Stephenson County to solicit as‑needed building inspectors, zoning department to take on dangerous‑building enforcement
Summary
The county approved an RFP to hire as‑needed building inspectors to support enforcement of a dangerous‑buildings code; zoning staff will take over nuisance/dangerous building complaints and inspections, with qualifications and bidding details outlined.
The committee approved a request for proposals to establish an as‑needed building inspector roster to support enforcement under a new dangerous‑buildings code and to assist the zoning department with inspections.
County staff said the dangerous‑buildings code was drafted with outside counsel and that the zoning department will assume responsibility for dangerous building and nuisance complaints as the new process is implemented. The RFP will allow the county to solicit bids from licensed building inspectors and companies that can perform limited inspections on demand.
Staff described minimum qualifications for bidders: a license, two references, and professional credentials such as ICC (building inspector certifications), knowledge of the International Building Code and International Residential Code, electrical code familiarity, and experience with property‑maintenance codes. Staff said inspectors could perform roadside and exterior inspections when interior access is not available and could enter buildings if lawful access is granted.
The committee moved to approve the RFP. A board member thanked county staff for advancing what he described as a three‑year effort to improve enforcement in unincorporated areas. The motion carried by voice vote.
Zoning staff also reported compliance activity: 27 violation letters were sent in June, 57 violation letters have been sent so far in 2025, and 19 violations remain active. Staff said 22 of the letters were for work without a permit. Staff also said damaged solar panels at Zimmerman North have been removed and new emergency contact signage is being produced.
