Proposal: 2015 Inspections Reorganization
6/15/2015
Background
In 2010, the Department moved inspections in the field from silos to team-based service delivery. The
goal of that change was miming how Architects/Engineers and contractors deliver their projects (led by
project managers), and at the same time providing inspections customers with a single management
point to address any service problems or cross-discipline code compliance issues on a project. The BDC
often describes this move as a switch from silos to “project-centric” service delivery.
While the 2010 reorganization originally included a “mega team,” the recession and related staff cuts
moved us to use a geographic north/south team structure.
Proposed change
Since 2010, much has changed in the local design and construction environment.
• A significant number of large “mega” projects are on the drawing boards or in construction.
• Charlotte-Mecklenburg is in the midst of a multi-family construction boom.
• The N.C. Building Codes are becoming far more specialized from changes approved by the N.C.
Building Code Council, magnifying the difference between the residential and commercial codes.
In response, the Department proposes realigning the inspections teams over the next two years:
• Creating a mega/multi-family inspections team, focused on our most complex projects.
• Dividing the balance of the work between two teams; residential and other (non-mega) commercial.
• Eventually combining plan review and inspections for mega projects.
Benefits
• Targeted inspection resource for the most complex mega and multi-family projects.
• Elevates consistency.
• Aligns with code development trends in North Carolina.
• Specialized teams help in hiring and training.
• Long term improved communication with the owner’s team, from combining mega team plan
review and inspections.
Phased implementation
• Phase 1 – creating the mega/multi-family team; June 29, 2015
• Phase 2 – dividing the existing North/South teams into residential and other commercial; tentative
March 31, 2016
• Phase 3 – combining mega plan review and inspections; tentative January 1-July 1, 2017.
Phase I
Mega Team
(new)
Phase II
Commercial Team
all commercial except Mega
Redefine mega threshold
Building
(Initial focus: high rise and
Electrical
multifamily 5-story and above).
Mechanical/Plumbing
22,000 inspections*
12 FTE at startup
64,000 inspections*
(B=4, E=4, M=2, P=2)
*Based on an analysis of 2014 inspections workload tasks.
Residential Team
all one- and two-family
dwellings
Two-trade start:
Building/Plumbing
Electrical/Mechanical
165,000 inspections*
Mega Team Scope
• Multi-family projects identified as eligible: 22
• 12 FTE startup=estimated 7-8 inspections each per day
• 5 backup inspectors (to be incorporated into Mega Team in Phase II)
o Building: 1
o Electrical: 2
o Mechanical: 1
o Plumbing: 1
• High-rise projects will also go to mega team
• Technology ready to implement
• 30- to 45-day training and rollout
• Current FTE Field Inspector Count: North Team, 43; South Team, 49; vacant positions, 15+1
supervisor
Proposed Organizational Chart
Hybrid
Collaborative
Delivery Team