Agenda - 12-01-2003-9d - Laserfiche WebLink

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5 Planning and Inspections — Code Compliance Officer III Request. To establish three new permanent, full -time Code Compliance Officer III positions within the Planning and Inspections Department, effective January 1, 2004. Purpose: To allow the Inspections Division of the Planning Department to meet the current lev of building activity within the County, allow timely plan reviews and inspections for existing and future construction activity as mandated by State Building Code, and provide a safe building environment for the citizens and future homeowners. Job Functions: • Review and make detailed check of building plans, specifications and permit applications. • Inspect structures under construction, alteration or repair for compliance with State Building Code requirements and for application of safe construction practices, and advise contractor /builder of necessary corrective action. • Assist and advise citizens, contractors, and builders on the building permit process to ensure compliance with the established building codes. • Provide customer service to the owner /builder (citizen) through personal explanation and informational brochures. • Check quality of materials and methods of construction for all new construction in the County. • Perform inspections of existing structures for hazardous conditions and structural failures. • Investigate complaints regarding illegal construction activities. • Approve final inspection certificates in a manner that allows for timely issuance of certificates of occupancy. • Issue warnings and stop -work orders for non - compliant projects. Addressed: • Building activity in the residential and non - residential sectors has been steadily increasing over the past several years. Some examples of this are: • The size of new single - family homes in Orange County increased 7 %, from 2979 square feet in 2001 to 3215 square feet in 2003. The increase in size and complexity of new single - family construction translates into more time required to complete individual inspections, thereby reducing the number of inspections completed in a day. • Commercial activity has increased 193% from 2001 through 2003. • An increase in multi - family projects within County and Town jurisdictions; 240 new multi - family dwelling units are pending permits. • Historically, the number of inspections increases approximately 10% per year. • New and improved life- safety building codes have been adopted at the State level and delegated to Orange County for enforcement. As part of this State mandate, the inspections department must function staffing levels appropriate to both adequately and, in a timely manner, complete the necessary functions as outlined by the General Statutes. Enforcement of the 2002 N.C. State Building Codes (adopted 2003) has increased the average number of required inspections for single - family construction from 11 to 18.