Building Safety Officials Are Silent Heroes

As Building Safety Month 2024 comes to an end, we are reminded that a Building Safety professional’s job is never finished. Their role to ensure customers experience the best, safest, code compliant outcome for their project is a continuous journey. Tapping into their expertise in navigating regulatory compliance marks just the beginning in understanding the real endeavor and undertakings to assure building and life safety.

Most regulators strive for a partnership approach for achieving success. “That means having an open mind, actively listening, and an options orientated approach to navigating regulatory compliance,” shared Sean Farrell, Development Project Manager, Building Development Division, Department of Development Services. “It is our job to explore every opportunity in order to achieve customer success.”

“It is not always met with open arms. Requesting a peer or industry colleague to demonstrate why something might be necessary is not always an easy conversation. It takes diplomacy and finely tuned soft skills to enter a debate on behalf of a customer and still maintain trust and respect,” said Farrell. “After reviewing all the options, delivering hard messages to a customer can be just as challenging, but when lives are part of the decision-making process, striking “Safeness” is the balance and goal for every project.”

“When I first started, I went right out of High School to cut grass for general services. I moved up to Data Entry Clerk which allowed me to take examinations to become an Inspector. That led to my role as a Property Code Enforcement Manager, Department of Public Works. From there I was hired as Building Code Enforcement Supervisor, Building Development Division, Department of Development Services, which brought me to my current position as Building Development Project Manager,” added Farrell. “It brings me joy day-to-day to facilitate the customers goals and take pride in providing education, so they truly understand the service we provide for them.”

“From my perspective, I had to get more involved. To me that is one of the primary responsibilities of being a building safety professional to get and be involved in the industry that you are working in, and there are so many opportunities to do just that. It is just a matter of capitalizing on those opportunities. Exposure to the Virginia Building and Code Officials Association (VBCOA) can get you involved in many facets of the organization. If you like to teach people you can be part of the education committee. There is plenty to support on the technical side of things, which helps you grow within the profession.” said Farrell.

“My journey began with VBCOA 21 years ago and started at the grass roots level, just after cutting grass for a living! I literally, just started showing up,” said Farrell. “It all started in region 5, Northern Virginia, which represents about ~30% of the organization’s membership.”

“It was my honor to eventually serve two-terms as VBCOA Region 5 Chairman, which provides a seat on the State Board – the true voting base of the organization. I also chaired Property Maintenance and Code Development for Property Maintenance at the national level. In addition, I served on the Public Information Committee, to encourage membership in non-participating jurisdictions. Our cumulative work earned an International Code Council Chapter of the Year Award in 2004.” said Farrell. “I got involved in everything. When you are listening to the debate on every single code change you get a complete understanding - all the pros and cons and all the factors that are involved. It was then that I applied to be a VBCOA State Officer and served 5 years as Sergeant at Arms, First Vice President, President and finally Immediate Past–President.”

“The State code promulgates Building Safety at the least possible cost. Therein Iies the challenge of all building safety professionals as we congregate, discuss, debate, and interpret what are the baseline standards for safety. If the threshold is too high, it can limit the ability to afford new construction and if it is too low the implications of safety risks are too high.” said Farrell. “Serving on the International Code Development Committees as well as serving as ICC Code Interpretation Committee Chair brought on a heightened level of inquiry. Anyone that had a question would pose the question to the Committee, which explored the question to sift it down to a specific answer. All the bright minds get together and talk about why a code is good or bad and why it needs to change. Those opinions are assessed and decided on by the Committee, looking at all sides, the building owners and property owners - who want to see specific things happen, designers, engineers, architects, general contractors, specialty contractors, specialists, and the same thing on the regulator side - fire, electric, plumbing, fuel/gas, building, structural and every single kind of material.  The process is robust, open, and inclusive, and I think that provides for the best product and outcome for customers.”

Eric Mays, Building Official, Prince William County said, “I want to thank Sean for his exemplary public service as VBCOA’s Director of Regulatory Compliance, serving on the Virginia Board of Housing and Community Development. Over his 8-year tenure, Sean gave his leadership, tenacity, partnership, and creativity to ensure Virginia continues as a national leader in Building Safety.”

Cindy L Davis, CBO, Deputy Director, Building and Fire Regulations, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development also shared, “It has been my honor and privilege to work with Sean Farrell in the development of codes and related regulations in Virginia. Sean has been such an incredibly valuable resource as the Director of Regulatory Compliance, VBCOA. That position holds a seat on the Board of Housing and Community Development that is responsible for the development of the Uniform Statewide Building Code and Statewide Fire Prevention Code. To say that Sean's depth of knowledge on incredibly complex technical issues was extremely beneficial is an understatement. But even more beneficial was his innate ability to explain the technical issues in a clear and easily understandable way that permitted those on the board without the same level of expertise to readily understand the issues, resulting in good regulations for Virginia. His emotional intelligence combined with a calm demeanor and explanations allowed even the most contentious issues to be discussed and debated in a professional manner.” 

“I do not exaggerate when I say that without Sean in that position, particularly over the past two code cycles, Virginia would not be able to lead the way in carefully balancing safety and affordability. Not an easy tight rope to walk. But one he did with skill and confidence. Virginia will be forever in his debt.” added Davis.

“The VBCOA is a fantastic way to get started in a career as a building safety professional, which is designed to incorporate industry, designers, contractors - anyone can be a member. The rewards are intrinsic and limitless.” added Farrell in closing.

Come Be A Hero, Come Join Us.

For more information on Development Services visit the Development Services homepage at www.pwcva.gov, email: [email protected] or call (703) 792-6930. To stay up-to-date E-Sign Up to Customer Service Bulletins, find us on X (formerly Twitter) @PWCDDS, on Facebook, and LinkedIn.