Franklin County Moving Forward With Changes to Permiting, Inspection Ordinance

Franklin County Commissioners continue their efforts to straighten out the process of applying for permits and inspections.

In February, Commission Chair Jeff Jacques outlined three changes to the process that it is hoped will make it easier for people applying for residential building permits.

At their work session Tuesday evening, Jacques gave an update on where the County is with those proposed changes.

“Myself and Commissioner Smith have had two meetings with Bureau Veritas. We have communicated the issues that we have received from the public with their senior managers. I think they have responded accordingly and are rectifying the on-site issues that we are currently having in the county,” Jacques explained. “We are also pressing forward with the structural changes that we have detailed section, which will reduce regulation, which will reduce cost and will also give our citizens additional pathways outside of what the current permit and inspection ordinance details.

Jacques had proposed three changes to the permitting and inspection ordinance.

First, allow individuals building their own home to have the option of signing a waiver stating that they take full responsibility for adhering to state building codes.

Second, allow the residential homebuilder to use their own third-party inspection company or use the county’s inspector.

And third, remove the requirement to have accessory buildings inspected that require plumbing or electricity.

Jacques said the proposed changes are currently going through the legal vetting process by County attorney Bubba Samuels.

According to Samuels, he expects to have a draft ordinance ready at the April work session with final adoption in the May regular meeting.

Samuels added there could also be a public hearing on the changes prior to the May meeting.