The International Code Council conducted a follow up survey of building and fire departments to learn how code officials are coping with the professional challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. From August 11 through September 3, 2020, more than 800 respondents from all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia provided input. Respondents came from states as well as and local jurisdictions that range in size from 700 people to 4 million.
This survey builds on the results of a prior survey, undertaken in April when states were beginning to issue stay-at-home orders, to determine how departments have responded in the interim and how they are keeping up with new building permits and new construction during the pandemic months.
The results underscore the importance of additional federal resources for code departments. Although the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has determined the work of building and fire prevention departments to be essential to the nation’s response to the coronavirus pandemic—and no state has made a contrary determination—about half of survey respondents did not have the capability to remotely carry out critical aspects of their work. That’s an improvement from 6 in 10 in April, but still unacceptable given code departments’ vital role in communities' pandemic response, resilience, economic recovery and long-term success.
With many state and local governments facing severe revenue downturns resulting from the coronavirus pandemic, more than 4 in 10 respondents reported budget cuts this year, while a little less than half are expecting budget cuts next year. Only 1 in 10 respondents were able to access the $150 billion Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) that the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act, H.R. 748), provided to aid state, local, tribal, and territorial governments in response to this public health emergency.
Nearly all departments surveyed are performing inspections (98% now versus 93% in April) while nearly half still have key staff working remotely (47% now versus 66% in April). The results show small improvements in e-permitting (28% lacking that capability now versus 30% in April) and plan review capabilities (39% lacking that capability now versus 41% in April), with greater improvements in access to code materials (16% lacking access now versus 25% in April) and remote virtual inspections (50% lacking that capability now versus 61% in April). Local laws and departmental practices can restrict the use of virtual capabilities. Of the respondents that did not have e-permitting capability, or that had software that did not address all aspects of e-permitting, a little less than half pointed to policies that prohibit implementation of a more comprehensive solution with just less than 4 in 10 pointing to a requirement for submittal of hard copy plans.
“The results of this survey show how, in less five months, the Code Council’s governmental members have worked to ensure their departments can continue to protect public safety and spur economic activity in a virtual work environment,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. “But too many departments have outstanding needs. It’s critical that sufficient resources to support building and fire prevention departments are provided by state and local governments through existing CARES Act funds and by the federal government through any subsequent economic stimulus package.”
In the coming weeks, the Code Council will produce a more detailed report on the survey’s findings, summarizing recommended best practices for remote work and policy considerations to facilitate the implementation of virtual solutions.
Related Stories
Market Data | Apr 30, 2018
Outlook mixed for renewable energy installations in Middle East and Africa region
Several major MEA countries are actively supporting the growth of renewable energy.
Market Data | Apr 12, 2018
Construction costs climb in March as wide range of input costs jump
Association officials urge Trump administration, congress to fund infrastructure adequately as better way to stimulate demand than tariffs that impose steep costs on contractors and project owners.
Market Data | Apr 9, 2018
Construction employers add 228,000 jobs over the year despite dip in March
Average hourly earnings increase to $29.43 in construction, topping private sector by nearly 10%; Association officials urge updating and better funding programs to train workers for construction jobs.
Market Data | Apr 4, 2018
Construction employment increases in 257 metro areas between February 2017 & 2018 as construction firms continue to expand amid strong demand
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, Calif. and Merced, Calif. experience largest year-over-year gains; Baton Rouge, La. and Auburn-Opelika, Ala. have biggest annual declines in construction employment.
Market Data | Apr 2, 2018
Construction spending in February inches up from January
Association officials urge federal, state and local officials to work quickly to put recently enacted funding increases to work to improve aging and over-burdened infrastructure, offset public-sector spending drops.
Market Data | Mar 29, 2018
AIA and the University of Minnesota partner to develop Guides for Equitable Practice
The Guides for Equitable Practice will be developed and implemented in three phase.
Market Data | Mar 22, 2018
Architecture billings continue to hold positive in 2018
Billings particularly strong at firms in the West and Midwest regions.
Market Data | Mar 21, 2018
Construction employment increases in 248 metro areas as new metal tariffs threaten future sector job gains
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, Calif., and Merced, Calif., experience largest year-over-year gains; Baton Rouge, La., and Auburn-Opelika, Ala., have biggest annual declines in construction employment.
Market Data | Mar 19, 2018
ABC's Construction Backlog Indicator hits a new high: 2018 poised to be a very strong year for construction spending
CBI is up by 1.36 months, or 16.3%, on a year-over-year basis.
Market Data | Mar 15, 2018
ABC: Construction materials prices continue to expand briskly in February
Compared to February 2017, prices are up 5.2%.