Hi guys,
(OK the subject should have said “want”. I can’t edit that…sorry)
After spending the last two years working in our local Building Dept following 14 years of self-employment, I’ve found a really great niche of working with some of the contractors on making relations between the building dept. and contractor community better. Just doing things like maintaining an email data base and sending out tidbits of information regarding changes, new policies, or general news has made a great improvement.
Now I figured I’d go global and ask what other ideas you guys might have?
I know the usual “get rid of picky inspectors” or “fire lazy clerks” is at the top of the list and I’ll admit that can sometimes be a problem. But what other “high end” or long term goals would you like to see?
We’re in the process of accepting digital plans and initiating online permitting just to name a few. Anything else you can think of?
Thanks
Mike
Edited 11/8/2004 9:40 am ET by Mike
Replies
The main thing that always pissed me off was that the inspector would change his rules mid-stream of a building project...........As in...." Well, yeah, I know that way was fine before, but the rules have changed. You'll have to re-do it this way"
I propose that any rules/ways in effect at the time of receiving the building permit should remain the same for that job.
Good point! Thanks
I've been trying to stress that anything that is seen as enforceable has to be written down somewhere. This way things are equal across the board. You also get that when two different inspectors look at the same thing with different opinions.
Once again, what is written is a good tool for what the rule is.
#1 Put your codes online,along with code handbook and typical const details
#2 In my area fees are out of hand. People here hate the exorbinant fees and taxes so much they overturned the triple auto registration proposal at the ballot box. Why does it cost $2500 for a plancheck,does he have more than 5 hours into it?There are so many junk fees now I'm 20 grand in the hole before I throw a shovel of dirt.
Todd
During office hours, I want someone in the office, and I want it to be a qualified decision maker. That's my biggest gripe, and actually, my only gripe.
Other minor things? Timely inspections. Not too much of a player at some steps in the process, ex, the inspector doesn't show withing 48 hours of being notified, construction can continue. Again, this is only for certain inspections, not all.
Consistant application of the code. By the primary officer, and more importantly, by his underlings.
An acceptance of building under the alternative methods category.
My inspector is an extremely tough one, however, I have a great relationship with him. I've never tried to cut corners, I've never tried to pull the wool over his eyes, and I've never asked him for a freebie. I respect his authority, his intelligence, and his responsibility to uphold code. He respects my skills and worksmanship, my responsibility to the customer, and my schedule.
I liked your post . It sure can be both ways !
Tim Mooney
Get the "stock" checklist online, so "we" can get a copy before it's bled on. The fee list ought to be online, too (if only so some folks can be told to go look it up <g>).
It may be impractical to publish the entire code, but it would be nice to know which codes are in effect (and for what times).
Any town/city development regulations & ordinaces ought to be online, too. The "oh yeah, we have a new landscape ordinace" is ahard thing to cope with at times (especially when it conflicts with fire codes or the like).
Edit (knew there'd be at least one) to say: Mongo hits on another good issue. How about hooking the inspector's vehicles up on the city/town gps system (as many are)? It would be nice to be able to call the office up and ask "Is xxxx nearby? I have a question on site that could save us both a day."
Edited 11/8/2004 12:30 pm ET by CapnMac
I want a big fire that burns the place to the ground, and sends those doughnut munching pinheads looking for real jobs. In the next county, they have the model Building Dept.....wish they would all be like them.
go ahead and renamed the place for what they do, the " WE WANT TO RAISE YOUR PROPERTY TAX. DEPT" and while you at fire all the brother in laws that cannot get a job at wally world.
Wow, some of you guys are pretty harsh...but hey, I can take it. After all, I was on the other side of the counter for all those years.
A few of my contractor buddies tell me I went that I found it was easier to "join them than fight them".
Nevertheless:
1. Our codes our indeed online (all of them...Florida Building Code)
2. All our local codes are online as well.
3. I'm not sure I follow on the fees as you guys must live in a pretty pricey area. Our plan review fee is $55. and when all is said and done, the permit for a new house is about $1,500.
Mike
mine was $212
Here in Los Angeles, CA, a new guy took over LADBS seven years ago, and instituted a lot of changes.
Now we have one toll free phone number with an average wait time of 12 seconds and 99% of calls answered within 2 minutes. At the walk-in offices median wait time is 7 minutes, 97% wait no more than 30 minutes. 99.9% of inspections happen within 24 hours.
My guess is that the best way to find out how they did it would be to write a letter on your city letterhead to:
Andrew A. Adelman,
General Manager, LADBS
201 N. Figueroa St, #1000
LA, CA, 90012
-- J.S.
Excellent info. I just may do that!
Thanks
Mike
Mike, I'd like to see all building inspectors use healthy doses of common sense.
blue
Warning! Be cautious when taking any advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, some of it is viewed as boogerin and not consistent with views of those who prefer to overbuild everything...including their own egos
Additionally, don't take any political advice from me. I'm just a parrot for the Republican talking points. I get all my news from Rush Limbaugh and Fox and Friends (they are funny...try them out)!