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Implementing the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code

Clients

IBTS serves more than 15 parishes and municipalities in Northern Louisiana, including the Parishes of Bienville, Bossier, Caldwell, Claiborne, Franklin, Jackson, Lincoln, Madison, Union, and Webster. IBTS also provides services to municipalities in the northern portion of the state, including the Village of Simsboro and the Towns of Arcadia, Grambling, Springhill, Plain Dealing, Benton, and Haughton.

Challenge

In the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the State of Louisiana passed legislation mandating statewide enforcement of the newly established Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code. In many parts of the state, building code enforcement was not fully implemented, and many areas were too rural to justify a self-sustaining building department for each jurisdiction.

IBTS Solutions

  • Had pre-contract meetings with parish and municipal leadership to fine-tune the expectations and the process.
  • IBTS currently conducts building department augmentation and full building department services for its northern clients from one branch office and one field office, maximizing resources and providing effective responsiveness to clients, businesses and citizens.
  • IBTS acts as the building official and provides plan review, inspection, and permitting services.
  • IBTS also provides in-house IT expertise to provide web-enabled software solutions.

Benefits

  • IBTS team connected with clients, which provided good communication to resolve issues quickly and avoid delays.
  • Minimal oversight and client resources are needed to augment or execute and maintain department activities.
  • Implementation of an IBTS in-house software solution allows entering and tracking of permitting, fees, plan review, inspections, and documentation. It also provides up-to-the-minute status of building department activities to help monitor workload, responsiveness, and scheduling.