April 30, 2010 > Together building a safer world Together building a safer world Submitted By Keyvan Irannejad The world will celebrate Building Safety Month during the entire month of May 2010. The theme is "Building Safety: Commemorating a 30-year Legacy of Leadership." The City of Milpitas Building & Safety Department will participate. On April 20, Mayor Robert Livengood presented a Proclamation to Building & Safety Department staff. Building Safety Month 2010 will highlight four areas - Energy and Green Building, Disaster Safety and Mitigation, Fire Safety & Awareness and Backyard Safety. The goal is to raise public awareness of critical safety issues, such as the structural soundness of buildings, reliability of fire prevention and suppression systems, plumbing and mechanical systems and energy efficiency and sustainability. They affect everyone, regardless of age or occupation. Inspectors, plan reviewers and others in the Building & Safety Department work to ensure the safety of the structures in which all of us live, work, attend school, worship and play. These officials provide the first line of defense against building disasters. They are silent but vigilant guardians who work daily to ensure safety in the built environment. Permitting processes are much easier than before with online permits for minor improvements, different check lists and design guidelines with useful information to help residents and businesses. Building permits are required for new Construction, Remodeling and Tenant Improvements for both commercial and residential projects. Mechanical permits are required for installation or replacement of mechanical equipment, such as furnaces, air conditioning units, hoods, boilers and others. Plumbing permits are required for installation or replacement of plumbing fixtures such as sewer, water and gas lines, water heaters, sinks, water closets and others. Electrical permits are required for electrical equipment and electrical installations associated with other equipment, such as outlets, lighting fixtures, electrical wiring, electrical panels and services, signs and others. In addition, specialty permits are required for such activities as demolition, occupancy certifications, installation of signs, mobile homes, pools and spas. In some cases, permits may be required from outside agencies such as Santa Clara Health Department, Water Pollution Control Plant, Bay Area Air Quality Management District, PG&E and others. For questions, contact Building & Safety Department at (408) 586-3240. The public is encouraged to participate and learn about the essential safety work of the Milpitas Building & Safety Department and Building Safety Month. Local activities during Building Safety Month: Homeowner's Night Tuesday, May 4 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. City Hall 455 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas Staff will answer construction-related questions, preliminary plan review and issue minor permits. Energy Efficiency & Green Building Wednesday, May 5 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Milpitas Library 160 N. Main St., Milpitas Disaster Safety & Mitigation Wednesday, May12 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Milpitas Library 160 N. Main St., Milpitas Fire Safety & Awareness Thursday, May 20 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Milpitas Senior Center 160 N. Main St., Milpitas Free Seminars Saturday, May 22 10.30 - 11.30 a.m. - Energy Efficiency and Green Building 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. - Earthquake Preparedness Milpitas Library Group Study Room A 160 N. Main St., Milpitas To register for the seminars, call (408) 586-3264 or email cingram@ci.milpitas.ca.gov