What Is Building Code Compliance?

Building Code Compliance is oversight of the planning and installation of construction projects in accordance with the building code. There are two primary aspects of compliance oversight:

• Plan Review
• Inspection

A plan review is an examination of the building plans prior to construction to ensure that the design meets structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing requirements as prescribed by the code. For more information, please see the section on Plan Reviews

Building inspections are on-site reviews of the actual construction as it progresses to ensure that the installation is in accordance with the plans and the code. For more information, please see the section on Building Inspections.

What Is A Local Amendment To The Building Code?

A local amendment is a change or modification to the code done at the City or State level meant to increase the degree of safety provided by the Code. An example of a local amendment is the adoption, by LSUCCC, of a statewide wind map for the State of Louisiana.

What Is A Plan Review, And Why Is It Important?

A plan review is an examination of the documents presented when a permit is applied for. The plan reviewer is looking for compliance with the building code, which establishes the minimum requirements to safeguard the general welfare. Plans are looked at for structural strength, exiting, light, ventilation, sanitation, energy conservation and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards as well as providing safety for fire fighters during emergencies.

A proper plan review makes inspectors' and contractors' jobs much easier, because items that do not meet the minimum code requirements are corrected before the permit is issued. There will be fewer questions and less confusion in the field.

What Are Building Inspections, And Why Are They Important?

A building inspection is a "snap shot" in time performed during various stages of construction, to verify that the work being performed under the building permit meets the Codes as adopted by the State. Inspections help assure the built environment is safe and sanitary.

For a typical home, the following inspections will be provided:

Footings

To ensure the foundation starts out correctly, that any required reinforcing rods or tendons are in place per plans, properly positioned and secured, and to ensure the soil is suitable for building. This inspection is done prior to any concrete being placed.

Under Slab

To ensure the plumbing system is properly connected and graded to assure drain lines will function properly, that the base is properly prepared and all foreign materials are removed, and that any conduits are properly installed. This inspection is done prior to any concrete being placed.

Frame (Rough in) Plumbing

To ensure that all in wall plumbing is correctly sized, proper material, proper grade, securely fastened and in compliance with the plans, fire blocking is in place, stike plates in place, head pressure tests are done on drain lines, water pressure tests performed on domestic water.

Frame (Rough in) Mechanical

To ensure that all ducts are sized per plan (or Code), sealed, no screws in dryer duct, return air is provided, no return ducts within 3' of smoke detector or supply duct, fire blocking is in place, gas pressure test is conducted on any gas lines prior to meter set, gas lines are positioned so they will not be damaged.

Frame (Rough in) Electrical

No damaged wiring, fire blocking in place, receptacle spacing per code, strike plates in place, proper support of wiring, correct wire sizes, small appliance circuits, bathroom circuits, equipment grounding conductors, closet fixture clearance, dishwasher/disposal circuits, smoke detector locations and wiring, panel location, masthead, gfci/afci locations correct, panel landed correctly.

Frame (Rough in) Building

Framing is installed using proper construction techniques, continuous load path is achieved from roof to foundation with the use of proper connectors, egress windows and sill heights are measured, any damaged framing is repaired, any notching and boring is done per code, trusses are braced per the truss plans and all additional gable end and "X" bracing is installed, attic scuttles are framed and positioned correctly, wall sheathing is nailed, house wrap is installed shingle fashion and taped per manufacturers' recommendations, windows and doors are installed and flashed, stair risers and treads are measured, room sizes are verified, corridors are measured for proper width, smoke detector locations are verified and correct, tempered glass is installed where required, fire blocking and draft stopping is in place and correct.

Final Plumbing

Water at showers does not exceed 120 degrees, all sink fixtures are operational, there is no water hammer heard, toilets are sealed at the floor, no leaking is noted, water heater T&P valve is dropped to within 6" of floor and has a drain pan.

Final Mechanical

Heat works, any exposed duct work is sealed, thermostat is installed on interior wall, register covers are in place, fireplaces have manufacturer's literature in place and fireplaces have been started up, exhaust fans work, air pressure is properly balanced.

Final Electrical

Smoke detectors are in place, gfci receptacles are in place and work, continuity is checked at receptacles, circuits are marked in panel, afci breakers are in place and serve the correct rooms (bedrooms), all cover plates are installed, receptacle spacing is double checked, gfci's are installed outside front and back and are supplied with weather proof covers, grounding conductor is connected to the ground rod, cold water supply is bonded.

Final Building

Insulation is verified as installed at all scuttles, smoke detectors are in place and tested, house numbers are installed, all egress windows open fully and easily, risers and treads are measured, handrail and guardrails are in place and measured for correct height, guards are built to prevent passage of a 4" sphere, property is graded away from foundation, decks are anchored properly, double check tempered glass locations, landings are correct at all doors.