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NWBERRY ‒ During a recent City Commission meeting, Newberry officials issued a proclamation recognizing Building Safety Month, part of an international campaign to raise awareness about building safety and the importance of up-to-date construction standards.

Following the proclamation, Building Official David Meyer delivered an update on recent improvements within the city’s Building Department.

“The Building Department has been completely replaced since February because of issues from before I got here,” Meyer told commissioners. He credited Building Inspector Tony Carpenter and Permit Technicians Michael Booth and Ashley Monk for their efforts to improve operations and streamline permitting.

According to Meyer, the department introduced several key upgrades in the first quarter of 2025, including real-time inspection results made possible through the use of tablets in the field. The department also took on responsibility for Business Tax Receipts (BTRs) and significantly improved turnaround time for reviewing building plans — reducing the average number of pending days from 13 to just two.

Booth and Monk were also recognized for successfully closing and collecting $82,310 in outstanding permit fees.

During the first quarter, the department issued 234 permits — an average of 15 per week — and reported an 83 percent inspection pass rate. Meyer projected that the city will issue approximately 780 permits this year, covering both new construction and renovations.

He also expressed interest in hosting a public workshop to inform residents and business owners about the streamlined permitting process, though no date has yet been scheduled.

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Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

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