Bankers, realtors urge Coffey County to study countywide building-code inspector

Representatives of local banks and realtors urged the Coffey County Commission to research options for a countywide building-code compliance inspector to ensure safe construction and allow homebuyers to obtain VA and FHA financing that requires a certificate of occupancy.

Brenda Clue of Central National Bank told the commission lenders often cannot issue VA or FHA loans without a certificate of occupancy and that, in some cases, buyers face extra steps because no county inspector is available. She asked the county to "think about it this time around and think about as needed for new builds," citing instances where oversight could help buyers and lenders.

County planning and staff said several models are possible: hiring a county inspector, contracting privately on an as‑needed basis, entering an interlocal agreement with cities, or partnering with a regional planning commission that provides certified housing inspections. Staff agreed to continue researching options, cost estimates and potential cost-sharing with cities and lenders.

Commissioners indicated support for further exploration. One commissioner noted enforcement and code adoption choices require careful drafting — adopting a modern International Building Code wholesale could impose retrofit requirements on existing structures, so any code change would need tailoring and input from builders, bankers and realtors.

No formal decision or funding commitment was made; staff will report back with options.