Saying he was worried that "substandard" materials and faulty equipment were used in structures around the city, Councilman Dennis Zine said the new regulations were aimed at ensuring public safety.
Following an FBI bribery investigation at the Department of Building & Safety, City Councilman Dennis Zine called Wednesday for more oversight of the department.
Zine submitted three separate motions aimed at increasing accountability in the department, as well as on the property owners it works with. Among other changes, Zine is seeking a performance audit of the department; the creation of an internal investigations unit; improved technology to track building inspectors' laptops or cellphones; and new rules to punish property owners who violate zoning laws.
Saying he was worried that "substandard" materials and faulty equipment were used in structures around the city, Zine said the new regulations were aimed at ensuring public safety.
"We have building codes for a reason," he said, citing concerns that requirements for items like sprinkler systems were waived by corrupt inspectors. | Related story: FBI expanding probe of LA building department
Earlier this year, Building & Safety inspectors Raoul Germain and Hugo Gonzalez pleaded guilty to accepting bribes in exchange for granting approvals at construction sites. The FBI investigation is continuing, and has been expanded to include supervisors at the department, according to Zine.
Source: http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_18334704?source=rss
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