White County considering the creation of a commercial building codes department to establish construction standards and oversight for new businesses in unincorporated areas.
White County Executive Kyle Goff said the county currently has little involvement in the construction process when a new business locates in those areas. The proposal would build upon the county’s residential codes program, which was established within the last three years.
“So one, it’s safety,” Goff said, “We can ensure that the buildings being built in the county are safe, sustainable, and structurally sound, but then there’s also the revenue component of that for the permits that are being picked up.”
Goff said under state law, White County has the authority to adopt construction standards and assume responsibility for inspections. Goff said some state permits are already required for commercial construction, but those requirements do not cover every aspect of every project.
“Most counties that have residential codes, they will also have commercial codes that work in conjunction with that, so I think this is just kind of looking at it for the next phase of what we’re doing in White County with the growth that we’re seeing,” Goff said.
Based on the county’s current level of commercial development, the proposed department could operate with a single staff member. Goff said he is now researching which standards should be adopted, including possible fire, mechanical, energy conservation, and fuel and gas codes.
“We wouldn’t reinvent the wheel, and more research which counties are doing this successfully and try to look at what they’re doing,” Goff said.
Goff said the county is also examining how inspection services could be provided. Options include hiring a licensed inspector, contracting with a third-party service, or reaching an interlocal agreement with another municipality. With only one position expected to be necessary, permit revenue could potentially offset the department’s operating expenses.
“I think in the long run, it would just ensure safer, more sustainable buildings that are going up,” Goff said.
Goff said he hopes to complete the research and present recommendations to the full legislative body next week.
