The White County Board of Commissioners has taken action to improve the safety design of a unique and popular rental cabin in the county.
Back in March, firefighters responded to a fire at what's known as a "pedestal" or tree house-type rental cabin at 184 Walnut Ridge Drive.
No injuries were reported in the fire that started in the back of the home, and all occupants got out safely from a front entry and exit ramp, but the incident prompted county officials to review safety codes for such structures.
According to White County Commission Chairman Travis Turner, who spoke out at Monday's commission meeting, things could have been much worse, since the structure had only one entrance and exit. In addition, the height on the back of the structure was around 70 feet.
"That in itself is a danger," Turner said. "With that, we recognize while it may have met some codes, it didn’t meet common sense."
At their Monday meeting, commissioners adopted a resolution that would add to the current building code a requirement that would require such structures have a second exit. The county must go through the process of submitting an amendment to the building code to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for its approval before the county can make such changes locally.
John Sell , White County Community and Economic Development Director, told commissioners he and other county officials met with the builder of the homes on Monday, and he has agreed to construct a second way in and out from the structures. The builder has plans to construct two more "pedestal" cabins, and he said he will include the second entry/exit when those are built.
