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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-08-14 Minutes INSPECTIONS DEPARTMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL (IDAC) REVISED DRAFT OF THE MINUTES OF THE IDAC MEETING Location: Lucille Harrell Conference Room, Government Center Date: August 14, 2019 Scheduled Duration: 3:30 pm 5:00 pm IDAC Members present David Smith, Randall Siegel, Sean Lewis, Gary Pape, Stephen Beacham, Pete Avery, Rudy Dombroski. Special Guest Attendees: County Commissioner Rob Zapple; Cameron Moore, Executive Officer of WCFHBA. NHC Building Safety Staff: Nicholas Gadzekpo, Building Safety Director; Hans Schult, Building Safety Assistant Director; Teresa McCormick, Building Safety Systems Coordinator; Brianna Grella, Building Safety Administrative Specialist; Chief Code Compliance Officers Arthur Malpass, Randal Gray, and Edward McCaleb; Code Compliance Officers James Stokley and Bill Thornton. s Office: Tim Burgess, Deputy County Manager. Other County representatives present: None. Chairman David Smith opened the meeting at 3:35 pm. He introduced himself and asked all present to introduce themselves. The introductions showed that there was a quorum to conduct business and take actions on agenda items. And, with a full quorum, Chairman Smith referred to the agenda and asked Nicholas Gadzekpo (Nicholas) to begin with matters related to the minutes. Nicholas thanked Chairman Smith and then directed all present to April 10, 2019. Nicholas stated that the committee could approve the minutes if it so desired and that he had copies of those minutes, and should anyone need a copy for reference. Additionally, Nicholas also provided brief highlights from those minutes, including references to the subject-matter of Inspections job cards, in particular, which consumed more than 30 minutes of the June 19, 2019, Meeting. Nicholas also informed all present that an update related to the same subject matter is also on the agenda for the Meeting because that new update took root from the June 19, 2019, Meeting. (During which time Cameron Moore had proposed that an informal sub-committee, comprising of Hans, a focused group of contractors, and Cameron Moore, meet to outline possible solutions for resolving the underlining issues and problems; so that, the sub-committee could report its findings and proposals to the IDAC.) Nicholas then transitioned to the minutes of the June 19, 2019, Meeting, by providing some brief highlights contained in those minutes. The highlights included data on Permits for the first and second quarter of 2019 and how they correlated with those of the previous year, and discussions on Inspection job cards. Nicholas mentioned the presentations by staff; specifically, Arthur Malpass (Arthur) on shower pans, and Edward McCaleb (Edward) on the challenges with formulating a policy for administering the code provisions for EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems). Edward had also discussed challenges that field staff face with roofing permits and inspections, and how those issues were statewide. Nicholas stated that Cameron Moore led the discussions on state training for contractors and the pending legislation. Nicholas also recalled the discussion on Chairman Smith. Nicholas mentioned that Commissioner Zapple requested a report on duplexes, townhouses, and single-family construction which Hans found impossible to produce Nicholas then asked Hans to elaborate. Hans hinted that there were no notations to allow for the printing of such a report, but that permit intake staff need first to notate whether a building was a duplex, townhouse, etc. before generating the report. Nicholas said that after its completion, the report should become available. Upon conclusion, Nicholas invited the Council to act on both minutes by either approving the minutes or considering their approvals for a future date.Chairman Smith asked if there were any comments on the minutes? Committee member Randy Seigel made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 19, 2019, Meeting; followed by a second from Pete Avery. There was unanimous approval of the minutes by the committee. Nicholas then reminded Chairman Smith that the committee still needed to act on the minutes of April 10, 2019, Meeting. (Page 1 of 10) Chairman Smith then asked the question to the committee, and to which Pete Avery made a motion to approve the minutes of April 10, 2019, resulting in a second from Stephen Beacham, and unanimous approval of the minutes. Next, on the agenda, Brianna Grella (Brianna) provided an update on the Building Safety DCOAST Training for citizens and customers. Brianna said that so far, 15 individuals received specialized, individualized training on COAST. Citizens and customers can email COAST for their training at coast@nhcgov.comconveniently schedules the training during the workday. Brianna then distributed COAST brochures to all present. The brochures contained information related to the customized individual training that the department provides. Brianna further commented that the training has been extremely beneficial to the community Brianna then elaborated that her team starts with a list of what the customers provide on what they learned and during the progression of the training, they come up with other ideas. Brianna further stated that the items covered during the training were not only fbut also on what her team had navigated through on COAST; including, but not limited to, showing the customers how to pay for permits, and to schedule inspections. Commissioner Zapple asked if there were any issues with the softw end? s there anything that you are asking it to do and finding that it is not capable of? Brianna responded that her team works through all the issues that they encounter. And that Teresa McCormick (Teresa), who is also a part of the team, manages any issues and is on top of it. Brianna stated that her team vetted all the issues they had encountered and had looked at all of the issues. Brianna said, we are on top of anything that we have run across, and I am happy to share with Teresa or the team and to come up with solutions. We are ever-evolving with the software. Commissioneow many accounts do we have?ed, saying there were 3038 COASTusers. Commissioner Zapple inquiredo we have a sense of what building population does that represent? Brianna responded that her team did not know the exact answer to that question. However, Hans Schult (Hans) remarked that on the average, there had been 50/50 with the daily submittals which should indicate how well the use of the online submittals has progressed. Also, Teresa McCormick (Teresa) provided an update on the issues of COAST/Energov that the department and IT were resolving or fixing for improved customer experience. First, she indicated that Trade Permit workflow priorities were changed to allow the scheduling of final inspections when rough-in inspections were not required. This change was necessary because the original priorities prevented the customers from requesting final inspections via COAST, which in turn, led to an excessive number of phone calls going to the Call Center on that matter. Now with the new fixes in place, the expectation is that the new workflow modification will make it easier for contractors to request final inspections through COAST and consequently reduce the volume of calls going to the Call Center because of the older sequenced priorities that were not pragmatic. Randy Seigel asked about Shower Pan inspection for liners? Arthur Malpass (Arthur) said his inspectors would commit to a -pass. Hans then stated that the fixing of the inspection sequencing (priorities) is a tremendous help to all Plumbing Contractors who faced the problem of not being able to schedule inspections. Secondly, Teresa mentioned that a new NHC Residential Plumbing/CFPUA permit type went 2019, after its vetted process went through the Change Management Committee on COAST and EnerGov. The new permit type now allows CFPUA to review plumbing permits for water and (or) sewer connection and ensure that the payment of CFPUA fees before permit issuance and also ensures the completion of the required inspections. The new permit type will be available for online application -and-and will also be used for an existing residence making its first-time connection. Arthur Malpass (Arthur) also offered input on online inspection requests related to the Residential Plumbing/CFPUA permit. UChairman Smith asked Hans Schult (Hans) for a report on the efforts underway for (Page 2 of 10) Hans, in an interim report, stated that he and Cameron Moore and some representatives of homebuilders met and explored some possible electronic notifications and data formats that could replace the need for job cards. Hans, on permit cards, said those who deliberated on the new replacement of the inspection card liked the preliminary format sent to Cameron Moore and Plantation Builders. And that the (EnerGov) to However, Hans alerted that the report (with the way it is now) could easily produce a 100-page document with a date range, for example, say for a hospital inspection. Teresa and Hans both remarked that they have spoken further to IT and that COAST has some of the items already prepared and can further modify the report to change it to what the customer would need. Teresa at working with the report to satisfy what you need by searching. You do not need to log in to search and pull in trade permits, as well. Part of the trouble with COAST is that you have to hunt around with information and have the reports Teresa remarked that the show each inspection. group outside of the IDAC, brought in six to seven builders, including tract builders and custom homes, and -committee was where the decisions resounded for the voice of the customer who would eventually use this new by-(really) comes they are at on the job versus where they could look for at the end of the day and where they - hunting for a job card, you are in one location looking comments in discussions. Teresa asked if it looks like a report it will satisfy you; to pursue the search function? and you can just filter new report would benefit the Inspectors? Hans said this report would also help the inspectors every morning and to determine what is going on at each job and prior- each the proper address will also help the inspectors with th plans on the job site and how some are linked to parcel numbers but also usable for addresses. Arthur remarked that some might have thought Inspectors were well-equipped with GIS to help determine addresses and locations. But he said that GIS was not always reliable since it does not provide accurate searches and locations, because there were instances when GIS gave city locations such as Atlanta and others for some common street names in New Hanover County. addresses as to an address on the house that thSmith said it must be visible from the street. Nicholas remarked on a cost impact; that the research time back and forth spent daily by Inspectors to identify the proper addresses easily equates (in one hour) to hourly wages of all the inspectors who spend that one hour on researching addresses, perhaps around $65,000 a year, and further takes away from the quality time for commuting to an inspection or performing an inspection. And for morequest to Chairman Smith for follow up and disposition on EIFS and the 2018 North Carolina Building Code. Edward elaborated that he was interested in bringing the EIFS matter to the Council (IDAC), with the requirement for special inspectors to inspect. Edward pointed out that no jurisdiction in NC is authorized by code to inspect the sheathing, seeing that it is part of the EIFS. A special inspector, hired by the homeowner, should inspect the EIFS. Chairman Smith commented that t unless the system is unsafe; if the policy is if you want to use EIFS, an inspection is specialized for the details. (Page 3 of 10) Chairman Smith asked if the department could require sealed drawings for the use of EIFS on residential buildings? Nicholas said the department is paying close attention to when sealed drawings should be required by deferring to only when the Statutes and State Building Code requires them; that there is under new think EIFS fitted the category for requiring when sealed drawings for one-and-two-family residential buildings. how the installers would install EIFS. Chairman Edward mentioned the need for special inspections. Chairman Smith promised to review/discuss the matter with his peers in September 2019, or just before the next IDAC meeting. And Nicholas said, if the residential codes (IRC) were much closer to the commercial codes (IBC); then the specialized inspection for EIFS would be resolved using a quick fix - A quick fix could be instead of writing out a new code the Building Code Council could just reference back to Special Inspections in Chapter 17 of the IBC (IBC was from where the commercial code was derived). Chairman Smith said that could now be a stretch. IDAC committee to discuss it and the water. If you have that policy in place and have required it, you do not have an issue until you have an issue and have a cause, and it is not up to us. It is up to the NC Building Code. We are better to deal with this Nicholas said the State has building code details for installing EIFS installation requirements, and how to install the EIFS, but some installers will not correctly install the EIFS. And need for special inspections. such a house, you may want an inspection for the third party inspection There was a remark by Hans that it is good to distinguish between third party inspectors and a special inspector. The third party is simply replacing our staff (that is local inspectors) for almost any kind of inspection done by the local jurisdiction. Whereas the special inspector is only for those specific details related to structures or some other unique details. In residential, you would move forward, and if it is working, then moving forward. There were several discussions on the floor for quite some time, for no less than fifteen minutes. There was a voiced observation as to an actual construction experience with contracts, Commercial, yes; EIFS can be used in and on a midsize hotel. They will come out and inspect the undercoating. We would bill anyone with EIF Hans remarkedwhat we are concerned about are the situations that occurred in the early 90s, and as such, the county should require the installation of EIFS with inspections through special inspections. Chairman Smith asked if there was anything else. Edward McCaleb (Edward) hinted that from a local life safety perspective, the policy on special inspections achieves something. Cameron Moore mentioned the moisture control required for EIFS. Chairman Smith promised to review/discuss the matter with his peers in September 2019, or just before the next IDAC meeting. On a case by case basis, it is effected from the local level. s long as everyone is aware and there are no objections with it. red flag goes up if it is residential and is there a handout or information that the contractors can give to customers rom a residential process, how long does it take to do the installation (basically) it is 10 minutes; it is not the time, it is cost. They have to come out for every case. The installers must ensure good connections with the flashing and Styrofoam. It goes to ECS (), and its good for the builder. Nicholas then said that just by looking at the sequence of work, events, and subsequent inspections, and the different things to do as needful; it seems it should be separate from the normal type of inspections, with its (own) final, etc., hence again, pointing to the special inspections. (Page 4 of 10) Nicholas then asked Chairman Smith if the council wants to entertain a motion to act on the subject matter of EIFS? Chairman Smith said one was not necessary. Next, Chairman Smith asked Edward McCaleb (Edward) Edward reiterated, from comments related to those he made under the June 19, 2019, Meeting. Edward said inspections with roofs have limitations from what inspectors can see this reality is the same for other counties and cities in North Carolina. Edward said it would be good if the North Carolina Department of Insurance (DOI), the promulgators of the state building codes, gave some guidance on this subject matter. Besides, it is clear that DOI is asking inspectors to inspect flashing; but what if the inspectors are unable to get to it? Chairman Smith said that both he and Cliff Isaac (the Deputy Commissioner at DOI) have had discussions about it and that it i responsibility. And that the building owners and citizens call the building inspections department if something is wrong with the roof. Edward said, we are not even discussing if there is a height verification for zoning? Hans said, there are cases when homeowners want to know why the Inspectors approve it, then we did not see the flashing. Chairman Smith said, Arthur Mand these are just in-house concerns, but some may have gone to litigations, and we may have been left out.Hans mentioned about the to see for an inspection to be valid, such as flashing, nailing patterns, the shingle types, etc. Chairman having to come up with a solution is tough.ray (Randal) saidhe solution could be similar to that for roof solar-panel inspection. Documentation by drones or videos, when submitted, everything in it. Hans suggested that rid of the roofing inspection or mandate it. e look at the inspections sequence, we find that the State requires some aspect of roofing inspection at the framing stage. been inundated with phone calls and complaints about roofs, especially following the events of Hurricane Florence. Hans said that compounded with those calls, as reported by both he and Randal Gray (Randal), are the calls the department receives from a large condominium project and, with lots of emails every day.Smith said that when he goes back to his Building Code Council, he will bring up the subject matter. IDAC Council-member Stephen Beacham asked, oes the liability fall back on the county?goes under the IState certificate. It goes under the certificate, and yet DOI is asking them to do it. The only answer is pictures and -of-state contractor came in after the permit, and the builder is responsible uoted from Section 107.1.5 of the 2018 North Carolina State Building Code: Administrative Code and Policies, referencing what the code requires for inspecting at the framing stage; he thought something has to be done with that section since it mentions the flashing for roofs and chimneys, etc. Chairman Sith the county, where does it stop? Nicholas said there was one instance where the county had spent too much time on the roofing complaint and could have from a stewardship standpoint, justified paying to correct it as a workable solution. However, the county , whether frivolous or viable, since the contractor always has the responsibility. Chairman Smith hinted, and Nicholas also agreed that the county could embark on Edward said that a lot of the complaints are those where the homeowners contacted the builder and did not receive a resolution. Chairman Smith then remarked that there were instances where homeowners came to the Building Code Council meetings and presented their complaints. hey hire an engineer and take pictures. Nicholas saidoes not stop the issue; the inspections are not guarantees or warranties. The inspections are only for what the Inspector could see. And after the inspection, other damages could have occurred outside that time-window. Hans said (hypothetically)and I am a homeowner, and I get dragged into it. There were brief discussions on liabilities. Hans said the county has a long-standing policy from Risk Management to avoid climbing roofs. Arthur MWe deal with minimums, now if you are a builder and , then there are issues. (Page 5 of 10) e will gen he said, in 2012, there were details about flashings, etc., but things were left out of the 2018 codebook but would be back in as errata somedrawings showed the sheathing as flashing and created issues for some homeowners who called to complain to DOI. Chairman go back and look to see what we can do.his is what is takes to hammer at things. Chairman Smith invited Nicholas to Discussions on s teams/discussion leaders to provide direct and focused comments on each of those legislative items. Nicholas directed all present to the enumerated items attached as a second page to the Agenda Sheet, and the accompanying copy of the House Bill 675 from the General Assembly of North Carolina. Nicholas mentioned that although he previously sent a copy of House Bill 675 via email to all members of the Council, he has additional hard copies for anyone needing them for references. Nicholas also mentioned that there was a list of 11 items and thanked Cameron Moore, who wanted them placed on the agenda for discussions. Although Nicholas had previously assigned discussion leaders on each item, to help facilitate the discussions and move them along; he encouraged anyone to join in the discussions and enrich the number and content of the discussions with added comments and perspectives on each topic: When Nicholas asked if Chairman Smith was aware of the proposed legislation in House Bill 675, the Chairman commented that the Building Code Council would discuss most of the items in September 2019. Cameron Moore said that Sections 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 of House Bill 675 are effective October 1, 2019, while all the others were already in effect since July 2019. Discussions on the enumerated items were as follows: 1.Edward provided clarification. Cameron Moore said it does not apply to NHC. There are some jurisdictions in NC that approve in 2 days and some in 30 days. And so we should not look at everything as aimed at NHC. a. In one jurisdiction, for example, Plan Review took 60 days, and a permit issuance followed. Cameron Moore cautioned, ake everything with a grain of salt, and it is across the state. b. Edward said, We already do item one. Chairman hey are aware of it in Raleigh 2.Nicholas remarked that late in 2017 and early 2018, Cliff Isaac gave Nicholas and Hans a heads up and so both of them are aware of it. It is just another category of inspector type and more in line with a Level I expertise, and if implemented, we would welcome it and find what qualifications are needed to cross-train non-technical personnel to do those inspections. a. They are going to take 6-8 months to hire. b. they (DOI) will hire a teacher to go across the state c. ounty doing video inspections and spec out faster. d. Chairman Dave Scould do that with flashing 3.Nurying existing power lines or outside the minimum. a. Randal Gray said, power lines, we do not know any locations where they make people bury the power lines outside of it b. Cameron Moore said that the county or state is not the one limiting the sizes of houses. The limits on the sizes of the homes are from the realtors who are setting the market. This observation clarifies that local governments cannot set a minimum. c. Nicholas offered a building code perspective; that the minimum dimensions of the room, as provided for in the code, may evoke the builders seeking minimums to come up with a minimum overall square-footage of the house. The house could be a minimum with the minimum sized dimensions. But it would not be a restriction if an applicant decides on the desired number of rooms. Also, what the State is saying may not reflect on HOA requirements for sizes of homes in a neighborhood given that an HOA is not a local government entity. (Page 6 of 10) d. Arthur Malpass said some millennials seek new structures that are smaller in many jurisdictions. e. Cameron Moore said he is not seeing builders building a lot of two-story homes, but rather, patio home (Finished Room Over Garage) f.Commissioner Rob Zapple commenting on the minimum size on the house; commented on 8x10 minimum sizes, and that if we were to take them, would it be the size of the house. g. Cameron Moore said, they (i.e., the legislators) were saying you cannot build any higher tha and the size of But, if the lot meets the zoning requirements and zoning, then so be it. h. Commissioner Rob Zapple tiny house movement. i. Cameron Moore said Charlotte has a couple of subdivisions of the tiny houses and were not successful, and they were trying to restrict the size of it; the government should not set limits, if you meet all of the requirements for zoning, etc. The millennials are moving into tiny houses. 4.Nicholas mentioned the cost-benefit analysis required for the Energy Conservation Code. It is standard procedure on all newly adopted codes and changes, right? Chairman Smith agreed. a. Chairman Smith said the Building Code Council would do it, and some will call it done; the proposal has to go through those reviews. b. We like the second part of the section that deals with the movie industry. Nevertheless, he recalled some instances when his department got Now, he said, Fire would take the lead and inspect them. Some previous proposals had pilings in swamps safety of the users of the structures show got canceled for other reasons. c. Chairman Smith believes this provision should help out d. Nicholas said that quite often, the producers have strict timelines and sometimes delay it further, and so we like it the provision in the new legislation. Nicholas asked Edward McCaleb to point out some interesting differences between movie sets and structures constructed on-site. e. Edward McCaleb said movie sets get constructed inside a movie studio, and it would limit the buildings like the one proposed reek would be temporary. f. Nicholas asked, temporary should be temporary? g. Edward McCaleb said those constructed outside the movie studios could also be temporary. h. Nicholas said temporary structures constructed still must comply with the Building Code, as so stated in the Building Code and that the temporary nature of the structure does not exempt it from building code requirements. i. Arthur Malpass said that in Figure Eight Island, the movie producers, etc., constructed structures and later demolished them. j. Nicholas said he once had discussions with someone representing Wilmington Regional Film Commission, Inc., and learned that they just wanted to do the right thing; but were handcuffed with the building code requirements even when reviewed as a temporary structure. And that, ith this new change, all they have to expect is to request inspections from Fire, and the Fire Inspector is the one to ensure it complies with the fire code. Nicholas said he thinks the concept is similar to that of factory-built structures that, by law, do not need inspections that question the factory-assemblage of the products, but that the only verification is for location on site and any other requisite dictated by the law that allowed for their assemblage. The examples are like those with mobile homes and other modular units only inspected for tie-downs, etc., but in this case, the legislation is only requiring an on-site inspection by the Fire Inspector. Nicholas thinks the legislation assigns the proper reviewers, as it removes the Inspector from inspecting the structure for codes. There could be accidents from movie props, and the best responses would be from the natural extension of the first responders) get involved with the on-site inspections. (Page 7 of 10) k. Chairman Smith said the solution is to sit down with the representatives from the studio. l. Nicholas said the Building Safety Department did so in recent times when called upon by the representatives of the movie studios, and would continue to do so even though the responsibility for the reviews have shifted to Fire Services. m. Arthur Malpass remarked, we have a good rapport with them 5.Nicholas said, We are doing this and have temp certificates. a. Chairman Smith said that the legislation was because some jurisdictions refused temporary certificates; it is now required law for a specific spot that does not provide such services. 6.Nicholas commented briefly on contractor licenses but deferred to Chairman Smith: a. Chairman Smith said it has always been illegal and does not know the penalty. b. Cameron Moore said it ties back to the license, and your license has to have the same terminology. The license has to match up with how you are marketing yourself. Uncomfortable conversations with members, and ties to the license and education. Some folks do not have a general contractors license, and hence the homeowner may only have to pay for the required amount and nothing above the amount for which licensing is required. c. Chairman Smith said that there is page after page of contractors in front of the board d. Arthur Malpass commented, we keep Joel Macon (Field Investigator for the North Carolina Licensing Board of Contractors) busy e. Chairman Smith pointed out that builders turn in buildersaints to the board. 7.Nicholas said, we are already doing what is under this item. It is running smoothly four to seven business days. 8.Arthur Malpass commented on the Plumbing Board and how long it will be to create the classes and that once approved, the classes get ready for use.And with the minimum of a residential fire sprinkler certification, he does not see it coming into play until next year around this time. 9.Nicholas said Hans has a history of where this matter in item 9 originated from: a. Hans said, if we have framing inspections and log fifteen (15) or more deficiencies per site, we are required to submit them to Cliff Isaac, and we will extend the due date since it was a pilot program. We are compelled to do a complete inspection and send o b. Cameron Moore remarked that the builder is going to get a detailed sheet, and you will reduce your amount and get in good graces with the county. c. will extend their jobs. d. Hans said, if Inspectors find 15 items wrong, it could include strapping, etc. e. Cameron Moore asked, if they continue with the inspection, f. Hans remarked that contractors call us out to make their punch list for them g. Commissioner Rob Zapple asked, does this happen a lot? h. Cameron Moore answered, more in the state, there is one contractor who logged over 30 i. Chairman Smith hinted that there are also personality differences. j. As an example, A contractor is calling it in, and the sub is not ready. k. Cameron Moore said the (NCDOI) report is more telling. l. Chairman Smith remarked that having the eight hours of continuing education for contractors can look for and cover these problems, with documentation to support their occurrence. And as such, "the classes do not need lectures on how contractors can be better in their business." And for the examples stated, "continuing education can be good, and others can be a waste of time." m. Hans said, if we send an inspector at least 3 hours to do an inspection and the Inspector cannot complete them by 2 pm to 3 pm, then we are unable to make 12 inspections without rollovers. 10. Chairman Smith said that item 10 is on the Building Code Council Agenda for September 2019. Nicholas asked whether the part on reusable dirt, etc., was about sustainability. Chairman Smith said, contractors can use them (reusable materials). (Page 8 of 10) Nicholas summarized that Section 3 of House Bill 675 was effective July 1, 2019; others, on October 1, 2019. Chairman Smith said that Continuing Education does not start until 2020 for any classes. And that the 2020- 2021 license renewal will be during that time and as also required for the 2020-2021 license. Next, Chairman Smith invited Hans to lead.Jay Stokley (Jay) spoke about some challenges inspectors face. He stated that this was his first IDAC meeting. And that Hans asked him to come in and talk about the reoccurring issues in the field. Jay said he spoke to the Inspectors and came up with a list of items, but which do not apply to everyone: Jay said, we need the full street address on the permit box and especially in new subdivisions with parcel numbers on the houses, and we do not have lot numbers too Chairman Dave Smith asked, do you need the lot number? Arthur Mno; however, it is not on the permit Jay we need permit boxes for the plans. Jay also remarked that final is final, meaning that the inspectors deserve the courtesy of being able to inspect the final work. But sometimes, the trade inspections are incomplete, and yet all of the work for the trade finals have been done. Jay said, that is how the report on the inspection history will help the Inspectors and find where inspections are needed. We will go back and see if the trades are finaled. we have to go in attics to do our finals, and a lot of times we are not given adequate ladders with no safety features. And if it is not an approved safety ladder, we cannot use it. Jay said there are jobs not ready for an inspection, and those should not warrant an inspection request. Inspectors are requesting, please, make sure there is work already done for the requested inspection; it should not be called in only to cancel the inspection. Jay stated that some plans in the permit box are not legible and are incomplete. The roof truss diagrams are on paper sizes of 8½ inches by 11 inches, and the Inspectors are not able to see the details, and consequently be turned down. When asked what paper sizes were better, Jay said sizes of 11 inches by 17 inches are easier to see, and anything that Inspectors inspect requires that they verify the layout of the structural members and components. Jay further stated that sometimes the trim covers porch beams, and when performing framing inspections, the Inspectors are unable to see the porch that is covered up often, the Inspectors have requested the removal of trim to enable them to see what requires inspections. Jay, on safety at job sites, asked that contractors, please clean up the job sites, trip hazards, and provide adequate stairs for Inspectors to access the house. Please do what you can to mak Jay remarked that as a courtesy to help the builders along, it is okay to insulate from a framing inspection. However, it was not a pass on the framing inspection, as the Inspectors will come back and make sure there is compliance on those small items. Jay stated that there is a need to make sure the builder schedules another framing inspection after the first one. Jay then asked if there were any questions and that he was available to provide further clarification. Chairman Smith said he would like to see a list like this one from every jurisdiction in the State and turn them into a teaching tool for contractors; that, when consolidated, it could become part of the continuing education curriculum for contractors; that these are things builders need to know. Cameron Moore said he wanted to see a finalized version of Jays list that he (Cameron Moore) could put into a best practices for contractors to put into practice as it touches on efficiency on the job for Inspectors for example, the 11 inches by 17 inches, paper for truss diagrams. Chairman Smith made some supporting remarks. Cameron Moore said it would place more efficiency on the side of the contractors and help Inspectors perform inspections faster for the contractors. Jay turning down inspections, but sometimes, he does it for every fifteen (15) inspections, and with a few more when with more than 15 inspections all in answer to a prior inquiry by Commissioner Zapple. There were general discussions a rhetorical question, do you count one missing anchor bolt as one item or five missing anchor bolts as five items (Page 9 of 10) Nexton the Agenda, undeChairman Smith Cameron Moore said, is still ongoing, that there will be a large conference next Thursday to roll it out. Cameron predicted that by January 2020, contractors will have a hard time finding education and that the licensing board will not have everything in place, with classes rolled out in spring to the end of next summer. Cameron hinted that he was working on Chairman Smith to be the instructor and have a coastal construction class still a work in progress(Cameron Moore) will know by . When asked about license renewal, Chairman Smith interjected that the paperwork would need to be submitted by whoever the qualifier is, etc. Cameron Moore gave examples of scenarios of how a class provider could provide the classes and the administrative follow-ups required for the Licensing board to know of those who participated in the class. Chairman Smith said there would be needful payment for a certain amount of money. Contractors will need to have a certain amount and have met the requirements. $25.00 per hour per student and required 8 hours? And some in the audience mentioned the possibilities of incurring other additional amounts of costs. Cameron Moore said he would know more details after next Thursday. And as Commissioner Zapple sought for further clarifications on costs, etc., and with others asking questions, Chairman (Licensing) Board may charge a non-refundable fee not to exceed $25 per credit And the class provider will have to send the qualifications to the licensing board, and may have to allow the licensing board to charge $4.00 or $8.00 per seat you have to send it to them. Cameron Moore, concerning the HBA, e will take care of our members; everyone will have to take care of it. There was a remark in the audience that the new rule would probably raise memberships. Chairman but the hoops have not yet been established to make this work itself out. Arthur Malpass (Arthur) said, the same scenario becoming providers for standard courses for plumbing and mechanical trades, but things drifted off in left-field. We chose, a few years ago, to become pthe program first needed State certification and approvals for the proposed courses. have done that. Chairman Smith remarked that such an undertaking would be an expensive proposition. Cameron Moore asked about the date for the next IDAC Meeting. Nicholas said it would be in the early part of October. Cameron Moore stated that by then, he would have some more information about the subject matter on training. Nt the Board of Commissioners would be reappointing some current IDAC members to the Council for another term. Nicholas said that the first County Commissioners Board meeting in September would include appointments to IDAC. There will be a new IDAC vacancy for an Electrical Contractor. Nicholas said Bill Loeber had expressed interest in the Electrical Contractor spot vacated by Ron Allen and would contact the County C. As for Ron Allen, with RK Electric, Sean Beacham said he hadm in two years. And with no more matters to discuss, Chairman Smith made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Pete provided the needed second, and the meeting ended at about 5:15 pm. Submitted by: Nicholas Gadzekpo, Building Safety Director New Hanover County (Page 10 of 10)