DDA to unveil performance code in partnership with State Fire Marshal
By: Nancy Cook
Updated: October 5, 2012
The Downtown Development Authority and State Fire Marshal Butch Browning will unveil a new downtown Shreveport initiative called a Downtown Performance Code from 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9 at Artspace, 710 Texas Street.
Architects, contractors, developers and downtown building owners have been invited to participate and listen to speakers from the State Fire Marshal's Office, City Permits and Inspections, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, and Zoning.
Representatives from SWEPCO, Shreveport Fire Prevention and MPC will also be included on the panel.
The goal of the Performance Code is to give potential developers of buildings the information they need before they draw plans or spend money. These open lines of communication should prevent unnecessary expense and frustration and encourage additional development.
Downtown Shreveport will be the first city center in the state to offer this initiative and State Fire Marshal Butch Browning hopes to replicate it elsewhere. Historic buildings can be developed under different building and fire code parameters than new construction if the owner/developer knows the right questions to ask.
Chief Browning will brief the City Council on the Performance Code Tuesday afternoon at the regular meeting of the Council at 3pm.
Architects, engineers, construction professionals, commercial Realtors and building owners/developers are encourage to attend the event and should call 319-222-7403 to reserve a space.

