As temperatures rise and construction activity ramps up, Mayor Jacob Frey has proclaimed May as Building Safety Month in Minneapolis, aligning with building code officials worldwide to highlight and promote building safety.
The campaign, led by the International Code Council, promotes the importance of building safety and emphasizes the need for up-to-date building codes. Building Safety Day, May 22, is a day dedicated to promoting and celebrating building safety and the benefits it provides to the health and welfare of people worldwide. This year’s theme, “Mission Possible,” underscores the universal impact of building safety on individuals, communities, and the global landscape.
“The City of Minneapolis understands that our growth and strength rely on the safety and essential role of our homes, buildings, and infrastructure, both in everyday life and during emergencies,” said Mayor Frey. “I am incredibly grateful to our building safety and fire prevention officials, engineers, builders, tradespeople, and laborers who work year-round to ensure our buildings and communities are safe.”
“The mission of the Building Department is to provide safety through codes and regulations, protecting lives, investments, and the livability of our community today and into the future,” said Ken Staloch, Building Official, City of Minneapolis.
Building safety is a team effort involving code officials, plan reviewers, inspectors, engineers, contractors, and others industry professionals. Together, they protect people from hazards like fires, weather-related events, and structural collapse, making sure the places where we live, work, and play are safe.
Individuals can help with building safety by checking your back yard fence, deck, and grill location before hosting gatherings and installing smoke alarms in your house. At the community level, building safety can include adopting modern building codes and doing more to protect the environment to enhance safety efforts.
The Community Planning and Economic Development Department's Construction Code Services (CCS) division oversees all aspects of enforcing the Minnesota State Building Code and City ordinances for construction work in Minneapolis. From reviewing construction plans, approving building permits, and complete on-site inspections throughout construction, the CCS division ensures all structures meet minimum standards to protect the health, safety, and welfare of its occupants and the public.
Visit the City’s website to read more about building safety codes and the important work of CCS.