Construction companies seeking permits for their commercial or residential projects in parts of Miami-Dade County, Florida have been told to hire their own engineers or architects to perform inspections after multiple Covid-19 cases broke out in the county’s 400-person-strong Permitting and Inspection Center, causing it to be closed for at least two weeks.
All center staff are now self-isolating for the initial two-week period, starting 25 March. Under normal circumstances, they ensure projects comply with the Florida Building Code.
Issued by Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez on Saturday, 28 March (PDF), the order instructs builders to hire engineers and architects who are licensed and registered in Florida. They must not have a financial interest in the project.
The order covers the county’s Unincorporated Municipal Service Area – in which around a million people live, and which is outside the City of Miami – plus all other areas under the jurisdiction of the Miami-Dade County Building Official.
Mayor Giminez declared a state of emergency in the county on 12 March, and this order will remain in force for the duration of the state of emergency, set for review on 7 April.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for the state on 9 March.
Image: Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez (Office of the Mayor)
Local and national governments have varied in their response to construction and the coronavirus. See also:
- Insults hurled as "chaotic" French construction industry collapses
- New York State shuts down all but essential construction as virus cases soar
- New Zealand defines "essential" construction as lockdown begins
- Workers protest Ontario’s decision to exempt construction from shut-down
- Singapore shuts sites for ignoring distancing rules
