Latest Building Code Changes?

[Menehune]

Aloha,

I did a search so as not to duplicate the topic but found nothing remotely current - my search parameters might have been off - so started a new one. []

In todays "Hawaii Tribune Herald" - "Building Code Revisions Advance"
http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/sect...vance.html
It states:
"Other changes would authorize owner-builders either to have a licensed contractor perform inspections or a licensed architect or engineer certify the work complies with construction requirements.

Requests for an inspection by county personnel must be made in writing between 48 and 72 hours in advance of the visit. Requiring advanced notice is now the discretion of building officials."

Does this mean that "inspections" for owner-builders will become a "private" enterprise - you hire or pay an upfront fee when you have your plans "stamped" by an architect or engineer to "certify work compliance"? [:0]

Is the county "getting out" of inspections of owner-builder projects? [^]

It has been a problem, at times, to get a timely inspection to keep a project moving along, but if you now have to submit "in writing between 48 and 72 hours in advance of the visit" it will become a logistics nightmare for you, your contractor or sub-contractors. [V]

Any feedback from those who know more about this than what I read in the paper or on-line? [?]

[Kapohocat]

This has been an issue - the 48 to 72 hrs problem.

Here is the situation - I fax mine over to their fax line the day before, they typically come out the next day. BUT... with the whole furlough Friday thing, the inspections could take longer. And people have complained because it doesnt exactly say if that is 48-72 business hours or what? So as I just heard from an inspector on this subject, they have been taking some lets say less than gracious requests offered as demands.

On commercial projects, I have already seen the builder hiring an inspector from a private company that is certified to do the inspections that the current commercial building inspector is not certified to do. I mean just looking at it - Joy isnt, even with her years of experience, really able to do the Saddle Rd inspections, or some of the larger commercial projects like Target and Safeway?

I just talked to Bob Smelker less than an hr ago and asked him when the codes were actually to take place. He said well let me see - I don't know! He said I have heard for 5 years now that they are going to change - back when 2006 codes was the current year.

Thats it for my knowledge on this particular subject - not really anything more than anecdotal observations to add.

[DanielP]

The building inspection system in Hawaii stinks! It is beyond me why there are seperate permits, contractors and inspectors for building, plumbing and electrical. What a waste of money! These three items should be linked together under one permit with one inspector for them all. These codes and inspections are not rocket science. Any inspector worth a hoot should be able to know all three codes. It is a pathetic waste of county resources and also creates lots of wasted time for the builder. Disgusting!
End of rant.
Dan

[Kapohocat]

Today at Bldg:

KC to Bldg dept personnel: So when are the new codes going to take effect?

BDP : I dont know. We have been hearing about them for 3-4 years now. Still not happened. Maybe beginning of next year.

[jerry]

I think the code revisions are scheduled for a first reading/vote on July 9. Will there be time for citizen input? I am particularly concerned with this provision of the electric code which will make getting as-built electrical permits very difficult/very expensive. Depending on how strictly this is enforced it may require tracing out every single wire--a time consuming job at best. Given the huge number of unpermitted structures I think this will make the situation worse, not better.

"Section 9-41.2. Requirements for as built work.
Penalty fees per section 9-41 shall apply. Residential and Nonresidential work will require electrical as built drawings certifying that all work has been installed and complies with all applicable ordinances and codes. These drawings shall bear the stamp and signature of an electrical engineer duly licensed in the State of Hawai‘i."

Jerry

[YurtGirl]

First reading of what? Haven't theybeen reading and discussing this whole time? And what will they be voting on? Last I knew there were still to be more public meetings and open discussions.

[jerry]

I think it has been moved to the county council where it will receive two readings. Community input is allowed before the council votes. If someone knows when this will appear on the agenda please post it here. I went to the council calendar but could not figure it out.

Jerry