Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction
Mission:
Protection of lives and property through educational, licensing and inspection programs in the administration of codes and standards relating to hazardous materials, fire prevention and the construction and maintenance of buildings and structures.
Purpose:
Oversight of building construction through enforcement of building and fire codes including: elevators, boilers, manufactured housing, hazardous materials, electrical installations and plumbing. The agency also ensures fire and life safety in existing buildings; licenses/certifies plumbers, electricians, boiler contractors, sprinkler and/or fire alarm contractors and building inspectors; and serves as headquarters for the State Fire Marshal's office.
Goals:
Stewardship of the people’s tax dollars.
Highest level of accountability.
Continuous improvement of client relationships while maintaining the highest level of commitment as a regulatory agency.
Enhancement of service delivery through the development and application of leading edge technology.
Professional staffing at all levels through training and educational opportunities.
Informing citizens and the business community about the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction.
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A Brief History of the Agency |
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The agency was established Jan. 1, 1978, by executive order to unite all related functions pertaining to the building industry to provide a more effective building inspection process. The State Fire Marshal's Office was transferred from the Department of Insurance, and the Division of Plumbing was transferred from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection. These actions were taken based on recommendations as a result of the Beverly Hills Supper Club fire in northern Kentucky.
Additional actions occurred on the following dates:
- Nov. 1, 1979 - the State Elevator Inspection Program was transferred from the Department of Labor.
- Dec. 1, 1979 - the Division of Building Codes Enforcement was established, followed by the adoption of the Kentucky Building Code on Feb. 15, 1980.
- July 1, 1995 - Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Licensure Program was established.
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