Stephenson County zoning staff told the finance committee on Oct. 10 that implementing the county’s updated building-code enforcement will require funding for building-inspection work and associated hearings, and the committee approved a $6,000 line item in the zoning budget for that purpose.

Beth (Zoning official) said the board transferred code authority to zoning under a revised ordinance (chapter 218) and that at least five properties need initial inspections; she estimated inspections could cost roughly $3,000 or more per site if multiple visits or court action are required. She said other counties recoup some inspector costs from property owners via hearing fines or liens but emphasized those collections are not guaranteed and could take time.

Zoning staff explained they issued an RFP for inspection services and received no qualified responses; the staff contacted a licensed building inspector through professional contacts who would charge hourly rates and could be used on a case-by-case basis. The committee discussed budgeting a capped annual amount versus per-case limits; staff said an individual case could require many inspector hours if it proceeds to hearing or court.

The finance committee approved adding $6,000 to the zoning budget for building-inspector expenses by voice vote and directed staff to proceed. Zoning staff noted that some inspections are required for DCFS placements and that unresolved unsafe properties are a community concern; staffers said the new line will allow the department to respond to complaints and enforce the revised code.