Inspectional services reports heavy permitting, plans two‑year inspections for multiunit housing

The director of Inspectional Services reported a year of heavy activity — roughly 10,000 permits issued, 27,000 inspections and about 60 complaint calls per month — and told councilors the department will seek to shorten required health‑and‑safety inspections for business occupancies and residential buildings with three or more units from five years to two years.

Why it matters: inspectional staff told the council that the current five‑year inspection interval is too long and “too many things can happen,” and that the department has authority under applicable codes to reduce the cycle. The department said it will increase training for inspectors and expand health and safety inspections to address risks in multiunit housing and business occupancies.

Key details: Richard McDonald, Director of Inspectional Services, said the department filed 104 court complaints and issued about 1,200 violation letters and tickets during the reporting period. Staff also described the weekly Code Team meetings that review serious complaints and noted that inspectors perform night and weekend responses when required.

Council reaction and resources: councilors repeatedly praised the department’s responsiveness and professionalism; several asked whether staffing is adequate for anticipated development, and McDonald said recent staffing additions and improved coordination have allowed same‑day inspections in many cases, but he pledged to return if additional positions are required.

Ending: Councilors approved the inspectional services budget presentation and commended staff for responsiveness while asking for continued monitoring of workload as new development proceeds.