MODEL # 98-3
RESIDENTIAL
MULTI-DISCIPLINARY INSPECTION PROGRAM
FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Jurisdiction Statistics (FY '97):
Plumbing/Gas- 24,986
Regulatory Areas:
PROBLEM:
Substantive Administration - Code Enforcement Inspections
To comply with a mandate by the county governing body, the Fairfax County Department of Environmental Management (DEM) needed to increase the efficiency of their construction inspections program.
SOLUTION:
Multi-Discipline Inspections
DEM developed a program to replace single-discipline inspections of the four trades with multiple-discipline inspections to make the inspections process more efficient and cost-effective.
DESCRIPTION:
During accelerated construction activity in the 1980's, the Fairfax County Department of Environmental Management (DEM) received a mandate from the local governing body and the construction industry to improve the building construction inspection program:
(1) By ensuring high quality code enforcement through increased inspection time,
(2) By performing all inspections on the day requested, and
(3) By implementing a cost-effective program.
Moreover, the sheer volume of construction in the burgeoning 400-square-mile urban county compelled a change in operations. During the 1980's the average annual value of construction was $1.5 billion; average annual permits, 30,000; and average annual building inspections, 340,000; It was not unusual for an inspector to carry a workload of 50 inspections per day. County inspectors spent a disproportionate amount of time driving between inspection sites versus actually performing inspections because inspectors from each of the four disciplines (building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing) had to visit each site numerous times. If multiple inspections could be performed on a single visit, significant savings in travel time and money could result, and increased time would be available for inspections.
The combination inspection program was implemented incrementally in Fairfax County using positions vacated by attrition, and involved the design of an intensive, six-month cross-training program leading to national certification of single-discipline inspectors in all four trades. Inspectors who receive the required certifications are promoted. Initial classroom training is performed by a contractor. Continuing training is provided through DEM's state-accredited training center. An enhanced computer system separates combination from conventional inspection requests, groups requests by geographic grid, and bundles inspections. Quantifiable results include a decrease in mileage, an increase in inspection time, and a reduction in rejected inspection and homeowner complaints. Over 95 percent of all inspections requested are performed on the day the request is made. If the County were to provide the same level of service with single trade inspectors over a twelve-year period, it would have to expend an additional 12 million dollars.
There are currently 31 cross-trained inspectors on staff. Recently the program was expanded and enhanced. Residential inspectors who obtained certifications in all commercial trade inspection disciplines expanded their inspections responsibility. Residential inspection staff now inspect wood-frame multi-family construction. This expansion of responsibility has allowed the Division to better balance its workload. Now, when residential inspection workloads are low and commercial workloads are high, the multi-family projects can be performed by residential staff or single trade commercial inspection staff.
To further enhance customer service, residential inspectors and supervisors are evaluating an enhanced work schedule. Approximately half of the inspection staff volunteered to work a 4 day a week 10 hour a day rotating schedule. Others in the branch continued to work on the 8 hour per day 5 days week schedule. This enhanced work schedule created expanded field coverage and resulted in a reduction in overtime worked. leave taken, and an increased inspection time.
RESULTS:
The results of the enhanced work schedule have improved inspection services to DEM customers. Flexible work schedules prove to have positive impact on the quality of life for staff at no additional costs to the County or its citizens.
Multi-disciplinary inspections represent a more holistic approach to Code enforcement. Cross-trained inspectors have the opportunity to observe the entire construction process, and by doing so can anticipate potential problems that are no readily apparent to single trade inspectors or individual subcontractors. Over a period of time, inspectors understand how building systems work and are interrelated with one another. This understanding as led to the development of superior industry training programs and has helped with code change activities at the State and National level.
EVALUATION BY STREAMLINING COMMITTEES:
Advantages
Drawbacks
The Streamlining Committees designated this program as a streamlined model without modifications.
IMPLEMENTATION:
This program was implemented through administrative action involving the Office of Comprehensive Planning, Office of Transportation, Health Department, the Department of Information Technology, and the DEM customers.
The annual cost of the program is $1,907,000. Each of the six training sessions costs $26,000, and at least 80% of the cost of the County Code enforcement program is recovered through permit fees. By utilizing cross-trained inspectors, the County saves approximately $1 million per year.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR ASSISTANCE IN CONSIDERING THE USE OF THIS MODEL, PLEASE CONTACT:
Paul M. Lynch
Director, Residential Inspections Division, OBCS, DPW&ES
12055 Government Center Parkway, 6th Floor
Fairfax, VA 22035
Phone: (703) 631-5101
FAX: (703) 324-3901
Or NCSBCS STAFF:
Carolyn Fitch
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
National Conference of States on Building Codes and Standards
505 Huntmar Park Drive, Suite 210
Herndon, VA 20170.
Phone: (703) 467-2048
FAX: (703) 481-3596
Email: cfitch@ncsbcs.org