LANSING, Mich. — The largest association representing construction in the state, the Home Builders Association of Michigan (HBAM), lauded local building departments who have found new ways to provide essential services during the on-going state and national COVID-19 emergency.
“Local building departments across the state have found new and innovative ways to issue permits and conduct inspections while protecting the health of the public and their employees,” said Robert Filka, CEO of the Home Builders Association of Michigan. “Housing is among the most important factors in keeping people safe and healthy and we appreciate the actions building departments have taken to continue to support the residential construction industry towards that goal.”
While a small handful of local building departments have shuttered their doors and ceased operation, HBAM reports the vast majority have continued to process permits and conduct essential inspections. “The vast majority of building departments are still accepting and processing permits through drop-off boxes and electronic submissions. Additionally, they have been turning to modified or virtual methods of inspection such as on-line plan review or video inspections,” reported Filka. “Given what’s going on it’s not business as usual. These offices are using innovative methods to continue to provide needed governmental services. We would ask local units of government that have ceased providing permitting and inspection services to look to their colleagues around the state and adopt similar strategies to keep important housing infrastructure investments going.”
The Home Builders Association have also requested that, in case of an Executive Order to “shelter in place,” the governor classify the construction and renovation of housing as an “Essential Activity or Infrastructure,” and the “permitting, inspection, construction, transfer and recording of ownership, of housing and anything incidental thereto,” be considered an “Essential Government Service.” This would allow individuals involved in these activities to leave their residence to provide any services or perform any work necessary but still subject them to any other preventive requirements established including social distancing and strict hygiene rules.
The Home Builders Association of Michigan is a professional trade association comprised of 22 local homebuilder associations around the state and their builder, subcontractor and supplier members. HBA of Michigan works to positively promote the building industry and impact legislative, regulatory and legal issues affecting housing affordability.
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