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Building codes can be traced as far back
as Babylonian times. Some of the
world's first laws were written
concerning construction. This provides
evidence, that people have become
increasingly aware of their ability to
avoid the catastrophic consequences of
building construction failures. In early
America, George Washington and
Thomas Jefferson encouraged the development of
building regulations to provide for minimum
standards that would ensure public health and safety. Today, most of the United States is covered
by a network of modern building regulations ranging in coverage from fire and
structural safety to health, security and conservation of energy.
Public safety is not the only byproduct afforded by modern codes. Architects, engineers, contractors and others in the building community can take advantage of the latest technological advances accommodated in these codes with resultant savings to the consumer.
For codes to be effective, an understanding and cooperative relationship must
exist between building officials and the groups they serve - Businesses, developers, urban planners
and designers just to name a few. Codes must therefore be responsive to the government's need to
protect the public. They must provide due process for all affected and they must keep pace with a
rapidly changing technology. The inability of communities individually to provide such a code
process is understandable, but collectively these communities can work together to develop and
maintain codes. This approach has given birth to the model code system.
During the early 1900s, model building codes were authored by the code enforcement officials of various communities with key assistance from all segments of the building industry. Model codes have now become the central regulatory program in cities, counties and states throughout the country. They represent a collective undertaking which shares the cost of code development and maintenance while ensuring uniformity of regulations so that the advantages of the latest technology can be optimized.
Building code enforcement has historically been accomplished by defraying the
costs of administration through a system of fees relating to a specific project - a
system which is self supporting. These fees are generally about 1 percent of the
overall cost of the building project. Public protection is thus obtained in a
cost-effective way with the entire process, from plan review to field inspection,
carried out in a professional manner. The system is so well developed that the
true complexity of the process is obscure to many.
WHO NEEDS BUILDING CODES?
We all do - whether in our homes, offices, schools, stores, factories or places of entertainment. We rely on the safety of structures that surround us in our everyday living.
WHAT IS THE BUILDING CODE?
Practically, it is the government's official statement on building safety. Technically, it
is a compendium of laws and ordinances setting minimum safety standards and
arranged in a systematic manner for easy reference. It embraces all aspects of building
construction - fire and structural items as well as the plumbing, electrical and
mechanical systems.
WHO USES THE BUILDING CODE?
Everyone is impacted by a building construction project - architects and engineers, contractors and sub-contractors, the manufactures and distributors of building materials and, finally, the user or occupant of the building.
WHY INSPECT DURING CONSTRUCTION?
It is the only way to verify independently that code compliance has been achieved. Did you know that before you moved into your building, the construction had been inspected an average of ten times. Building inspections serve only to verify conformity to minimum standards and do not guarantee the quality of construction.
WHICH CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS REQUIRE ENGINEERED PLANS?
Business and Professions Code Sections 5537, 5538, 6737.1 specify what an unlicensed person
may design. Generally, unlicensed persons are limited to non-structural storefronts and minor
interior alterations. Unlicensed persons may not design any component that would effect the
safety of any building or its occupants, including but not limited to structural or seismic
components.
WHAT IS A BUILDING PERMIT?
A building permit grants legal permission to start construction of a building project.
WHICH CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS NEED BUILDING PERMITS?
Some examples of required building permits are:
| New Buildings |  |
| Additions | |
| Renovations | |
| Demolitions |
| Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical systems | |
| Water heaters, re-roofs, signs, and masonry fences over 42 inches high (Retaining walls more than three feet). |  |
| Tenant improvements in existing buildings |
WHY A BUILDING PERMIT?
Building permits provide the means for Building Officials to protect us by reducing the potential hazards of unsafe construction and therefore ensuring the public health, safety and welfare.
WHO IS ALLOWED TO PULL A BUILDING PERMIT?
Only the owner, owner's licensed contractor or owner's authorized agent.
THE PERMIT PROCESS
Before any construction or remodeling work begins, an application for a permit
must be made. Building permit application and plan check provide the means for
Building Officials to inspect construction to ensure that minimum standards are
met and appropriate materials are used.
VISIT THE BUILDING AND SAFETY DIVISION.
We will ask you "What are you planning to do?" and "Where are you planning to do
it?". We will provide you with information and refer you to other agencies for their
input or approval. It is very common to need the Planning Department's approval prior
to issuing a building permit. You should contact the Planning Department prior to
submitting plans for Building and Safety review.
SUBMIT THE APPLICATION
The permit application requires information about the construction project. You will
need to know - who will do the work, scope of the work, location of work, and how
the work will be done. Sketches, drawings, plans or other documentation of the
proposed work will generally have to be submitted for review depending on the size
and scope of the project.
WAIT DURING THE REVIEW PROCESS
The majority of permit applications are processed with little delay. The Building
and Safety Division will determine if your project is in compliance with the
construction codes and other municipal ordinances. Your plans will be reviewed
(plan check) and usually returned to you within two weeks of the date they are
first submitted and one week for each recheck after that. Some minor plans may
be reviewed over-the-counter, depending on the scope and size of the project.
RECEIVE RESULTS OF THE REVIEW PROCESS
If compliance with the
code is determined, the plans are stamped approved and upon payment of fees,
receipt of other agency clearances, a permit is issued. If compliance is not
determined, you will be given a list of corrections. After making the corrections
resubmit the plans for a second review. Most plans are approved after the second
review.
RECEIVE YOUR PERMIT
The building permit is the document granting legal permission to start construction. You must proceed as approved in the review process. Keep a copy of the approved set of plans and job card at the site for the inspector to use during inspections. Changes should be brought to the Building and Safety Divisions attention immediately. Changes will generally require a review and approval in the same manner as the original application.
ARRANGE INSPECTIONS
Each major phase of construction must be inspected to make sure work conforms to the Code and approved plans. The person responsible for the construction project should request the inspections. 24 hour advance notice is required.
If an inspector finds that some work does not conform to the Code, the inspector will advise (and provide a written notice) that the situation is to be remedied. If the violation is serious and presents a safety hazard, a stop work order may be posted until the problem is resolved. Another inspection may be necessary before work is allowed to resume.
FINAL INSPECTION
When all the work is completed the inspector will make a final inspection. If there
are no further items to be resolved the inspector will sign off the permit. The
permit, along with other construction documents will be placed in the permanent
address file for your property. After all other agency inspections and clearances are
completed, the utilities to your building are released and a Certificate of
Occupancy is issued. Your building is ready for occupancy.
HIRING A CONTRACTOR
Hiring a contractor will depend on how comfortable you are with doing your own project. A contractor can be hired to do part or all of the work. Hiring a contractor might cost a little bit more but you will not have to do the work and you are hiring someone who should know how to do the job and often can finish the job sooner. If you do hire a contractor we suggest you:
Get several bids, do not always just go with the cheapest.
Make sure the bids include the cost of plan checking and permit issuance.
Call the Contractor's State License Board (800) 321-CSLB and verify the license is in good
standing.
Check the status of the Contractor's Bond.
Verify that their workers's compensation policy is current.
Ask for and check references.
For further information we have free booklets at the Building and
Safety Division from the:
California Building Standards Commission
International Conference of Building Officials
National Fire Protection Association
BUILDING AND SAFETY
Click here to e-mail questions to the Moorpark City Building and Safety Department.