Monday, March 16, 2020
The BIA will continue to send you daily updates regarding COVID-19. We hope these updates will help keep you informed on how this pandemic is impacting our industry and our association and provide you with some helpful tips as we all navigate this time together.
We have also set up a COVID-19 FAQ page on our website for a quick reference to some of your questions. We will continue to update this information:
As a reminder, our office will be closed from Monday, March 16th through at least Friday, March 20, 2020. We will continue to assess the situation and follow recommendations from the CDC, the Governor’s office, the Kentucky Department of Health, as well as the Mayor’s office and Louisville Metro Department of Public Health & Wellness.
Department of Codes and Regulations:

Earlier today I spoke with Robert Kirchdorfer, Director of Louisville Metro's Department of Codes and Regulations.

At this time, the department is operational and moving forward with efforts to accept, review and approve permit applications. They are also attempting to meet inspection requests.

If you do not have an Accela account, now is the time to create one.

The Department STRONGLY encourages everyone to apply online through Accela. They will accept drop off plans and applications in their lobby. There will not be one-on-one in person meetings with plan reviewers to limit contact, protecting their health and yours.

The office is open normal business hours for drop off of applications and payments. They are preparing how to operate with reduced staff, should that be an issue. They are making every effort to prioritize inspections to ensure construction can proceed or a certificate of occupancy can be provided for closing.

This is an evolving situation. BIA will continue to work with the Department of Codes and Regulations to ensure the industry is operational.
MSD:

Update from MSD, 3.16.20

1. Customers will be able to submit Single Family, Demolition, and/or Small Commercial submittals through a new email address. The submittal will be reviewed by MSD staff and returned via email. Along with a plan, the applicant shall also submit an application which can be found at https://louisvillemsd.org/what-we-do/stormwaterdrainage/permitting/sf-d-sc-permit . The email address to be used with this process is permits2020@louisvillemsd.org
2. MSD will continue serving walk-in customers as well, but a new process will be used. The front desk will direct customers to a scanner that will allow the customer to scan all submittal documents directly to MSD staff. Staff will review the submittal and provide an approved or comments to the lobby for pick-up. Review of these applications will be given priority to minimize the amount of customers congregating in the MSD Main Office lobby. There is also a phone in the lobby that will directly connect the customer with MSD staff to ask questions.
3. Per a request of Juva, effective immediately MSD will no longer require a $2500 builder bond for single family permits.  Any bond already submitted will continue to be held and released per current procedures. Juva had asked us to look into this a few months ago. If MSD finds a builder to be out of compliance, this bond could be reactivated for that particular builder.
Other Local Governments:

Shelby County : Triple S Planning Commission Meeting March 17, 2020 - Cancelled
BIA Scheduled Events:

Jeptha Creed Member/Guest Mixer - Postponed
BICF Day of Service - Postponed

BIA Education Classes:

Continue to check our website and calendar for updates.

BIA Committee Meetings:

All BIA Committee Meetings are Cancelled for the week of March 16-20, 2020.

Tips to Manage Stress During this Time:

Things you can do to support yourself
  • Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
  • Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
  • Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
  • Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
If you aren't already, please make sure you are following our social media platforms below:
Staff Email Addresses:
Juva Barber: juva@bialouisville.com
Natalie Allison:  natalie@bialouisville.com
Jan Andrews:  jan@bialouisville.com
Rachael Armstrong:   rachael@bialouisville.com
Rachel Colangelo:  rachel@bialouisville.com
Robin Durham:  robin@bialouisville.com
Katie Haller:   katie@bialouisville.com
Stephenie Hood:  stephenie@bialouisville.com