As budgets tighten and workloads increase for city and county governments, more
municipalities have contracted with private-sector firms to administer permitting, plan review
and inspection services related to building safety. IAS provides accreditation to independent
providers of building department services based on quality management principles and best
practices, to ensure that the outstanding safety record of buildings in the U.S., as compared to
buildings elsewhere in the world, is maintained.
The criteria used to assess building department service providers pursuing accreditation is IAS
Accreditation Criteria For Third-Party Permitting, Plan Review And Inspection Service Providers
(AC402). AC402 outlines requirements for the accreditation of third-party nongovernmental
providers of building department services and thus recognizes the important role that private
firms play in ensuring public safety.