County Inspections - Building Codes

[Beltzington]

Looking for a reality check when dealing with county inspectors.

Ask questions or just ask forgiveness.

Starting construction of our retirement home and first hoop is watershed approval. Being of sound mind and body I can comprehend the documented requirements to prevent the possible contamination of our water resources. However, after reading these requirements I am 100% sure the local and state government is in non-compliance on every construction project I have ever seen.

So when the code requires a 20' foot construction entrance of 6" gravel to prevent mud from being tracked onto public roads do I need to remove my 16" gate to comply with this restriction?

My gut feeling is to build my home on my property and shoot any trespasser's who would like to inspect my property is trumped with the knowledge that my Son may want to sell his inheritance someday.

So should I try and clarify the requirements or just show effort and correct the deficiencies as they find them?

 

[/pine]

Looking for a reality check when dealing with county inspectors.

Ask questions or just ask forgiveness.

Starting construction of our retirement home and first hoop is watershed approval. Being of sound mind and body I can comprehend the documented requirements to prevent the possible contamination of our water resources. However, after reading these requirements I am 100% sure the local and state government is in non-compliance on every construction project I have ever seen.

So when the code requires a 20' foot construction entrance of 6" gravel to prevent mud from being tracked onto public roads do I need to remove my 16" gate to comply with this restriction?

My gut feeling is to build my home on my property and shoot any trespasser's who would like to inspect my property is trumped with the knowledge that my Son may want to sell his inheritance someday.

So should I try and clarify the requirements or just show effort and correct the deficiencies as they find them?

The first question may be ...are you building this out of pocket or is there lending institutions involved?...some banks etc...want to make sure all regulatory obligations are met before issuing draws etc...

 

[Tractor Seabee]

I have lived almost 80 years and built, remodeled, managed many properties. I have never encountered a code enforcing officer ever listen to common sense such as your case "why do I need a 20' mud cleaning pit when it is restricted to 16' by two big gate posts". Stock answer is always "it says so in the code or ordinance". Ask for a variance; forget it unless you have a politician in your pocket.

Ron

 

[Kenneth in Texas]

Cant stand building inspectors.

 

[byronlj]

Just let them do all the talking. Sometimes they talk to themselves which might bring out some common sense.
Dave

 

[cat fever]

Inspectors are the one's who could not do the work they inspect.

Can't stand the site of them.

 

[KevT]

I have dealt with inspectors my whole life. When you know you need to do something wrong, I have always begged for forgiveness which is a lot easier than asking permission. That sounds like a DOT rule, and not a "Building Code". Don't call that inspection in yet and wait till you go for your final.

 

[300UGUY]

The first question may be ...are you building this out of pocket or is there lending institutions involved?...some banks etc...want to make sure all regulatory obligations are met before issuing draws etc...

I think pretty much any bank these days. We see very few single family homes being built here in Michigan. Lots of condos, and apartments. It's pretty hard to finance new construction, you need a lot of equity before a bank will finance the rest of it. Building costs are pretty high.

 

[HillStreet]

I built 2 houses in Connecticut before moving up to Maine. More inspectors than workers, most of them with arbitrary wishes just to be the boss. I will never forget one health inspector: we were putting in the driveway and there was some water from a fresh rain, she got out of her pickup and walked up to me saying "I'm concerned, I'm concerned" about the water. She upgraded my plan from 3/4 stone to 1-1/2 stone to "cover my ***". What an absolute unqualified creep, now I laugh but what a jerk. Not even good to look at.

 

[Thomas]

Listen to what the inspector has to say if any doubt double check code book updates,than if the inspector should question your work code book should back you...both sides will learn.