Resident says contractor and contracted inspector failed to catch code violations; city to follow up

Linda Wright, a resident of Isanti, told the city council on March 4 that a recent siding and roofing job on her house was permitted but not properly inspected and that the work was closed out despite code violations she now must fix.

Wright said the contractor pulled permits and that Rum River (the third-party inspection contractor) handled inspections and closed the permits. "I've had to hire an attorney," Wright told the council, adding she had taken photographs during construction documenting missing house wrap, missing flashing and vents not brought to code. She said she had contacted Rum River and received no response. Wright said she had been advised by other counties and the state that her permits should not have been closed without adequate inspection.

Council members and staff said they would follow up on the specific permits Wright brought to the meeting and investigate the city contract with Rum River. A council member noted Rum River began providing inspections for Isanti in August 2023. City staff said they would contact Wright after reviewing the permit files. No formal vote was taken.

During the exchange, council members and staff described the general inspection process when using a third-party inspector: contractors submit permits to the city; the city or its contractor receives inspection requests; the contractor provides inspection reports and photos; the city closes permits when inspections meet code or documentation is sufficient. Wright and council members disputed whether documentation in her case was adequate.

The council did not name any specific remedy at the meeting beyond staff follow up and potential accountability for the contractor or inspector if inspections are found to be deficient.