CAAK

08/27/2026

The Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) has announced that The Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction presented 815 KAR 007:070, The Kentucky Certified Building Inspector Program, which establishes training, testing, certification and continuing education requirements for inspectors enforcing the Kentucky Building Code and Kentucky Residential Code. This is a significant effort aimed at strengthening professional standards, improving statewide coordination, and enhancing support for local building departments by The Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction

I would like to highlight the participation of Mr. Jeff Camp, CAAK Life Director, representing the Code Administrators Association of Kentucky (CAAK) on this initiative. Acting as CAAK’s delegate, Mr. Camp contributed directly to the development process prior to KLC’s publication of the initiative. His involvement ensured that the perspective of building code professionals was firmly represented and that the Initiative reflects the practical needs of inspectors across Kentucky.

This collaboration underscores the strong working relationship between KLC and CAAK, as well as our shared commitment to improving building safety, inspection quality, and municipal support across the Commonwealth.

KLC Building Inspector Initiative Advances August 11, 2026 The Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee approved changes Tuesday to Kentucky's certified building inspector program. The changes aim to expand pathways into the profession and increase the pool of qualified building inspector candi...

08/25/2026

Discover what’s included in your Free ICC Digital I-Code Access: A One-Year DCP-Base Plan (Digital Code Premium – Base plan) subscription FREE of charge. Opt IN, Say YES! To DIGITAL CODE SUBSCRIPTION when registering to the conference or at the front desk in Covington even if you selected out during the registration.

During the Annual Business Meeting (ABM), On Monday, September 14, 2026, an ICC Digital Codes Solution Specialist, will be conducting a training on how to navigate and use the most common I-Code tools. Don’t miss it!

08/07/2026

CAAK Board of Directors meeting preparing for the Fall Conference to be held September 14th thru the 16th at the Embassy Suites in Covington,Ky.

07/31/2026

🚨 Big new for CAAK members! 🚨

Starting Fall 2026, members who attend a full in person conference (12 CEUs) will receive a FREE one-year ICC Digital I‑Codes Premium Subscription — included with your regular registration!

The Fall 2026 Construction Forum is in Covington, KY. Attend either the fall or spring full conference and you’ll get access to powerful digital code tools at no extra cost.

How to get your free subscription:

• Be a current CAAK member
• Register for a full conference
• Activate your digital access

We’re excited to bring this new benefit to our building and construction community!

Who will be attending the Fall conference in Covington, KY? 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️

07/27/2026

Crazy Conrad

Crazy Conrad believes that building codes are merely "suggestions" from people with zero creativity. A pioneer in the (yet to be recognized) field of Aggressive Upcycling, he specializes in utilizing non-traditional materials to save "hundreds" on material costs. His masterpiece, a non-load-bearing wall constructed entirely of duct tape and thousands of empty Crazy Conrad's Brew aluminum cans, was an environmental statement, a masterclass in insulation, and a major fire hazard. Known for his dramatic, tearful defenses of "structural art," Conrad hasn't met a safety violation he couldn't rebrand as "sustainable, innovative framing." His construction sites are organized chaos, and his hard hat is always covered in the sweat of a man who is one safety check away from financial ruin.

Bill the Building Inspector

Bill the Inspector has seen things. Terrible things. He’s seen electrical work that would make Nikola Tesla weep and foundations built on good intentions and hope. But nothing could prepare him for the sheer scale of the "sensitive structural art" that is a Crazy Conrad project. Armed with a clipboard, a stern expression, and zero tolerance for nonsense, Bill is the immovable object to Conrad’s chaotic force. He has a supernatural ability to detect hidden structural failures (especially those involving adhesive tape and beverage containers). He is the author of more "Immediate Stop Work" red tags than any other inspector in the county, and he will always demand the receipts, mostly to prove Conrad’s claim of saving "millions" is a delusional lie. Bill is a professional stickler for rules, and he will sleep better tonight knowing one less beer-can wall exists.

05/31/2026

🏗️ MEMBER HIGHLIGHT: Meet Donald Austin Wright Jr.! 🌟

Today, we are honoring Donald Austin Wright Jr. for his 32 years of service as a Plans Examiner and Inspector in Campbell County! 👏

Donald’s career started with a funny realization: "I’m not pouring concrete with my Dad forever!" 😂 Since transitioning into inspection, he has dedicated himself to the vital importance of building safety and being the absolute best inspector he can be.

💡 Donald’s Top Wisdom for Success:

• Build Your Foundation: His Building Code Course at Lexington Community College under Terry Slade gave him the confidence and competence to excel.

• Master the Books: Learn your code book inside out, follow a reliable checklist, and build excellence through daily repetition.

• Lead with Calmness: Master your soft skills. Always treat people with a calm manner, even when they are screaming in your face.

• Earn Respect: His favorite part of the job is meeting contractors and building mutual respect.

Thank you, Donald, for 32 years of dedication to keeping our communities safe! 🙌

Drop a comment below to say hello and thank Donald for his service! 👇💬

05/30/2026

🏗️ The Secret to Better Buildings: Whole-Building Design 🌟

Ever wonder how modern buildings balance energy efficiency, comfort, and safety? It’s all about Whole-Building Design—treating a structure as one interconnected system rather than separate parts.

Code officials and inspectors are critical to making this approach work:

🤝 Early Collaboration: They meet with architects and engineers before construction starts to catch safety issues early.⚖️ Balancing Innovations: They ensure green features (like solar panels or airtight insulation) don't compromise fire protection or structural integrity.

🔍 Unified Inspections: They verify that complex, overlapping systems—like electrical, plumbing, and structural framing—work together safely.

🚪Accessibility: "Whole Building Design must consider the relationship between accessible and sustainable design. Simply put, buildings which are not designed to be accessible are not sustainable. A sustainable building is sensitive to the environment and to its users. Designing buildings for equitable use by the greatest number of people can be achieved by complying with regulatory accessibility requirements, incorporating Universal Design and Vistability concepts, and including adaptable design features."

By looking at the big picture, code officials help build communities that are safe, sustainable, and built to last! 🙌

Check out this article:

Overview "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal..." — Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776 In daily life, as we maneuver through society, nothing is more important yet taken for granted more often than access. For millions of people with disabilities, the acc...

05/29/2026

🏠 Aging in Place & The Role of Building Codes

Aging in place means enabling older adults to live in their own homes and communities safely, independently, and comfortably as they age.

Building codes and code inspectors play a vital role in making this possible by:

Including Accessibility Features: Ensuring residential additions or multi-family properties integrate universal design features like zero-step entries, wider doorways for wheelchairs, and reinforced walls for future grab bars.

Reviewing Safety Retrofits: Inspecting home modifications—such as walk-in tubs, ramps, and non-slip flooring—to guarantee they are structurally sound and meet strict electrical and plumbing safety standards.

Preventing Hazards: Verifying proper lighting placement, handrail stability, and threshold heights during inspections to drastically reduce the risk of trips and falls.

By ensuring these safety measures are met, building inspectors help create resilient, accessible homes that protect vulnerable occupants and support lifelong independence.

What does it mean to age in place ? How can Habitat better engage housing for older adults? In this video, AAHH Executive Director Andy Barnett and Construct...

05/29/2026

🏠 Member Spotlight: Joshua Bickelman – Residential Building Inspector

Join us in welcoming Joshua Bickelman, a Residential Building Inspector serving the Lexington community! 🏗️

Though he joined the team 3 months ago, Joshua brings a wealth of hands-on knowledge to the field. His background in construction allowed him to learn every aspect of the building process, giving him a unique edge in his new role. 🛠️

From the Field to the Code:

Joshua’s time in the trades did more than just teach him how to build; it deepened his understanding of the practical reasoning behind every code decision. This experience helps him overcome individual challenges on-site to ensure every home is compliant and safe.

His Mission:

"My goal is to ensure a safe and prosperous community while helping maintain up-to-code standards," Joshua says. He is passionate about ensuring safe living conditions for all citizens and is excited to grow his career right here in Lexington. 🛡️✨
We are thrilled to have Joshua’s "boots-on-the-ground" expertise and his commitment to community safety in the CAAK family!

05/29/2026

Lexington Building Inspection Director Bob Carpenter was joined by members of his staff on Tuesday, May 5, to receive a proclamation for Building Safety Month. Building Safety Month is in its 46th consecutive year of being celebrated, and the campaign each year is led by the International Code Council (ICC).

Mayor Linda Gorton presented the proclamation.

"Every day, our Building Inspection team upholds its responsibility to protect the public's safety and welfare by enforcing the Kentucky Building Code," Mayor Gorton said. "Bob, I thank you and your team for your hard work and dedication every single day. It's really important to our city."

Upon accepting the proclamation, Bob Carpenter shared a few words.

"It's our duty to enforce the building code, and that's our main function, is to make sure it is safe for the public," Bob said.

Post your proclamations in the comments.