Purpose
WSAPT is organized to:
- Support, organize and participate in educational seminars and training programs relating to practices, procedures, administration and enforcement of permitting activities and building codes
- Advance the standardization of this profession within the jurisdictions engaged in building, land use and development regulations
- Promote the value and professional recognition of Permit Technicians
- Encourage the application of distinctive knowledge and skills of Permit Technicians for the benefit of the community
- Promote the attainment of ICC Certification for Permit Technicians
- Support the goals and objectives of the International Code Council
History
It began in November of 1995 when a group of people interested in forming an association in support of city and county staff from building, planning and engineering departments commonly referred to as "the front counter staff" joined together. An interim board of executive officers was formed and work began on our bylaws. Over the next few years, our association took form and became an official ICBO Chapter in January 1999. To our knowledge, we were the first and only Association of Permit Technicians for quite some time.
Change to ICC
With the change to the International Codes, our former ICBO Chapter membership elected to transfer to an ICC Chapter. We are now recognized as such and are continuing with our educational programs and support for our members.
Certification
One of the main thrusts of our first years was to establish a test through ICBO to become Certified Permit Technicians. This was accomplished and our members began achieving this certification in September of 1998. Our membership continues to grow as more and more members study for the certification test and pass with great success.
Structure & Membership
Our association membership is composed of persons currently working for a municipality or related industries. We have an elected board consisting of a President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Recorder, and Treasurer. Each of these board members is a liaison to various committee chairs, which consist of Administration, Bylaws, Code Development, Education/Certification, Membership, Newsletter, Peer and Scholarship.