Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto wants to transform the city Bureau of Building Inspection into a new Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections.
The intention of this effort is to streamline the department and make issuing permits and code enforcement more effective. Under the plan, the city’s Urban Redevelopment Authority, planning, zoning, building inspection bureau, and the housing authority would work together more cohesively, according to a spokesman for the mayor. The proposal would also impose a new rental registration program and fee targeted at keeping better track of problem landlords.
In a related development, Pittsburgh is attempting to overhaul a dated approach to land use and management. The city, working with a land bank approved by the city council earlier this year, wants to create a new and more efficient entity to hold and return vacant, derelict, and tax-delinquent property to productive to use.
“It’s ultimately about rebuilding neighborhoods,” the mayor’s chief of staff told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 27, 2017
Bills in Maryland Legislature would restrict use of wood in multifamily construction
American Wood Council and design and construction professionals are speaking out against the measure.
Codes and Standards | Mar 23, 2017
New manual of IT connectivity guidelines for commercial developments, redevelopments released
Mobile capacity planning, conduit points of entry, and electrical resiliency are covered.
Codes and Standards | Mar 22, 2017
Brick Industry Assn. study finds brick buildings cost less than precast, metal, and glass
The study compares costs in five categories of construction.
Codes and Standards | Mar 21, 2017
Calif. shopping center is first to earn BREEAM USA In-Use certification
The certification measures and monitors environmental performance of existing buildings.
Codes and Standards | Mar 20, 2017
Professional liability insurance rates for architects and engineers expected to be stable in 2017
Premiums leveled off in 2015, and claims have been stable, helping to hold costs down.
Codes and Standards | Mar 15, 2017
Energy Star program at risk
The standard-setting initiative for energy-efficient products may be a victim of Trump budget cuts.
Codes and Standards | Mar 14, 2017
Timber Innovation Act to promote tall wood buildings introduced in Congress
The measure has bipartisan support.
Codes and Standards | Mar 13, 2017
U.S. House and Senate have voted to repeal Dept. of Labor’s 'blacklisting' rule
The rule mandates labor compliance review for federal construction contractors.
Codes and Standards | Mar 9, 2017
WiredScore forms Connectivity Advisory Committee
The committee's creation is an important step forward for the group that evaluates internet connectivity in buildings.
Codes and Standards | Mar 8, 2017
New guide examines multifamily high-performance ventilation
The focus is on cost and performance of various systems.