Today, we’re highlighting an important update for buildings within the city limits of Boynton Beach, FL, for which you may have recently received an inspection notice. In response to the tragic Surfside collapse, the city has undertaken a significant initiative to enhance structural safety through the building recertification program. Drawing inspiration from Miami-Dade County’s long-standing program, Boynton Beach has instituted mandatory structural inspections under 2023 Florida statute 553.899, focusing on residential condominiums and cooperative association buildings towering three stories or more.
Aligned with the stringent requirements of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, Boynton Beach’s program extends its scope to encompass Threshold buildings and electrical service equipment, excluding unit panels.
Boynton Beach Building Recertification Program Changes
Several noteworthy changes have been implemented that you need to know about if your building is impacted:
- Qualifying buildings within the city limits are now subject to a 25-year recertification, followed by subsequent inspections every 10 years after that.
- All balconies and guardrails are to be inspected during a phase one inspection for compliance.
The goal for this updated recertification program is clear: The city wants to safeguard buildings’ structural and electrical integrity over their lifespan and ensure that what happened in Surfside will never occur in Boynton Beach. It is a concerted effort to ensure the inhabitants’ public health, safety, and welfare, and we consider it a good step towards these ends.
Note: The program is not intended to determine if the condition of an existing building complies with the Florida Building Code, National Electrical Code, or the Fire Safety Code.
Impacted Structures
Condominiums/Cooperatives – Buildings falling within the purview of this program include condominiums and cooperatives standing three stories or higher. This designation applies to buildings subject, in whole or in part, to the condominium or cooperative form of ownership as Residential Condominium associations (as defined under Florida Statute 718) and Residential Cooperative associations (as defined under Florida Statute 719).
Threshold Buildings – Buildings exceeding three stories or 50 feet in height or possessing an assembly occupancy classification in the Florida Building Code exceeding 5,000 square feet in area and accommodating more than 500 persons are also included in this program.
Exemptions: Single-family, two-family, three-family homes, and townhomes with three or fewer habitable stories above ground are excluded. State University and Palm Beach County School buildings operate under their distinct regulatory framework. Local municipal buildings, Palm Beach County, the state of Florida, and US Government buildings are exempted.
If your building falls within the scope of this refreshed Boynton Beach building recertification program, or if you aren’t sure and have questions, call Building Mavens. Our expert engineers can help walk you through the current laws and regulations, help you understand what applies to your building and when inspections should be completed, and provide exceptional reporting. Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare for building inspections. Contact our team today to get scheduled.
For more information, visit the official Boynton Beach recertification program page here.
About the Author
Scott Harvey-Lewis is the owner and President of Building Mavens, a leading Milestone Inspections and Engineering Consulting firm based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. He is a distinguished forensic engineer with over 18 years of experience. Holding a master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Florida and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the Florida Institute of Technology, Scott’s expertise is fortified by his Licensed Professional Engineer status in Florida and LEED Accredited Professional designation.
With a comprehensive background spanning public and private projects, Scott’s proficiency encompasses structural engineering design, construction oversight, and forensic analysis. His role involves investigating structural failures, construction defects, and code compliance to ensure project integrity while upholding safety standards and building codes. Beyond his investigative prowess, Scott is a skilled design engineer, contributing to diverse architectural facets including building envelope systems and designs for various materials. His extensive portfolio includes projects ranging from residential designs to commercial structures like warehouses and piers. Across all phases of project development, from conception to inspection, Scott’s dedication to innovative and compliant engineering solutions shines through.
Contact me for more information: info@buildingmavens.com
