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  1. N

    Mechanical room requirements for fire safety etc..

    Yes, I know the garage separation requirements, thanks. I used to work in another municipality (a City) for years, maybe they were more stringent?? and I have just kept with that requirement in my own head?. (I emailed my friend there to double check with him) I spent about two hours today...
  2. N

    Mechanical room requirements for fire safety etc..

    I have an existing 1950's single family home, a mechanical room in the basement with a "family room" on the plans. The mechanical room does not have walls around it now. They are doing some renovations. The architect submitted plans showing a 2x4 wall around the mechanical room w 1/2"...
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    Thoughts on "leave one wall standing" in order to avoid variances, other issues etc...

    I did a search but couldn't find Looking for some input as to what you guys do. I have had a bunch of these lately. Mostly they are trying to avoid the variance process which I really cant blame them. The other Building Inspector here says its ok to leave one wall and I want them to remove...
  4. N

    Hockey Rink in residential backyard.... need some advice

    I never thought of this... but I like this approach Yes I too am blessed with Zoning, Building, Fire marshall, wetlands inspector, tree inspector and a bunch of other BS :)
  5. N

    Hockey Rink in residential backyard.... need some advice

    Thats a good point... I was looking at the hockey rink as a structure,,,, although temporary
  6. N

    Hockey Rink in residential backyard.... need some advice

    I have a homeowner in a 1/2 acre residential zone that has installed a plywood hockey rink for his kids to play. It has 4'-0" plywood sides at half of it. I have gotten phone calls from five neighbors complaining its an eyesore, the noise etc.... (It hasn't even been cold enough yet to ice...
  7. N

    Residential solar permit valuation or fee?

    We charge $12.00 per thousand dollars of cost for the job, for a Building permit or solar permit
  8. N

    Toilet drain line outside the building

    Wow, Thats pretty funny, running the pipe out the side of the house Hillbilly engineering at its finest.
  9. N

    Deck rail post

    Oops sorry,,,,,,,, didnt read 6 x 6 forget above
  10. N

    Deck rail post

    American wood council says "do not notch posts" I write that on every deck permit I approve. A 4x4 is now a 2x4 when notched. https://awc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/AWC-DCA62015-DeckGuide-1804.pdf
  11. N

    Second floor washing machine in residential house. Is floor drain or floor pan required?

    Yea, thanks guys, I just thought I might be not looking in the correct spot. Appreciate the help as usual:)
  12. N

    Second floor washing machine in residential house. Is floor drain or floor pan required?

    Ice.... No , not shown on submitted drawings, my associate is requiring it on a residential multi-million dollar home. I was telling him its not in the code but he insists its there somewhere, he remembers it from years ago. HAHAHA He cant find it either but he is still going to try and...
  13. N

    Second floor washing machine in residential house. Is floor drain or floor pan required?

    I would highly recommend it but.......... I cannot find the answer to this. My associate here is requiring it but I cannot find it in the plumbing code. I am in NY Am I missing it somewhere?????????
  14. N

    Why aren't stairs in a 200 year old house grandfathered?

    I agree that its not a change of use. Count your blessings your not in NY or you would possibly have to install a limited egress sprinkler system for the 3rd fl occupancy.
  15. N

    Navien Tankless installation on OSB plywood

    OK fair enough. I wasnt sure about this. Thanks I will let it go. Have a good weekend
  16. N

    PERGOLA

    Mr. Levin, I am in NY and this certainly appears to be a zoning issue not a "construction" or "code" issue. Just apply for a variance, alot of paperwork but it might not be an issue. As to who made the mistake? doesnt really matter now, just meet with the powers to be and figure it out. Doesnt...
  17. N

    Navien Tankless installation on OSB plywood

    I did a search couldnt find. Sorry didny know whether to put in plumbing section or mech etc... Did an inspection and the Navien tankless water heater is mounted on a sheet of OSB plywood. I am thinking probably not a great idea as it is combustible. So i look up mounting instructions from...
  18. N

    moving 1/2" iron pipes?

    In my opinion.... Not a Building Dept issue. Contact an attorney
  19. N

    Single Family to Duplex Conversion

    Best bet is to just call or stop by the local Building Dept and get it straight from the horses mouth
  20. N

    Single Family to Duplex Conversion

    The reason I suggest the local architect... I remember reading something from the NY State code outreach program that one of the cities, Albany, Rochester or one of those requires sprinkler systems in two family or something like that. I may be wrong but I will see if I have it somewhere as I...
  21. N

    Single Family to Duplex Conversion

    I would suggest consulting with a local architect that works in the town this property is located. I would imagine it will need proper fire separation but there may be local codes that may be more stringent. Might be worth it in the long run to know what your getting into
  22. N

    Continual harassment of CEO

    I have run into this numerous times. I do not get into an argument, I take pictures and go to the office and send violations and or summons'. I also have requested PD to accompany me a few times and that usually always keeps it somewhat non-confrontational. Except one time when a constant...
  23. N

    305.3 Pipes through foundation walls

    I know the sleeve needs to be two pipe sizes larger. I have always installed (when a GC) and now (as an inspector) require cast iron or metal sleeves but the code does not specify. I failed a guy using a PVC sleeve for a pipe for the septic through a foundation wall (also because it was not...
  24. N

    Legalities of inspecting the exterior of a property

    I was always told by legal counsel that it was ok to go to the front door or as far as a package would be delivered etc. so.... that's about as far as I feel comfortable going. I wouldnt want anyone snooping around my yard so I do not do it. As also mentioned above, If a neighbor complains I...
  25. N

    Single Family residence converted to apartments question (No permits)

    Yes, I agree on the R2 and level 2, and they will apparently be using IEBC. I will wait and see what drawings they submit. All I have seen so far is a floor plan that they are submitting for zoning approval. Just trying to get all my ducks in a row. Thanks
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