4.1 Promoting a Consistent…

4.1 Promoting a Consistent Application of Code Requirements

While providing a larger package of training materials and bulletins that designers and plans examiners can both read could bring the two parties closer to understanding each other, this would be of minor help. The solution to this problem is not publishing more documentation but in the administration of a municipalities' enforcement. This has two major items:

1) Municipalities should provide a more open and efficient path of communication for the purpose of addressing comments made in the plans examination process. The ability to have a real conversation over the phone with the plans examiner following the issuance of comments is critical to avoiding weeks of back and forth where the only communication occurs through the permit response letters. Municipalities should also provide a floater plans examiner which will jump onto permit files which are close to being issued and work with the engineer or architect to get those files out the door. Too often we come across the practice of a plans examiner spending very little time on a file, writing down some quick comments without actually finding the place on the drawing which addresses that comment, and then sending out the comments so that they can place the file back on the bottom of the pile for the purposes of making a deadline. This actually extends workloads on plans examiners and delays projects. More often than not if the plans examiner had taken a few extra minutes on a file and called the engineer or architect about their question the comment could have been addressed immediately without undue extra work for the plans examiner and engineer and weeks to months of delays could be avoided.

2) Proper enforcement during the inspection process. The plans examination process is quite detailed leading to a lot of time spent on having correct documentation. This is then ignored more often than not after the permit is issued. Inspectors approving changes to drawings, missing deficiencies, and even closing permits before the engineer or architect of record and signed off on their general review happens very frequently. Inspectors should be given more time, more training, and should be instructed that permitting changes to contract documents (plans) is not within their power.