Resident Diane Birkbeck is one of many asking why Ventnor building inspections are taking so long.
‘Start, stop, start, stop issues with inspectors.
Birkbeck is also the Ventnor Recreation Director.
Can we make the process faster? Maybe hire more people?
Mayor Landgraf: Inspection volume is the problem. We’re issuing more permits than ever for renovations and new builds.
Ventnor’s deal with Longport over. We stopped sharing inspectors with them.
Building inspections are in much greater demand. For now. Major work must stop prior to Memorial Day.
Landgraf: For past 3 years, we couldn’t find sub-code inspectors. Nobody is applying for these jobs.
Lack of local, moderately-priced housing contributes to the problem. Ex: Short-Term Rentals.
Veteran inspector Jim Agnesino is now retired.
Ventnor will now outsource some duties to a 3rd party for actual, in-field inspections.
Trinity Code Inspections. They provide inspections for government municipalities across the state.
Trinity, based in Cape May NJ, is owned by Jay Dilworth, a former colleague of Landgraf.
Ventnor will still handle building inspections and electrical sub-code, but will outsource fire and plumbing.
Short-term rental inspections also under pressure.
Ex: see Ventnor short-term rental property below.
Ventnor also struggles with finding Class II police officers. Budgeted for 8, but could only find 5.
Ventnor…cronyism