ICC PT cheat sheet

A permit application is complete only when all required forms, plans, fees, and supporting documents are submitted; completeness review precedes substantive plan review.

Under the IBC/IRC, a permit expires if work does not commence within 180 days of issuance or if work is suspended for 180 days without an approved extension.

A certificate of occupancy is issued after final inspection confirms that the structure complies with the approved plans and code; a temporary certificate may be issued with conditions.

Permit fees are set by a local fee schedule, often based on project valuation, square footage, or fixture count, and are generally nonrefundable once review begins.

The permit technician verifies applications, calculates fees, routes submittals, tracks review status, and maintains records; code interpretation is reserved for the building official.

A stop-work order may be issued for work without a permit, unsafe conditions, or construction that deviates from approved plans.

Inspection requests are made by the permit holder, who must provide site access and comply with the jurisdiction's notice requirements.

Permit records are public records retained under the jurisdiction's records schedule; confidentiality rules may apply to certain submitted materials.

Local building codes derive from state enabling statutes; police power allows regulation of construction for public health, safety, and welfare.

Due process requires adequate notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard before a permit is revoked or a violation is enforced.

Vested rights generally attach when a complete permit application is filed under the code then in effect, provided the applicant proceeds diligently.

Ministerial acts, such as issuing a permit for a fully compliant application, apply fixed standards; discretionary acts, such as variances, involve judgment and appeal rights.

An appeal of a building official's decision must be filed with the board of appeals within the period specified by local ordinance, often 30 days.

A permit is a license to construct, not a property right; it may be revoked for fraud, code violations, or abandonment.

Governmental immunity can shield some inspection and enforcement decisions from tort claims, but the scope varies by state law.

Conflicts of interest and ex parte communications can invalidate administrative decisions; board members must disclose conflicts.

Required inspections typically include footing/foundation, framing, rough-in for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems, insulation, and final inspection.

A correction notice documents deficiencies and sets a reinspection requirement; work must not be concealed before inspection approval.

A notice of violation states the code section violated, the corrective action required, and a deadline; failure to comply can lead to citations, fines, or abatement.

The code official may order repair, vacation, or demolition of an unsafe or dangerous structure after proper notice and hearing.

Reinspection fees may be charged when work is not ready for inspection or corrections are incomplete.

Right of entry for inspections is generally limited to reasonable times and consent; if refused, a warrant or administrative search order may be required.

Inspection reports and photographs should be dated, legible, and retained as part of the permit record.

Abatement costs may be assessed as a lien against the property after notice and hearing.

Construction documents include drawings, specifications, calculations, and manufacturer's installation instructions necessary to show code compliance.

Plans must show occupancy classification, construction type, dimensions, means of egress, fire-resistance ratings, and energy compliance.

Design professionals seal and sign plans when required by state licensure law; the permit technician checks for seals and signatures.

Plan review comments are issued in writing; the applicant must respond with revisions before approval.

Deferred submittals, such as trusses or fire sprinkler systems, may be approved later but must be identified at permit issuance.

Revisions to approved plans require review and approval before construction; field changes must be documented.

As-built drawings reflect actual construction and are important for records, operations, and future inspections.

Specifications may be prescriptive or performance-based and must be consistent with the drawings.

Zoning maps divide the jurisdiction into districts and list permitted, conditional, and prohibited uses.

Setbacks, lot coverage, floor area ratio, height, and density are bulk regulations that limit development.

Nonconforming uses or structures existed lawfully before zoning and may continue, subject to restrictions on expansion or reconstruction.

A variance grants relief from dimensional standards upon a showing of hardship; a conditional use permit allows a listed use with conditions.

Site plan review evaluates parking, access, drainage, landscaping, lighting, and utilities.

Floodplain regulations require elevation certificates and may restrict fill or construction in flood hazard areas.

Signs, home occupations, and accessory dwelling units are often separately regulated and require permits.

Rezoning and comprehensive plan amendments require public notice and hearings.