Salem, Ore. -- Rebai Tamerhoulet, Salem’s Building and Safety Division Manager, was named Oregon Building Official of the Year on August 1, at the Oregon Building Officials Association annual business meeting and conference.

“This is a proud day for the City,” said Norman Wright, Community Development Director. “Rebai has done terrific work for our community for many years and this award is richly deserved. We’re all proud of him.”

The award is the highest annual honor given by the Building Officials Association.

“Rebai has been a remarkable leader and mentor for the City of Salem, Building and Safety Division,” wrote Keith Sekishiro, Building & Safety Section Manager, who nominated Tamerhoulet for the award. “He consistently leads by example and never waivers with regard to providing excellent customer service to all; both internal and external.”

Tamerhoulet was instrumental in the transition to all-digital application and plan filing.

“Rebai has also established the Division’s robust quality management system, that he reviews regularly,” Sekishiro said.

The award follows successful accreditation renewal of the Building and Safety Division by International Accreditation Service (IAS) auditors, a process that involved the entire staff, and internal and external stakeholders.

These accomplishments come at a busy time in Building and Safety.

Between July 2018 and June 2019, there were more than 2,350 permits issued for projects with a total valuation of more than $467 million, according to Division records.  Among the developments moving forward were 317 multifamily units, 13 accessory dwelling units, and 547 single family or duplex homes.  More than 110 new commercial/industrial permits were issued during the 12-month period, totaling nearly $110 million in valuation.

The City of Salem is the only Building Department in Oregon to be accredited by International Accreditation Services, whose assessors ranked Salem one of the top three Building departments they have reviewed in their 20 years of experience auditing building departments for IAS.