Commissioners send code‑of‑appeals update to full commission after staff explains name change to include fire code

Bedford County commissioners voted to send a resolution to the full commission that would rename the existing Building Code of Appeals to the Code of Appeals so it will cover both the adopted Building Code and the newly adopted Fire Code. County staff told the committee the change is largely housekeeping: the board was established in February 2007 and already hears appeals and provides recommendations on matters such as permit fees and school facilities tax collection. The resolution would not add new authority or transfer responsibilities from another body, staff said. A commissioner asked whether the updated board would affect collection of the school facilities tax or shift powers from other bodies; staff replied it would not. A member of the board said the panel has met infrequently and that no new powers are being created, only the name and scope are being updated to comply with the fire code's requirement for an appeals board. The committee voted to forward the resolution for placement on the August commission agenda.