Most of the nation’s building code officials are within a decade or so of retirement, and many do not have understudies in place to step into the role when they call it quits.
This is a looming crisis for the real estate development and construction sector of the economy. According to a survey by the International Code Council (ICC), 80% of inspectors plan to retire within 15 years, and 30% plan to leave the profession within five years.
In years past, cities and towns tended to hire younger people who worked with experienced professionals and were able to bolster their education on the job. That practice changed, however, during and after the recession of 2008-2009 when communities laid off workers and in many cases haven’t replaced junior code inspectors that were let go.
The ICC is working to avoid an inspector shortage with programs such as one that teaches students in technical high schools how to navigate building codes. The goal is to improve code compliance and highlight the possibility of tradespeople moving to codes roles.
Related Stories
Green | Jul 6, 2016
U.S. healthcare system’s GHG emissions rise 30% in past decade
If U.S. healthcare were a country, it would rank 13th in GHG emissions.
Codes and Standards | Jul 5, 2016
State legislature fails to pass law to extend design-build for New York City projects
Would have allowed five city agencies to use alternate delivery method.
Energy | Jun 30, 2016
Energy Department partnership with CoStar Group will study sustainability impact on property valuation
Database will offer rich data set on energy-efficient buildings in the U.S.
Contractors | Jun 30, 2016
Chicago contractor found guilty of fraud on city’s requirement on minority-owned businesses
Alleged to have been sham business in bid to win city public works contract.
Codes and Standards | Jun 29, 2016
OSHA starts evaluation of construction industry noise standards
New studies indicate significant number of construction workers suffer hearing loss.
Seismic Design | Jun 28, 2016
ASTM International updates seismic risk standards
Expected to improve consistency of risk evaluation on commercial real estate transactions.
Codes and Standards | Jun 17, 2016
Feds publish framework for evaluating public-private partnerships
No single factor determines whether a project yields stronger benefit as a P3.
AEC Tech | Jun 17, 2016
Driverless cars could soon start impacting commercial, retail project design
Offsite parking and more space for valet parking lines are among the foreseeable changes.
Codes and Standards | Jun 17, 2016
Bay State moves toward single BIM protocol on state projects
Massport’s guidelines a step forward for integrated BIM initiative.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 14, 2016
San Francisco voters approve tougher affordability requirement on new housing development
Critics charge that the measure may backfire and actually reduce new affordable units.
