Building Permits and Inspections

This division is responsible under the Uniform Statewide Building Code to enforce the Building and Fire 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 from structural failure, accidental fire and other hazards.

The principle purpose of the division is to assure standards of health, safety and welfare of the general public are met within buildings and structures.  

The division is also charged with

•  assuring the appropriate and required accessibility guidelines are met.

• determining the qualifications of applicants for permits

• reviewing all construction activity to ensure compliance with the USBC and the supporting codes: International Residential Code, International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code, International & National Electric Code, and the local zoning code.

The division in addition to review of applicants and plans also performs various field inspections.  These include:

• performing onsite inspections to assure compliance with all new construction regulations

• inspecting existing commercial buildings when applications are made for business licenses and/or changes of use.

• performing annual inspections on all elevators and amusement rides to ensure public safety

• performing electrical inspections on structures that are vacated a minimum of thirty days

To assist the other divisions within the department:

• assist when called on for damage assessment

• respond to fire or other emergencies where the integrity of the building is in question

• provide technical assistance

• determine the occupant load and use of buildings

Finally staff assists the public by:

• verifying applicants for tradesman certification

• verifying state as well as city licenses

• provides technical assistance to private architects, engineer, contractors and homeowners.