The primary inspections performed by the residential inspectors are foundation, framing, energy, and final inspections. The audit specifically focused on inspector productivity, the number and nature of complaints received by each section, and DDES policies and procedures regarding the issuance of change orders. Audit methodology included an analysis of the DDES timekeeping data for Residential and Site Inspection staff, a review of available policies and procedures, interviews with inspection staff, and observations of the inspection processes. The general audit conclusions were that there was a lack of valid productivity data available to monitor inspector productivity, as well as a lack of adequate procedures to ensure that complaints received were sufficiently investigated to ensure their resolution. Timekeeping data recorded varied significantly among inspectors, procedures for initiating final inspections and investigating complaints were inadequate, and policies for assessing reinspection fees and clearly defined site development inspection requirements were lacking.
Management has limited ability to monitor productivity.
Significant variances existed among inspectors for the times recorded in the timekeeping system for similar tasks. Audit staff determined that the geographic areas to which each inspector was primarily assigned and the nature of construction occurring in those areas contributed to these variances but were unable to identify all of the specific factors contributing to the variances due to other deficiencies in the timekeeping system. These variances, combined with the timekeeping system deficiencies, limited DDES management's ability to effectively monitor inspection staff productivity. In Residential Inspections, final inspections were not always performed due to the lack of a proactive final inspection program for residential building permits. This deficiency resulted in an estimated 3500 residential construction projects being completed and illegally occupied after the permits expired.