Building Code Officials in…

Building Code Officials in general are highly qualified professionals who constantly update and maintain their knowledge. The issues that tend to delay building permits are due to several factors.
1. insufficient staffing at building departments to handle the work loads.
2. poor quality of drawings that are submitted for building permit reviews by professional engineers and Architects. these drawings often lack basic information such as dimensions, structural elements, mechanical and fire safety information.
3. Permit plans drawn by unqualified designers (home owners and contractors). These drawings are often difficult to even understand what the project is.
4. projects are also often delayed due to lengthy planning review processes. This is a regular complaint of building permit applicants.

Full disclosure
I am a Plans examiner with 15 years enforcement experience and 7 years private design experience.