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Building Codes

Insight and understanding that only a Licensed Engineer can provide
Over 80,000 inspections performed since 1968

Before starting construction on a new building or altering an existing building, you must first secure a building permit.  Apply for a permit at the local building department.  Before issuing the permit, the building department usually verifies that the plans conform to all applicable codes and regulations.  The building department also checks if the plans meeting zoning and other codes.  A building inspector from the local building department periodically checks the site as construction progresses.  When the construction is completed, the building inspector makes a final inspection.   If the construction passes the final inspection, a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.

The States of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, and the City of New York have their own building codes.  Many local communities have amended the state codes.  For more information, visit the  International Code Council web site.  You can also find information about  the New York City Building Code , the New York State Building Code , the Connecticut State Building Code , and the New Jersey State Building Code. .  Remember to contact your local building department for information on the exact codes that apply in your community.
 

Building Permit

If you are constructing a new building or altering an existing building, you are probably required to obtain a building permit.  An application for a building permit is filed with the local building department.  This application may require plans be filed, site studies be conducted, etc.  The building department either issues a permit, recommends changes to the plan that will allow a building permit to be issued, or denies the application.  You  may appeal the building department’s decision.  No work may begin until the building department issues the building permit.

You generally do not have to obtain a building permit to make normal repairs, although there are exceptions to this rule.  Additions, finishing an attic or basement, or changing interior walls are examples of alterations that require a building permit.  A wood-burning stove or an indoor hot tub typically require a permit.  Exterior additions such as a deck, pool, fence, shed, or garage typically require a building permit.  The following type of work often needs a building permit:

• New construction.
• Alteration of an existing building.
• An addition to an existing building.
• Change in use of a building.
• Cutting of part or all of a wall or partition.
• Removal or cutting of any structural beam or bearing support.
• Removal or change of any required means of egress.
• Work affecting structural or fire safety.
• Work that increases the nonconformity of an existing building.
• Work that affects public health or safety.

You should contact the local building department to see if a building permit is required for your planned construction or alteration.

Building Department

The local building department performs many functions.  Some of the functions include:

• Building permit application and plan review.
• Issuing building permits for approved plans.
• Providing information to contractors, Licensed Professional Engineers, Registered Architects, and the general public on applicable building codes and other regulations.
• Providing advice to other municipal agencies regarding building codes and other applicable regulations.
• Dispatching the building inspector to review construction at the appropriate times.
• Reviewing changes proposed during construction.
• Performing the final inspection when construction is completed.
• Issuing a Certificate of Occupancy when all construction requirements have been met.
• Maintaining records on all construction within the municipality.
• Enforcing regulations and issuing violations when appropriate.

Building Code

The building code sets the minimum construction standards for a house or building.  Because of the way that building codes have evolved over the years, the minimum building code standards are usually sufficient.  Exceeding the minimum building code requirements does not necessarily give you a better building.  Often, exceeding the requirements will just increase construction costs and delay construction.

Building Inspector

The building inspector performs many functions:

• Examines building permit applications for the building department.
• As a member of the building department, advises Licensed Professional Engineers, Registered Architects, other municipal agencies, and the general public on applicable building codes and other regulations.
• Conducts inspections during a construction project.
• Issues violations, if necessary.
• Issues a Certificate of Occupancy after a construction project is completed and meets all applicable building codes and other requirements.

Certificate of Occupancy

When all the requirements of the building code and all other local municipal requirements have been met, a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.  The Certificate of Occupancy generally means that the building complies with all  codes and regulations applicable at the time of construction.

Prior to issuing the Certificate of Occupancy, a building inspector has probably checked the construction project several times during the project.  Even so, the Certificate of Occupancy is not a guarantee from the building department that the building is perfect.  The inspection is limited to areas that could be checked during the building inspector’s inspection.  The Certificate of Occupancy gives you some assurance that the building complied with applicable codes and regulations at the time of construction.

Many banks and lending institutions require an up-to-date Certificate of Occupancy before they will issue a mortgage.  In some cases a Certificate of Occupancy cannot be issued because no building permit was issued prior to construction, and the building inspector was not called in during construction.  In these cases, the building department may issue a Certificate of Alteration, Certificate of Compliance, or Certificate of Completion.   A similar document may be issued for outside items like decks and pools, or inside items like a wood burning stove.  Consult your local building department for more information if you are looking at a building that has been altered.

Fire Prevention

Contrary to popular belief, the building codes are not an instruction manual of how to construct a building.  Little is said in the building code on issues such as what size or type of nails should be used, required wood sizes, etc.  Much is said about issues such as required fire rating, required exits, exit lighting, etc.

Many of the building code sections were written in response to injuries or deaths that occurred during a fire or other catastrophic event.  Other sections of the building codes deal with life safety issues, hazardous conditions, required ventilation, lighting, etc.  For more information on fire protection and life safety, visit the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA™) web site.

If one were to use the building code as a manual of how to build, the resulting building would have many problems.  While the building code is essential information to anyone building a home, It should be viewed as a reference document and not a how-to book.  Call 800.640.8090 or use the online form 24/7 for more information.

Call 800.640.8090, or click here to contact Heimer Engineering 24/7.

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