Project is too complicated to approve?

[phillier937]

Just received plans for a project - at first glance it could be a nuclear power plant for all I know (its not). I'll get with my team and we will figure it out I'm sure but in general - what do you do if a project is too complicated for you to feel comfortable approving?

 

[steveray]

Do your best? Ask your supervisor? If the plans are really that complicated, the fee should be expensive, so maybe consultant money?

 

[TheCommish]

Take the project like eating an elephant one bit at a time. Break it down into parts, review the code summary see if the assumption and life safety aspects are correct, move though the plans a section at a time, check the case work sheets for AAB/ADA skip the rest. hire a 3d party reviewer for structural, fire protection.

I have a Amazon warehouse 700 pages, floor 2-5 repeat each other, and the building is so big each floor for each trade has a main plan and 4 sheet for each quadrant plus detail sheets, looks impressive in the plan rack.

 

[Mark K]

The jurisdiction can always retain a consultant to help review the project.

Request a meeting with the designers of the project who should be able to answer key questions. that will help to focus the review.

The fact that a project is perceived to be "too complicated" is not an acceptable reason not to approve the project.

 

[mtlogcabin]

Third party plan review firms or maybe another jurisdiction will help with it. We did commercial plan reviews for a neighboring city when they lost their plans examiner suddenly until they where able to hire a new one. We have also contracted with local engineers to peer review some designs that we did not feel qualified to review.

I admire your willingness to admit the project maybe over your level of comfort. Some would just stamp it on through because the design is stamped by Architects and Engineers.

[A] 107.3 Examination of documents.
The building official shall examine or cause to be examined the accompanying submittal documents and shall ascertain by such examinations whether the construction indicated and described is in accordance with the requirements of this code and other pertinent laws or ordinance

 

[SCBO1]

Third party plan reviewer as suggested would be a good.

 

[Msradell]

At times when I have received drawings that were overly complicated/complex I sent them back to the designer for clarifications/simplification before review! It all depends on your comfort level and the degree of complexity of the building.

 

[tmurray]

You may also benefit from a code matrix from the designer indicating how they approached the design of the building in relation to the code. We require these on all projects now (except housing) and it really speeds up our review process.

 

[Inspector Gadget]

You may also benefit from a code matrix from the designer indicating how they approached the design of the building in relation to the code. We require these on all projects now (except housing) and it really speeds up our review process.

What was the pushback? What about part 9 buildings that don't (theoretically) require a professional designer (since matrices are kinda complex).

 

[jar546]

The jurisdiction can always retain a consultant to help review the project.

Request a meeting with the designers of the project who should be able to answer key questions. that will help to focus the review.

The fact that a project is perceived to be "too complicated" is not an acceptable reason not to approve the project.

Agree. Jobs that are large will generate enough funds to cover the jurisdiction to pay for an engineer or engineering firm to help with the review process. I once did plan review on an explosives factory and it took way longer for me than any other project in my life including a high-rise attached to a casino. In retrospect, although I was extremely thorough and went through at least a dozen NFPA manuals, I should have brought on an engineering team to assist me. It would have been done quicker and the money was there to do it. Ask for help.

 

[tmurray]

What was the pushback? What about part 9 buildings that don't (theoretically) require a professional designer (since matrices are kinda complex).

Almost no pushback. Yes. Part 9 as well. If they can't give me the design justification out of the code, I question if they actually used it in their design.

 

[SCBO1]

I once did plan review on an explosives factory and it took way longer for me than any other project in my life including a high-rise attached to a casino. In retrospect, although I was extremely thorough and went through at least a dozen NFPA manuals, I should have brought on an engineering team to assist me.

Should have used CK consulting!
Did it have Romex?

 

[rktect 1]

third party. Send it out. Have owner/contractor pay the invoice.