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Permits:

WHy Bother?

So it is built right.

Ex haiti vs New England.

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Inspection

Checklist

I found a nice summary of inspection requirements. See page 2 on the following document: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/publications/new_home_insp.pdf

It doesn't get into the nitty gritty details, but does hit the main points of what is required for the various inspected items.

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Permits:

WHy Bother?

It’s the law (in most places)
Typical: fine. $1200 ex, + red tag - can’t do more work until permit, likely lock down site by sheriff, then go to jail
If nobody reports you, you can get away with it

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Permits:

WHy Bother?

It’s the law (in most places)
You’ll likely need a permit to get insurance coverage

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Permits:

WHy Bother?

It’s the law (in most places)
You’ll likely need a permit to get insurance coverage
If you ever sell, it’s a red flag to have un-permitted work

Can look up permits on a site

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Permits:

WHy Bother?

It’s the law (in most places)
You’ll likely need a permit to get insurance coverage
If you ever sell, it’s a red flag to have un-permitted work��

Safety- lasting and safe

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Permits: Three Phases

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Permits: Three Phases

Entitlements

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Permits: Three Phases

Entitlements

Plancheck

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Permits: Three Phases

Entitlements

Plancheck

Inspections

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Permits: Three Phases

Entitlements

Plancheck

Inspections

What do you want to build?

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Permits: Three Phases

Entitlements

Plancheck

Inspections

What do you want to build?

How are you going to build it?

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Permits: Three Phases

Entitlements

Plancheck

Inspections

What do you want to build?

How are you going to build it?

Did you build it right?

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Permits: Three Phases

Entitlements

Plancheck

Inspections

Certificate of Occupancy

(C of O)

What do you want to build?

How are you going to build it?

Did you build it right?

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Entitlements:

What do you want to build?

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Entitlement Phase

This phase varies widely by jurisdiction and is not required everywhere or may be rolled in with the Plan Check Process.

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Entitlement Phase

This phase varies widely by jurisdiction and is not required everywhere or may be rolled in with the Plan Check Process.
How to start:

Google: [Name of your city/county] planning department application
Give your planning department a call.

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Entitlement Phase

The Planning Department is generally looking for compliance with the local zoning code.

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Entitlement Phase

The Planning Department is generally looking for compliance with the local zoning code.
Common information they will want to review:

What zoning district is your project in?
What is the intended use of the new construction?
What if anything already exists on your lot?
How many square feet of new construction are you proposing?
Will you be demolishing anything?
How many parking stalls do you have available?

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Entitlement Phase

Often as part of this process, the project will also have to go before some form of design review.

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Entitlement Phase

Often as part of this process, the project will also have to go before some form of design review.
For example, an Architecture Board of Review. This is to ensure that the proposed project meets the aesthetic quality of local design guidelines.

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Entitlement Phase

Often as part of this process, the project will also have to go before some form of design review.
For example, an Architecture Board of Review. This is to ensure that the proposed project meets the aesthetic quality of local design guidelines.
They will generally ask for exterior elevations and a color board showing the proposed exterior finishes.

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Entitlement Phase

Burnt Sienna - Brick Base

Sherwin Williams Warm White DB325 -Wood Lap Siding

Sherwin Williams Black Bay DB454 - Wood Shutters

GAF Slate Grey - Asphalt Shingles

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Entitlement Phase

If all goes well, the Department will issue their approval. This may be in the form of a Zoning Permit or Final Design Approval depending on jurisdiction.

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Entitlement Phase

If all goes well, the Department will issue their approval. This may be in the form of a Zoning Permit or Final Design Approval depending on jurisdiction.
The project is now "Entitled" and you are allowed to apply for a building permit.

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Entitlement Phase

If all goes well, the Department will issue their approval. This may be in the form of a Zoning Permit or Final Design Approval depending on jurisdiction.
The project is now "Entitled" and you are allowed to apply for a building permit.
Depending on the intensity of the review process, this phase can take up to 4 to 6 weeks. 2 weeks then back and forth.

Fees also vary widely. Simple residential zoning approval can be as little as $50, or a full design review might be as much as $1,200.

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Plancheck

How are you going to build it?

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Plancheck Phase

Now that the project has approval from Planning, you must prepare construction drawings to be submitted to the Building Department.

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Plancheck Phase

Now that the project has approval from Planning, you must prepare construction drawings to be submitted to the Building Department.�
Again a great way to start is to google: [Name of your city/county] building permit application

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Plancheck Phase

Now that the project has approval from Planning, you must prepare construction drawings to be submitted to the Building Department. �
Again a great way to start is to google: [Name of your city/county] building permit application�
In particular look for an application checklist. These are often great explanations of exactly what you will be required to submit.

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Construction Drawings

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Plancheck Phase

Aside from the typical checklist items, you may also need to submit a Code alternate request�

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Plancheck Phase

Aside from the typical checklist items, you may also need to submit a Code alternate request�
Code Alternates are used when you want to do something that is not specifically prescribed by the Building Code�

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Plancheck Phase

Aside from the typical checklist items, you may also need to submit a Code alternate request�
Code Alternates are used when you want to do something that is not specifically prescribed by the Building Code�
Must provide documentation that the alternate material or construction method still meets the intent of the Code.

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Plancheck Phase

Once you have prepared all your drawings and any code alternates you can submit to the Building Department.They will then begin the review process.

Usually takes 2- 4 weeks

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Plancheck Phase

Once complete with their review, the Building Department will issue Plan Check Comments.

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Plancheck Phase

Once complete with their review, the Building Department will issue Plan Check Comments.�
These may include:

Redline mark ups on your drawings.
Required corrections to meet code
Additional notes which must be included on your drawings
Requests to justify/clarify portions of the design which deviate from the building code

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Plancheck Phase

Typically, the applicant (you) would then prepare a response letter outlining how each comment has been addressed. �

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Plancheck Phase

Typically, the applicant (you) would then prepare a response letter outlining how each comment has been addressed. �
This letter accompanies the revised sets of drawings when they are turned back into the Building Department.�

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Plancheck Phase

Typically, the applicant (you) would then prepare a response letter outlining how each comment has been addressed. �
This accompanies the revised sets of drawings when they are turned back into the Building Department.�
It is not unusual to have have 2 or 3 rounds of this back and forth.

However, subsequent reviews generally are much faster.
Small projects should be able to wrap up in 1 to 2 months.

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Plancheck Phase

Once all comments have been addressed to the Building Department's satisfaction, they will then state that the project is Permit Ready�

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Plancheck Phase

Once all comments have been addressed to the Building Department's satisfaction, they will then state that the project is Permit Ready�
Now the builder(you) may pick up the officially approved plans (the Permit Set), along with the Building Permit, and Building Card.

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Plancheck Phase

Once all comments have been addressed to the Building Department's satisfaction, they will then state that the project is Permit Ready�
Now the builder(you) may pick up the officially approved plans (the Permit Set), along with the Building Permit, and Building Card

Building Permit fees are generally based on the construction cost of the project, with a minimum fee of $200-$300 for smaller projects. Amounts vary greatly by jurisdiction.

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Inspections

Did you build it right?

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Inspection (Construction) Phase

Once your project has a building permit, construction may commence. However, you are not free and clear yet.�

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Inspection (Construction) Phase

Once your project has a building permit, construction may commence. However, you are not free and clear yet.�
The building department requires inspections to ensure that you are building per plan and meeting the code requirements shown in your Permit Set of drawings.�

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Inspection (Construction) Phase

The Inspection or Building Card you received with your permit will outline the required inspections.

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Inspection (Construction) Phase

The Inspection or Building Card you received with your permit will outline the required inspections.
Generally, each stage of construction needs to be inspected before it is covered up.

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Inspection (Construction) Phase

The Inspection or Building Card you received with your permit will outline the required inspections.
Generally, each stage of construction needs to be inspected before it is covered up.
In practice this often equates to three or four inspections:

Rebar or Groundwork Inspections
Foundation inspection
Rough Inspection (Framing and HVAC Systems)
Final Inspection

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Building Card

(or Inspection Card or Job Card)

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Rebar and Groundwork Inspection

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Foundation Inspection

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Rough In Inspection

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Inspection (Construction) Phase

The Inspection or Building Card (which the Building Inspector signs off on) must be kept on site at all times, along with the Building Permit, and the official Permit Set of drawings.�
When you are ready for an inspection, you will need to schedule an inspection. Some cities have inspection request forms, or it may just be a phone call to your inspector.

Any changes to the building that vary from the Permit Set must be approved by the inspector. If the changes are substantial, the Inspector may require that these changes to go back through the Plan Check Process.�
Once the final inspection is complete, the Building Inspector will then issue a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).
You are now legally able to use/reside in their completed project.

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Inspection (Construction) Phase

Any changes to the building that vary from the Permit Set must be approved by the inspector. If the changes are substantial, the Inspector may require that these changes to go back through the Plan Check Process.�
Once the final inspection is complete, the Building Inspector will then issue a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).�
You are now legally able to use/reside in your completed project.

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Certificate of Occupancy!