Thursday, November 03, 2005
City Hall expecting more revenues from yearly inspections of buildings
With the approval of the annual inspection of buildings in Cebu City, a councilor sees more revenues for the city’s coffers.
Since violations of the Building Code will be monitored regularly, the City can expect to collect more fines from violators.
Councilor Augustus Pe Jr. said that without the ordinance mandating the annual inspection, building owners could easily violate safety standards and other Building Code provisions.
Unmonitored violations could mean lost revenues for the City, he said.
The City would also be able to collect higher taxes from building owners who changed the use of the building, aside from the penalties for the violations.
The City Council approved last week an enacting ordinance for the annual inspection of all buildings and structures in the city, as provided for in the National Building Code.
The Office of the Building Official (OBO) will conduct the annual check, which is still under the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW).
Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera clarified yesterday that the section of the ordinance that seeks to separate the OBO from the DEPW and the appropriation of P500,000 for the setting up of an independent OBO office was not carried in the final version of the ordinance, contrary to an earlier report.
“This ordinance could give the City additional income because we would already be able to apprehend violators and building owners who are using the buildings for purposes other than those stated in their permits. Changes in use of building could also mean higher taxes,” Pe said.
He said many building owners have changed the use of their buildings without the authority of the OBO, which already constitutes a violation of the Building Code.
The ordinance was passed to ensure that all building owners properly maintain and enhance architectural well-being, structural stability, electrical, mechanical sanitation, plumbing and fire protective devices within the building premises.
Violators of the ordinance will be fined not less than P1,000 but not more than P3,000 or face imprisonment for one to six months. (LCR)
(November 3, 2005 issue)
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