County adopts building‑code updates; adds tiny‑home appendix and new form‑board survey requirement

Alachua County adopted administrative amendments to its building‑code chapter (3.31) at the Feb. 22 meeting, a package intended to mirror recent state code updates and to add locally requested requirements.

Holly Banner of Growth Management summarized the key changes: adoption of Appendix Q to make it easier for site‑built tiny homes to meet state code, adding an electronic‑document submittal requirement (with limited exceptions at the building official's discretion), new moisture‑barrier language for balconies and walkways, a requirement that site plans include drainage and finished‑floor information, and a new form‑board survey and in‑progress inspections to reduce later encroachment and setback disputes.

"The biggest change that we’ve been talking to you about for a while now is that we wanted to make it easier for site built tiny homes to be used in our area," Banner said. The board also deleted outdated local language on unsafe structures and confirmed that chapter 74 of the county code will govern nuisance and unsafe‑structure procedures going forward.

Dan Gargas, the county building official, told commissioners the form‑board survey is required for new houses, is already being requested by lenders, and would not be applied to small accessory structures. "The form board survey is specifically set up for new houses... it's something that the banks are requiring anyhow," he said.

The board convened as the Land Development Regulation Commission to find the amendments consistent with the comprehensive plan, then adopted the ordinance and authorized submission to the Florida Building Commission. The measures passed on recorded votes (5–0).

Provenance: presentation SEG 1843–1979; ordinance approval and vote SEG 2168–2197.

Speakers quoted (first reference): Holly Banner (Growth Management), Dan Gargas (Building Official).