ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, January 30, 1996 TAG: 9601300065
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: BRISTOL
Government officials who regulate building safety in Southwest Virginia are concerned about a bill that would alter the duties of the state fire marshal's office.
The office's Marion branch helps 14 counties and four cities review building plans, inspect buildings and set sprinkler system specifications.
The proposed legislation would make the office part of the Department of Public Safety's fire services board. It would continue to provide support and training for local firefighters, but would no longer have authority to help enforce the state building code, said Wise County Building Official Robert Mullins.
``With the move from housing and community development to fire safety, we would lose all those benefits that now the state provides for rural localities like Wise County,'' he said. Counties and cities would have to hire a building inspector and a fire safety engineer, or they could send plans to private companies for review, which would be expensive, Mullins said.
The House of Delegates Committee on General Laws is considering the bill.
- Associated Press
LENGTH: Short : 32 lines KEYWORDS: GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1996by CNB