2018 City of Shakopee Budget

87

Budget Impact: The Building Inspection Division’s priority is to ensure that customers, whether homeowners or developers, receive a project that meets industry standards and provides a safe environment to live, work or shop in. This includes inspecting everything from a million-square-foot warehouse to a backyard deck. Inspections require a lot of time in the field, and like the mailman, we deliver that service in heat, rain, sleet or snow. With more than 3,300 permits in 2017, inspectors carried out more than 5,500 inspections. As construction and codes get more complicated, the city has been looking at ways to give inspectors more time in the field and allow customers the ability to apply for permits at any time. This past year, we implemented ProjectDox and ePermits. These programs allow applicants to apply and pay for a permit online and to submit drawings electronically 24 hours a day. In 2017, we created a new permit coordinator position, which processed more than 1,700 ePermits and served as customers’ single point of contact for permit information. This software also allows permit status and comments to be available in real time to applicants, reducing permit review times and allowing applicants to make any necessary changes and resubmit for a faster turnaround. In late 2017, the building inspectors also began inspecting landscaping on development projects. This is to make sure that plant materials are properly placed and planted and that damaged or dead materials are replaced prior to the warranty period. In 2018, we will be implementing online inspections and electronic field inspections. This will allow inspectors to access electronic drawings in the field along with notes and comments. City staff will be able to complete inspections in real time, allowing more time in the field. We will also be implementing a completely paperless application system. Customers at the city hall counter will be able to enter permits directly into our system.

EMPLOYEES

PERCENT OF GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES

5.1

5.1

5.1

5

Building Inspections 3.0%

Actual 2015 Actual 2016 Budget 2017 Budget 2018

Number of Employees (FTEs)