Buildings and structures are where people live, work and play. They must meet certain guidelines for construction. The City of Miami has adopted the International Building Code 2015 to safeguard the lives of people. Without the code, people would build a structure whichever way they wanted. The result could easily be disastrous. Examples of poor construction would be building a house without a proper foundation, incorrect electrical, plumbing or mechanical installation, or lack of smoke and fire alarms. Additionally, without proper safeguards, structures would be built over building lines, over utility easements and into the rights-of-way. What would happen if your house was built over the sanitary sewer main and the main needed repair? What would happen if your pool was built over the sanitary or storm sewer, and your contractor punched a hole in the line? Or, what if you were installing a foundation or pool over a gas line or buried electrical lines and the equipment damaged the lines? The results of doing so could be disastrous and cost people their lives. The building code ensures compliance with life-safety requirements and basic construction standards, which in turn safeguards the lives of people.