Most states outline Design Authority and the role of the Building official
BUILDING DESIGN AUTHORITY
Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 300 Sacramento, CA 95833 1-866-780-5370
www.bpelsg.ca.gov
BPELSG.Enforcement.Information@dca.ca.gov
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS may design any building of any type. CIVIL ENGINEERS may design any building of any type EXCEPT public schools and hospitals. ARCHITECTS may design any building of any type EXCEPT the structural portion of a hospital. UNLICENSED INDIVIDUALS may design only the following types of buildings:
Single-family dwellings of not more than two stories and basement in height.
Multiple dwellings containing not more than four dwelling units of woodframe construction of not more than two stories and basement in height and no more than four dwelling units per lot.
Garages or other structures appurtenant to the dwellings described above of woodframe construction not more than two stories and basement in height.
NOTE: If any portion of the structures described above does not meet the conventional woodframe requirements described in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations or in the building codes of the local jurisdiction, then the building official having jurisdiction shall require the plans, calculations, and specifications for that portion of the structure to be prepared and signed and sealed by a licensed engineer or a licensed architect.
Agricultural and ranch buildings of wood frame construction, unless the building official having jurisdiction determines that an undue risk to the public health, safety, or welfare is involved.
Store fronts, interior alterations or additions, fixtures, cabinetwork, furniture, or other appliances or equipment, including any work necessary to install these items, or any alterations or additions to any building necessary to install these items, as long as the alterations do not affect the structural safety of the building.
Applicable Statutes: Business and Professions Code sections 5500.1, 5537, 5537.1, 5537.5, 6731, 6736, 6737, and 6737.1. Education Code section 17302 Health and Safety Code section 129805
Architects are licensed by the California Architects Board. Any questions regarding architects, the practice of architecture, or the Architects Practice Act (Business and Professions Code section 5500, et seq.) should be directed to the California Architects Board at 2420 Del Paso Road, Suite 105, Sacramento, CA, 95834; (916) 574-7220;
http://www.cab.ca.gov; cab@dca.ca.gov.
The design and construction of public schools is regulated by the Division of the State Architect (DSA). Any questions regarding Education Code section 17302 should be directed to DSA at 1102 Q Street, Suite 5100, Sacramento, CA, 95811; (916) 445-8100;
http://www.dsa.ca.gov.
The design and construction of hospitals is regulated by the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD). Any questions regarding Health and Safety Code section 129805 should be directed to OSHPD at 2020 West El Camino Avenue, Suite 800, Sacramento, CA, 95833; (916) 326-3600;
http://www.oshpd.ca.gov.
Building officials, enforce building code requirements, which are designed to protect the public health and safety.
Many building departments depend on licensed design professionals (architects and engineers) to deliver structures that meet code standards.
Not all licensed design professionals fully show that code compliance.
Plans need to show compliance with the intent and purpose of the code and other laws in the state.
107.3.4 Design professional in responsible charge Where it is required that documents be prepared by a registered design professional, the building official shall be authorized to require the owner or the owner’s authorized agent to engage and designate on the building permit application a registered design professional who shall act as the registered design professional in responsible charge. If the circumstances require, the owner or the owner’s authorized agent shall designate a substitute registered design professional in responsible charge who shall perform the duties required of the original registered design professional in responsible charge. The building official shall be notified in writing by the owner or the owner’s authorized agent if the registered design professional in responsible charge is changed or is unable to continue to perform the duties. The registered design professional in responsible charge shall be responsible for reviewing and coordinating submittal documents prepared by others, including phased and deferred submittal items, for compatibility with the design of the building.