In observance of National Public Works Week (NPWW) today Knox County wants to highlight Codes Administration and specifically outstanding employee Bill Pierce.
“Codes employees work hard to make our community a safer place to live and work, “said Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett. “The different codes they enforce exist to make sure construction and development are safe and well thought-out.”
Bill Pierce has worked as a plans examiner with Knox County Codes Administration for 20 years. Originally from Oak Ridge, Pierce has lived in East Tennessee his whole life. In his spare time Pierce enjoys hiking in the Smoky Mountains, cooking out with family and friends, swimming, canoeing and practicing yoga.
As a plans examiner, Pierce reviews construction plans to check for compliance with zoning and building code regulations. He also provides information to property owners, developers, designers and builders regarding the enforcement of these regulations.
“We are here to help people do what they want to do within the regulations of the laws,” said Pierce. “We will spend as much time as is needed to figure out ways to accomplish this. Most people are surprised to find out that permits are required and regulations apply to just about anything they propose to do or build.”
In addition to regulating construction projects and permits, Codes Administration also assists with dirty lot complaints, illegal dumping investigations and other stormwater issues, such as sediment control, erosion control, construction exits and silt fences.
“The goal of these regulations is to improve our community through the orderly planned use of property and to provide safety to life and property from hazards attributed to development and the built environment,” said Pierce. “I try to be constantly aware of how our office can function to better serve our community and take actions to implement ideas for improvement.”
For those who work diligently to enforce public safety codes, regulate zoning and all the other countless aspects of public works, Knox County thanks you.
More information on National Public Works Week can be found at www.apwa.net/discover/National-Public-Works-Week
Knox County Celebrates National Public Works Week
