A new law in Tennessee allows developers to hire their own building inspectors to check for environmental, safety, and construction violations.
The law is intended to streamline the building process, particularly in rapidly growing communities. Privatizing inspections allows developers to bypass city codes departments and Tennessee’s Fire Marshal’s Office. The new law also allows builders to hire their own wetlands consultants to conduct reviews of permits if delays by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation exceed 30 days.
Critics charge that privatization has the potential to overlook key safety and building standards. Paid by the builder, the third-party inspector has incentive to ignore code violations, they say.
The new law requires city or state officials to review permits and inspections submitted by private contractors, but how those paper reviews will take place has not been determined. A conflict-of-interest provision prohibits anyone with a business or familial relationship with a contractor to perform the reviews.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 6, 2020
States pick up the slack in efficiency policy as federal government lags
With climate change deniers setting policy in Trump Administration, progress continues in statehouses.
Codes and Standards | Jan 6, 2020
OSHA plans multiple revisions to rules impacting construction industry in 2020
Cranes and derricks, welding in confined spaces, beryllium exposure, and more on docket.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2020
Labor supply and capability of workers worry contractors
Three out of four firms plan to add workers in 2020.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2020
Car-free streets could become common in major cities
New York and San Francisco establish thoroughfares dedicated to transit, pedestrians.
Codes and Standards | Jan 2, 2020
CRE professionals have increased interest in embodied carbon accounting, smart buildings
Survey also shows that interest in resiliency lags behind.
Codes and Standards | Jan 2, 2020
White paper focuses on Metal Composite Material labeling
Document part of effort to uphold industry standards for the product.
Codes and Standards | Dec 18, 2019
Hard Rock Hotel collapse in New Orleans puts spotlight on undocumented workers
Having helped rebuild the city after Hurricane Katrina, many under threat of deportation.
Codes and Standards | Dec 18, 2019
Maryland lawmakers take on blocked sidewalks during construction projects
Legislation clarifies developers’ responsibilities.
Codes and Standards | Dec 18, 2019
New York City passes legislation to prevent bird strikes on buildings
Requires bird-safe materials on first 75 feet of a structure.
Codes and Standards | Dec 16, 2019
New Buildings Institute seeks entries for Zero Buildings Database
Listing illustrates feasibility of ultra low-energy buildings.
