#36 Stephen Smith: Safety vs. Sanity: The Surprising Cost of Over-Regulating Our Built World
In this episode, I sit down with Stephen Smith, founder of the Center for Building, to uncover the labyrinthine world of building codes—how they’re made, who really influences them, and why they end up stifling the very innovation and affordability we need.
From the peculiarities of elevator requirements to the often overlooked role of local politics and special interests, we unpack how these complex rules shape our homes, buildings, and cities more than we might realize.
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Why Building Codes Matter
Even if you’re not a builder or developer, codes dictate your home’s layout, the price of housing, and whether your favorite small condo project can even get off the ground.The ICC (International Code Council) Isn’t Really “International”
You’ll learn how this non-governmental body, which writes most U.S. building codes, can be both extremely influential and surprisingly insular.Over-Regulation’s Real-World Costs
We break down how elevator mandates, fire codes, and accessibility requirements—though well-intended—sometimes create perverse incentives that drive up costs or discourage better solutions.Local Politics & Hidden Interests
Discover how “government members” and private manufacturers shape these codes, and why your mayor or city council may have little say in regulations that affect everyone.A Path Forward
Stephen shares practical ways policymakers and citizens can get involved in reforming the system, focusing on a more human-centered approach that balances safety, cost, and beauty -
00:00 The Challenge of Building Codes in the U.S.
03:06 The Role of Building Codes in Urban Development
05:46 Understanding the American Way of Building
09:09 The Impact of Building Codes on Housing Costs
12:09 Elevator Regulations and Their Consequences
14:52 Harmonization of Codes and Standards
18:11 Over-Dimensioning in American Construction
21:05 Labor Issues in the Construction Industry
23:57 The Need for Code Review and Justification
26:49 The Tyranny of Bureaucracy in Building Codes
38:49 The Grenfell Fire and Its Aftermath
45:05 Design Innovations in Building Codes
48:25 Understanding the ICC and Code Writing
58:09 The Revolving Door: Industry and Regulation
01:07:26 The Role of Government in Building Codes
01:15:20 Getting Involved: Supporting Change in Building Codes
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Center for Building: https://www.centerforbuilding.org/
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Elevator research: https://admin.centerforbuilding.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Elevators.pdf
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SPONSORS
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