). Without sacrificing safety or structural integrity,
Kenny said, code changes would translate into savings of $4,000 for each
rehabilitated apartment unit, especially in urban areas (Star Ledger,
August 14, 1997, p. 35).
The proposed code also has a new section specifically devoted to
projects involving qualified historic structures--those listed on or
eligible for the New Jersey or National Registers of Historic Places--which
provides even greater flexibility in preserving historic fabric and
structure.
The new regulations are meant to eliminate disincentives for adaptive
use and encourage the creation of safe, affordable housing in existing
neighborhoods. It is expected to have a positive impact on job creation
and provide a cost-effective means to rehabilitate existing buildings.
IMPORTANT: a final public hearing is scheduled for October 7
(Camden). Written comments must be submitted by October 20, 1997, to
Michael Ticktin, Esq., Chief, Legislative Analysis, Dept. of Community
Affairs, PO Box 802, Trenton, NJ 08625-0802; fax (609) 633-6729. Obtain
copies of the full text of the proposed rules from NJ-DCA, Codes Section,
(609) 292-6420.
Information: Mary Delaney Krugman, (973) 509-2153, fax (973)
744-7567, email <[log in to unmask]>.
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