The home is one of four in York County that E. Michael Lee certified were safe for occupation but weren't, according to the state Department of Labor and Industry.
Some townships and boroughs in southern York County are now deciding whether they want to continue using Lee's building code inspection services.
Lee's certification to conduct building code inspections is in jeopardy. After investigations into his work, the state Department of Labor and Industry says he is incompetent, neglected his professional responsibilities and risked public health and safety.
Denies allegations: He has denied all allegations. He declined to comment for this article, according to a woman who identified herself as his wife and who responded to a phone call to his business.
The state, however, is confident in the charges, according to Labor and Industry spokeswoman Shannon Powers. The department alleges that Lee allowed people to move into four homes -- three in Shrewsbury Township and one in Hopewell Township -- that didn't meet building code.
"We have a substantial amount of documentation," Power said. "We have crossed every 't' and dotted every 'i' in this instance."
Some of the same types of problems were reported in each of the homes. In each case, state investigators found that lumber used in the home was not grade stamped. The stamps indicate the strength of the wood and such other characteristics as water content.
If the lumber isn't stamped, state law requires that it be certified by an accredited inspection agency.
Beams in each of the basements didn't bear enough concrete to meet
code, according to the state investigations. In one home a porch was missing required guard rail.
Leaky windows: In another, the main beam in the basement was spot-welded to columns in violation of building code, alleges Labor and Industry.
The same home had leaky windows and doors that should have been sealed to limit uncontrolled air movement, and the home's water supply was not safe to drink, the state alleges.
The state first notified Lee of the results of its investigations of the homes, according to Powers. Lee denied the results.
Labor and Industry then sent him the latest notice indicating the department's intent to revoke his certification to inspect buildings to see if they meet code.
Lee can respond to the notice in writing and deny the allegations and request a hearing to fight the allegations. Or he can acknowledge his alleged mistakes and settle the case.
A settlement could involve voluntary suspension, corrective education and supervision of his work, Powers said.
Looking to the future: At least three municipalities that currently use Lee as their building inspector aren't sure if they will keep him on while he goes through the licensure problems.
Fawn Township supervisors have asked several people interested in the position to attend their next monthly meeting, according to Luann Julius, the township secretary and treasurer. But the board has not decided if it will replace Lee.
The Shrewsbury Borough Council is planning to discuss Lee at its next regular meeting, according to councilman Thomas Metz, Shrewsbury borough councilman.
"I don't want to comment on that without having a meeting with the whole borough council and discussing it with the solicitor," he said.
Shrewsbury Township on Wednesday decided to transfer the municipality's building inspection responsibilities away from Lee's company, Codes Enforcement.
After hearing about Lee's trouble with the Department of Labor and Industry, Cross Roads Borough Council President Gary Seitz said the borough council will probably discuss at the council meeting next week whether it wants to retain Lee's company as the borough's inspectors. Seitz said there hasn't been any discussion about it, yet.
-- Reach Carl Lindquist at 505-5432 or clindquist@york dispatch.com
http://www.yorkdispatch.com/local/ci_4803940?source=email
