mjesse
Registered User
One of the areas I struggle with is the multi-layered and overlapping Codes-Rules-Laws. Accessibility is addressed in the IBC, A117, ADAAG, and Illinois' own Accessibility Code.ADAguy said:You assume that the majority of inspectors are well aware what provides access, not so much for new, as for exsiting being remodeled. Awareness may vary subject to knowledge, experience and outside "influential" particpants in the approval process.
Discretionary latitude is a commendable goal but is it attainable?
I approve plans and inspections based on my knowledge base which, due to the size of our Building Department (army of one), must also cover the disciplines of building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, energy, zoning, floodplain, et. al.
Most of the regs here are locally adopted and I know them well. Plumbing is State-wide and relatively unchanged over the years. Energy is also State, but it's the 2012 IECC. Point being, I know these Codes and I am able to have some "discretionary latitude" as needed.
The ADA regs on the other hand, being enforced at the Federal level, all bets are off. Example - If I'm looking at a guardrail that varies from 35-3/4" to 36-1/4" high (nice work) I may be able to approve it. If I'm checking grab rails, counter heights, door signs, etc. the overwhelming argument seems to be that ZERO leniency is allowed.
I'm all for following the rules, but the built environment can never be as perfect as the CAD drafted plans and laws design it to be. We (builders/inspectors) just need some room for common sense and an occasional "oops" without threat of violating someone's civil rights.
$0.02 mj