2018 Building Department Annual Report

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FY 2018 Commissioner's Report SUCCESSES 2018 was the best revenue year in the history of the department. This was due to a transition to tech-based personnel,continued demand for quality building inspection services,and better tracking and use of expenditures. We issued 9,350 building permits,performed 13,231 inspections and traveled 126,338.2 miles in serving the residents of St.Joseph County and the City of South Bend. Additionally,we performed 279 Plan Reviews,460 Design Reviews and processed our measured building permits in an amazing average of 2 minutes and 24 seconds. Certification is a measure of quality and professionalism in the building industry. One of our inspectors became certified in Commercial Plumbing Plan Review while our front office attended PEAK Process Innovation Workshop and the Women's Leadership Conference. We will continue to encourage additional training and certification for everyone in the office. FORECAST ISSUES— MOVING AHEAD We predict 2019 to be a repeat of the previous three years-unprecedented building development and growth. The local market for new building,additions and improvements should continue unabated. Our biggest challenge will be trying to find qualified additions to the Department. The pulse of the current market is such that we are competing with high-paying industry positions. People who might be otherwise available have been enticed to be active participants in the marketplace. LOOKING AHEAD We are currently looking into programs that will encourage the next generation of Inspector; Processing and Supervising Personnel in the Building Department. As the current generation rotates out of the work force it is our duty to make sure that the baton for professional inspections is handed off seamlessly. We want to make sure that the Building Department continues with an atmosphere of Excellence,Accountability, Innovation,Inclusion and Empowerment. Charles C.Bulot,C.B.O.,C.F.M. Building Commissioner 1