County Inspections - Building Codes

[Walt 2002]

I have been very fortunate in that the three new houses we built ourselves were before Inspectors became so intrusive in our rural area. Basic electrical inspection was pretty much it before turning on juice. Resale problems are something one must consider now.

Walt Conner

 

[txdon]

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?

Is that a 20' wide or 20' deep entrance?

When I first read it it sounds like they want you to have at least 20 feet of gravel (long) to clean the tires of mud.

 

[Paddy]

I doubt your gate is at the road edge, most have a 30' place to pull in to give you room to unlock. So in my opinion, gate is not the issue. The 20' of width at the road makes sense because most driveways "flair out" at the road. You need this to have anything larger than a small car. I'd guess the main part is the gravel to prevent a mud fest.

As others have said, this is a high way dept requirement. They should have a diagram or just walk in and ask.
As much as we want to think codes are bad, they are just trying to stop goofy or dangerous building practices. Many a drive as been built in the dip in the road where no one can see you pulling out.

 

[CDN Farm Boy]

More often than not, its the way the regulations are written that's the main problem, not the inspectors...they are just trying to do their job. Unfortunately these days, the vast majority of them lack any practical experience to back up their book learning which goes back to the poorly written regs.

Like it or not, they hold the trump card. It's FAR easier in the long run to treat them fairly if that's how you expect to be treated. Some things you'll have no choice but to do it how they want like plan details for example. But an existing gate? Wait for them to bring it up and play dumb if they do. On the other side, if you know the rules better than they do, disagreeing with them on a specific point is easier.

 

[EddieWalker]

I've found that in most cases, the inspectors are pretty decent people wanting to make sure the job is done right. I've also found that when there is a question or violation of code, the problem happens because the person doesn't want to spend the money or time to do it right. I've yet to find a code issue what wasn't there to make the house safer, stronger and better. My attitude is always grateful and accommodating, which has always resulting in the inspectors being helpful in either explaining what needs to be changed, or trusting me to make the changes after he's gone. Granted, I don't deal with a lot of inspectors or deal with permits since most of my work is outside city limits, or in areas where it's not required. I add at least a days work to any job that I have to deal with inspectors and just consider it part of the job I'm getting paid to do.

Eddie

 

[Beltzington]

Appreciate your thoughts -

To clarify, I do not dislike inspectors and with a couple exceptions have found them friendly and helpful. Also I typically over engineer (over-think) any project I am doing so I am happy to follow the intent of the regulations.

Because I am a stickler I do take exception when the rules obviously make no sense in a given situation and was curios if, from your experiences, have found inspectors have the latitude to make these exceptions or if by asking I am ensuring enforcement.

The attached drawing would dictate I remove my gate, widen and grade my driveway for the sole purpose of keeping mud off a secondary road.
View attachment 421807

From everyone's answers I gather the group think is, don't ask a question if your afraid of the answer.

No loan will be needed, we are building house from savings on paid for property.

 

[txdon]

That clears it up, kind-of. The driveway pad has to be 20' wide but does the gate?

 

[CDN Farm Boy]

Interesting design they are expecting. I can see something like that being called for on a large project or if working in an environmentally sensitive area but for a one-house job makes no sense. I'd say take a drive around the area to find other houses being built to see if the have the same thing. If not, then you'd only have to point to the other jobs as to why you don't need it. If you are building when it's dry there'd be no mud to collect anyway.

 

[Kenneth in Texas]

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

Can't stand the site of them.

so true in most cases. Many of the ones Ive dealt with had never even picked up a hammer. Lots of people should not be in positions of authority.

 

[KevT]

Looking at the drawing, it looks more commercial than residential. A 2 car garage door is only 16' wide, so unless you expect 2 semi's to pass each other in your drive, I would ignore it and let them call me on it.