08/26/1993 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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, r ? VIo OLD BUSINESS: Continuing discussion of licensing requirements for private home inspectors. Building Commissioner Conway had sent a memo to the members regarding the licensing of private home inspectors in which he restated his position that independent contractors should make the private home inspections, not city inspectors. Mr. Conway has spoken with the Ma.yor an this and he is in agreement with Mr. Conway. Having city inspectors take over these inspections woul.d put the city in a precarious position and people would depend too much on this inspection, and think that they are getting more than they are. The city should not be put in the position of telling people to put a G.F.I. or any other safety features that are required by 1993 codes in a 30 year old home, since this is not the city's function. If a private inspector wants to use this as a negotiating tool, it would be different. As far as the F.H.A. guidelines are concerned, F.H.A. lends money and can require more. This would not be a city or government function. He clarified that the commercial codes require that if you touch something you must fix it, if a commercial addition is constructed, the codes for egress,. light, air environment for the entire building must be followed, if the use is changed then it has to be brought up to code. The city must look for safety features, but a home owner does have some rights. He stated that the city can only protect people to a certain point. There would be no basis under the code to uphold t•he F.H.A. guidelines. As of July 1 of this year an inspector's report cannot be confidential. At this point, Mr. Conway would like to get these private inspectors registered in order to oversee their work so that residents do not get hurt since there have been some really bad inspection jobs. He and Mr. Piar did have a conversation during a Wal-Ma.rt hearing, but he has not wavered in his opinion that these inspectors should be private, not city inspectors. Since Mr. Piar is absent, he should be given a chance to clarify his position at the next meeting. Mr. Burk did not believed that Mr. Piar had a problem with inspectors being licensed, he was concerned that the city should have some control. Mr. Burk stated that he did not lmow how the city could control outside people, but if they can and the reports can be kept Uniform there should be no problem. Mr. Conway stated that these inspectors should be registered and when they file their reports, city inspectors will spot check their work. If an inspector sees an actual code violation, he will check into it. Mr. Burk suggested that there be some kind of uniform list that a11 inspectors can use. Mr. Conway stated that this is possible, and asked the members to set up a list of min;rrn,m areas to be checked. He will also work on a list and might do some temporary registrations until the board meets to interview inspectors, if that is the way the members want to handle it. Mr. Piar's organization is working on a national or State certification at present. Mr. Conway stated that apparently there are 10 or 12 inspectors listed with several real estate eompanies, but these might be the same people. Mr. Kazak moved to require private home inspectors to be registered with the city just as a contractor is registered with the fees the same as the existing contractors' registration fee, seconded by R. Burk and unanimously approved. VIIe ADJOURNNlIIVT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m. C'iu , Chairman B. Oring, 3