Conventionally, local governments implement and enforce building codes through a building or development services department, staffed by government employees. However, as municipal budgets shrink and construction volumes become more unpredictable, jurisdictions have found it difficult to maintain this enforcement structure while ensuring the same level of quality, timeliness, and customer service.
One solution is to utilize a third-party code enforcement program. A private sector company would then verify compliance with buildings codes on behalf of the government regulatory agency.
This report includes an overview of a comprehensive third-party program and recommendations for establishing such a model. It also features jurisdictions with successful third-party enforcement programs, as well as companies that provide building department services across the U.S.
