Now more than ever, permitting and inspections play a tremendous role in successfully completing projects on or ahead of schedule. While we are all battling the circumstances of the pandemic, it is crucial that contractors are aware of the details that go into successfully navigating the current permitting and inspection process. We are seeing an increasing number of projects hit roadblocks during the permitting stage that are avoidable and can be addressed early on to avert schedule delays.
Throughout the initial shut down of construction and now the resumption of construction activities, Elizabeth Baldwin, Chief Code Official for the Philadelphia Department of L&I has seen the system work successfully and overcome its fair share of issues. She has helped to troubleshoot systemic shortcomings while helping the department move forward with the new eCLIPSE online permitting system. Elizabeth will walk through the online permitting process and demonstrate areas where contractors should pay attention and highlight avenues to properly mitigate issues when they do arise.
In response to the safety protocols and procedures established to keep the construction industry safe, L&I has ramped up their Audits and Investigations Division. William Fernandez, Esq. will update members on the areas of concerns that the department has seen on jobsites across the City. There will be time for Q&A for both presenters during this webinar.
Presenters:
Elizabeth Baldwin, P.E.
Chief Code Official – Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections
As Chief Code Engineer for the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I), Elizabeth Baldwin leads the development and implementation of Philadelphia’s codes for the safe and lawful construction and use of buildings. She is responsible for the interpretation of codes and the associated programs and procedures required for effective administration and enforcement. Elizabeth has served in the public sector for over 20 years with 14 of those years dedicated to L&I. She began her career with L&I as a plans examination engineer and, prior to her current appointment in march 2019, she managed all licensing, permitting, and plan review as the Permit Services Director for L&I. Elizabeth earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Drexel University. She is registered in Pennsylvania as a professional engineer and certified building code official. Elizabeth was recently appointed to the Pennsylvania UCC Review & Advisory Council, which analyzes and recommends changes in the statewide building codes.
William Fernandez, Esq.
Director of Audits and Investigations – Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections
Will Fernandez is the Director of Audits and Investigations for the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections Audits and Investigations Unite, or AIU. AIU has four core functions: 1) Administrative Investigations – targeted investigations of suspected bad-acting licensees (such as contractors) or registrees (such as special inspectors); 2) Audits – the collection, review and analysis of license or permit data or documents, 3) Programmed Inspections – collection and oversight of property certifications (such as façade reports and pier reports), and 4) Unannounced jobsite inspections – unannounced inspections of active jobsites focused on safety and contractor compliance, with violations resulting in fines and referrals for administrative investigations. Before joining L&I, Will spent 5 years working at the City of Philadelphia Law Department, mostly representing L&I. Will grew up in Miami, went to college and law school in New York, and lives in South Philadelphia.
Pradeep Parekh
Plans Examiner - Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections
Mark Evans
Building Inspector - Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections