Recent content by Jeff

Its been 20 years since I took the test but I remember having to know the span tables and when to use them for loading conditions. Also pay attention to exceptions in the code. Some questions expect you to not just read the code requirements but also know the exceptions.

We charge a reinspection fee after 3 inspections if it is obvious the contractor is not making any attempt to fix the issue.

HOA rules can overrule a building permit. I worked in a jurisdiction where the building dept. issued a reroof permit for comp roofing material. The HOA only allowed tile roofs. The contractor had to stop halfway through the installation and obtain a reroof permit using tile. Not sure who ate the...

For a career path in Planning you could take the following path: Planning Tech>Assistant Planner>Associate Planner>Senior Planner>Principal Planner> Planning Director. You could also pursue a career in Building & Safety or even Environmental Departments. It all depends on what direction you want...

We issue an NOV and usually give two weeks to address the issue. If there has been no communication or no progress we issue a $100 citation which goes up to $250 and then to $500. These fines can be assessed daily however the code officer would need to visit the property every day and verify no...

Our Code Compliance division handles municipal and development code violations. The end goal is compliance not issuing citations. Citations are a tool that is used if there is no effort by the property/business owner to bring the property into compliance.

We have 3 Permit Tech I's and 3 Permit Tech II's a Permit Supervisor and an Admin Clerk. The Tech I's answer phones, respond to emails work the permit counter and process online applications. The Permit Tech II's generate permits from completed plan checks and also work the counter. The Permit...

Our Permit Techs review all submittals for completeness prior to the plans being routed to reviewers in various departments. They are very thorough in their review and make sure all documents and plans that are needed for the review are included. We train our Permit Techs on what is needed for...

I am not a permit tech however I have 6 on my staff. The permit techs at the counter review standard plans at the counter such as patios, walls and pools. We also provided training to our counter staff to review PV plans.

Welcome Steph Welcome and good luck on your Permit Tech certification! I have a Plans Examiner that started her career as a Permit Tech. It seems like a natural transition for those that are motivated to learn and advance in their career.

The best tip is to be very consistent with how you input street names. Don't use various abbreviations or spellings. As an example, if you use Hwy or Highway it will create separate files for each spelling. So 1234 Arrow Hwy and 1234 Arrow Highway will be separate files even though its the same...

If the project only requires sandblasting and putting on another color coat, my jurisdiction would not require a permit. If the project entailed removing the stucco and the lath, a permit would be required. Some cities do require a sandblasting permit, so I would check with Apple Valley's...

Out here on the west coast, guardrails are required on any decks over 30 inches above adjacent grade. Not sure about North Carolina. I recommend you call or visit your local building department.

We use Accela. My inspectors use an Accela app in the field on their tablets.

A local city had Extreme Home Makeover come and renovate a home. The City required the production company to pay for an inspector to be onsite 24/7 while work was being done. City and contract inspectors were provided during the project.