Officials on Tuesday appointed to a new four-year term New Canaan’s chief building official, an award-winning veteran municipal employee who oversees land use matters for the town.
New Canaan Chief Building Official Brian Platz this summer received the Clifton Clark Award from the Connecticut Building Officials Association. Credit: Michael Dinan
In his position here for 12 years, Brian Platz “is definitely our and has been recognized for his knowledge of the state’s building code,” First Selectman Rob Mallozzi said during a regular meeting of the Board of Selectman.
“Last year, he received the highest honor from his peers, the Connecticut Building Officials Association for his work,” Mallozzi said at the meeting, held in Town Hall. “He also was elected president of that same group years back. Brian has stepped up in his managerial duties, he has taken a lead on budgetary and workflow issues, most recently bringing to our attention the delta between the actual land use fees and projected revenue sources.”
The board—Mallozzi together with Selectmen Beth Jones and Nick Williams—voted 3-0 for Platz’s appointment, through April 2021. State law requires that each town have a chief building official.
In New Canaan, Platz together with Director of Environmental Health Jen Eielson “has taken a lead” regarding the town’s response to the water emergency, the first selectman said.
“He has attended many meetings and has been a conduit for the conversations with our irrigation companies working in New Canaan, to be sure they are aware of the restrictions that could be in place and that they are installing systems that can be controlled by the residents and have the proper rain-sensor devices on them.”
Mallozzi added: “I can just tell you that since moving the Land Use back to Town Hall, it has been a real benefit and it’s a good group of people. They are all cross-trained and seem to work very well together.”
Wiliams called Platz “a great asset to the town.”
Jones said that the chief building official has shone during budget hearings.
“He does a great job,” Jones said. “He really has a handle on the wide range of issues they are dealing with, so we are really lucky to have him.”
Yes, indeed, Brian Platz certainly is a great asset to our town!
I first met Brian 12 years ago when he inspected my HVAC installation. He was recently hired as our Chief Building Inspector and my permitted job had an issue. The licensed/insured installer stepped on an unfinished portion of my attic and his leg went through my son’s bedroom ceiling. The installer could not repair the ceiling. Brian walked me through what I needed to do to handle the situation.
Back in 2005 I was very impressed by his intelligence and people skills. I remain impressed by his integrity, knowledge, managerial and people skills.
In 2008-2009 Brian served as President of the Connecticut Building Officials Association.
In 2016 he was awarded the Clifton Clark Award from the Connecticut Building Officials Association.
We are very fortunate to have him on board.