Building department: construction values down 23% year over year; county seeks additional inspectors
Summary
Chief building official Richard Nelson reported a 23% drop in construction value compared with last year, a spike in reported new-home valuation, and an ongoing inspector shortage; the department's review times remain within target ranges.
Richard Nelson, Medina County chief building official, reported to commissioners that the county’s value of construction in April is about 23% lower than the same month last year. He said a single-month spike raised the reported new-home valuation to $452,000 and that the year‑to‑date average new‑home value is about $422,000, up from $409,000 reported previously.
Nelson said the department recorded 35 home starts in April — four to five below the typical April average — and that monthly receipts were almost 2% higher than the prior April while year‑to‑date receipts are down roughly 9%. He warned the department remains short an electrical inspector and urged the commission that recruitment is urgent as the busy season continues.
Nelson described recent changes by the State Board of Building Standards that relax some qualifications to become an inspector; he said the change should widen the hiring pool but that on‑the‑job training is lengthy. He reported review times of about 20 days for commercial plans and five to six days for residential reviews.
Commissioners received the report; Nelson did not seek action but asked the commission to note staffing priorities.
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