LEXINGTON, KY. (Feb. 27, 2024) – The Lexington Divisions of Code Enforcement and Building Inspection have recently earned accreditation from professional standards organizations for the first time – the first divisions in Kentucky to do so.
“These are the divisions in government primarily responsible for the safety of our buildings,” Mayor Linda Gorton said. “These accreditations tell Lexington residents that their local government is following the highest standards to keep them safe.”
Bob Carpenter, Director of Building Inspection, said, “We’re the first building inspection department in Kentucky to be accredited, and only the third city of our size. It’s easier for a small city to be accredited, so we’re proud that Lexington is one of the first larger cities to earn the accreditation.” The Division earned a Certificate of Accreditation from the International Accreditation Service for Building Departments.
The Division of Code Enforcement recently achieved accreditation from the International Accreditation Service. Lexington is the first city in Kentucky, and the 6th city in the United States to achieve this status. Lee Steele, Director of Code Enforcement, said, “We are so honored to be first Code Enforcement Division in the State to receive this status. So many of our smaller jurisdictions look to a city the size of Lexington to innovate and lead us forward in our chosen fields. Myself personally and all my staff are so proud of this accomplishment.”
Both men are relatively new in their jobs. They credited previous directors Dewey Crowe, Building Inspection, and Alex Olszowy, Code Enforcement, and their staffs. Crowe and Olszowy recently retired.
“The now-retired directors of both Building Inspection and Code Enforcement got the process started," said Carpenter said, who led Building Inspection through the audit in January. “They spent four days with us and talked to everyone you can think of, not only our employees, but also other city employees who interact with Building Inspection as well as outside contractors and engineers.”
Building inspection oversees new construction, including remodeling projects or additions. Code Enforcement ensures the ongoing safety of buildings that are already complete.
