Municipal Support Services

With a team of seasoned professionals—including former building officials and examiners—we offer tailored guidance that strengthens the performance and responsiveness of code, planning, zoning, and enforcement departments. 

We support municipalities in the strategic execution of core responsibilities within building code and zoning departments. We help cities navigate key challenges related to code adoption, enforcement programs, and internal process improvements.

Code Adoption

We guide municipalities through the full process of adopting and modifying building codes and other regulations. Our experience in the build environment includes facilitating public discussions and helping ensure new ordinances align with community needs and state requirements.

Enforcement Strategies

Working with some of the strictest codes in the country, SOCOTEC develops and supports enforcement programs that uphold some of the most rigorous codes in the nation. Whether related to the construction of new buildings or the safety of existing infrastructures, we help ensure effective, consistent code enforcement that protects public safety and aligns with evolving regulations.

Improving Planning and Development Processes

With cities experiencing an unprecedented amount of new public, institutional and private development, many are seeking ways to be more responsive to the development community.  At the same time, cities are needing to fill several positions, leadership and/or support.

SOCOTEC’s Code & Planning team has played a supportive role in providing advice and recommendations to enhance the interface between the City and the development community through process improvement. Our process includes:

• On-site engagement:  We meet with internal and external stakeholders, witness specific planning and construction issues, as well as provide guidance to the acting leadership.
• Observation and documentation: We provide a summary of observations and recommendations; this document acts as a project management plan and provides a detailed list of tasks that serves as a “roadmap” for the future. 
• Custom project management plan: Each task has been considered by the team and prioritized based on leadership’s view of its importance relative to the effort necessary to implement.