B3. Housing Quality Standards and Ohio Building Codes

Federal Housing Quality Standards (HQS) are general guidelines for builders to follow in order to ensure homes are built safe, energy efficient and with quality methods and materials so homes will last. Within most cities, there are additional sets of building codes that are often more detailed and are used for building inspections, rehab and new construction. Inner ring suburban communities usually follow the city codes and building standards but you should contact your local or nearest housing authority to verify this. You can also contact the Ohio Department of Development, Office of Housing and Community Partnership at:

Ohio Department of Development 77 S. High Street P.O. Box 1001 Columbus, OH 43216-1001 Phone: (800) 848-1300 Fax: (614) 644-5167 www.odod.state.oh.us

A local architect or developer should also have copies and be familiar with which code and standards are used in your area. Many rural or suburban areas do not have any local codes and are usually required to follow Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc. (BOCAI) guidelines. You should look specifically for the most recent year international "One & Two Family Dwelling Code."

More information can be reached at:

General Information Website: www.bocai.org BOCA International Headquarters 4051 W. Flossmoore Country Club Hills, IL 60478 phone: (708) 799-2300 fax: (708) 799-4981 or Mideast Office 1245 S. Sunbury Rd. Suite 100 Westerville, OH 43081 Phone: (614) 890-1064 Fax: (614) 890-9712