Code officials play a major role in ensuring that all commercial,
residential, public assembly and other buildings within a
governmental jurisdiction are constructed in accordance with
the provisions of the governing building code. Building code
provisions address structural stability, fire safety, adequate
means of egress (exits), sanitation, safe wiring and more.
It is the code official's responsibility to protect the public
health, safety and welfare in relationship to the built environment
through effective code enforcement.
The code enforcement process is normally initiated with an
application for a permit to construct or remodel a building.
The code official is responsible for processing the applications
and issuing permits for construction or modification of buildings
in accordance with the code. This begins with a review of
the construction plans for compliance with the building code.
Once construction has begun, the code official makes inspections
as necessary to determine compliance with the code. If a deficiency
exists or if the building or a component does not comply with
the code, it is the responsibility of the code official to
issue orders to correct the illegal or unsafe condition.
The code official ensures that official records are kept pertaining
to permit applications, permits, fees collected, inspections,
notices and orders issued. The documentation provides a valuable
resource of information if questions arise during and after
the construction process. Because construction may occur in
steps or phases, the code official may need to conduct multiple
inspections; therefore, an exact number of inspections will
vary with the particular building design and construction
sequence.
In addition to these requirements, the code official also
assists designers and builders by interpreting the code's
application to a particular construction situation; by explaining
minimum requirements and answering questions; and by investigating
and resolving complaints involving existing buildings and
sites.
The executive official in charge of the Building Department
is known as the code official. The term "code official"
is a catch-all name for a variety of duties. In small communities
and rural areas, a single code official may be responsible
for building inspections, plumbing inspections, fire prevention
inspections, mechanical and electrical inspections, building
and zoning administration, and the like. In larger metropolitan
areas, each of these tasks may be performed by different specialized
staff members.
Types of Inspectors
Today's technology dictates that, to be effective, building
inspectors must be familiar with the principles of construction,
not merely the specifics. Inspectors usually specialize in
one type of construction work. They may be building inspectors,
public works inspectors, electrical inspectors, mechanical
inspectors, plumbing inspectors, housing inspectors or fire
prevention inspectors. Federal, state and local governments
employ various types of inspectors to make sure projects conform
to government codes as well as to building specifications
and model building codes. Architectural and engineering firms
also hire inspectors to make sure workers complete the projects
in accordance with codes and specifications. Inspectors may
also work for small companies or large corporations.
No matter where they work, inspectors have similar tasks.
They apply the principles and methods of construction to judge
the work and decide whether it meets the applicable standards
or codes. They make preliminary inspections during the first
stages of the project. They also examine the supplies to be
sure these materials meet the specifications, standards or
codes called for. Follow-up inspections are performed throughout
construction to ensure compliance with regulations. In regions
prone to floods, earthquakes or tornadoes, they may make frequent
inspections to ensure that equipment, materials and installation
meet special safety requirements. For some projects, various
inspectors work together throughout the construction process
to ensure that the project meets code requirements.
Building inspectors review drawings and specifications for
planned repairs of existing buildings, construction of new
building projects, and building sites being considered for
development. Before work begins, building inspectors investigate
the construction site — checking drainage, elevation
and the placement of buildings on the plot. Inspectors examine
and approve floor framing, wall framing, roofs and ceilings,
chimneys, and all other items that are part of the building
structure. As each building phase is complete, inspections
are required before the work can progress. When projects are
completed, a comprehensive inspection is performed and a certificate
of occupancy is issued by the building inspector.
Government projects such as airports, highways, water and
sewer systems, streets, bridges and dams are the responsibility
of public works inspectors. They inspect digging and fill
operations, and the placement of forms for concrete. They
observe the concrete mixing and pouring, asphalt paving and
grading operations and keep records of all work performed
and the materials used. Public works inspectors may be specialists
in one kind of operation such as reinforced concrete, dredging
or ditches.
Electrical inspectors check the quality of materials, the
installation work, and the safeguards in electrical systems.
They make sure electrical systems meet city, state or national
codes, and electrical codes and standards. Electrical inspectors
look closely at new wiring and fixtures in businesses, public
buildings, and in homes.
Mechanical inspectors focus on heating, ventilating and air-conditioning
(HVAC) concerns. This includes inspection of: mechanical appliances
and equipment; air distribution systems; kitchen exhaust equipment;
boilers and water heaters; hydronic piping; gas piping systems;
flammable and combustible liquid storage and piping systems;
fireplaces, chimneys and vents; refrigeration systems; incinerators
and crematories. The mechanical inspector also checks for
air quality and energy conservation measures.
Plumbing inspectors check for proper design and installation
of plumbing systems, including sanitary and storm drainage
systems, sanitary facilities, water supplies, and storm water
and sewage disposal in buildings.
The duties of a fire prevention inspector are usually performed
by the local fire department or fire prevention bureau. Typically,
fire inspectors check nonresidential buildings on an annual
basis to ensure that appropriate fire safety practices are
being followed.
Property maintenance or housing inspectors inspect existing
buildings to check for health or safety violations and the
condition of the exterior property.
The plan reviewer or examiner is usually the first person
who begins the evaluation process which ensures that a building
or structure conforms to the requirements of the local or
specified code. The plan reviewer examines the construction
documents used to describe a project, including architectural,
structural, site plan, mechanical, plumbing, electrical and
fire protection drawings as well as the corresponding specifications,
structural design calculations and soil report. As these items
are examined for code compliance against a checklist of the
code's requirements, any deficiencies are cited along with
the corresponding section number of the code. These deficiencies
can then be resolved by revising the construction documents
and a permit for the building construction to begin can be
issued.
A plan reviewer must have a working knowledge of the code
requirements used to evaluate the building or structure. The
reviewer must be familiar with all construction documents
produced by an architect/engineer to fully describe the project.
Expertise is required in reading drawings and plans for basic
construction techniques along with an understanding of engineering
and architectural definitions and symbols. A background in
architecture or engineering is beneficial but not necessary
to conduct plan reviews.
Employment opportunities are available in both the private
business sector and governmental agencies. Many states, county
townships or local communities have fully staffed offices
which conduct plan reviews for all buildings and structures
intended to be erected in that jurisdiction.
Large architectural/engineering firms also retain plan review
departments to evaluate a proposed project from the design/conceptual
phase through the final ready-for-construction documents.
Code-consulting businesses along with highly trained and expert
staff at the International Code Council provide plan review
services for organizations who do not have the necessary workforce
to keep up with today's fast-paced construction rate and the
on-going renovations of existing buildings.
Working Conditions and Hours
Inspectors work both indoors and outdoors. On construction
sites, they may work out of a field office where they read
blueprints, review correspondence, write reports or schedule
inspections. The rest of their time is spent inspecting construction
sites, which may be dirty and cluttered with tools, materials,
vehicles or debris. They wear hard hats for safety. The basic
work-week for inspectors is 40 hours, although hours can vary.
Many, who travel back and forth daily to a construction site,
put in more than 40 hours. Overtime may also be required seasonally,
or to meet a deadline.
Compensation
Earnings in the construction industry are higher than those
of most other industries. Like other job holders, construction
workers in and around large cities usually get paid higher
wages than workers in rural areas. Pay in the West is generally
higher than pay in the East, especially the Southeast. The
high cost of living, however, offsets higher wages in many
states such as Alaska and Hawaii.
Inspectors — whether they work for the government or
a private industry — earn a yearly salary. Salaries depend
on experience, education, location and actual job requirements,
and can range from $25,850 to $97,000. Fringe benefits often
include paid vacations and holidays, sick leave, medical and
life insurance and some form of retirement or pension program.
Education and Certification
At minimum, a high-school diploma or the equivalent is necessary.
Many employers require inspectors to have worked in the construction
trades, completed an apprenticeship program, have studied
engineering or architecture for at least two years, or have
an Associate's degree from a community college with courses
in construction technology, blueprint reading, mathematics,
building inspection or public administration.
Many jurisdictions now require a Bachelor's or Master's degree
in addition to on-site experience. Bachelor's degrees are
available in construction, fire protection management, engineering,
architecture, and related fields. Additionally, many jurisdictions
require certification and continuing education for their inspectors.
Certification for plan review and inspection disciplines is
available from the International Code Council. Certification
as a building official (code agency department head) is also
available from the International Code Council (ICC).
Code officials must possess strong leadership, management
and interpersonal skills. Excellent communication skills (both
oral and written) are necessary as code officials interact
with both the public and the media. Oftentimes, a good driving
record is needed as well.
Opportunities for Advancement
Certification enhances the chances for higher paying, more
responsible jobs. From there, inspectors may progress to management
work. Those entering this field with an Associate's or Bachelor's
degree can advance by furthering their education in related
fields such as public administration.
Employment Outlook
The trend toward professional standards for inspectors should
open up good opportunities for experienced workers with some
college education or those certified as inspectors. The employment
of construction and building inspectors is expected to increase
faster than the rate of growth for other occupations through
the year 2005. Rising construction activity, concern about
public safety and a call for quality construction should create
an active demand for construction and building inspectors.
For Further Information
This information was prepared to acquaint individuals with
careers in code enforcement, to provide some stimulus for
considering this activity as an occupation and to encourage
proper preparations for pursuing such careers.
Individuals desiring to learn more about careers in code enforcement
may wish to receive information regarding ICC Certification.
Click here to request
a certification packet. Additional information is available
through city, county, state or federal government agencies;
state or federal Department of Labor; or libraries for more
specific information on job opportunities and employment requirements
in the code enforcement field. Reference sources available
at most libraries for review include the Dictionary of Occupational
Titles, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Encyclopedia of Careers
and Vocational Guidance, American Almanac of Jobs and Salaries
and Career Information Center.
