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The Importance of Building Code Updates: What Permit Technicians Need to Know

IrishEyes

IrishEyes

ADMIN
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Joined
Jan 15, 2024
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32
Location
PA
Building codes are constantly evolving to improve safety, sustainability, and efficiency in construction. Most major codes, like the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC), are updated every three years, while state and local amendments can change more frequently. As a permit technician, staying informed about these updates is essential—not just for processing permits accurately, but for ensuring projects comply with the latest standards. You can stay up to date by reviewing the International Code Council (ICC) website, state and local government resources, and industry publications.

To stay ahead, many permit technicians attend training sessions, webinars, and workshops offered by their jurisdiction or professional organizations. Networking with inspectors and code officials can also provide valuable insight into how new regulations are applied in the field. Engaging in industry forums (like this one!) is another great way to discuss real-world applications of code changes and share experiences with others in the profession.

Staying proactive with code updates not only enhances your expertise but also strengthens your role in the permitting process. The more knowledgeable permit technicians are, the smoother projects will run for applicants, inspectors, and the entire department.

How do you stay updated on building code changes? Share your strategies and experiences below!
 
jar546 said:
Annual conferences and training classes. Next is attending the ICC code change hearings which I believe is extremely important.
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Important for permit technicians?

How many departments do you know that will pay to send a permit technician to the code change hearings? And how many permit technicians do you know who can afford -- and would be willing -- to use up their vacation time and pay their own way?

Realistically, does a permit technician really need to attend the code change hearings? The things a permit tech needs to check are just about all found in chapter 1, and they rarely change. I don't see any way the code change hearings can be "extremely important" for a permit technician.
 
Yankee Chronicler said:
Important for permit technicians?

How many departments do you know that will pay to send a permit technician to the code change hearings? And how many permit technicians do you know who can afford -- and would be willing -- to use up their vacation time and pay their own way?

Realistically, does a permit technician really need to attend the code change hearings? The things a permit tech needs to check are just about all found in chapter 1, and they rarely change. I don't see any way the code change hearings can be "extremely important" for a permit technician.
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I think it was a general question for the benefit of the PTs… And to be fair and true, if my ABO’s are not going to participate, I will give a governmental vote to my PT gladly and they can participate online….Participation from our side of the counter is woefully lacking and part of the reason bad code is being written.
 
IrishEyes said:
How do you stay updated on building code changes?
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A little bit easier for me. I sit on the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes on behalf of my province. We oversee the code development process for my country.

I provide code update training for my province through our provincial professional associations. Some building departments are starting to send their permit techs to training as it is much easier to reject obviously deficient applications at the counter, than once it has been received and started the process.
 
Yankee Chronicler said:
How many departments do you know that will pay to send a permit technician to the code change hearings?
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Surprisingly a lot more than you think. When I was at the ICC conference in Long Beach, I ran into at least 3 different municipalities in PBC that I knew and two of them had permit techs in tow. I am sending one of mine to Orlando in April, so yeah, more than you think. Burst the bubble and look outside your world.
 
Yankee Chronicler said:
Important for permit technicians?

How many departments do you know that will pay to send a permit technician to the code change hearings? And how many permit technicians do you know who can afford -- and would be willing -- to use up their vacation time and pay their own way?

Realistically, does a permit technician really need to attend the code change hearings? The things a permit tech needs to check are just about all found in chapter 1, and they rarely change. I don't see any way the code change hearings can be "extremely important" for a permit technician.
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If I was presented with an opportunity to learn more than what is in chapter 1, I would take it. Even if that meant it was on my own dime and time, I would take it. Not everyone is me and another permit technician may not be interested in something like that. To be able to witness processes, to have education opportunities and meet with people in the field is something I personally feel is invaluable. Everyone's situation is different. It's up to the permit tech to decide the path they want to take.
 
Even if you think a permit tech only deals with Chapter 1 of the building code, improving their knowledge in other areas could only benefit the department.

Real-world example: I do a lot of tax credit affordable housing rehab projects in California. When we replace the kitchen or bath cabinetry, that typically triggers "substantial alteration" per the Dept. of Justice's opinion on ADAS / CBC 11B-233.3.4.2, which triggers a requirement to make 5% of the unite mobility accessible. That is usually a complete redesign of the kitchen, the bathroom, hallways, doors, closets, etc., and maybe even parking. All of that should be subject to plan check review.

But if a permit tech was only familiar with portions of Chapter 1, they would see that CBC 105.1 item #7 says cabinet work is exempt from permit, and they would send the applicant on their way. The city would lose the opportunity to verify CBC-11B compliance, along with all the related plan check and permit fees.
 
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Our permit techs are all ICC Certified, and I worked with HR to make that a job requirement. As a result, we have a better-informed employee who understands how things work, what is needed, and, therefore, more valuable. We have permit techs who take a cursory, limited look at architectural drawings before they accept them and can be proactive with what additional permits are required. They even look at the scope of work on the contracts to determine what other permits or requirements are needed. We continue to train our permit technicians to a higher level and give them more opportunities, which equates to more pay. I am meeting with HR tomorrow to create a second-level Permit Technician II with zoning training and certifications. We are finalizing the job description and pay grade. I have always firmly believed in removing as many ceilings as possible for those who work under me. I want to hire people that are smarter than me to help keep me on my toes and prepare them to one day take the torch from me.
 
IrishEyes said:
Building codes are constantly evolving to improve safety, sustainability, and efficiency in construction. Most major codes, like the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC), are updated every three years, while state and local amendments can change more frequently. As a permit technician, staying informed about these updates is essential—not just for processing permits accurately, but for ensuring projects comply with the latest standards. You can stay up to date by reviewing the International Code Council (ICC) website, state and local government resources, and industry publications.

To stay ahead, many permit technicians attend training sessions, webinars, and workshops offered by their jurisdiction or professional organizations. Networking with inspectors and code officials can also provide valuable insight into how new regulations are applied in the field. Engaging in industry forums (like this one!) is another great way to discuss real-world applications of code changes and share experiences with others in the profession.

Staying proactive with code updates not only enhances your expertise but also strengthens your role in the permitting process. The more knowledgeable permit technicians are, the smoother projects will run for applicants, inspectors, and the entire department.

How do you stay updated on building code changes? Share your strategies and experiences below!
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Ah, IrishEyes... there you are, once again gracing us with brilliance wrapped in elegance. Permit technicians, code cycles, continuing education—it’s all very important, yes. But let’s not kid ourselves. When you speak of these things, they somehow sound… seductive.

Your insight? Impeccable. Your delivery? Immaculate. If words were currency, you'd be holding the market hostage with every sentence. Honestly, if I had a permit application for every time you made my pulse quicken with a post like this, I'd need to open a new jurisdiction.

You have this uncanny ability to make code talk feel like poetry, like a forbidden love affair between logic and passion. And frankly, I find it utterly irresistible.

So please, carry on with your crusade for clarity and compliance. Just know that somewhere in the shadows, there’s a man in a well-tailored suit who reads your posts not for policy—but for pleasure.

—Reddington
 
Every October the New England Building Officials Education Association (NEBOEA.org) hosts a 3-day conference for code officials from all over New England. For this year's conference we are working on a 90-minute permit tech hybrid program. This will allow some to attend in-person and the ones that cannot get out of the office the opportunity to watch and participate.
 
jj1289 said:
Every October the New England Building Officials Education Association (NEBOEA.org) hosts a 3-day conference for code officials from all over New England. For this year's conference we are working on a 90-minute permit tech hybrid program. This will allow some to attend in-person and the ones that cannot get out of the office the opportunity to watch and participate.
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I think this is a great idea and a great opportunity for your permit techs!
 
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