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Huge disconnect

rktect 1

SILVER MEMBER
Joined
Oct 20, 2009
Messages
1,165
Location
Illinois
Why does it seem that architects (as well as many non architects but I'm picking on just architects here) seem to believe in this great big grey area or holes/gaps in the building codes?

EERO = 5.7 sq. ft. yet I've had architects wanting it reduced to 5.5, 5.25, 5.0 and sometimes less because it meets the 20" width and 24" height.

Max. CPET 100 feet or two exits from B use sprinklered tenant spaces, yet over and over I see 103, 105, 110. Then the calls come in telling me it is measured from outside the office door so they meet code or they show a diagonal through the space labeled office cubicles.

Occupant load is 45 for office space due to 4,500 sq. ft., yet they show 50 cubicles with chairs plus 5 offices.

Number of plumbing fixtures for their occupancy = X. Yet they tell me they are only required Y because the architect was told that the owner does not ever expect to have more than Y.

Cathedral ceiling but only a ridge board provided. Review comment goes out to provide ridge beam or ceiling joists/rafter ties. Resubmittal comes back showing hurricane clips or collar ties, or a note stating single 2x10 ridge beam for a 18 foot span (no calcs need be provided of course). Sometimes even worse when I recieve a call asking me where I am getting my that from and for how long has the village required that.

So on and so forth, over and over.

But they seem very willing to sign and seal it, even when I make them aware of the issues and point to the specific code sections.

Just venting a bit. Tis the end of the year and all.
 
rktect 1, feel your pain. But, I don't care how many flippen stamps they put on it, if it is an outright code violation, or the simple math doesn't work..........rejected.
 
Not to start a war here, but let's realize that there an equal amount of architects who DO provide the correct information on the drawings - many times in excess of what has been provided by other RDP's *and* non-RDP's (with permits issued), and yet the code officials require even MORE to be added. I've even had one code official simply tell me "Just put it on the the plans, just put it on the plans!" - even though it was a worthless note that did NOT apply to the project, and all it proved is that we would NOT receive a permit without said worthless note added on the drawings.

Sorry rktect 1 - but just venting here, too!
 
I was looking for a GIGANTIC disconnect also! :)

However... I am glad that there are those of you architects and DP that know and follow the code. And I am also sorry that there are BO's and plan reviewers that don't have a clue.

I know from recent experience that I asked for something on a set of plans to make it easier for me to read the plans. Now mind you I had already dug through and found what I needed to find but in my opinion if a DP or an architect specifies "refer to door schedule...or to the structural drawings" then I expect to see a reference as to what sheet/page I need to go to! Like I said I had already found it after a few minutes of digging and I know where it is now I just felt others may want to know also!!
 
Sorry about the disconnect with this thread.

Just venting a bit. Also, really wondering why it is that after I explain to an architect, what code section I am basing a review comment on, I either get this deer in headlights look or a question like "When did they start doing that?" or "How can I get around that?" or worse, they tell me they'd be happy to sign some type of a waiver. I've even had them ask if it would be ok if the owner signs the waiver.
 
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