Kari Hyde

Utilities & Engineering: Kari Lanning Hyde, Building Services Official III
Years with the County: 2 months

Briefly describe your job. What do you do? 
Enforce building codes to ensure that structures are safe for occupancy. This is a crucial step in the building process to bridge between the design community and the inspection team to avoid issues that might arise in the field due to non-code compliance.

What is a typical workday like for you?
I start by checking my dashboard for any assigned projects. Next, I review the construction plans to ensure they follow all building codes. I then answer code questions and collaborate with the team to resolve any issues. Finally, I approve or deny the projects for permitting.

What is your favorite aspect of your job – what do you enjoy doing most? 
I love puzzles and I enjoy finding clever ways to make unique designs fit into code compliance. I like working directly with designers to fix a problem on paper before it becomes an expensive mistake on the job site.

What is the County’s core value you believe most relates to the work you do, and why? 
Doing It Well (Accountability & Operational Excellence): Plan review is entirely about accountability. By holding blueprints to strict North Carolina building codes, we ensure operational excellence long before construction starts. We catch mistakes on paper, protecting both the builder’s budget and the public’s well-being.

What do you like best about working for Catawba County? 
I love the strong sense of teamwork and the excellent employee support systems. The county genuinely prioritizes employee well-being, health benefits, and career stability, creating an environment where we can perform our best work every day.