Code Officials and the Code Process

To design the interior of the building in conjunction with codes, standards and federal regulations required in the jurisdiction of the project your are designing.

Guide you in the interpretation of the codes

Review drawings Verify code compliance

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

The location of the building you are designing determines the code jurisdiction for each project.

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.

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.

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.

Plans Examiner: checks the floor plans and construction drawings both in the preliminary stages and in the final permit review state of a project

Building Inspector: visits the project job site after a permit is issued to make sure that all construction complies with the codes a 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.

Local agencies develop and enforce their own regulations. Examples include: Schools Day care centers Restaurants (health department) Hospitals Historical ordinances

More complicatedFederal agencies enforce for their

own federal buildingsNon-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

Interior projects typically require stamped and sealed drawings by a licensed professional. Licensed Architect Licensed Engineer

Based on sq. footage and number of stories 5,000 sq. feet

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.

Determine the drawings required to be submitted Demolition plan Partition plan Reflected ceiling plan Power and communication plans Elevations, details, and schedules Specifications document

Determine Occupancy Classification and research specific requirements.

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

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.

Permits are required for interior projects that require construction such as: New construction or addition Alterations Change in occupancy

A licensed contractor obtains the building permit

Separate permits are sometime obtained for plumbing, electrical and mechanical

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.

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.

Framing inspection: walls, ceiling and floors are inspected. Gypsum is only allowed on one side of framing.

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.

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.

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.

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