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Written by Katie Dombrowski

Category: Development Services

Created: 09 May 2019

Our world is changing fast. Developing communities are growing and using technology to keep up with the world we live in. We use these technologies to build faster, smarter, and safer. In order to keep up with these changes, building professionals must stay on top of industry advancements by participating in strong continued education programs. These programs help create a consistent foundation for the building industry which strengthens our built environment.

The importance of professional development can’t be stressed enough. According to a survey in 2014 by the National Institute of Building Sciences, the building industry will lose nearly 80% of its skilled workforce over a 15-year period. While this poses challenges, it is also an excellent opportunity for growth, advancement and a possible new career path for new and experienced job seekers. Universities and Technology/Trade schools recognize the importance of these types of education and continue to build aspiring individuals all the time. Each level of experience is critical to the future of our “built” communities.

 Code officials range in age from 20s to 70s and come from diverse backgrounds and industries. These individuals gain experience not only from the work and education they have received, but also from older generations that have shared their knowledge and different experiences. Remember the old adage: those that don’t learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. We often think of that as it relates to history, politics, and war, but it goes for our building industry as well. The value of our experienced personnel can’t be ignored, we need those individuals to pass on the “lessons of yesterday” to the builders of tomorrow.

Now, we can’t ignore technology either. We know that industry continues to move at a remarkable speed. It only stands to reason that with the electronic age upon us that we can get information faster, respond to questions faster, install faster, do nearly everything faster. Jobsite superintendents, foreman and project management can use tablets to see plans, keep up with changes and recognize challenges while on the jobsite. This technology enables groups and trades to simultaneously track changes and progress from their own devices. They can order material, view specs and quickly find resources online that we used to have to wait days for. Even our code officials use these technologies to have electronic access to codes, interpretations and regulations. No wonder our communities are building so fast. However, with this opportunity, comes the arduous tasks of training (even the individuals that shy away from technology).

So remember, the transferable skills you are learning now can help you and others to use these technologies to build a safer tomorrow.

This blog was written by Jeremiah Weckesser, Senior Mechanical Inspector III.

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Written by Katie Dombrowski

Category: Development Services

Created: 06 May 2019

Disasters in a local community can range from natural, weather-related event to a man-made event. Planning in advance for devastating events like hurricanes and tornadoes helps individuals and communities increase the health and safety of their population during a disaster, protects the local tax base, ensures continuity of essential services, and supports a faster recovery in the aftermath of a disaster. Building to the latest building codes, preparing your family, and protecting your home are all things you can do to help your community.

BUILD STRONG, BUILD SMART. One of the best ways to prepare for a disaster is to build to the most up-to-date, modern building codes. It important that codes are properly applied, which is done in Raleigh by our plan review and inspections staff in the Development Services Department. The development and widespread adoption of building code creates consistency in the design world, and addresses things like structural integrity, lighting, ventialtion, construction materials, safe exits, and fire protection. These codes, while they may differ slightly from region to region, share the same principles throughout, and builders should maintain or exceed these standards.

PREPARATION. The planning and cumulative effort of city planners, developers and businesses helps to facilitate the rapid response efforts that communities need in order to manage a disaster. First responders need secure places to operate. Citizens who are trapped or lose their home need safe places to retreat. Basics such as food and water need to be distributed during mass evacuations, long term power outages, flooding, and road closures. Sanitation services must be maintained even when the power goes out. Having a plan for these types of situations is critical to the speed of community recovery (resiliency) and can help minimize loss to life and property. Being prepared is a great way to serve your community!

Here are some places you can read more on local disaster preparedness for you and your family:

• City of Raleigh | Emergency Preparedness
• NC Department of Public Safety | Emergency Preparedness
• Duke Energy | Harris Nuclear Plan Emergency Plan
• International Code Council | 10 Tips for Fire Safety
  
• International Code Council | 10 Tips for Disaster Safety

Keeping codes up to date and continuing to make code officials, contractors and designers aware of changes helps build a team with common goals, and keeps our community prepared for disaster of any kind.

This blog was written by Jeremiah Weckesser, Senior Mechanical Inspector III. 

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Written by Katie Dombrowski

Category: Development Services

Created: 30 April 2019

The International Code Council kicks off the month of May, which is known for “Building Safety Month,” by creating public awareness about the importance of strong and smart building codes. Our communities are better prepared now than they have ever been in large part to our consistent building practices. This didn’t just happen by accident, studies have proven that certain standards for building homes, hospitals, office buildings, restaurants, malls and other structures helps to maintain the safe communities we live in. These standards are the foundation of building principles and they help to create a consistent practice that all builders should maintain or exceed.

If we can learn from history, shouldn’t we put into action the key items that we have discovered? What good would those lessons be if we look at the cause and effects but chose to do nothing? Strong and smart building codes are established to set a minimum standard to provide a reasonable level of safety, health, property protection and public welfare. These minimum standards are the codes that regulate the design and construction of our communities. By following these codes, we can be better prepared for disasters and readily make adjustments if and when adjustments are needed. Imagine if everyone built using their own backgrounds and their own experiences. We would have limited experienced builders practicing methods that may have been proven to be dangerous or faulty, and just because it hasn’t failed in their experience, they just keep building the same way they always have. It would create a chaos that prospering and healthy communities couldn’t survive in. We learn from experience, good or bad, and whether it is our own experience or someone else’s, we have a duty to put into practice what we have learned and make a safer place for all of us.

Follow us throughout the month of May to learn about new topics that help build a safer tomorrow. We will showcase topics such as “Preparing for disasters: Build strong, build smart” and explaining how we can “Ensure a safer future through training and education” by highlighting the importance of continuing education for an everchanging world. “Securing clean, abundant water for all communities” is always a priority since we know we can’t live without clean water. In the final weeks of May, we will discuss the advantages of “Construction professionals and homeowners: Partners in safety” and highlight some of the “Innovations in building safety” that are protecting our tomorrow.

This blog was written by Jeremiah Weckesser, Senior Mechanical Inspector III. 

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Written by Katie Dombrowski

Category: Development Services

Created: 22 April 2019

Are you working on a project that disturbs one acre or more of land? Check out the new construction stormwater general permit that you will need to complete with NCDEQ. This change was effective as of April 1, 2019.

The City will continue to approve erosion and sediment control plans as well as issue grading permits. We will no longer issue NCG01 permits with our grading permit.

More information about NCG01 permit requirements and fees are available at raleighnc.gov.  

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Written by Katie Dombrowski

Category: Development Services

Created: 26 March 2019

The City of a Raleigh is currently reviewing the process of granting design adjustments to the following sections of the Unified Development Ordinance:

UDO Article 8.3. Blocks, Lots and Access;
UDO Article 8.4. New Streets;
UDO Article 8.5. Existing Streets; and/or
Raleigh Street Design Manual Article 5.1

As a result of this review, as of March 27, 2019 the Development Services Department will be temporarily suspending applications for design adjustments for the regulations listed above. This suspension applies only to new and incomplete applications.  Development Services will continue to process and will issue decisions on complete applications which are currently pending. However, please note that any additional or requested information that an applicant wishes the City to consider in making a decision on these pending applications, must be received by the City on or before May 31, 2019.

During this suspension, applicants experiencing a hardship may be able to obtain a variance from the Board of Adjustment (the “BOA”) in appropriate cases. The steps and submittal requirements are listed on the Variance Application. The BOA requires a filing deadline at least 60 days prior to the meeting—a full schedule of application deadlines can be found here.

For questions regarding the BOA and variance application process, please contact:

Eric Hodge, Senior Planner | 919-996-2639 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Keegan McDonald, Senior Planner | 919-996-4630 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

The City anticipates reopening applications for design adjustments in the near future. However, these requests will not be granted by staff. Design adjustments will be heard by the Board of Adjustment in an evidentiary hearing. Applicants for design adjustments will need to be prepared to present competent and material testimony and evidence in support of the showings set forth for each design adjustment in the UDO.

Following a more comprehensive review and amendment to the UDO, enhanced standards and process for the granting of design adjustments will be implemented. The timeline for this change is uncertain but is likely to take several months.

Development questions or concerns? Please contact:

Alysia Bailey-Taylor, Land Development Division Manager

919-996-2631 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hamid Dolikhani, Assistant Director (Development Services)

919-996-2232 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Written by Katie Dombrowski

Category: Development Services

Created: 28 January 2019

We want to remind you that starting February 4, 2019, all projects that involve infill development will be required to notify anyone living within 100 feet of the property.

This applies to:

• New single-family homes;
• Additions, and;
• Accessory structures (seven feet or more in height) for single-family homes.

Property owners will be responsible for providing mailed notification in addition to posting a sign on the property. The sign will be provided by the City of Raleigh when permits are acquired.

Please click here to read the full details of this new requirement. You can also click here for more information on infill development in Raleigh.

Questions? We're here to help! Please contact the customer service center at 919-996-2495 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..