Most of the nation’s building code officials are within a decade or so of retirement, and many do not have understudies in place to step into the role when they call it quits.
This is a looming crisis for the real estate development and construction sector of the economy. According to a survey by the International Code Council (ICC), 80% of inspectors plan to retire within 15 years, and 30% plan to leave the profession within five years.
In years past, cities and towns tended to hire younger people who worked with experienced professionals and were able to bolster their education on the job. That practice changed, however, during and after the recession of 2008-2009 when communities laid off workers and in many cases haven’t replaced junior code inspectors that were let go.
The ICC is working to avoid an inspector shortage with programs such as one that teaches students in technical high schools how to navigate building codes. The goal is to improve code compliance and highlight the possibility of tradespeople moving to codes roles.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Feb 22, 2018
GBCI will certify underwriting standard for energy efficiency projects
Investor Ready Energy Efficiency (IREE) certification aims to boost confidence in predicted energy and financial savings.
Codes and Standards | Feb 21, 2018
FEMA document provides simplified seismic design provisions for low-hazard regions
Forty four states have areas defined as low-hazard.
Codes and Standards | Feb 20, 2018
Federal budget includes disaster mitigation provisions
Bipartisan bill encourages states to adopt latest building codes.
Codes and Standards | Feb 19, 2018
Easy access to indoor environment controls yields improved efficiency and workplace productivity
JLL/Purdue University project is developing algorithms to improve indoor comfort.
Codes and Standards | Feb 14, 2018
After Energy Star stopped certifying medical properties, a REIT developed its own certification
Welltower uses internal system to evaluate total building performance.
Codes and Standards | Feb 13, 2018
Rezoning, innovative investor enabling development of a “metroburb” in New Jersey
Indoor mixed-use “Main Street” blossoms in giant former Bell Labs building.
Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2018
Publication provides insight into managing risk of wind-borne debris damage
Explains how models and data are used to assess the risk of structural damage.
Codes and Standards | Feb 8, 2018
EPA’s Water of the U.S. rule delayed for two years while repeal sought
Controversial Obama-era regulation may never be implemented.
Codes and Standards | Feb 5, 2018
Astrophysicist turns his skills toward identifying and predicting location of vacant buildings
Project could help Baltimore and other cities redevelop blighted properties.
Codes and Standards | Feb 5, 2018
Denver’s new green roof mandate raises implementation policies
Voter initiative left many details undecided.
