Newport approved separating the functions of code enforcement and planning into two separate departments at its meeting on Thursday evening.
The Newport City Commission held a second reading on an ordinance that separates code enforcement operations and creates a new planning and development department.
“They were combined functions before with code enforcement and planning; however, that doesn’t really work,” Newport Manager Tom Fromme said. “So, we have split those out. Code enforcement is a standalone department, and planning and zoning is a newly created standalone department as well.”
Brian Steffen will serve as director of planning and development. Steffen previously served as Newport’s director of code enforcement.
“And when we did this, we also have reached the level three building inspectors for the city of Newport, which greatly enhances our capabilities in planning and zoning and building inspection services,” Fromme said.
Level three allows for commercial plan review and the ability to inspect all types of buildings across the state. During the July meeting, Fromme said that inspecting commercial properties is crucial with sites like the Ovation development in Newport.
The functions of the planning and development department would be as follows:
- The administration of planning and zoning
- Development plan review
- Conduct building inspections
- Issue building permits
- Issue demolition permits
- Administer expanded jurisdiction
- Administer the board of adjustments
- Administer the planning and zoning commission
- Administer the urban design and review board
Further discussion was held during the first reading of the ordinance at the commission’s July meeting, which can be found here.
