12-11-2009, 05:37 PM
Dave-
Keep in mind I’m referencing Single Family residential below.
Yep, that's how it's often done though, regardless of the code, many people move in long before the final/occupancy is granted during a new owner builder and or extensive remodel/addition project (why’s that? It’s because within real law (not administrative policy), the bill of rights supersedes the grey realm of the building code and the building departments already know this fact). I've yet to see a single building inspector nail anyone on early occupancy with the exception of one electrical inspector who refused to do a final electrical inspection because the owners had already begun to occupy the house and were blocking his view of a few wall receptacles. After making a phone call and speaking with his supervisor explaining the homeowner’s situation, the electrical inspector came back with panel stickers and a signed service permit without even looking around. Occupancy permits were more intended for safeguard against premature occupancy in Multi Family or Builder developments and that I've never seen tolerated, then again... the Bill of Rights does not apply in a Multi Family project situation as it's a comerce based venture as are building development projects.
What I’ve learned throughout the years is inspectors come in a few differing varieties. Here’s a couple but it’s not limited to these. There are the professional inspectors who understand the codes and why they exist, knowing where and when something should be applied and when it’s ok to wave it, they also know the limits of their authority and what they are hired to do and who ultimately employs them. The other type of inspector is strictly by the book with 4” ball in hand and bat up keaster. Then we have the egotistical wet behind the ears flunky with a chip on his shoulders. But this jerk out there on the BI… his type I’ve never encountered personally but would certainly love too. That would make my day extra warm and fuzzy all over.
One thing’s for certain though, many inspectors dislike dealing with owner builders.
Had I designed/drafted up your prints David… no doubt, the container used as your power station would have been included in the original permit prints.
It sounds like the owner builders on the island need an advocacy/oversight committee to call should they encounter problems with the building department/inspectors out there. It would appear there’s been too much underhanded behavior occurring with an inspector or two or three.
.
E ho'a'o no i pau kuhihewa.
Keep in mind I’m referencing Single Family residential below.
Yep, that's how it's often done though, regardless of the code, many people move in long before the final/occupancy is granted during a new owner builder and or extensive remodel/addition project (why’s that? It’s because within real law (not administrative policy), the bill of rights supersedes the grey realm of the building code and the building departments already know this fact). I've yet to see a single building inspector nail anyone on early occupancy with the exception of one electrical inspector who refused to do a final electrical inspection because the owners had already begun to occupy the house and were blocking his view of a few wall receptacles. After making a phone call and speaking with his supervisor explaining the homeowner’s situation, the electrical inspector came back with panel stickers and a signed service permit without even looking around. Occupancy permits were more intended for safeguard against premature occupancy in Multi Family or Builder developments and that I've never seen tolerated, then again... the Bill of Rights does not apply in a Multi Family project situation as it's a comerce based venture as are building development projects.
What I’ve learned throughout the years is inspectors come in a few differing varieties. Here’s a couple but it’s not limited to these. There are the professional inspectors who understand the codes and why they exist, knowing where and when something should be applied and when it’s ok to wave it, they also know the limits of their authority and what they are hired to do and who ultimately employs them. The other type of inspector is strictly by the book with 4” ball in hand and bat up keaster. Then we have the egotistical wet behind the ears flunky with a chip on his shoulders. But this jerk out there on the BI… his type I’ve never encountered personally but would certainly love too. That would make my day extra warm and fuzzy all over.
One thing’s for certain though, many inspectors dislike dealing with owner builders.
Had I designed/drafted up your prints David… no doubt, the container used as your power station would have been included in the original permit prints.
It sounds like the owner builders on the island need an advocacy/oversight committee to call should they encounter problems with the building department/inspectors out there. It would appear there’s been too much underhanded behavior occurring with an inspector or two or three.
.
E ho'a'o no i pau kuhihewa.