Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Building Codes topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Town to pilot administrative approach to gas permitting and rely on contractor certification
Summary
Town planning and development staff proposed, and the board endorsed, a July–October pilot to shift the gas-permit process from in-depth town review and inspection to an administrative intake with contractor certification of compliance, with inspections only on request.
The planning and development department proposed trimming staff-heavy reviews and on-site inspections for gas permits by shifting to an administrative intake plus installer certification model for gas work. Jeffrey Hinderliter, code enforcement officer and town planner, told the board the change responds to staffing gaps and would let licensed gas professionals certify compliance; inspections would still be available on request.
Hinderliter noted gas installations are regulated under NFPA codes and said licensed gas fitters are highly trained, while the town would require contractor certification to be filed with the permit. He outlined a pilot running July 1 through Oct. 1 with reevaluation thereafter. Selectmen asked about safeguards; one member said a code officer provides a necessary second set of eyes, while staff said contractors’ reputations and licensing provide a strong incentive to follow code. The board moved, seconded, and approved the approach as a pilot.
Staff will prepare a standard certification form and monitor outcomes during the pilot period; the board encouraged public comments from homeowners and contractors during the trial.
