# Ames in Focus: Before You Build with Scott McCambridge

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/city-of-ames-podcasts-7161270/ames-in-focus-before-you-build-with-scott-mccambridge
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/city-of-ames-podcasts-7161270/ames-in-focus-before-you-build-with-scott-mccambridge.md
Podcast: [City of Ames’ Podcasts](https://stenobird.com/podcast/city-of-ames-podcasts-7161270)
Published: 2026-07-07T11:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://amesinfocus.podbean.com/e/ames-in-focus-before-you-build-with-scott-mccambridge/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/qcxv7vjf5szbxkfj/7-7-2026_-_Ames_in_Focus_-_Scott_McCambridge_17m37s_aqncn.mp3
Processing state: not_requested
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/city-of-ames-podcasts-7161270/episodes/ames-in-focus-before-you-build-with-scott-mccambridge
Duration seconds: 1057

## Resource

Thinking about finishing your basement, building a deck, replacing windows, or tackling that long overdue home project? Before you pick up the tools, make sure you know when a permit is required and what the 2026 Building Code updates mean for you. In this episode of Ames in Focus, Bill Gebhart sits down with Assistant Building Official Scott McCambridge to break down the latest code changes in plain English. They discuss why building codes are updated, the City's first permit fee increase since 2013, common projects that do and do not require permits, and important safety improvements involving smoke alarms, electrical protection, decks, accessibility, and more. Whether you're a homeowner, contractor, or DIY enthusiast, this episode will help you build smarter, safer, and with fewer surprises. In this episode: Why the 2026 Building Code updates matter Which home projects require permits and which do not Changes to smoke and carbon monoxide alarm requirements New electrical and deck safety standards What contractors and business owners should know Where to get answers before you start your next project Have questions about permits or inspections? Contact the City of Ames Building Division or visit the City's website for more information.

## Actions

- request_transcript: `POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/city-of-ames-podcasts-7161270/episodes/ames-in-focus-before-you-build-with-scott-mccambridge/transcription-requests` — Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode.
- read_markdown: `GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/city-of-ames-podcasts-7161270/ames-in-focus-before-you-build-with-scott-mccambridge.md` — Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource.

A page view does not enqueue transcription. Agents should invoke `request_transcript` explicitly when they need this episode processed.

## Transcript

Full transcripts are not published on public pages unless there is a clear rights basis.