Cumberland County builds on new technologies
By Scott Nunn, posted Aug 3, 2021 on BizFayetteville.com
Who moved our cheese? COVID-19, that’s who.
When writer Spencer Johnson asked the question that has been floated at many a company HR sessions, it was a reminder that we can become too comfortable with the status quo.
A global virus outbreak was not the preferred way to get there, but the pandemic has speeded the adoption of digital technologies by years, according to a recent survey by strategic-management consultant McKinsey & Company.
From telehealth to remote learning, businesses and society in general found a way for people to connect at a time when in-person meetings were too risky. With pandemic restrictions eased (for now, at least) businesses and other organizations are hanging on to some of the new practices embraced and/or envisioned during the pandemic.
Cumberland County, for example, has announced that follow-up building inspections now can be done remotely. The N.C. Code Officials Qualification Board recently approved remote inspections via video/chatting software.
“The process will allow faster inspections or re-inspection completions for building/trade inspectors and contractors, if requested and approved,” according to a county news release. Remote options are only available after the inspector has already been to the building site and knows the property.
Like with many other technologies, the in-person factor is not going away.
“Our inspectors will be performing audits on building projects after some of the video inspections,” said Chief Building Official Michael Naylor. “This lets the contractor know we’re not just relying on video and we’ll still go to the site for confirmation.”
The innovation comes at a time when builders are struggling to keep up with the demand for new homes. At last week’s Greater Fayetteville Business Journal Power Breakfast, home-building veteran Ralph Huff noted that the U.S. has a 5-million home shortage in the U.S. housing market.
The video-inspection option comes on the heels of another local-government technological advancement. Cumberland County recently launched a new online service to assist the public, builders, contractors and businesses with permitting, planning and inspections.
EnerGov Services and Citizens Self Service (CSS) is a software program that allows online submission and management of permits, plans and inspections in the Planning & Inspections and Environmental Health Departments. Fire inspections through the Fire Marshal’s office can also be tracked.
The online service provides a paperless management system that includes a dashboard to easily find and manage permitting. It is designed to increase access to permit and plan information online.
The new platform allows users to:
- Submit plans electronically for review, tracking and note taking
- Follow the full process of their submitted documents
- Submit permits for pools, septic systems, etc.
- Request fire inspections
- Get real-time access online at any time to plans, permits and GIS maps
- Receive email notifications of process status
- Navigate the software’s dashboard with easy search features
- Reduce the chance for lost paperwork or a missed appointment
- Reduce phone calls and trips to the office
“This software will maximize process efficiency and provide for a more seamless development review process,” Howard said. “It will save time by allowing both staff and customers to easily track any submitted plans or permit applications.”
You can learn more about both of the new technologies by visiting the Planning and Inspections department at www.cumberlandcountync.gov.
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