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Inspectron reports 86 permits and $27.6 million valuation; council and residents press for clearer inspection process
Summary
Inspectron told Morris City council it issued 86 permits this year with $27,600,000 in permit valuation and described staffing and a move toward video/photo reviews when physical inspections are not called. Residents pressed for clearer notice to homeowners and contractors about inspection and smoke/CO detector requirements.
Mark Lustreep, an official with Inspectron, told the Morris City Council that Inspectron issued 86 permits in the city this year with a total valuation of $27,600,000 and identified two local inspectors, Michael Fredericks and Justin Anderson. He said Inspectron also has two fire marshals on staff (one in training) and that staff members Bill Barber and others are delegated by the state to inspect state‑funded projects.
Lustreep described the company’s current practice when contractors do not call for a physical inspection: inspectors may request photos or video from the contractor and perform a follow‑up physical inspection only if the submitted material raises concerns. He said some jurisdictions the company serves use an older state valuation sheet (1994) rather than more recent valuation tables to keep permit fees lower for smaller, rural communities. Lustreep also explained that Inspectron opted out of performing state plan reviews and will not take on that workload.
During public questions, a resident said they paid a $101 permit fee to replace a furnace but did not receive an in‑home inspection. Inspectron responded that many permits are not called in for inspection by contractors and emphasized that inspectors cannot perform checks until a contractor or owner requests them. Inspectron offered city staff portal access to view permits, inspections and documents and said he could demonstrate the portal live for city staff.
Council members and residents asked for clearer pre‑project communication so homeowners know what to expect (for example, when window replacements trigger requirements to update smoke and carbon‑monoxide detectors). Several members suggested posting an inspection‑expectations sheet on the city website and ensuring contractors include likely required upgrades in bids so homeowners are not surprised by added costs.
Lustreep described staff consistency efforts: Inspectron holds twice‑annual staff meetings to align inspection practices across the smaller jurisdictions it serves and said the company will continue to provide documentation and portal access for the city to monitor permits and inspections.
The presentation concluded with staff offering printed guidance and an offer to help set up portal logins for city officials who want direct access to inspection records.
