Alabama Building Commission

Authorities:

Alabama Government Manual, 1982.

Statute no. 42, 1903 Feb. 17, General Acts, 1903.

Statute no. 369, 1911 Apr. 13, General Laws, 1911.

Code of Alabama, 1940.

General Laws, 1907, no. 356.

General Laws, 1927, no. 451.

Alabama Official and Statistical Register, 1907-1939.

The Building Commission is a staff agency that is primarily authorized to supervise construction of state buildings, public schools, and institutions of higher learning. It coordinates and renders professional and technical services for state departments and authorities in their capital outlay programs.

The membership to the Building Commission consists of the Governor, the State Health Officer, the Director of Finance, The State Superintendent of Education, four members from the Senate and four members from the House of Representatives to be elected by their respective body of government at each regular session of the Legislature. The Governor serves as ex-officio Chairman of the Commission. (Ala. Government Manual, 1982)

In 1903, a building commission was created to make an appropriation for the improvement of the State Capitol Building and grounds. The commission was also authorized to acquire any real estate necessary or beneficial in improving the Capitol grounds. Furthermore, this commission was authorized to erect or acquire any additional building(s) for the use of the State, and, to exercise control and supervision over the aforementioned functions. This commission consisted of the Governor, the Attorney General, State Treasurer, State Auditor, Secretary of State, and a secretary which was manned by the director of the Department of Archives and History. In actuality this "capitol building commission" operated as a self-perpetuating, absolutely independent entity due to the broad governing authority that was bestowed upon it; the commission was granted absolute discretion to determine what extensions, enlargements, improvements, grounds and new buildings were to be erected. Furthermore, the commission was granted the power to adopt all necessary rules, regulations, and plans for its own guidance. (Statute no. 42, 1903 Feb. 17, General Acts, 1903)

In 1911, this commission, which had evolved into the "capitol commission," was realigned by an act of the state legislature. Whereas the State Treasurer had been a member of the original commission, his seat (on the commission) was reassigned to the justice of the supreme court of the State of Ala.; however, the previously authorized duties of the department remained virtually constant. (Statute no. 356, 1907 July 17, General Laws, 1907; Statute no. 369, 1911 Apr. 13, General Laws, 1911)

In 1927, the commission, which had previously been referred to as the Capitol Commission and the Building Commission was, in a legislative resolution, referred to as the Capitol Building Commission; however, its previously authorized duties and membership remained constant. (Statute no. 451, 1927 Aug. 30, General Laws, 1927; Alabama Official and Statistical Register, 1907-1939)

In 1945, the contemporary Building Commission was established. The basic, previously authorized duties remained constant; however, the membership, as had been the case in 1911, was realigned considerably. (Code of Ala. 1958)

The contemporary Building Commission is empowered to acquire lands by purchase, condemnation, or otherwise, to plan and provide for the improvement of property now owned or hereafter acquired by the state, and to construct, repair, equip, remodel, enlarge, renovate, furnish, refurnish, improve, and locate such buildings, structures, and facilities for use of the state, or any of its agencies as shall be necessary for the administration and expedition of its constitutionally allocated duties. It has the responsibility for promulgating and enforcing a code of minimum building standards and for applying the building code to all state buildings and construction. The Commission prepares and offers such training and assistance as deemed necessary in implementing provisions of the Building Code, formulates guidelines for thermal and lighting efficiency, and assures the incorporation of minimal energy conservation and other standards in new and renovated buildings. (Ala. Government Manual, 1982)

The Commission has full power and authority for and on behalf of Ala. to receive any monies, land or equipment donated, appropriated or otherwise acquired by it for the purposes provided for, to facilitate the expedition of its constitutionally allocated duties, or for the administration of its legally authorized departmental functions. (Ala. Government Manual, 1982)

As of this writing, there are no constitutionally authorized divisions of the said department; however, there are several informal, loosely organized divisions empowered by the department to perform all duties, functions, and actions as they deem necessary to the administration and perpetuation of the said department's constitutionally allocated powers.

The Building Commission is composed of these departmentally-authorized divisions:

Alabama. Building Commission. Contract Administration Division.

Authority: Building Commission Departmental Organizational Chart, 1984.

Alabama. Building Commission. Field Inspectors Division.

Alabama. Building Commission. Architectural Division.

From the description of Agency history record. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 145407683