Building codes should help attract insurance companies - Baldwin County NOW

Building codes should help attract insurance companies - Baldwin County NOW: "GULF SHORES, Ala. — In an effort to help more Gulf Coast homeowners have more options and obtain better home owners insurance, the city of Gulf Shores is looking to amend the code of ordinances by adopting the 2009 International Building Codes, which will include residential building codes, fire, plumbing, mechanical and 2008 electrical codes.

“The main reason we want to adopt these new codes is to get insurance companies back into play,” said Brandon Franklin, Planning and Zoning Department building official.

Franklin quoted recent statistics that showed the Beach Pool included 3,244 insurance policies in 2005; but as of June 2009 has increased to 12,572 policies, covering $2.16 billion in property value.

“Right now, the Beach Pool would only be able to cover $240 million. So hopefully by adopting these new codes, it will have some influence on attracting more insurance companies,” Franklin said."