Amherst Hires Part-Time Building Inspector

Submitted by Sarah Marchant, Community Development Director

For the Office of Community Development, 2013 has produced a significant jump in building activity. New applications have increased 50 percent over last year’s total permits as of the end of the third quarter, for everything from generators and additions, to demolition and new construction. While this is excellent news for the local economy, the increase in new applications has exceeded the Office’s ability to provide timely turn-around on permit approvals and inspection scheduling requests. 

The Office’s goal is to provide inspections within 24 to 48 hours of the request and to process building permits within seven to 10 days of complete information submission. Although New Hampshire RSA 676:13 allows town up to 30 days to process building permits, the OCD feels that 30 days is inconsistent with our commitment to our residents, developers, building trade professionals and other who, like us, strive to make Amherst a desirable place to live. While this is not always possible, the Office has for several months now filled the inspection schedule a week in advance, and pushed permit application reviews out over two weeks. 

To meet the heightened demand for service, the Board of Selectmen and Town Administrator have supported the Office’s request to hire a subcontracted building inspector on a part-time “as-needed basis.” The subcontracted inspector will be available limited hours to support the office in sustaining a more appropriate level of service. The Town has welcomed Bill Condra, a certified electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and building inspector into this role. Condra also provides inspection service for the City of Nashua and Town of Hudson.

Through this effort, the office hopes it can continue to provide a cost effective service to the community, while maintaining the integrity of construction. For additional information on this or any other efforts of the Community Development Office, contact Sarah Marchant, Community Development Director at 603-673-6041 ext. 206 or smarchant@amherstnh.gov.