Chantel Harrington

UTILITIES & ENGINEERING: Chantel Harrington, Permit Specialist
Years worked with the County: 7 years

Briefly describe your job. What do you do?
I provide assistance to the general public (contractors, business owners, and homeowners) in obtaining various types of permits pertaining to the Residential/Commercial State Building Codes for new construction, building alterations, trade permits, pool, and pier permits, etc.

What is a typical workday like for you?
Everyday is different as no two projects are the same!   
We began a new online ePermitting system in January of this year – all of our applications are submitted digitally and like any new system, it has been a learning curve for us and for the public. This new system has reduced the time it takes for us to key in an application prior to permit submittal and has also made it more stream line for contractors to see their inspections/permits and making payments. 

Day to day we have the public coming in-person for assistance, calling via the phone/leaving voicemails or emailing our office. When we aren’t helping a customer via one of these avenues, we’re turn our focus on processing applications that are in queue to be issued.  All that to say, we’re busy!

What is your favorite aspect of your job – what do you enjoy doing most?
“Every day there is an opportunity to learn and grow…” Since being in this position, I’ve been able to learn more than what I thought was possible when I first started. I enjoy learning to better understand and answer questions.

What is the County core value you believe most relates to the work you do, and why?
Doing it well – Need I say more? When we do our job well and with excellence, we get happy contractors/inspectors/homeowners. What we do in the office sort of has a snowball effect – it starts off small in significance and builds upon itself as the project gets moving. It doesn’t stop with the Permit Center.

What do you like best about working for Catawba County?
The work-life balance, without hesitation. I have felt so much support and am so appreciative of the family-first approach that’s given to me from all leadership.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in St. Cloud/Kissimmee, Florida! 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I’m a mom to a 6 (almost 7) year old (with another boy on the way) he keeps me busy – we like to bass fish (my son just discovered how thrilling that could be) or throughout the week you’ll find me serving at church– I’m youth leader and on our audio/visual team. 

Favorite movie, TV show, and/or book?
All time favorite movie is Jurassic Park! A recent read I’ve been enjoying is a book written by John Mark Comer, “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry”.  Highly recommend!!!!

Favorite musical artist or genre?
Christian (Worship/Praise)

Favorite sports team(s)?
You’ll find ESPN on almost always at our house but especially when the Blackhawks, Vikings or Yankees are playing…  (My husband would appreciate this response)

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
Time travel. There are some moments I wish I could go back and experience again. (And being able to lift up the Mjolnir.)