City, county agree to share inspectors
New construction will be able to get certificates of occupancy; also, KPD nabs alleged burglars
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For decades, Howard County has had a need for a building inspector. The county plan commission hasn’t issued certificates of occupancy to new construction in years because of this. The legal ramifications of this deficit haven’t been tested, but the county is no longer willing to take chances.
On Sept. 25, the Kokomo Common Council passed a resolution to create an interlocal agreement, allowing the city’s building inspectors to perform the work throughout the county. Council member Kara Kitts-McKibben carried the resolution at the meeting.
“The county currently does not have an inspections department and has requested that the City of Kokomo provide building inspections for structures located within the county,” said McKibben. “This pertains to new builds. They have set up parameters, and all the money spent and fees from permits issued will come back to the city.”
A certificate of occupancy is supposed to be issued by the county before a building may be occupied. The certificate describes the legal use and zoning of the property and is supposed to verify that the building was constructed in accordance with all relevant building codes. Without it, a property shouldn’t be occupied.
Howard County Plan Commission Director Greg Sheline explained that his office has declined to issue certificates because no inspections are being conducted. The absence of a certificate may place property owners at risk of invalidating insurance coverage. Some financial institutions may decline to issue loans for such properties. And worst of all, without an inspection, safety and structural issues may go unnoticed.
With the interlocal agreement in place, city building inspectors will shoulder the load.
“We've been told that they do have enough staff with their inspections department,” said Kitts- McKibben.
The interlocal agreement authorizes city inspectors to examine properties constructed outside of the city limits, issue permits for them, and collect all associated fees. The city will cover the costs of providing the service and will retain the fees collected. If additional staff is needed to accomplish the task, the city can request the county to pay for additional inspectors. The city must not farm out the work to a third party.
The council voted unanimously to adopt the resolution. This agreement will remain in effect in perpetuity unless one party gives 60 days’ notice of termination. It will apply to successive officeholders.
Suspected serial burglars detained
On Sept. 23, Kokomo Police responded to Southway Express, located at 125 W. Southway Blvd., in reference to a burglary to the business. Upon investigation, officers discovered that electricity was cut to the business, and a drive-through window was shattered. It appeared entry was gained inside the business.
Police believe suspects entered the business where they stole numerous items, including lottery tickets. Surveillance cameras depicted several persons of interests.
Also, on Sept. 23, officers responded to Qwik Stop, located at 305 S. 00EW, in reference to an attempted burglary. Surveillance video depicted two individuals attempting to open a drive-through window to the business. It is believed that the persons of interest are connected to both cases.
On Sept. 25, the Kokomo Police Department reported that the persons of interest in the burglary investigations had been located and detained.
If anyone has information concerning these investigations or has information regarding the persons of interest, you are asked to contact the Kokomo Police Department at 765-456-7017. You can always report tips anonymously by downloading the "Kokomo PD" mobile app from the iOS or Google Play stores. You can also text a tip to us by testing TIPKPD, then a space, and then your tip, and send it to 847411. You may qualify for a cash reward by calling Central Indiana Crime Stoppers at 1-800-262-TIPS.
Remember all defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.