Expanded Jurisdiction to Expedite Building Projects and Boost Revenue

Barren County Building Inspector’s Office Approved for Expanded Jurisdiction to Expedite Building Projects and Boost Revenue

Barren County, KY —2024 - The Barren County Building Inspector’s Office is thrilled to announce the approval of Expanded Jurisdiction under the provision within the Kentucky Building Code. This move will enhance efficiency in building project inspections, reduce wait times, and potentially increase revenue streams for the local community.

Prior to the approval, the jurisdiction of the Barren County Building Inspector’s Office covers projects with 99 occupants or less under local jurisdiction, while projects serving 100 occupants or more fall under state jurisdiction. However, now with the Expanded Jurisdiction, the office will be able to inspect larger projects with some exceptions, such as properties on school grounds or state-owned properties.

The benefits of Expanded Jurisdiction for the Barren County Building Inspector’s Office and the community at large are significant:

1. Expedited Permit Processing: Filing for a permit through the Kentucky Department of Housing, Building and Construction (KDHBC) can be a time-consuming process, sometimes taking months to be issued. With Expanded Jurisdiction, the office projects that most permits could be reviewed within a maximum of two weeks, significantly reducing wait times for builders and developers.
   

2. Improved Inspection Scheduling: Currently, the state building inspector covering the area serves 13 counties, resulting in limited time for Barren County inspections. This often leads to delays in construction and requires advanced scheduling of inspections. With Expanded Jurisdiction, local offices could conduct inspections as soon as the next business day, expediting the construction process and minimizing downtime.
   

3. Increased Revenue Potential: By charging the normal permit fees, the Barren County Building Inspector’s Office could significantly increase revenue. In 2021 and 2022, the office collected $2,700 in state jurisdiction fees. With Expanded Jurisdiction, projects would have generated over $70,000 in revenue, providing a substantial boost to the local economy.
   

4. Potential for Industrial Development Incentives: Expanded Jurisdiction could serve as an incentive for industrial development. By offering reduced permit fees and faster inspection times, Barren County could attract more industrial developers, stimulating economic growth and job creation in the region.
   

5. Continued Compliance: Despite the expansion of jurisdiction, all applicants must still adhere to the requirements of the Building Code, ensuring safety and compliance standards are maintained.

The Barren County Building Inspector’s Office is committed to providing efficient and effective building inspection services to the community. Expanded Jurisdiction represents a significant opportunity to streamline processes, generate revenue, and promote economic development in Barren County.