We took some time to speak with Don Wilkins, Safebuilt’s National Plan Review Regional Manager and East Point’s Plan Review Supervisor . Now with 2 years under his belt of many tools in East Point, it’s time we meet the man that’s ensuring our customers have a well-informed plan review! GROWING EAST POINT WITH HELP
"To be successful in my career, someone must enjoy learning about new things, while embracing the challenges of the job."
What do you enjoy most about working in the built environment?
I grew up in a construction family, with both my father and older brother being master electricians and even owning a electrical contracting business. No longer watching from the sidelines, I now have more than 35 years of experience in and around the construction industry. What I enjoy most is when I can explain the available options through the exceptions within the adopted codes to a design professional or applicant. I love that I am learning new things daily to meet the needs of the customer.
What is something that you want people to know about you?
Based on my time in government regulating construction, the public and some members of the construction community believe that local building departments are meant to delay construction. That is simply not true. Our goals, and those of the adopted codes, is to protect the occupants of a building. For homeowners, I believe my job is to help them protect their largest financial investment, which is their home. My team, and the staff at the City of East Point, want every permit application to move through the process in a timely manner.
What is something that you want people to know about your expertise?
Permit applicants should never be afraid to seek help or advice before the project is delayed. If the applicant doesn’t understand a review comment, we are here to help! If the applicant does not understand the codes, we are here to help! I have always told my staff that their prime function is to be an educator first and then be a reluctant regulator. Meaning, our job is to help people understand the codes, not immediately start regulating compliance.
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