Legal Factors of

Construction Inspection

Gain an understanding of the Construction and Inspection industries while you kickstart your knowledge of the major elements of construction and inspection laws, codes, and the code enforcement/inspection processes. Gain an understanding of the legal aspects of the code and the inspector's legal responsibilities, performance at hearings, and court procedures.

Reserve Your Spot
Session 1

Introduction and History

 

  • Litigation trends impacting building officials
  • Early building codes and disasters showing need for regulations
  • Development of modern building codes

 

Session 2

Local Government Laws

 

  • Key differences between counties, municipalities, and home rule
  • Dillon's Rule and municipal authority
  • Process of adopting building codes
Session 3

State Laws and Preemption

 

  • State enabling legislation
  • Impacts of statewide building codes
  • Preemption limiting local authority
  • Sovereign immunity
Session 4

Federal Laws

 
  • Role of federal laws in building codes
  • Consumer Product Safety Act and Commission
  • Immunity of federal buildings
Session 5

Administration and Enforcement

 
  • Permit issuance and revocation
  • Inspections, warrants, and plans examination
  • Documenting code violations
  • Civil prosecutions
Session 6 

Administrative Appeals

 
  • Creation of appeals boards
  • Application process
  • Powers and procedures
Session 7

Constitutional Limits

  • Fourth Amendment restrictions
  • Substantive due process
  • Equal protection clause
Session 8

Property Laws

 
  • Key concepts like zoning, covenants and easements
  • Ownership rights and transfers
  • Subdivision regulations
Session 9

Intentional Torts

 
  • Governmental vs. individual liability
  • Malicious prosecution
  • False imprisonment
  • Trespass
Session 10

Negligent Torts

 
  • Elements of negligence
  • Public duty doctrine
  • State tort liability acts
  • Immunities and insurance
Session 11

Civil Rights Actions

 
  • Section 1983 claims
  • Fair Housing Act
  • Americans with Disabilities Act
  • Attorney fee awards
Session 12

Witness Testimony

 
  • Guidelines for fact and expert witnesses
  • Handling direct and cross-examinations
  • Using documentation
Session 13

Liability Case Studies

 
  • Analysis of lawsuits against building officials
  • Assessing merits and outcomes
Session 14

Risk Management

 
  • Identifying areas of liability exposure
  • Implementing mitigation strategies
Session 15

Legal Research

 
  • Navigating laws and case law
  • Assessing impacts of legal developments
Session 16

Course Review and Testing

 
  • Comprehensive review
  • Final exam