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We never did, but I always encouraged the contractors to do so as well as having a truly sealed tube for the onsite plans.

It definetely does. a small gas tank, isn't a huge deal, especially if they aren't leaking. One hundred buried 55 gallon drums of toxic waste, would be another story. Thankfully, I haven't run across that one yet!

So environmental laws are different across the country. I can speak for Washington and almost all development must have an extensive environmental review, but they are looking more at the biology aspect of the environment (flora / fauna). Permit's can't be issued until that review is done...

Yes, I have always done a post legislative approval meeting on big projects to lay out the permitting requirements, and I also do a pre-construction meeting to set expectations, understand the needs and make sure that all of the teams understand the project. Lots of communication is the...

Yes, permits for habitable dwellings are required as part of the building codes. No ADU is going to be exempt from healthy and safety requirements. The codes are very straight forward and deviating from them truly create dangerous structures. Remember, building codes are the "low bar" for...

I have walked away from 2 organizations now where the corruption was rampamy. I have fired a building official, building inspector and code enforcement officer for doing work on their homes without permits, contracting on duty, and stealing. Ths industry needs more people willing to stand up...

It is actually moving much faster than it was before. These are much easier to spin up than a full reactor. Microsoft spinning up Three Mile Island was a true surprise this last week, but one of these micro reactors was already approved in Wyoming.

Most likely just clarifications. If there was a fatal flaw in the plans, they would have jsut denied the permit. Sounds like they are trying to work with you, but need a bit more information.

It may feel that way, but I can assure you, 99% of the building departments out there actualy lose money. The cost of the permits are to offset the costs of review and inspection which are required because of the adopted building codes. The adopted building codes are necessary because of...

Welcome Maria! Also Arizona based here in the land planning and permitting world.

New emergning tech in nano and micro nuclear power is emerging as the likely source for power for large data centers all over the world. Please read my article below. https://w3planning.org/nuclear-power-for-data-centers-its-coming/ Would love your thoughts on this emerging tech!

I completely agree. I was in one jurisdiction where I was ordered repeatedly to approve permits (I refused) because they were not legally defensible. I knew that every permit we were issuing was being watched by special interest groups primed for litigation against any misstep we made. I am...

One problem that I see in the industry quite a bit, and I was highly critical of, is that the industry feels the plan reviewers are their quality control. So what I saw was that they would turn in inferior work, expecting us to find their problems. This cost them time, which we of course were...

I think it is a mixed answer. From a permitting point of view, timely and accurate is the most important. It is always my goal to get permits out the door as quickly as possible while still making sure that they meet all required codes. Enforcement of violations in the field needs to be done...

Wow, given how the venom from a Gila Monster works, and the bigger cause of problems, infection, that had to be a very painful way to go. Best to leave these very interesting creatures in their natural environment. As an Arizona native, I have only had the pleasure of seeing Gila Monster's in...

Yes and no. The HUD codes are standalone and are recognized in all 50 states I believe. They are completely seperate from the ICC codes. HUD Codes came into effect in 1976 and created the definition of a "Manufactured Home" at that time, and homes built under similar models (but not the same...

Thank you! I am the one who created this program. Would love to chat about it! Send me a DM.

So I created this program. I am amazingly proud of this and this was the first of its kind in the country. I will tell you, I did it for only 15K of government resources. This is the most affordable housing program out there from a government point of view as well. This program is...

Yes, they would be required for conversion from an accessory structure (sheds, offices, yoga studios, etc) to an accessory dwelling units. They become ADU's when the are used for habitation and fall under different codes and regulations. The requirements are different when you intend for...

Interesting article on the changes to the HUD Standards. Will help make things much more affordable in the long run in the rural communities. https://w3planning.org/huds-landmark-updates-to-manufactured-home-standards/