NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — After three buildings partially collapsed recently, the New Orleans City Council decided it was time to be proactive. Councilman Freddie King led the charge by introducing an ordinance that was quickly passed, allowing the city to hire building inspectors who don't live in t he city. "This will allow those departments to get some help and get some things done in the city, and make the city much safer," King said. It's for more than just preventing building collapses. King says city agencies like the Department of Code Enforcement can utilize the ordinance to hire outside inspectors for maintaining property standards in neighborhoods as well. Trader Joe’s begins demolition for new store in Uptown New Orleans "Like the house next to me is falling down, we need someone to come inspect it, or the yard next to me is too high; we need someone to come inspect it so it can come get cut," King said. The ordinance is effective immediately with a two-year implementation period, allowing the city to assess its impact on hiring and enforcement before determining next steps. "If we see it's working, we can reup it in two more years. If we see it not working, we can turn off the valve. This is just us thinking outside the box to help the city move a little more efficiently," King said. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Xavier women's basketball is excited to host opening rounds of the NAIA Tournament for the first time New Orleans City Council passes ordinance expanding city inspector hiring pool Zoning request for New Orleans East apartment complex fails Banchero scores 34 points and Magic build a 30-point halftime lead in a 113-93 rout of the Pelicans House Democrats bash Senate colleagues for backing GOP spending bill: ‘Huge slap in the face’  ...read more read less