3/17/20 Local Government Operational Update

Operational Update:
Building & Inspections Departments

HBA Members,
Paul and I have been in contact with all the local governments within Wake County and we'd like to convey this information to you. Please know that we will be sending periodic updates to make sure you know what the status is for Wake County local governments.

Apex

• All permitting and inspection functions are operating normally at this time other than as noted below.
• Per their Permits & Inspections situation operations plan:
• Builders are asked to minimize coming into the office and instead utilize the online tools already available. 
• Plans reviewers will not be available to answer questions in the office, and builders are asked to use the on-line assistance tool.
• Plan Review times will be increased by at least a day or two because of issues with traveling and letting the plans “rest” when they first come in to minimize contamination. Turn around time should remain around the 10-day goal, so long as the volume doesn’t increase significantly.

Cary

• At this time permitting and plan review functions are being performed remotely.
• Most residential and commercial building inspections will continue, though adjustments may need to be made in some cases based on staffing levels, workload and risk assessments.
• Also, Cary field inspectors will be utilizing “Live Remote Inspections” where practical for many parts of the inspections process. They are presently still scheduling most inspections “next day” but that could change rapidly based on staff availability and inspection demand fluctuations.
• They encourage individual contractors to contact 311 within Town limits or (919) 469-4000 outside Cary.
• Additional information regarding Cary services:

https://www.townofcary.org/business-development/developing-in-cary
https://www.townofcary.org/business-development/residential-alterations-additions
https://www.townofcary.org/services-publications/residential-permits-inspections/faq

Fuquay-Varina

• As of right now the Town of Fuquay-Varina is operating as normal for permitting and field inspections.
• Even though the Town Hall is closed to public they have arranged a drop box on the exterior for any over the counter permits to be dropped off/submitted as well as a pick up box for permits that have been paid for and issued.
• They are accepting payments via online as well as through their payment drop box.
• Their e-Permits portal is and has been working great and is now being utilized at about 95%. They are able to handle these totally electronically.

Garner

• They are currently operating all of their development services functions on a normal schedule.
• However, things are changing rapidly and they are continuously evaluating what they have to do to provide continuity of operations.

Holly Springs

• Business as usual for inspections and home permits.
• Subdivisions: They will now accept electronic plans (no need for paper)
• Drop Box: Anything put in the drop box in the lobby won’t be looked at for 24 hours.
• Where in-person meetings are needed, they are setting up a Zoom account for video conferencing.

Knightdale

• All inspections are handled through Wake County Gov't.
• They will not be conducting face-to-face meetings for the next thirty days and will not accept walk-ins at this time.
• Development meetings can be conducted via conference call or via email.
• Driveways/Sidewalks, Set-back, and Certificates of Occupancy inspections will only be performed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
• They are asking that all customers use the Wake County Permit Portal to apply for permits, process payments, and schedule inspections.
• The link to the Wake County Permit Portal is: https://energovcitizenaccess.tylertech.com/Wak…/SelfService…

Morrisville

• They are operational in terms of permits and inspections with no changes to their normal practices and timelines at this time.

Raleigh

• They are continuing with permits and inspections but with many accommodations to take the need for social distancing into account.
• Inspections are to be done with no other people in close proximity and minimizing the need to go inside.
• They are anticipating that service levels will be impacted due to the availability of resources.

Rolesville

• All inspections are handled through Wake County Gov't.
• They are open and accepting permits by appointment.
• Information is updated regularly and can be found on the top of their website at: https://www.rolesvillenc.gov/rolesville-covid-19-update

Wake County

• Several inspectors that are taking leave rather than chance contact with the virus.
• They have a full load of inspections (317 requested for today). They relisted nine yesterday so 97% of inspections are being done next day. 
• They are delaying HVAC changeout and water heater changeout inspections for now (with consensus from installers). 
• All other inspections are being conducted as normal. 
• Permitting only has ten permits in the queue to review.
• All residential plan reviewers are working from home.

Wake Forest

• Their Inspections Department is running at its normal schedule. Business as usual!​

Wendell

• All inspections are handled through Wake County Gov't.
• Wendell remains functional for permitting and inspections at this time.
• They are evaluating appointments and drop offs rather than having residents/builders lingering in public spaces with others.
• They are making accommodations for non-controversial items to continue thru the Planning Board and Commissioner approval process to ensure due process.
• They are evaluating options for items that may cause greater public participation to reschedule or seek accommodations that balance public health, public participation, and due process. They only have 2 projects that fall into this category at this time.

Zebulon

• All inspections is handled through Wake County Gov't.
• The Town of Zebulon’s Planning Department is still operational.
• They currently have staff that is working from home and are scheduling particular days to do conduct applicable zoning inspections.
• They are encouraging that all contractors and builders submit payments through the building permit portal whenever possible and conduct all business through e-mail, phone, or other online resource instead of coming into the office.
• All phone numbers are being forwarded to appropriate staff and they are attempting to maintain response times and customer service.

Sincerely,
Paul Kane
Executive Vice President/CEO
pkane@hbawake.com

Suzanne Harris
VP Governmental Affairs
sharris@hbawake.com