2018-2019 - Code Outreach Summary Report

Summary of Activities:

1. The SEA-MW Local Building Official Outreach committee attended several meetings with code officials from surrounding jurisdictions. These meetings were following up on last years’ “initial” meetings, and were intended to continue our relationship with each jurisdiction, and to reinforce that the primary goal of the LBCOO is to provide a channel of communication between parties.
2. LBCOO did not meet with DCRA this year. There has been considerable turnover within DCRA with respect to the contacts we had developed. We will seek to pick up contact with DCRA once the final roles are filled within their organization.

3. LBCOO met with Fairfax County Land Development Services on 4/23/19. The following are the highlights of that meeting:

1. LDS expects that adoption of 2018 IBC will be a 2-3 year process.
2. LDS does expect that the submitted drawings should be “construction ready,” and should not be labeled “Permit Only.”
3. Use of rigid insulation as a form to build up topping slabs is acceptable provided it does not support structural loads in the final condition (i.e. slabs have to span over the insulation once cured).
4. Calculations - LDS indicated that they will only require structural calculations for specific assemblies and where they believe the design warrants. 
5. LDS will require ICC Reports to ensure fire ratings for FRP products.

4. LBCOO met with the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services on 3/12/19. The following are the highlights of that meeting:

6. DPS cannot release a list of approved vendors for digital signature, but can indicate acceptance of vendors if SEA-MW provides a list to them.
7. IBC 2018 adoption will likely occur in 2019, and DPSanticipates a 3 month grade period for IBC 2015 designed projects.

1. IBC 2018 will require the SER to designate a number of site visits that the SER will perform during construction.

8. DPS commonly sees issues with misunderstanding of fire wall construction / design in wood-framed projects.
9. DPS noted common issues also with Life Safety design on a lot of projects (not necessarily related to structural engineering design).
10. DPS expects designs submitted for permit to be 100% CD-level.
11. Constructibility is reviewed, as it can sometimes be a life safety concern, particularly with renovation projects involving demolition.

5. LBCOO met with the Prince George’s County Department of Permitting Inspections and Enforcement on 3/19/19. The following are the highlights of that meeting:

1. DPIE will have several changes to their Amendments once IBC 2018 is adopted.
2. DPIE does not experience significant issues with submitted structural plans.
3. For Delegated Design elements, plans must be clear on what is primary structure, what is secondary structure, and who is responsible for specific elements.
4. DPIE does perform spot checks on structural designs - they have some engineering software in house and will check certain structural elements.
5. In some cases, DPIE sees a role to assist in design.

6. The above are a summary of the more important points from these meetings. More detailed notes from the meetings with each jurisdiction can be found on the SEA-MW website, at the following link: https://seamw.org/page-18117
7. LBCOO Committee goal for 2019-2020 is to set up additional meetings with these jurisdictions to continue discussions of permitting requirements. We also aim to expand these discussions with additional jurisdictions in the region.

End of Notes.