A visit from the local building inspector or fire marshall can make a small business owner break into a cold sweat. Any building code violations discovered can result in a citation, fines and costly repairs. In the worst-case scenario, your company can be held liable if building code violations contribute to the injury or loss of life of a customer or employee. Some of the most common building code violations involve:

1. Fire safety codes.
2. Accessibility codes.
3. Electrical codes.
4. Noise mitigation codes.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Fire safety

Depending on the type of facility you occupy, you may be required to have easily accessible fire extinguishers, a sprinkler system, smoke detectors and a fire alarm. Schedule regular inspections and preventive maintenance to ensure that sprinkler systems are fully operational.

I recommend: With offices throughout North America, SimplexGrinnell.com is an industry leader in fire detection and suppression equipment, including sprinkler systems, fire alarms, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. You can even find a fire suppression system designed just for restaurants. The firm also offers ongoing services, such as inspections and preventive maintenance for its products.

Exit signs

Building codes require that exits be clearly marked as a way to protect the public in case of a fire or other problem. Failing to do so will put you in violation.

I recommend: Purchase code-compliant exit signs at the ExitStore.com.

Maximum occupancy

Exceeding the maximum occupancy allowed for the building is one of the most common fire safety code violations—and probably the easiest one to avoid. If you run any kind of business in which large numbers of customers visit your facility—a bar, nightclub or restaurant, for example—you can avoid violation by keeping track of the number of people who enter your facility.

I recommend: Seton.com offers a wide selection of building signs, including maximum occupancy signs.

Accessibility

Building codes require you to provide access to your facility to people using a wheelchair or who are otherwise disabled. These codes include providing access to parking spaces, elevators and restrooms

I recommend: Find a wide variety of ADA-approved handicap restroom accessories at GrabbarsOnline.com. Order ADA regulatory restroom signs at TapPlastics.com. LiftU offers a number of wheelchair lifts designed for commercial use.

Faulty wiring

Electrical wiring that hasn’t been installed properly or that’s out-of-date can lead to a citation and can be a fire hazard. In addition, any abandoned cables on a commercial property must be removed.

I recommend: Visit the National Electrical Contractors Association to find a qualified electrical contractor near you to perform an inspection and to make any necessary repairs. DuPont offers a number of cabling products and solutions, including the removal of abandoned cables, for commercial buildings.

Noise regulations

Noise regulations are particularly important in the industrial sector where noise can affect the health and safety of employees. Excessive noise puts workers at risk for hearing damage, increased stress and other workplace injuries and accidents.

I recommend: MSC Industrial Supply Co. offers a range of noise-reduction and hearing-protection products, such as earmuffs and earplugs.

Finding building codes

If you want to check on building codes in your area, you can find them online.

I recommend: First Source offers detailed information on building codes for all 50 states, major cities and some counties. You can also search for codes free of charge using the online library at LexisNexis or MuniCode.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you first purchase or lease a commercial building, hire a building inspector to perform an inspection. If any building code violations are discovered, ask the landlord or seller to fix before you occupy the space.
• •  If you receive a citation, don’t put off required repairs. This can lead to stiffer fines.
• •  When building new construction or making improvements to an existing building, hire only licensed contractors and architects.