Download Chapter 10

Code Officials and the Code Process
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Concentrates on the code process as a whole.
Different type of code officials
Various steps that are taken for smooth
approval
 To make sure the design meets the intent of the
codes.
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Guide you in the interpretation of the codes
Answer questions
Review drawings
Verify code compliance
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AHJ is a term used to indicate the entity that
has the authority to decide whether the
design and construction are compliant with
the required codes and to enforce
compliance.
 Department
 Individual
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The location of the building you are designing
determines the code jurisdiction for each project.
A jurisdiction is defined as a geographical area that
uses the same codes, standards and regulations.
The code jurisdiction can vary by state, but most are
regulated on a local level such as a county or city
municipality.
Some states mandate codes on a state wide level
Typically the state will at least enforce regulations
on state-owned buildings.
http://www.iccsafe.org/gr/Pages/MS.aspx?usertoken=%7Btoken%7D&Site=icc
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Because all jurisdictions are different, it is
important to check with the jurisdiction of a
project to determine which edition of the
codes and standards are being enforced.
You should also confirm which jurisdiction
governs your project.
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The code department or building department
and
A code official or building official has the
authority to administer, interpret and enforce
the provisions of the adopted and/or
amended code within a particular jurisdiction.
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Plans Examiner: checks the floor plans and construction
drawings both in the preliminary stages and in the final
permit review state of a project. Designers typically work
most closely with the Plans Examiner.
Building Inspector: visits the project job site after a permit
is issued to make sure that all construction complies with the
codes as specified in the construction drawings
Fire Marshall: represents the local fire department and
checks drawings in conjunction with the plans examiner
during both the preliminary stages and the final permit plan
review, checking for fire code and means of egress
compliance.
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Local agencies develop and enforce their own
regulations. Examples include:
 Schools
 Day care centers
 Restaurants (health department)
 Hospitals
 Historical ordinances
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More complicated
Federal agencies enforce for their own
federal buildings
Non-federal buildings have no clear
enforcement procedure
In many cases, there is no review or
enforcement process at the local level for the
ADA guidelines
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Interior projects typically require stamped
and sealed drawings by a licensed
professional.
 Licensed Architect
 Licensed Engineer
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Based on sq. footage and number of stories
 5,000 sq. feet
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http://www.hattiesburgms.com/city-departments/urban-development/permittingprocess
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Code Research
 Find out the jurisdiction (township, city, county or state)
 Call or visit the local code department and ask them which
codes and standards are enforced.
 Determine which edition of the publication is used and if
there are any local ordinances that will affect the project.
 Determine all local ordinances as well as federal
regulations that apply.
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Call local jurisdiction to verify codes/standards are
enforced and which edition/year. (websites are not
always up-to-date.
Determine the drawings required to be submitted
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Demolition plan
Partition plan
Reflected ceiling plan
Power and communication plans
Elevations, details, and schedules
Specifications document
Determine Occupancy Classification and research
specific requirements.
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May require a formal or informal plan review
(fax/email or formal meeting) with the code official
Occurs during the schematic design phase
Opportunity to get clarifications on code conflicts
Determine potential problems
Get approval in writing
Review of ADA is not typically done by local official.
The DOJ must review projects which is a lengthy
process
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Codes often have more than one
interpretation
You many not always agree with the code
officials interpretation
If you cannot agree on an interpretation you
may have to make a formal request or
appeal
Usually the owner or a representative of the
owner
Both sides explain their interpretation of the
code. You must explain how you specifically
plan to comply with the code in order to get
a variance.
The variance applies only to the specific
situation at hand.
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Permits are required for interior projects that
require construction such as:
 New construction or addition
 Alterations
 Change in occupancy
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A licensed contractor obtains the building permit
Separate permits are sometimes obtained for
plumbing, electrical and mechanical and these are
obtained by the subcontractor overseeing that
trade.
Construction documents are submitted for review
Can take up to several weeks for the plans examiner
and fire marshal.
 Upon approval, the code official will stamp or write
“Approved” on the drawings.
 One set must be kept at the job site at all times.
 The permit must be clearly posted at the job site
during construction.
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During construction, a code official must
make several inspections of the job site to
guarantee that the work continues to comply
with the codes.
The contractor will notify the inspectors
when it is time to make the inspection.
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Framing inspection: walls,
ceiling and floors are
inspected. Gypsum is only
allowed on one side of
framing.
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Systems Inspection:
Plumbing, mechanical and
electrical, sprinklers. May be
done at the same time as the
framing inspection, before
walls are closed in with
Gypsum board.
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Gypsum Inspection: before any taping or plastering is
done
Fire-resistant assemblies and penetration inspection:
any walls, floors, ceilings, and shaft enclosures, will be
checked again to verify that joints and sealing meet fire
codes.
Energy efficiency inspection: insulation of mechanical
ducts and water heating equipment, HVAC system are
inspected for compliance with energy standards.
Final Inspection: once the project is complete, a final
walk-through will confirm compliance with all codes to
make sure the space is ready to be occupied. A fire
marshal may also complete an inspection.
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Upon successful completion of the final inspection,
the code official must issue a certificate before
utilities are allowed to be connected and occupants
can occupy the space.
 Certificate of Completion: allows utilities to be connected,
but not to occupy the building
 Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) Contractor will request
and must be posted in a conspicuous location.
 Temporary Certificate of Occupancy
 Phased Certificate of Occupancy
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Designers often provide what is known as
operation and maintenance (O & M) manuals
that explain how to use and maintain each
system or material.
On large projects, a set of “as-built” drawings
may be provided.