SafeBuilt official outlines code update, warns homeowners to pull permits

Tom Bitchford, the SafeBuilt building official assigned to Foxfield, told the board he will present an ordinance this year to update the town’s adopted building code to the most recent published edition.

“I can tell you that the one thing I will be approaching the board with this year is a code update,” Bitchford said, noting the energy and window requirements in the 2024 code are a marked improvement over the 2018 cycle. He described a long history with Foxfield inspections and said SafeBuilt will coordinate with the town clerk for permit reporting.

Bitchford reviewed common permitting triggers and inspection timing: replacing exterior openings (windows, doors, basement windows), siding and significant exterior work require a permit because of structural and energy-code considerations; foundation and framing work require engineered plans; and electrical inspections must be performed by qualified staff or licensed electricians as required by state law if doing electrical work on a property that is not the owner’s primary residence. He emphasized that contractors should not start work before a permit is posted at the property.

Trustees pressed on enforcement and timelines. Bitchford said SafeBuilt aims to provide next-day inspections for routine work when requests are received by 4:00 p.m., but that some specialized inspections (foundation, engineered work) are scheduled by the planning/inspection team and may take longer. He said code enforcement and SafeBuilt share permit data to flag unpermitted work and that a ride-along program with the code-enforcement officer is available for board members.

Board members asked about fees and whether Foxfield’s permit charges are in line with nearby jurisdictions; Bitchford said Foxfield’s fees are comparable to peer jurisdictions and that receipts commonly include taxes and plan-review fees that often drive the headline amount residents see. He offered to leave business cards and answer follow-up questions via the town clerk.

The board did not take formal action during the presentation; staff said an ordinance will return to a future agenda for consideration and public hearing.