‘Building Safety Week’

Discounted Bill Payment Options Offered
During ‘Building Safety Week’
Release Date: Friday, May 4, 2007
Contact: Bill Nelson, Director of Building Services, 333-3883

As part of “Building Safety Week,” the City of Dayton’s Department of Building Services is offering a special amnesty program that will allow citizens to repay some outstanding bills at a discounted rate.

People who still owe money to the City of Dayton for demolition or boarding/securing costs can repay those costs at a 40 percent discount. But the time to take advantage of the discounted payment option only lasts through the end of May, so individuals with outstanding bills are encouraged to act fast. Payments can be made in the Department of Building Services’ One Stop Center, 371 W. Second Street, or in the Department of Finance at Dayton City Hall, 101 W. Third Street.

The discount does not apply to any bills that have been turned over to UCB Collection Agency or that have been attached to a property through Montgomery County. In these instances, customers must contact those agencies directly and will not be eligible for the 40 percent discount.

Each year, the City of Dayton joins other communities around the world to celebrate Building Safety Week, May 6-12. Building Safety Week raises public awareness of building safety and promotes the use, enforcement and understanding of building safety and fire prevention codes to protect lives and property.

“During Building Safety Week, I encourage the public to stop by our offices at the One Stop Center to learn more about the work that the Building Services Department does,” said Bill Nelson, Director of the Department of Building Services. “Building code enforcement is the job of professionals who work right here in the City of Dayton. Inspectors, plan reviewers and others in our department work to ensure that the structures you and your families live, work, and play in are safe by issuing building permits and inspecting buildings during and after construction.”
Nelson added, “Our department is using Building Safety Week to educate the community about the importance of obtaining proper permits and maintaining their properties. It is an opportunity to increase public awareness of the role that building safety and fire prevention officials, local and state building departments, and federal agencies play on the front line of defense to protect lives and property. They are the ‘silent defenders’ who are seldom seen but work daily to ensure safety in the community.”

Building Safety Week, first observed in 1980, is sponsored by the International Code Council Foundation, an organization dedicated to changing the devastating effects of natural disasters and other building tragedies at home and around the world. The International Code Council is an association that develops building safety and fire prevention codes that are used in more than 15,000 jurisdictions across the nation.
For any building safety concerns, contact the Building Services Department at 333-3883. For housing questions, contact the Division of Housing Inspection at 333-3977.