[E-updates] Neighborhood Resources Department works to ensure quality constru ction practices

[Lisa Patterson]

NEWS RELEASE 
City of Lawrence, Kansas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 29, 2004

CONTACT:  Barry Walthall, codes enforcement manager, (785) 832-3101

Neighborhood Resources Department works to ensure quality construction
practices

(Lawrence, Kansas) - The Lawrence Homebuilders Association and City of
Lawrence building officials have been working together to establish
contractor licensing regulations.  The regulations will establish and
maintain a high standard of integrity, skill and practice in the
construction field.  The regulations include standards for contractor
qualifications, insurance and provide for workers compensation.  The
Neighborhood Resources Department already uses adopted codes regarding the
construction and maintenance of buildings, structures and environmental
issues to ensure that buildings constructed in Lawrence are safe.  The
contractor licensing regulations help establish a minimum standard for the
quality of construction performed by contractors working in the Lawrence
community.  

"Neighborhood Resources works to protect the health, safety and welfare of
the community by ensuring that public and private buildings meet building
standards," said Barry Walthall, codes enforcement manager with the
Neighborhood Resources Department.  Walthall continues, "Taking steps to
ensure that construction activities are performed by fully qualified and
licensed contractors means that Lawrence citizens have another level of
protection when getting involved with construction activities."

The draft regulations are available for public review at
http://www.lawrenceneighres.org/contractorlicensing.shtml.  Individuals can
provide feedback to Victor Torres, Director of Neighborhood Resources, at
(785) 832-3122 or vtorres at ci.lawrence.ks.us.  The licensing proposal is
expected to be considered by the Lawrence City Commission in February 2005.
Implementation of the contractor licensing regulations would likely begin
July 1, 2005.


-END-

_____________________________
Lisa K. Patterson
Communications Coordinator
City of Lawrence
PO Box 708
Lawrence, KS 66044
(785) 832-3406
fax (785) 832-3405
lpatterson at ci.lawrence.ks.us
http://www.lawrenceks.org