Building departments and the dedicated professionals within them serve as the unsung heroes safeguarding our communities. Through their oversight of permitting, inspections and occupancy authorizations for construction, renovations and repairs, local building departments play a pivotal role in upholding the integrity of projects, ensuring compliance with applicable building safety codes and standards.
Failure to adhere to your local building department’s standards can result in significant costs in terms of both time and money for contractors. Some of the potential consequences include delays in project times, code violation penalties, costly corrections and revisions, reputational damage and even legal issues.
By proactively collaborating with a building department, contractors can avoid these costly pitfalls. Engaging early in the project, seeking guidance and ensuring compliance with codes and regulations can not only save time and money, but foster a smoother construction process and protect the contractor’s reputation and bottom line.
In recognition of the ever-evolving landscape of construction, the International Code Council consistently enhances building codes and standards. These updates incorporate the latest knowledge, advanced technologies and evolving human behavior. As buildings become increasingly intricate, it is imperative to grasp and leverage the available resources to guarantee the safety, sustainability and resilience of your construction or renovation endeavor.
Building Safety Month
The Code Council’s 2023 Building Safety Month campaign features five weekly themes reinforcing the importance of building safety codes and standards.
• Week one, Building Safety Starts at Home, focuses on safety tips within the realm of home maintenance, fire safety and pool/yard safety as well as what codes you should be aware of as a homeowner.
• Week two’s theme, Building Safety Professionals and You, brings the work of building safety professionals to the forefront so that the public can better understand and work with these experts.
• Week three, Preparing Your Community, concentrates on Disaster Preparedness and what citizens can do now to help ensure their community is prepared.
• Week four, Advocate for Your Community, identifies ways citizens can promote building safety in their communities as well as different opportunities to become a building safety professional and make a difference in your community.
• Week five, Solving Challenges Together, highlights the fact that globally we all face many of the same challenges, including access to clean water, energy conservation, and resiliency, and how global communities can learn from each other.
Here are our top tips on how to best collaborate with your local building department to make sure your next job complies with safety and zoning regulations.
Recognize When to Contact Your Building Department
As a contractor, it is essential to reach out to your local building department at the very beginning of your construction or renovation project. One common query directed to building departments is whether permits and inspections are necessary for the planned work. Before commencing any concrete tasks, contractors must secure the requisite permits from the local building department, which entails submitting plans and specifications for review and obtaining approval.
While certain projects like minor repairs or renovations may not require specific documents, it is always prudent to seek clarification. Building departments will guide you on the permits and inspections required for your project and their respective timelines. This proactive approach helps you steer clear of potential penalties, fines or complications that could arise. Keeping accurate records of all completed work, including inspection dates and outcomes, will facilitate a smoother process and minimize the chances of disputes with the building department or clients. Additionally, your local building department will provide invaluable guidance on adhering to building codes and regulations relevant to your project. They can offer insights into permit requirements and identify instances where architects and engineers may be required before proceeding with the project.
By collaborating closely with the building department, you can ensure compliance, mitigate risks and foster a successful and seamless construction process for both you and your clients.
Identify How to Best Contact Your Building Department
You might be wondering how to identify and contact your local building department. Fortunately, this is likely the easiest part of your project.
As simple as it may sound, begin with a web search. By using keywords such as your city or county name along with "building department," you can easily find the contact information you need. Most building departments have dedicated email accounts and phone numbers for general inquiries, and some even offer live chat options or programmed chat functions. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the building department in person during their designated business hours, if applicable.
Before reaching out to anyone, it is wise to have a clear understanding of the scope of your project. Compile as much relevant information as possible so that when you contact the building department, they can assist you effectively and efficiently in moving forward.
Learn How to Utilize the Tools Building Departments Provide
As a concrete contractor, it is important to recognize that building departments have evolved into transparent governmental agencies that prioritize providing extensive information to their communities. When working on a concrete project, your local building department can be a valuable resource, offering access to various documents and resources to support your work.
Your building department can provide you with access to permit application forms and documentation specific to your project. They can also inform you about the required permits and documentation that should be on file and available for your property to ensure compliance with regulations and code requirements.
Building departments will also have information on the timeline for plan approval and guide you on how to schedule inspections. It is crucial to schedule inspections with the building department to make certain that your work aligns with code requirements. Inspections typically cover areas such as foundation, formwork, pouring and finishing of the concrete. Many building departments offer convenient online services that enhance accessibility and efficiency, including the ability to check the status of a permit or inspection, schedule inspections, access inspection results and find contact information for inspection services. Some building departments even provide online fee calculators or permitting tools that generate permits in just a few minutes. The best part is that these online processes can be utilized outside of the normal business hours of the department.
Think of Your Building Department as a Partner
Your local building department wants your project to be safe and successful.
Building safety professionals prioritize the well-being of the community above all else. Communities that enforce permits and conduct inspections tend to exhibit superior performance during extreme events and greater resilience to natural hazards. Your local building department serves as a valuable source of knowledge encompassing all aspects of building projects. Their staff typically comprises a diverse range of professionals with expertise in various areas of building and construction, including architecture, engineering and hands-on experience as former carpenters, electricians, plumbers and technicians, so their collective expertise is at your disposal.
Whether you're undertaking a simple remodeling project or embarking on a large-scale concrete endeavor, the building department is dedicated to supporting your success and will act as your champion throughout the construction process. Effective communication is paramount when collaborating with the local building department, so it is vital to keep them informed about any changes to the project and promptly address any concerns or issues that may arise.
Building Departments Are a Valuable Source for Information and Support
Concrete contractors have the advantage of their building departments being available to assist throughout every stage of a construction project. By collaborating with these knowledgeable experts, you can effectively steer clear of possible challenges, such as fines and legal complications. Their guidance ensures that your project is not only safe but also fully compliant with all local requirements. These professionals are available to help you, not to hinder you, and they are always looking out for you and your community's best interest.
