What's New in DPD

April 2024

Message from the Director

A common question we receive is “How long does this usually take?” It’s often used in reference to plan reviews or permit issuance, understandably as work cannot start on a project, whether residential or commercial, until a permit has been issued. But if you’re looking to know, on average, how quickly these review processes occur, an updated tool is available on the Develop 901 website to demonstrate average review and issuance times for different types of permits and documents.

The Division Performance Measures webpage features data originating straight from our Develop 901 Citizen Portal with measurement of time in days, showing the amount of time it takes for different processes listed to occur, on average. Currently, the data shown is summarizing applications submitted and reviewed during February, but at the start of a new month, the previous month’s data will be featured. We use this data in conjunction with our service-level agreements (SLAs) to ensure that the goals we have set for meeting our customers’ needs in a timely manner remains consistent throughout different application types, review processes, and inspection requests.

To answer the question of “How long does this usually take?” our Division Performance Measures give clear and succinct information to help inform you about the average duration of time for our processes. This data could be helpful for customers as they begin to plan their application submissions and project timelines.

The Building Beat: New Episode!

A new episode of our division podcast, The Building Beat, is available now! This month’s episode is about Mechanical Inspections, and Mechanical Inspector Arthur Hammontree shared his experience as an inspector and former section chief as well as helpful information to know about mechanical and gas inspections.

Episodes are released the first Monday of each month and are available wherever you listen to podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and our division YouTube channel.

OSR in Collaboration with the Memphis Zoo

OSR Manager Leigh Huffman (pictured far right) was invited to speak as a panelist at the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Green Summit held on Saturday, March 16 at the Renasant Convention Center here in Memphis. This event, organized by the Memphis Zoo, underscored a pivotal collaboration initiated in December 2022 between OSR and the Memphis Zoo to advance the Zoo's sustainability goals. Leigh orchestrated collaboration with the Memphis Zoo, resulting in the successful acquisition of funding to kickstart these initiatives.

In December 2023, the Memphis Zoo—in partnership with Shelby County and City of Memphis—was awarded a grant from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, a funding opportunity from the Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This $670,000 grant allocation, facilitated through collaborative efforts with Shelby County and the City of Memphis, serves as a significant stride towards advancing the Memphis Area Climate Action Plan.

The money will be used by the Memphis Zoo to install rooftop solar panels on Zoo buildings, expand community outreach and clean energy education programs, and develop a waste characterization study and regional solid waste master plan for the city and county. The goal is to lower energy use, reduce emissions, and promote energy efficiency in our local community. OSR hopes the solar project will be the first of many sustainability projects.

Develop 901 Citizen Portal Training Academy

Need some assistance in more effectively using the Develop 901 Citizen Portal? Want to train your team on the most relevant sections of the Portal? The Citizen Portal Training Academy features recorded training videos and printable quick reference guides for your convenience, allowing for portal training on your time and within your schedule.

The Citizen Portal Training Academy is accessible from the Develop 901 website.

Lead Hazard Reduction Program

If you or someone you know lives in a home built before 1978 and also has a child or children (6 years or younger) who spend time in the home, then contact the SCDH Lead Hazard Control Program about a free lead inspection at (901) 222-LEAD. Eligible residents may receive free lead paint removal services. For more information about the program, visit this site.

Applications are now accepted online via the website Neighborly. Use this site to register and create a new account before beginning an application.

Program Manager Anita Tate was interviewed for a recent FOX13 investigation concerning the hazardous effects of lead found in older homes and how this phenomenon affects children’s growth and development. The interview and article can be found here.

Staff Announcements

David Bodkin began his career with Construction Enforcement as a Plumbing Inspector in March 1999. David worked his way up to Chief Plumbing Inspector in October 2009. David is regarded statewide as an expert on the plumbing code and teaches plumbing classes for the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy. David retired from Shelby County Government at the end of March.

Ricky Bobbitt began his career with Construction Enforcement as a Plumbing Inspector in 2001. Ricky was promoted to Senior Plumbing Inspector in June 2019. Ricky is well respected in the trade and always took a practical approach to applying the code. Ricky retired from Shelby County Government at the end of March.

David Jones began his career with Construction Enforcement in March 1999 after closing his business, Jones Quality Plumbing. David’s has served as a great resource to the department with his attention to detail and thorough understanding of the plumbing code. David retired from Shelby County Government at the end of March.

Rejoice Bonner Jones joined the Code Enforcement family on February 16, 2004. Rejoice, also known as the electrical permit guru, has been the catalyst that has help hold the Operations section together. She leaves with a wealth of knowledge and information, that she made sure to share with those who hired behind her. She will be missed greatly, but the Construction Enforcement department wishes her nothing but success as she moves into the next chapter of her retired life. Her retirement and 25 years of dedication to Shelby County was celebrated on Thursday, March 21 (pictured below).