Commissioners Pass Builder Registration Rule
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Tim [email protected]
But how can a homeowner know if the contractor building, repairing or remodeling his or her home is familiar and compliant with the state code?[[In-content Ad]]Builders involved in projects in Kosciusko County now must register with the county confirming they know and will comply with the state code before starting work.
Kosciusko County Commissioners approved a builder registration ordinance Tuesday. The ordinance requires those applying for county building permits to fill out a registration form certifying that all the work will comply with Indiana building codes.
Builders are required to register annually, not on a project-by-project basis, and there is no fee for registration. The county will keep an online database of all builders registered in the county. The database will be available to the public. The registration ordinance only pertains to projects in the county's jurisdiction, not to those within town or city limits.
At an Area Plan Commission meeting Oct. 3, several builders and county residents spoke in support of the ordinance. The plan commission unanimously recommended approval by the county commissioners.
The ordinance is a step toward more accountability for those involved in construction, remodeling, demolition, addition and improvement projects within the county to uphold state building codes.
Assistant County Planner Matt Sandy said the ordinance is especially aimed at residential projects because the county does not employ a building inspector.
Joni Truex, executive officer of the Builders Association of Kosciusko County, thanked the commissioners for approving the ordinance.
"I commend you for taking this first step toward builder accountability and homeowner protection," Truex said.
She said the ordinance will be good for the building industry in Kosciusko County.
"We are going to encourage all of our members, builders and remodelers to register because you should take pride in your work," she said.
The commissioners' approval of the ordinance was not unanimous. Commissioners Ron Truex and Bob Conley voted in favor of it, Brad Jackson abstained. Jackson, of T. L. Jackson Construction, said he sat out of the vote to ensure that his vote for or against the ordinance would not be misconstrued as an attempt to further his business.
But how can a homeowner know if the contractor building, repairing or remodeling his or her home is familiar and compliant with the state code?[[In-content Ad]]Builders involved in projects in Kosciusko County now must register with the county confirming they know and will comply with the state code before starting work.
Kosciusko County Commissioners approved a builder registration ordinance Tuesday. The ordinance requires those applying for county building permits to fill out a registration form certifying that all the work will comply with Indiana building codes.
Builders are required to register annually, not on a project-by-project basis, and there is no fee for registration. The county will keep an online database of all builders registered in the county. The database will be available to the public. The registration ordinance only pertains to projects in the county's jurisdiction, not to those within town or city limits.
At an Area Plan Commission meeting Oct. 3, several builders and county residents spoke in support of the ordinance. The plan commission unanimously recommended approval by the county commissioners.
The ordinance is a step toward more accountability for those involved in construction, remodeling, demolition, addition and improvement projects within the county to uphold state building codes.
Assistant County Planner Matt Sandy said the ordinance is especially aimed at residential projects because the county does not employ a building inspector.
Joni Truex, executive officer of the Builders Association of Kosciusko County, thanked the commissioners for approving the ordinance.
"I commend you for taking this first step toward builder accountability and homeowner protection," Truex said.
She said the ordinance will be good for the building industry in Kosciusko County.
"We are going to encourage all of our members, builders and remodelers to register because you should take pride in your work," she said.
The commissioners' approval of the ordinance was not unanimous. Commissioners Ron Truex and Bob Conley voted in favor of it, Brad Jackson abstained. Jackson, of T. L. Jackson Construction, said he sat out of the vote to ensure that his vote for or against the ordinance would not be misconstrued as an attempt to further his business.
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