HomeMy WebLinkAboutIDAC May 14 2024 MinutesNew Hanover County Inspections Department Advisory Council (IDAC)
Meeting Notice and Proposed Agenda
Regular Meeting of 2024
Tuesday, May 14th, 2024, at 2:30 pm
New Hanover County Government Center
230 Government Center Drive Room 137
Presiding: Chairperson-Pete Avery
I. WELCOME COMMENTS & ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM
Hans Schult established that the meeting would not be a quorum due to the presence of three
board members.
II. INTRODUCTIONS (FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PUBLIC)
Hans did introductions.
III. PRESENTATIONS
a. Townhouses/Duplexes/Condos
• Hans presented Townhouses, Duplexes, and Condos.
Definitions and Building Types:
Townhouses:
• Definition: Townhouses are defined by the presence of two or more units
connected with a property line in the middle and open space on two sides (side,
front, or back). The change from requiring three units to two reflects an adjustment
in building and zoning practices. This definition helps clarify submissions and
ensures proper classification for regulatory purposes.
• Site Plan Requirements:
o The site plan must clearly show the property line dividing the units.
o Each unit must have designated open spaces, such as yards or gardens.
o The plan should demonstrate that each unit fits within the designated lot
boundaries and adheres to fire rating requirements if units are closer than
three feet apart.
o Fire ratings for walls, especially when units are closer than three feet apart,
must be specified to ensure safety compliance.
Duplexes:
• Definition: Duplexes consist of two units on a single property without a dividing
property line between them. They have a fire wall between units to meet safety
regulations.
• Site Plan Requirements:
o The entire property must be outlined, showing the boundary around both
units.
o The fire wall must be indicated, meeting safety standards for residential
buildings.
o Proper classification is crucial to avoid confusion with townhouses.
Condominiums:
• Condominiums are regulated by the Commercial Code and must adhere to stricter
standards, including ADA compliance and sprinkler systems. Unlike townhouses
and duplexes, condominiums are classified similarly to apartments under the R2
designation.
• Regulatory Implications: Submissions for condominiums must follow commercial
building regulations, which can affect aspects like accessibility and fire safety. This
distinction is important for ensuring that plans meet all necessary codes.
• Submission and Compliance:
o Plans must include accessibility features, such as ramps and wider
doorways, to meet ADA standards.
o Fire safety measures, including sprinkler systems, must be incorporated.
Plan Review and Submission Requirements:
• The discussion emphasized the importance of accurate site plans to avoid delays in the
review process. Incorrectly labeled or improperly prepared plans (e.g., labeling a duplex
as a townhouse) can result in rejections and prolonged approval times.
• Key Points for Submission:
o Clearly show property lines and open spaces as required.
o Ensure that all necessary fire rating and safety measures are included.
o Use correct classifications to align with regulatory codes (residential vs.
commercial).
• Common Issues:
o Mislabeling and improper setup of plans can cause significant delays. For
example, labeling a duplex as a townhouse can lead to rejections and
resubmissions.
• Correct Submissions:
o Ensure the site plan clearly indicates the type of building and complies with
respective codes.
o Detailed plans should include all required safety measures, property lines, and
open spaces.
b. Permitting Metrics, Resubmittals, What we are working on
• JD Limberger presented on the Permitting Department.
Performance Goals and Achievements:
Communication and Inbound Calls:
• Goal: Reduce inbound calls by 10% each year for five years by improving
communication and proactive customer service.
• Achievements:
o A 36% reduction in inbound calls was achieved over the first three
quarters, exceeding the annual goal. This reduction was due to better
communication strategies, proactive updates to applicants, and improved
customer service training.
Permit Processing Time:
• Goal: Process all permits within two business days.
• Progress:
o Initial processing time was 3.25 days, reduced to about 1.3 days over
several quarters. This improvement was achieved through streamlined
workflows and better tracking systems.
• Impact: Faster processing times allow for quicker project initiations and less
waiting for applicants.
Quality Control:
• Importance: Ensuring accurate permit setup is crucial for preventing delays and
ensuring compliance.
• Performance Metrics:
o Quality control was initially at 80%, improving to 90% by the end of March.
This metric is monitored through reviews by managers and supervisors.
• Improvement Measures: The department introduced standardized procedures,
checklists, and regular training for staff to maintain high accuracy in permit setups.
Challenges and Internal Improvements:
Internal Processing Delays:
• Identified Issues: Delays were often due to incomplete applications or internal
errors.
• Solutions:
o Implemented stricter quality control measures to catch errors early.
o Enhanced training for staff to ensure efficient and accurate processing.
o Provided clearer guidelines and documentation to applicants to reduce
errors in submissions.
Staffing and Resources:
• Bottlenecks: Plan review was a significant bottleneck in the process.
• Resource Allocation: The department received approval for additional staffing to
handle the increased workload.
• Future Plans: New staff will be trained to specialize in specific aspects of the plan
review process, improving overall efficiency.
Quality Control Metrics:
• Review Process: Managers and supervisors conduct thorough reviews of each
application for completeness and accuracy.
• Performance Improvements: Quality control improved from 80% to 90% over nine
months.
• Focus on Accuracy: High accuracy in permit setup prevents delays and ensures
customer satisfaction. Quality control is considered the most important metric, even
more so than speed.
Future Outlook and Goals:
Goals:
• Permit Processing: Maintain and achieve the goal of processing all permits within
two business days consistently by the end of the fiscal year.
• Quality Control: Continue to improve the accuracy of permit setups, aiming for
near-perfect quality control metrics.
• Staffing: Utilize additional staff to alleviate bottlenecks and sustain improvements.
Continued Improvements:
• Proactive Communication: Continue reducing inbound calls by enhancing online resources
and providing timely updates to applicants.
• Efficiency and Accuracy: Focus on both speed and accuracy to provide high-quality service.
Appreciation:
• The team's efforts and the significant improvements made and recognized.
• Acknowledgment: The team's hard work has resulted in better efficiency and service
quality, reflecting a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Future Vision: The department aims to build on these achievements, ensuring the
community receives prompt and accurate service.
c. Two-family Pool Permitting Requirements (Commercial)
• Edward McCaleb presented the changes in the building code and requirements.
Changes to Building Code
Old vs. New Interpretation:
• The previous North Carolina Building Code interpretation required separate lots for
each single-family residence or duplex. The updated code now allows for multiple
single-family residences or duplexes on a single lot without necessitating
subdivision, provided specific fire safety and construction requirements are met.
Residential and Commercial Code Integration:
• The changes integrate elements from both the residential and commercial codes.
Specifically, the construction of these residences must adhere to residential
building standards, while fire separation requirements are taken from the
commercial code.
Fire Separation and Sprinkler Requirements
Fire Separation:
• For buildings with a fire separation distance of five feet or less, a one-hour fire
resistance rating is mandatory. For distances greater than five feet, a zero-hour fire
resistance rating suffices. These standards help ensure safety and reduce the risk of
fire spread between closely spaced buildings.
Sprinkler System Requirements:
• The new code removes the mandatory requirement for automatic sprinkler
systems in detached one and two-family dwellings that are not more than three
stories high, given they meet specific criteria. This reduces construction costs and
complexity for developers.
• The document mentions Section 903 of the building code, which previously
required automatic sprinklers in all buildings with a group R fire area. The
exceptions now include detached one and two-family dwellings, provided they
have separate means of egress and comply with fire-resistant wall specifications.
Implications of Changes
Cost and Development:
• The removal of the need for lot subdivision and sprinkler systems significantly
lowers development costs. This change makes it easier and more economical for
developers to build multiple residences on a single property.
• Developers previously faced substantial expenses either from installing sprinklers
or subdividing lots to meet the old code requirements. These regulatory changes
simplify the process and make larger, multi-unit developments more feasible.
Case Example:
• An example mentioned is Queen and 16th, where a developer initially had to
subdivide the lot and install sprinklers, but under the new code, such measures
would no longer be necessary.
Community and Developer Concerns
Increased Density and Neighborhood Impact:
• A significant concern discussed is the potential for increased density in established
neighborhoods. This could alter the character and infrastructure demands of these
areas.
• There is worry about the potential negative impact on the existing neighborhoods
as developers might buy adjacent lots, demolish existing homes, and construct
multiple new residences or townhomes, thereby increasing density and possibly
straining local resources and altering neighborhood aesthetics.
Zoning and Planning Challenges:
• The changes present challenges in zoning and planning, particularly in balancing increased
density with the preservation of neighborhood integrity. Established neighborhoods might
face pressure as developers take advantage of the new rules to maximize property usage.
• Specific zoning definitions and regulations will need to adapt to address scenarios where
multiple single-family residences or duplexes are constructed on single lots, especially in
stable, established areas.
Future Trends and Scenarios:
• The discussion anticipates scenarios such as developers creating higher density subdivisions
in place of traditional single-family lots, leading to more compact and efficient land use.
• There is also mention of related trends, such as tiny houses and environmental
considerations, which could influence future development patterns and regulatory
updates.
Conclusion
• The information reflects the ongoing transition in building regulations that aim to
facilitate development while ensuring safety and fire protection standards.
• These changes are expected to significantly impact development strategies, cost
structures, and neighborhood compositions.
• The conversation highlights the need for careful planning and community
engagement to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the new
building code regulations.
IV. ACTION ITEMS
a. New Code Amendments/ Laws Meeting
b. Approval of Minutes
• Approval of the September 2023 minutes does not occur due to lack of quorum.
Approval via email is suggested.
c. Establishing Date of Next Meeting
• August 13th from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m at the Government Center.
V. ANY INFORMATIONAL UPDATES TO SHARE?
a. What’s new from CFPUA?
• Jeff Theberge not in attendance, no updates from CFPUA.
b. New Code Amendments/ Laws Meeting
• Introduction of the New Code
New Building Code:
• Discussion of the introduction of a new building code took place.
• It is a significant step in ensuring that the construction and operational
standards for buildings are updated to reflect current best practices.
• This new code incorporates more comprehensive regulations and guidelines,
which may include stricter safety measures, environmental considerations, and
improved accessibility standards.
• The discussion highlighted the need for businesses to understand and
implement these new requirements promptly to remain compliant and avoid
any legal or operational disruptions.
• Discussion of RTQ Bills
RTQ Bills Impact:
• It was discussed that the RTQ (Ready to Qualify) bills are new legislative
proposals designed to streamline the qualification process for building projects.
• These bills could introduce changes such as expedited permit approvals, new
criteria for project eligibility, and revised inspection protocols.
• The meeting underscores the importance of thoroughly reviewing these bills to
grasp their full implications on the existing building code.
• The participants plan to hold a follow-up session to dissect each bill in detail,
ensuring that all stakeholders are prepared for the upcoming changes.
c. Updates from Ad Hoc/Building Code Council?
• Discussion of Scheduling and Coordination Issues
Logistical Challenges:
• Scheduling meetings and coordinating inspections are recurrent challenges
faced by the team.
• The participants discuss the difficulties in finding suitable times for all
stakeholders, given their diverse schedules.
• The discussion points are for the need for better organizational tools or perhaps
a dedicated coordinator to manage the logistics.
• Efficient scheduling is crucial for maintaining project timelines and ensuring that
all regulatory inspections and approvals are completed without delay.
• The SEA-Tech High School Constructions Trades Building Project
Vocational Education and Workforce Integration
Importance of Vocational Training:
• Vocational education was emphasized as a critical component of the
overall educational landscape.
• The project aims to equip students with the skills necessary to enter
the workforce immediately upon graduation.
• The integration of vocational training with traditional academic
programs allows students to pursue a well-rounded education,
participating in sports and other activities while also gaining valuable
trade skills.
• This dual approach ensures that students are not only academically
prepared but also possess practical skills that are in high demand in
the job market.
Transition to Workforce:
• The discussion highlighted the success of programs that allow
students to transition smoothly from school to work.
• By providing hands-on training and real-world experience, these
programs help students build a strong foundation in their chosen
trades.
• The participants discuss the potential for expanding such programs
and ensuring that more students have access to these opportunities.
Community Involvement and Infrastructure Development
Community Engagement:
• The discussions stressed the importance of involving the
community in upcoming development projects.
• Engaging with local residents and stakeholders ensures that
the projects align with the community's needs and priorities.
• The discussion points to the need for public forums, surveys,
and other means of gathering input from the community to
guide project planning and execution.
Northern County Development:
• The northern part of the county is identified as a prime area
for future development.
• Plans include significant infrastructure projects, such as the
construction of water and sewer systems, which are essential
for supporting new housing developments and commercial
projects.
• The participants discuss the potential for these projects to
drive growth and improve the quality of life in the area.
• They emphasize the need for careful planning and sustainable
practices to ensure that development benefits the
community without causing undue strain on resources or the
environment.
Call for Further Engagement:
• The meeting concluded with a call for ongoing community engagement and
feedback.
• The participants express a commitment to creating a collaborative environment
where stakeholders can share their views and contribute to the success of
development projects.
• The goal is to ensure that all voices are heard and that the projects meet the needs
of the community.
VI. ADJOURNMENT – 2:30 PM