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:

• Assuring the appropriate and required accessibility guidelines are met.
• Reviewing all construction activity to ensure compliance with the USBC and the supporting codes: Virginia Residential Code, Virginia Plumbing Code, Virginia Mechanical Code, Virginia and National Electric Code, and the local zoning code.

 

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.