ICC CBO flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Building Official

The appointed officer charged with enforcing the code, including issuing permits, conducting inspections, rendering interpretations, approving alternative materials, and issuing notices, orders, and certificates.

Board of Appeals

A body established under IBC Section 112 to hear appeals of building official decisions involving code interpretation, application of provisions, or proposed equivalent construction.

Police Power

The constitutional authority of the state, delegated to local governments, to adopt and enforce regulations such as building codes to protect public health, safety, and welfare.

Nonconforming Use

A lawfully existing building or use that does not comply with current code requirements may continue, but typically cannot be enlarged and may be lost after discontinuance.

Code Modification Authority

Under IBC 104.10 the building official may grant case-specific modifications from strict code application where impractical, provided the intent and level of safety are maintained.

Alternative Materials Approval

IBC 104.11 allows the building official to approve materials, designs, or methods not prescribed by the code when found equivalent in quality, strength, fire resistance, and safety.

Right of Entry

Authority of the code official to enter premises at reasonable times after presenting credentials; refusal is addressed through an inspection warrant or other legal remedy.

Permit Application Contents

A complete application identifies the owner and contractor, describes the scope and valuation of work, and includes construction documents and required signatures.

Construction Documents

Drawings, specifications, and engineering details submitted with a permit application that must be sufficiently clear to show compliance with all applicable code provisions.

Permit Expiration Rule

Under IBC 105.5 a permit becomes invalid if work does not begin within 180 days of issuance or is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after work starts.

Certificate of Occupancy

A document issued under IBC Section 111 after final inspection confirming that the building complies with the code for its intended use and occupancy classification.

Temporary Certificate of Occupancy

A conditional certificate allowing occupancy of part of a building or before all work is finished, limited by stated conditions and an expiration date.

Deferred Submittals

Design elements not included in the original permit application that are submitted and reviewed later under a procedure pre-approved by the building official.

Valuation-Based Permit Fees

Permit fees computed from the total construction value or scope of work using a fee schedule adopted by ordinance by the governing jurisdiction.

Concealed Work Inspection

Work that will be hidden by subsequent construction must be inspected and approved first; covering it prematurely can require removal for examination by the official.

Final Inspection

The last required inspection verifying that all permitted work is complete and compliant, triggering eligibility for a certificate of occupancy.

Stop Work Order

A written directive under IBC Section 115 halting work that is unsafe, contrary to code, or proceeding without the required permit, subject to appeal.

Special Inspection

Independent inspection under IBC Chapter 17 of critical structural or fire-resistant elements, performed by an approved agency rather than by the jurisdiction's own inspectors.

Partial Approval

Approval of a defined portion of inspected work while other items remain incomplete or uncorrected and require follow-up inspection.

Field Correction Notice

A document issued at the site listing code deficiencies, the required corrective action, a reinspection deadline, and the consequence of noncompliance.

Notice of Violation

A written notice identifying the property, the code section violated, a factual description of the violation, the corrective action required, a deadline, and appeal rights.

Unsafe Structure

A structure that is structurally unsafe, unsanitary, or a fire hazard and may be ordered repaired, vacated, or demolished under IPMC Section 108.

Abatement

The jurisdiction's correction or removal of a violation when the owner fails to comply, with costs recovered through a lien or special assessment.

Emergency Measures

IPMC Section 109 authority to act immediately when a structure poses imminent danger, with notice and an opportunity for hearing provided promptly after the action.

Civil Penalty

A monetary sanction imposed through an administrative or judicial process for code violations, often accruing per day until compliance is achieved.

Condemnation Placard

A posted notice declaring a structure unsafe for occupancy; removing or defacing it without authorization is itself a violation.

Performance Measure

A quantifiable indicator such as plan review cycle time or inspections per inspector, used to evaluate departmental efficiency and service levels.

Records Retention Schedule

A legally established timetable specifying how long permit files, inspection records, and enforcement case files must be kept before authorized disposal.

Continuing Education Units

Training credits required to renew professional certifications; ICC certifications are maintained on a recurring renewal cycle that mandates documented continuing education.

Cross-Training

Preparing staff to perform duties across multiple disciplines so permitting and inspection services continue during absences, vacancies, or peak workloads.

Interagency Coordination

Formal procedures or agreements with fire, planning, public works, and health agencies that define referrals, shared reviews, and joint approvals.

Conflict of Interest

A personal, financial, or professional interest that could compromise impartial enforcement; it must be disclosed and the employee must recuse from the matter.