Over the last four months, LUESA/Code Enforcement has monitored design and construction activity, noting the following trends:
- Permits issued are up at least 7% above the same time period in FY12
- Inspection service demand is up more than 15% above same time in FY12
- Commercial plan review applications include more large projects, driving the demand for plan review hours up 35% above the same time in FY12.
The Board appropriated $263,265 in available revenue to add four inspector level III positions, designated to focus on the Inspection by Appointment program and $912,235 in available permit revenues to add 14 positions to hire nine inspectors, two supervisors, two plan examiners and one plan review facilitator to address the increase in customer service demand.
The Code Enforcement Division of LUESA (Land Use and Environmental Services Agency) is operated to a large degree on fees paid by architects, designers, engineers and construction firms. During the great recession, Code Enforcement was forced to reduce its staff because of inactivity in construction. The request to add staff is supported by the Building Development Commission which provides industry oversight for Code Enforcement.