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  1. jar546

    The Failure of Bluebeam

    Unfortunately that is a 5 year old video and an enormous amount has changed with Bluebeam. The software has been completely revised and Bluebeam Studio Prime is required to connect with permitting software through Bluebeam's API. It is one thing to have a session open with Bluebeam and another...
  2. jar546

    New Defintion of Townhouse Unit

    I've posted this before. Florida has its own definition of Townhouse. TOWNHOUSE. A single-family dwelling unit not exceeding three stories in height constructed in a group of two or more attached units with property lines separating such units in which each unit extends from foundation to...
  3. jar546

    The Florida Building Code and Section 1004 - Florida is a little different

    What differences do you see? SECTION 1004 OCCUPANT LOAD 1004.1 Design occupant load. In determining means of egress requirements, the number of occupants for whom means of egress facilities are provided shall be determined in accordance with this section. 1004.2 Cumulative occupant loads. Where...
  4. jar546

    The Failure of Bluebeam

    The API issues have persisted with email after email telling us they were having a problem. It is working today but I have no faith and we now do a workaround with the new permitting software and only use Bluebeam locally for our sessions which are not real Bluebeam sessions.
  5. jar546

    Geotechnical Groundwater Investigation Now Required - 2024 IBC

    1803.5.4 Groundwater. A geotechnical investigation shall be performed to determine if: Groundwater is above or within 5 feet (1524 mm) below the elevation of the lowest floor level where such floor is located below the finished ground level adjacent to the foundation. The groundwater depth...
  6. jar546

    Unlisted Smoke Alarms

    Is this a continuing issue or something that has been resolved?
  7. jar546

    New Defintion of Townhouse Unit

    The definition of Townhouse has been tweaked, and a new definition has been added for Townhouse Unit. TOWNHOUSE. A building that contains three or more attached townhouse units. TOWNHOUSE UNIT. A single-family dwelling unit in a townhouse that extends from the foundation to the roof and has...
  8. jar546

    New Definitions in 2024 IBC - Automatic Flush Bolt & Constant Latching Bolt

    AUTOMATIC FLUSH BOLT. Door-locking hardware, installed on the inactive leaf of a pair of doors, which has a bolt that is extended automatically into the door frame or floor when the active leaf is closed after the inactive leaf, and which holds the inactive leaf in a closed position. When the...
  9. jar546

    Changes for Island and Peninsula Counters in the 2020 NEC 210.52(C)(2)

    I guess that as the date of this post, most jurisdictions are still under the 2020 NEC. I know some of you are already in the 2023 and others are behind, still back in 2017. For the majority, however, here is a detailed summary of the receptacle requirements for kitchens. NEC 2020 Section...
  10. jar546

    Exception to Handrails

    So as long as we provide long landings on a set of stairs of any amount of risers, we don't need handrails?
  11. jar546

    Exception to Handrails

    I would agree. In my opinion we are talking about a single riser is the only way that exception 2 applies.
  12. jar546

    Exception to Handrails

    1011.11 Handrails. Flights of stairways shall have handrails on each side and shall comply with Section 1014. Where glass is used to provide the handrail, the handrail shall comply with Section 2407. Exceptions: 2.) Decks, patios and walkways that have a single change in elevation where the...
  13. jar546

    Inspecting with a bad plan review

    At this point, you now own this project and will be held responsible as an inspector who is aware of such life safety violations. I would notify the building official in writing so he can determine how to proceed. If he blows it off and says don't worry about it, I would report it to my...
  14. jar546

    Support of Expansion Tanks for Water Heaters - Often Overlooked

    Even when they install it horizontally?
  15. jar546

    Reasons Why Building Permit Application Packages are Rejected by Permit Technicians

    In my opinion, whether a one-man operation or a large city, paperless permitting is the way to go. There are all sorts of programs for everyone's budget. It just does not make sense to not be paperless and have apps on your phone for inspections too. Sooooo much easier and done on the fly and...
  16. jar546

    Reasons Why Building Permit Application Packages are Rejected by Permit Technicians

    It's better recordkeeping and transparent for the public plus plus plus.
  17. jar546

    Reasons Why Building Permit Application Packages are Rejected by Permit Technicians

    I cannot agree with that in the least bit. We have had positive feedback, better communication, transparency, production, workflow, accountability, and most importantly, happier contractors and permit runners. It is easier for everyone involved because it is more efficient. Maybe you worked...
  18. jar546

    The Junction of Building Drains and Building Sewers Per IPC 708.1.3

    Here's a bullet-point summary of IPC code section 708.1.3 concerning the junction of building drains and building sewers: But first, let's refresh our memories on the difference between the two. BUILDING DRAIN. That part of the lowest piping of a drainage system that receives the discharge...
  19. jar546

    Support of Expansion Tanks for Water Heaters - Often Overlooked

    Here's an educational summary of IPC code section 308.10 regarding the installation of thermal expansion tanks: Code Requirement: Thermal expansion tanks must be supported in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Support Restrictions: The piping that connects to the tanks cannot be...
  20. jar546

    IPC 308.6 Sway Bracing - Explained

    Here’s an educational summary of IPC code section 308.6 on sway bracing: Scope of the Code: Applies to horizontal drainage or waste pipes that are 4 inches (102 mm) or larger. Conditions for Bracing: Bracing is required where a pipe fitting changes the flow direction by more than 45 degrees...
  21. jar546

    NEC Code in Basement regarding switches and lights

    Not sure what nuisance tripping you are talking about. The new generation receptacles and circuit breakers that provide AFCI/GFCI protection work great and if they trip it is because you have an actual problem. Install what you are suppose to per the 2017 NEC that applies in your state or hire...
  22. jar546

    Reasons Why Building Permit Application Packages are Rejected by Permit Technicians

    About 30 of the 39 municipalities in our county use a universal permit application.
  23. jar546

    Structural Design for Multiple Occupancies - An Overview

    The code says: 1604.5.1 Multiple occupancies. Where a building or structure is occupied by two or more occupancies not included in the same risk category, it shall be assigned the classification of the highest risk category corresponding to the various occupancies. Where buildings or structures...
  24. jar546

    IBC 311.1.1 Accessory Storage Spaces - Did You Know?

    311.1.1 Accessory storage spaces. A room or space used for storage purposes that is accessory to another occupancy shall be classified as part of that occupancy. This provision allows accessory storage areas to be classified in the same occupancy group as the primary occupancy of a space. There...
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