Responsibilities
This department is responsible under the
Uniform Statewide Building Code to enforce the Building Codes as they relate to the manner in which a building is constructed, altered, renovated or has a change of use, to assure that it is sound and reasonably safe:
On-site Inspections
The Department, in addition to review of applicants and plans, also performs various construction trade inspections. These include:
- Performing on-site inspections to assure compliance with all new construction regulations
- Inspecting existing commercial buildings when applications are made for business licenses when a change of use is proposed, or when a business has been closed for at least 90 days.
- Administering the inspection program for new elevator installations as well as elevator maintenance and amusement rides to ensure public safety
- Performing electrical inspections on structures that are vacated a minimum of thirty days
Assistance
To assist the other departments:
- Assist when called on for damage assessment
- Provide technical assistance
- Determine the occupant load and use of buildings
Staff Services
Finally staff:
- Verifies applicants for tradesman certification
- Verifies state as well as city licenses
- Provides technical assistance to private architects, engineer, contractors and homeowners.