Building codes protect us all

To the Editor: In response to the article, “Longtime resident forced to take extra steps to repair stairwell,” (Sparta Independent, May 11) I can understand the home owner feeling that she was personally attacked and her personal space/home was violated. Although I sympathize with her, a code official’s job is to protect “life, health and property” according to the Code Official’s “Code of Ethics.” This isn’t a choice for the code official, it’s his or her job is to enforce the construction code of our state. Building codes are written to protect our lives. People seem to forget this when it comes to their own property. If the woman was truly treated unprofessionally, I’m sure this won’t go unnoticed. But if the feeling of mistreatment stems from the code official doing their job, then she is only hurting herself and the value of her property. In my practice as an architect, my job is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, whether I am designing homes, schools, train stations or anything else. It has been my experience that our Sparta building department, although tough, is fair, conscientious and professional. Suzanne Sowinski, RA, AIA Sparta