Inspector Shadow - by Norm Pace

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The opinions expressed in these articles and features are those of their author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of McANA or the opinion of its Directors or Officers.

Inspector Shadow
by Norman Pace

Last August 26^th, I had the privilege of shadowing a DMD Building Inspector, Mr. Bruce Jacobs, who is assigned to Franklin Township. Through the cooperation of Maury Plambeck, Director of Department of Metropolitan Development (DMD); Ms. Maureen Stapleton, Administrator; Mr. Rick Powers, Assistant Administrator; and Mr. Steve Kerzan, Building Inspector Manager, I was able to spend the day with Mr. Jacobs. I list all of their names, because I feel that it is important to recognize those individuals, who went out of their way to accommodate my request as McANA’s Land Use Chairman. Also, to share with the readership of McANA’s Newsletter and all neighborhood organizations, the willingness and the extent of support and cooperation, which I have received from the DMD Staff.

One of the Inspectors frustrations, are “Accelerated Inspections”. These “Accelerated Inspection” Requests can come anytime during the day. The Inspector must respond within two (2) hours of the request. The Inspector has prepared their itinerary for the day, only to be interrupted with a request by a Builder for an “Accelerated Inspection”. Although the fees for an inspection is paid when the Builder gets a permit, the Builder can request an “Accelerated Inspection” for an additional $40 fee. This process totally disrupts the Inspector’s prepared itinerary. The Inspector may have planned to spend their day in one area of the Township or devised a smooth route only to be interrupted with a “Accelerated Inspection” Request and now must disrupt their plan to cover one location on the other side of the Township and within two (2) hours. This prevents the Inspector from accomplishing as many tasks as planned or as needed; especially, in those townships where a heavy amount of housing projects are being built. It is possible for an Inspector’s day to be interrupted with numerous “Accelerated Inspection” requests and nothing else gets accomplished.

The Inspectors have the trunk of their cars loaded down with Code Books, the front passenger seat with a computer, and carrying a Phone. The Inspector sometimes has to get out the Code Book to verify his argument. The only space for me was in the back seat of the Inspector’s car. Busy, Busy, Busy!

The person, who is hired by the City as an Inspector is a certified journeyman in at least one field; such as, Electrical, Heating & Air Conditioning, Structural Carpentry, Plumbing, etc. When hired by the City, they receive some training and after being in the field for a while, then the outlining counties hires them away from Indianapolis. What does that tell you? It is obvious that our Inspectors are being underpaid.

The City of Indianapolis received requests for over 42,000 inspections. We only have twelve (12) Inspectors. It is obvious that there is a large demand for inspections. The Inspector has 48 hours to respond to a routine request for an inspection. If the Inspector does not show, then the Builder can continue with the project. It happens more often than not. What does that tell us? The City needs more Inspectors. The Inspectors are responding in a re-active or complaint driven mode of operation. With only 12 Inspectors, they cannot cover everything. If we are to have a “World Class City”, which I strongly support, then we need some serious changes in priorities; such as, changes in Code Enforcements, City Ordinances, and hiring appropriate Inspectors to support the demand and needs for the citizens, our neighbors and taxpayers of Indianapolis.

Is this a “Quality of Life” issue. You bet it is. The complaints, which I have received from our neighbors, are numerous. There have been numerous occasions, which I have personally went out to inspect and measure houses under construction for compliance, and found numerous faults from plumbing, structural, electrical, insufficient square footage, and no footings for a foundation. I called the Inspector and Township Administrator. They almost always respond in a timely manner. Remember, inspectors response are complaint driven or “Accelerated” requests.

Mayor Bart Peterson has recognized the need and has hired additional Inspectors, but the need is greater. Also, we need to increase the salary of the Inspectors in an effort to retain their employment and commitment to the taxpayers of Indianapolis.

I could go on about a lot of other issues pertaining to Inspections, but I will save some for the next time.

It is important to note that everything is not OK, because it is not. However, this does demonstrate a open line of communication between DMD Staff and any neighborhood organization and/or citizen. Procedures are in place. Improvements have occurred. Are more improvements needed? You bet. Is staff working to improve the processes, procedures, response to citizens, and improve technology? Yes! Will we ever get there? No, because our world is an ever changing life style.