As part of the Oregon Building Officials Association annual conference, the City of Eugene Building Inspection staff were recognized for developing field mobility vans that provide on-site service to construction projects throughout the city. On behalf of the City of Eugene, Assistant Building Official Mark Whitmill received the Innovative Use of Technology Award at the conference in Bend, Oregon earlier this summer.
Over the last several years, the Building Inspection program has been developing new and innovative ways to administer building codes, both in the office and in the field. The field mobility vans provide a mobile workspace for building inspectors. As demonstrated in a Council work session earlier this year, the Ford Transit Connect van has room for a work space, large monitor for viewing plans, copy/scanner and printer all organized around a desk and the full computing power of the traditional office. Currently, the City has five vans at work in the field. Harnessing the power of technology has not only created significant on-going savings to help keep permit fees low, it has also added to inspectors’ efficiency, allowing each inspector up to an additional hour a day in the field.
Located within the Building and Permit Services Division of the Planning and Development Department, the Building Inspection program preserves and improves the public’s safety, health, welfare and environment by inspecting building and remodeling projects in our community.