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Morgan Hill, California
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Zucker Systems
Assuming that this inspector will be able to perform these duties and still manage a
half-day workload performing building inspections may be overly optimistic. It
should also be noted that the City is experiencing an increase in the volume of
commercial and industrial permit activity. These types of projects generate a much
greater demand for Fire Plan Review and Inspection services. The Building Official
should closely monitor the workload of the new Fire Plans Examiner/Inspector to
insure that adequate time is being allocated to perform the full scope of these new
responsibilities. It is likely that ta certain amount of building inspections anticipated
to still be performed by this Fire Inspector would need to be reassigned to existing
staff or new contract staff.
56.
Recommendation:
The Building Official should closely monitor the
workload of the new Fire Plans Examiner/Inspector position to insure that
any assigned building inspections do not inhibit the Inspector’s ability to
performing his primary Fire related duties.
Training
Unlike many other municipal services, the building, fire and other related codes
adopted by the State and local jurisdiction change frequently, which requires the
Building Official to apply constant vigilance to ensure that the most current adopted
code provisions are being properly enforced. One of the methods to obtain the needed
training on these new codes is through attendance at outside training classes.
Technical code classes are made available locally by such organizations as
International Code Council (ICC), California Building Officials Association
(CALBO), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and the International
Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). The City of Morgan
Hill and the State of California have established minimum certification requirements
for the Building Official, Building Inspectors, Fire Inspectors and Plans Examiners.
These requirements have been incorporated into the Job Descriptions for these
positions in the Building Division. Maintaining certifications generally requires
obtaining a prescribed number of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every few
years. If budget is not available for travel, many of these classes are available on-line
from these same organizations. It is appropriate that the City continue to pay for
attendance at outside training classes and reimburse staff for the cost of processing
their ICC Certification renewals.
57.
Recommendation:
The City should continue to financially support
attendance at local and State code training classes for all members of the
inspection, plans review and permit counter staff.
58.
Recommendation:
The City should continue to cover the cost of ICC
Certification renewals.