Building Industry Officials Gather at Richland County to Gain Insights into New Industry Standards

COLUMBIA, SC – Permit technicians from across South Carolina were updated on the newest residential building codes at a class designed to help ensure structures are built in the safest, sturdiest ways possible.

More than a dozen permit technicians and building inspectors gathered Friday to attend the daylong training class organized by the South Carolina Permit Technicians Association. The class provided an opportunity for people involved in the building industry to receive updates on requirements for all areas of construction and inspections.

Employees from Richland County Development Services assisted with the class, including Donny Phipps, Richland County Director of Building Codes and Inspections, and Kecia Lara, Housing Official.

“We want to expand the building code knowledge of our permit technicians and inspectors and confirm our commitment to protect public health, safety and welfare by staying up-to-date on building codes,” Lara said.

Contract instructor Patrick Vandergriff educated the roomful of attendees about the fundamentals of the International Residential Building Code, covering everything from swimming pool permitting and fire blocking to wall bracing and residential fence heights.

Robin Mack, of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, discussed the perils of and dealing with asbestos. Janet Baumberger, of the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, educated the class about many components of contractor license law.

The training class also provided continuing education credits, which permit technicians and inspectors need to regularly accrue in order to maintain their certifications.

“Permit technicians play a critical role in our industry,” Lara said. “They are our first set of eyes on an application and construction drawing.  It’s important they understand building codes, the dangers of asbestos and the contractor requirements and limitations.”

For more information about future trainings or for services offered by Richland County Development Services, visitwww.rcgov.us or e-mail [email protected].