Public sector building departments are under increasing pressure to deliver efficient, transparent, and high-quality services. As permit volumes rise, budgets remain static, and staffing shortages persist, many agencies seek new ways to meet community expectations. Simultaneously, they must keep pace with evolving regulations, including energy efficiency mandates and sustainability codes, that further complicate the permitting and inspection process.
These challenges present forward-thinking agencies with opportunities to reevaluate and optimize their processes. One such opportunity is the International Accreditation Service (IAS) Building Department Accreditation (BDA) program, a nationally recognized framework for continuous improvement. IAS accreditation is designed to help building departments systematically strengthen their core operations, from permitting and inspections to customer service and internal procedures. With accreditation, agencies commit to regularly evaluating and refining how they work, ensuring they remain responsive, reliable, and trusted by the communities they serve.
What is IAS accreditation?
IAS accreditation provides independent, third-party verification that a building department meets the highest standards of quality, competence, and public safety. Governed by IAS Accreditation Criteria AC251, the BDA program involves a comprehensive, on-site assessment across key areas, including:
- Service delivery (efficient permitting, inspections, and plan reviews).
- Customer experience (consistent, professional interactions).
- Safety and compliance (adherence to codes and emergency protocols).
- Internal operations (document control, staff training, and resource allocation).
- Government transparency and accountability (open communication and responsiveness).
Why accreditation matters
A key benefit of accreditation is the opportunity for independent operational audits and benchmarking against national standards. Through detailed reviews of permitting, planning, inspections, and staff training, agencies gain objective insights to identify gaps and adopt best practices to elevate performance.
Just remember: Accreditation isn’t a one-time event. To retain accredited status, every level of the organization has a role to play. Empower your agency’s teams to sustain improvements and address new challenges through ongoing monitoring and periodic reassessment of policies, procedures, and performance outcomes.
While the accreditation process is demanding and often a significant undertaking, many building departments find that the benefits justify the investment of time and effort. Accredited agencies demonstrate leadership and earn recognition among their peers for their commitment to quality. This, in turn, can enhance staff recruitment and retention and foster a culture of pride and accountability that drives ongoing excellence. It can also attract business investment, increasing confidence among developers, contractors, and other stakeholders who rely on efficient and trustworthy building departments.
Not ready for full accreditation?
Start small by adopting select best practices, such as:
- Conducting monthly customer surveys to capture valuable insights and act on feedback.
- Using performance metrics to monitor timeliness, consistency, and professionalism.
- Implementing technology upgrades that streamline process mapping, permitting, inspections, and plan review.
- Maintaining stakeholder engagement through meaningful activities, such as regular community outreach with homeowners, businesses, contractors, and design professionals.
Even without formal accreditation, these measures can strengthen consistency and inform department priorities. If your building department is considering accreditation, our consulting team can help you assess readiness and chart a clear path forward. Contact us to take the first step toward better service and greater safety.
