Adopt Ordinance #23-10 Amendment to Chapter 105, Building and Building Regulations

At the May 23, 2023 City County meeting, Ordinance #23-10 was introduced. The amendment to Chapter 105, Building and Building Regulations adds Section 3, 105-25. Plumbing Permit Admistration, Plan Review and Inspections. The changes permit the delegation of authority for plumbing plan review for public and commercial projects from the Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) to the City of Ramsey. As part of the delegation process, the City must approve an ordinance to offer local plumbing plan review services, the endorsement of and application and submission of an agreement with the State of MN DOLI, establishment of local fees and ensure the designated representative of the City is eligible to perform the local plumbing plan reviews.

Rum River Consultants (RRC) has provided inspection services for the City in the past, and remains in contact with City staff to assist when needed, and has added a master plumber to its 23-member team. Staff supports a supplemental contract with RRC to provide plumbing review for public and commercial projects and to provide inspection services when needed. DOLI typically takes 8 -12 weeks to review plans; RRC has indicated its capacity to review plumbing plans in half the amount of time. The delegation agreement will benefit Ramsey by generating additional revenue the State of MN usually retains by conducting the reviews and reviews will be completed in a more timely manner. 

As part of the process, the City of Ramsey should terminate the supplemental contract with Inspectron, Inc. Service has been very minimal since late 2022 with the hiring of an additional building inspector. Termination of the agreement would be completed upon receiving a delegation as the two supplemental service agreements would be an unnecessary redundancy. 

 

Notification not required.

After adoption of Ordinance #23-10, the ordinance will be published on June 13, 2023 for a term of thirty (30) days. In the meantime, submit ordinance and agreements to DOLI for approval. The ordinance becomes effective once approved by DOLI.

Alternative 1: Adopt Ordinance #23-10 and approve agreements.
Alternative 2: Deny Ordinance #23-10 and continue to have DOLI review commercial and public plumbing plans.

The amount of funds collected through the commercial plumbing review process is undetermined. However, the City of Ramsey will retain 15% to cover administrative costs and the agreement with Rum River Consultants states the Contractor (RRC) will collect 85% of the fees for plan review services.

Staff recommends the adoption of Ordinance #23-10, Building and Building Regulations.

Motion to waive city charter requirement that the ordinance be read aloud and adopt Ordinance #23-10, Amendment to Chapter 105, Building and Building Regulations.