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  1. vegas paul

    Building Officials and Inspectors don't have Immunity

    Thanks, FyrBldgGuy... I didn't read the whole pleading (surprise). This just sounds like an example of "It's not my fault, somebody else has to be responsible".
  2. vegas paul

    Building Officials and Inspectors don't have Immunity

    I find it interesting that everyone that Ms. Sweidy chose/hired (and paid huge $$) is evidently faultless. This includes the architect, engineer, contractor, and CUSTOMER! And the civil servant who is obligated to perform a limited, clearly defined scope of inspections is culpable??? The...
  3. vegas paul

    Assembly vs business load limits

    Texasbo nailed it. Occupant load has NOTHING to do with occupancy classification! Occupant load is based on the function/use of the space(s).
  4. vegas paul

    Dome Homes

    Buckminster Fuller would be proud...
  5. vegas paul

    Out of State Interview

    Francis - My hearing is also deteriorating, and a phone interview is the absolute WORST method of my trying to present myself as a potential employee. So, when I made it past the phone interview, I was very confident in the live interview next. The web interview sounds like a great idea...
  6. vegas paul

    Dome Homes

    I wouldn't worry about the mfg. specs, as long as it met each code item on its own. Is there engineering for the structure itself, or only the foundation?
  7. vegas paul

    Should we subcontract all government services?

    If we want to subcontract out all government services, let's start with subbing out the elected officials!
  8. vegas paul

    Out of State Interview

    Now I'm feeling guilty... My new employer (I changed jobs about 8 months ago) paid for my interview travel, paid for a family visit prior to accepting the position, and paid for my move half-way across the country. I feel very fortunate.
  9. vegas paul

    Out of State Interview

    Phone interviews with scripted set of questions for the candidates that met/exceeded job specs on their applications and resumes, then we provided reimbursement for travel for the short list (2 or 3 candidates). Check with HR to see if they have a process in place already.
  10. vegas paul

    Five Thousand Years Ago

    The very old structures that we look at in awe today, are the ones remaining! What we don't see is the failed structures that taught the designers how to build. Over many years (centuries), designers learned what worked - and what didn't. They recycled (green?!!!) the failed stone masonry...
  11. vegas paul

    Hookah Pipe Lounge

    I would base it on the IBC ch. 10 occupant load factor, then use the OSA from the mechanical code based on that occupant load. Probably 15 s.f. per occupant based on tables and chairs...
  12. vegas paul

    indoor fuel oil tank

    Walls and doors are OK as long as there is the ability to remove/repair/service the tanks and any associated equipment. Basically, it's like having an air handler in an attic with a 22 x 30 access panel, and the air handler that is chosen can't be removed or disassembled to pieces that will...
  13. vegas paul

    Happy Birthday Inspector Gift

    Happy birthday, and blessings from Salina! Be well!
  14. vegas paul

    Bathroom location

    Are these two separate businesses now? If so, they each need restrooms. And if each is intended for public utilization, then they each need to have restrroms accessible to the public.
  15. vegas paul

    2 story res garage addition w/ parking on both levels

    Not enough dry leaf content in slab, unless engineered design provided...
  16. vegas paul

    Porte Cochere and Covered Walkways

    If it's part of the exit discharge, then you must sprinkle it. You can not reduce the degree of protection of an exit along the path of egress travel.
  17. vegas paul

    How many inspections should be required on SFD's? Insulation inspection?

    It's interesting how many jurisdictions do not do a separate roofing inspection. Not to hi-jack the thread, but do you inspect for a re-roof?
  18. vegas paul

    Wind test

    The whole purpose of the IRC is to prescriptively build a house WITHOUT a registered designer (architect or engineer). But, you must do it prescriptively in every category/area. It's not a smorgasbord where you pick what you want! Now, of course, you can use an engineered design (and deviate...
  19. vegas paul

    Fire inspection software

    The FD here uses Fire House, and is reasonably happy with it. That said, they have a dedicated computer geek that has customized it considerably. Fire House does allow you to modify/customize it (some products do not, since they use a proprietary code that only they can modify - for a price).
  20. vegas paul

    Cantankerous Old Man get Job

    Congratulations... write 'em up!
  21. vegas paul

    A new deck that was built on a Sunday, without permits...

    Perhaps next time she should wait until it's finished before serving liquid refreshments to her friends!
  22. vegas paul

    A new deck that was built on a Sunday, without permits...

    And your violation notice said...?
  23. vegas paul

    PVC for cold water distribution

    Bob - Then why is it allowed for Water Supply piping?... that's my question. I'm not debating the "appropriateness" of PVC for use inside, but simply asking "If it's allowed for use up to and into the building, how far inside can the supply go prior to becoming water distribution piping?" If...
  24. vegas paul

    PVC for cold water distribution

    Peach - the distribution pipe pressure can't be any higher than the supply pressure, so PVC pressure limitations can't be the reason. Although the building entrance is USUALLY the threshold for when water supply becomes water distribution piping, the UPC definitions allow for this threshold to...
  25. vegas paul

    Neighbor's new structura roof

    Did you issue the permit with significant red-lines, for a compliant design?
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