Building structural integrity — these are unswerving tenants required for the safety of Asheville residents.
You could call Asheville’s Chief Building Official Mark Matheny “the enforcer” on that count. He might also be termed a superhero.
Matheny was recognized and made some remarks on the topic before Asheville City Council, as Council proclaimed May Building Safety Month during its April 23 meeting.
“The City of Asheville is committed to recognizing that our growth and strength depends on the safety and economic value of the homes, buildings and infrastructure that serve our citizens, both in everyday life and in times of natural disaster,” Councilman Keith Young read from the proclamation.
Matheny contributes to the construction of some of the largest projects built in the city, including most recently the Mission Hospital Tower and Arras Building Renovation.
He not only serves as Chief Building Official, but also as Building Safety Division Manager so you will see his signature on every permit and Certificate of Occupancy issued by the City.
A former general contractor, Matheny has spent 19 years in code enforcement, 12 of them with the City of Asheville, working to approve projects ranging from large scale commercial developments to residential dwellings.
So it’s not a stretch to say his fingerprint is literally on all new construction in Asheville. And now he’s being recognized again for his work.
At the recent board meeting for the International Code Council, Region VIII, the ICC Region VIII recognized Matheny as the “Building Official of the Year” for 2018-2019. The board bestows this honor each year on a code official who has made a significant contribution to the building profession.
Matheny has been a significant force in the ICC Region VIII Chapter, which represents the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. He sits on the board as 2nd vice president.
Matheny is also president of the North Carolina Building Inspectors Association, which is also an ICC Chapter. This organization meets on a regular basis to discuss consistency in implementing code interpretations and code enforcement. He has been awarded both the Distinguished Service Award in 2013, and the President’s Choice Award in 2011-2012, and 2014-2015. He also teaches standard certification building code courses as an adjunct instructor at A-B Tech. Recent awards include:
NCBIA, 2018
- Presidents Award
- Edison Hubert Johnson Award for “active participation, leadership, dedication, and professionalism, all traits of the first NCBIA President
ICC Region 8, 2017
- Outstanding Service Award for “contributions and support to the International Code Council”
As the City’s Chief Building Official, he sets an outstanding example for the public as well as his internal staff. He has over a dozen professional certifications/recognitions in his field, including North Carolina certificates in building, mechanical plumbing, and electric. He works diligently to motivate others to obtain continuing education while he sets a professional standard to enforce public safety.
Both his wife Kathleen Matheny and daughter Caitie couldn’t be prouder of Mark and his dedication to the industry, which has spanned more than 20 years.
“Mark Matheny has been instrumental in developing the most innovative and highly regarded building safety department in Western North Carolina and the surrounding region,” said Development Services Director Ben Woody. “His combination of technical, interpersonal, and leadership skills are unparalleled and an asset to the organization.”