Those opposed to the ban (including the lumber industry) cite that international code standards allow such structures, and there are countless examples of these types of buildings that are perfectly safe and that have lasted for years.

The website Atlanta Curbed is reporting that the city of Sandy Springs city has passed a law banning wood construction for developments taller than three stories.

In a move that bucks a nation-wide trend, the Sandy Springs City Council has approved a new code that prohibits all future construction of wood-framed structures of greater than three stories and larger than 100,000 square feet. The regulation effectively bans the ubiquitous housing type in a booming submarket.

Supporters of the new rule argued that wood structures are less safe and don't last as long as their steel and concrete counterparts. However, those opposed to the ban (including the lumber industry) cite that international code standards allow such structures, and there are countless examples of these types of buildings that are perfectly safe and that have lasted for years.

Mayor Rusty Paul said wood continues to be widely used in local construction. “I know how important wood products are for the state and region,” he said, “but this change is not going to result in long-term damage” to Georgia's lumber industry.

Source: Atlanta Curbed

Today's top stories

Growing Interest in Construction Careers Among Younger People Means Jobs Filled, Deadlines Met

Larry Young Paving Tackles Grade-Separated Interchange in Texas

Caltrans, Crews Working to Repair Highway Landslides

FIRSTGREEN Industries Launches ROCKEAT Electric Skid Steer Loader

'Tiltrotator Effect' Increases as Energy Consumption Goes Down

VIDEO: Birmingham, Ala., Awarded $14.5M Fed Grant to Revitalize Its 'Black Main Street'

Pettibone Celebrates 75th Anniversary of Cary-Lift

Fay Preps Way for Pittsburgh International Airport Modernization Project