Governor Kemp recently issued an executive order allowing for immediate use of private inspectors for plan review and building inspection. The order, issued on March 20th, cites to limited staff and increasing wait times amid the COVID-19 pandemic. These delays could have prevented cities and counties from providing inspections within required time frames under Code Section 8-2-26. Under the order, applicants are no longer required to wait for counties to notify them whether or not county personnel will be able to provide services before retaining private inspectors. Now, applicants may immediately retain a licensed and well-qualified professional in order to meet the regulatory requirements of the code.