Responding to the Approaching Mass Departure of Building Code Professionals in Utah

Abstract

National studies have suggested that a large percentage of existing code professionals are expected to reach retirement age in the next 10 years. The purpose of this research project was to assess the health and long-term viability of the code professional industry in Utah, and explore the impacts of a mass departure of code professionals. The code professional spectrum was developed to illustrate the increasing complexity and body of knowledge contained within this industry. A statewide survey of over 300 licensed building inspectors was conducted to investigate the current demographics of the industry and explore the various levels of professional expertise contained within this group. It was determined that approximately half of all actively licensed building inspectors in the state of Utah will reach retirement age within the next 10 years. Correspondingly, there are many different certification areas in which over half of the current professionals will also be lost during this same time period. Finally, projections were made contrasting the large number of code professionals leaving the industry versus the small number of individuals entering the industry. This research conclusively predicts a steady and dramatic decline in the number of licensed code professionals unless the industry actively works toward addressing the issue. Potential solutions include increasing the availability of technical training, targeting potential sources of new code professionals, improving wages and other incentives, prolonging the careers of current code professionals, outsourcing through private industry, and utilizing new technologies to more efficiently perform routine responsibilities.