Across the country, cities and counties are facing a quiet but growing challenge: the “silver tsunami” of retirements sweeping through the public sector. Nowhere is this more visible than in building departments, where experienced inspectors, plan reviewers, and code enforcement officers are aging out of the workforce and taking decades of knowledge with them.
The issue isn’t theoretical. It’s happening now. Municipalities are seeing long-time staff step down, or step into retirement, and with them goes hard-earned wisdom about local codes, community context, and the subtle judgment calls that don’t come from a manual. This situation creates challenges: there simply aren’t enough new professionals entering the field to fill the gap.
The Aging Workforce in Code Enforcement
54% of code officials are over the age of 55 *
* Source: International Code Council (ICC) Workforce Survey, 2014–2017
Whether it’s a building inspector, plans reviewer, or code enforcement officer, these roles require specialized certifications and experience—things that can’t be replaced overnight. As the pipeline of talent thins out, cities are left struggling to keep pace with new development, evolving code requirements, and rising expectations for fast, responsive service.
In some communities, losing just one or two key team members can mean longer turnaround times, more project delays, and creates an unwanted level of friction between residents, developers, and city staff.
That’s why forward-thinking cities are acting now. Rather than wait for the wave to hit full force, they’re turning to trusted partners to help bridge the gap. Strategic outsourcing, like the value SAFEbuilt provides, gives municipalities immediate access to certified professionals who are ready to step in and keep things moving.
This isn’t about replacing your team. It’s about supporting them. About giving them the resources, bandwidth, and backup they need to serve the community well, even as internal capacity shifts. With the right partner, cities can maintain consistent service, avoid burnout among remaining staff, and deliver a better experience across the board.
Most importantly, it’s about ensuring continuity. Your community’s momentum shouldn’t depend on who’s next to retire. With the right plan in place, the departure of a seasoned employee doesn’t have to mean disruption.
The silver tsunami is real—and it’s gaining speed. The question isn’t whether it’s coming. It’s whether your city will be ready when it does.
At SAFEbuilt, we’re already supporting communities across the country facing these very challenges—stepping in with certified experts, flexible staffing models, and a deep understanding of local needs. Regardless of whether your city is planning ahead or already feeling the impact, we can help you build a strategy that protects continuity, preserves institutional knowledge, and maintains your momentum.
Because when retirements rise, your level of service shouldn’t fall.
Let’s talk about how we can support your city.