PSB LBO cheat sheet

Model codes (IBC, IRC, IEBC, IFC) are not law until adopted by a jurisdiction through ordinance; the adopted edition, amendments, and effective date govern all permits and inspections.

Adoption hierarchy: charter or enabling statute authorizes code adoption; the ordinance adopts the code text; administrative rules and policies implement it but cannot override adopted text.

A code change applies prospectively to new permit applications unless the adopting ordinance states a retroactive scope; projects with prior permits generally continue under the code in force at permit issuance.

Referenced standards (ASTM, NFPA, ASCE 7, ACI, AISC) are enforceable only to the extent the adopting code references them, including the specific edition year.

Local amendments are published with the adopting ordinance; a plan reviewer must check the jurisdiction's amendment list before applying the model text as written.

Code official authority includes interpretation, approval of alternate materials and methods, and issuance of written interpretations; appeals generally go to a local board of appeals within a stated period.

Administrative provisions define permit types, submittal requirements, review timeframes, fee schedules, and expiration; these are typically in Chapter 1 of the IBC or a separate administrative code.

State-level codes may preempt local amendments for certain occupancies (schools, health care, state buildings); the reviewer confirms which authority has jurisdiction before processing.

Plan review sequence: verify completeness of submittal, then zoning and use, then occupancy classification and construction type, then egress, fire protection, structural, and accessibility, then energy and MEP coordination.

Occupancy classification drives allowable area and height, egress widths, fire protection, and accessibility; a mixed-use building requires separated occupancies or the applicable nonseparated provisions.

Allowable area calculation: base allowable area per IBC Table 506.2, adjusted for frontage increase (If), then multiplied by automatic sprinkler increase; total building area is compared against the sum of allowable areas per story.

Height in stories and feet is limited by occupancy and construction type; mezzanines and basements have specific counting rules that must be applied consistently.

Egress capacity: occupant load times the capacity factor (0.2 inch per occupant for level components, 0.15 for stairs and ramps in typical cases) yields required width; compare with provided clear width.

Accessibility review covers accessible routes, parking, entrances, toilet rooms, and dwelling/sleeping unit features; the 2010 ADA Standards and the adopted ICC A117.1 edition may both apply.

Fire-resistance-rated assemblies require substantiation: listed designs, calculated fire resistance, or approved test data; the reviewer records the rating basis on the plan.

Permit issuance conditions: all required approvals obtained, fees paid, and any deferred submittals identified in writing; deferred items are tracked to final inspection.

Standard inspection milestones: footing/foundation, framing, rough-in (electrical, plumbing, mechanical), insulation/energy, fire-resistance and firestopping, final, plus special inspections where required.

Approved plans must be on site during inspection; field changes require a revised plan or field-approved revision documented in the inspection record before concealment.

A correction notice states the code section, the observed condition, and the corrective action; reinspection occurs after the contractor requests it and fees may apply for repeat visits.

Special inspections and structural observations under IBC Chapter 17 require a statement of special inspections and reports submitted to the building official by the approved agency.

Stop-work orders are issued for work without a permit, unsafe conditions, or deviations from approved plans; the order remains until the condition is corrected and the official releases it.

Firestopping and fireblocking inspections occur before concealment; penetrations of rated assemblies require listed systems and documented annular space and depth.

Certificate of occupancy is issued after final inspections confirm compliance with the approved plans and the conditions of approval, or a temporary certificate with defined conditions and expiry.

Inspection records should capture date, inspector, scope, code sections cited, and photographic documentation; these records are the evidentiary basis for enforcement actions.

Structural design loads follow ASCE 7 as referenced by the IBC: dead, live, roof, wind, seismic, snow, and rain loads; load combinations use strength design or allowable stress design per material.

Seismic design category is determined from mapped spectral accelerations, site class, and occupancy risk category; SDC D through F trigger additional detailing, irregularities review, and special inspections.

Risk categories I through IV are assigned by occupancy and consequence of failure; essential facilities and hazardous occupancies receive higher importance factors.

Fire-resistance ratings are expressed in hours and apply to structural members, exterior walls, shaft enclosures, exit enclosures, and separations; ratings must be maintained for the assembly's full extent.

High-rise buildings (occupied floor over 75 feet above fire department access) trigger additional requirements: automatic sprinklers, standpipes, fire command center, and smoke control where applicable.

Fire alarm and detection design follows NFPA 72 as referenced; sprinkler design follows NFPA 13, 13R, or 13D depending on occupancy and height, with the applicable standard selected by the code.

Interior finish classes (A, B, C) are limited by occupancy, location, and whether sprinklers are present; flame spread and smoke-developed index values come from listed test standards.

Fire department access, water supply, and hydrant spacing are code requirements reviewed alongside the building permit; inadequate access can require modification of the site plan.

IBC occupancy groups: A (assembly), B (business), E (educational), F (factory), H (high hazard), I (institutional), M (mercantile), R (residential), S (storage), U (utility); subgroups reflect specific hazards or conditions.

Assembly classification depends on occupant load and use: Group A-3 includes worship, galleries, and museums; A-2 includes restaurants and drinking establishments; A-5 includes bleachers and stadiums.

Institutional Group I-1 through I-4 is distinguished by occupant capability and supervision: I-2 is medical care with incapable occupants, I-3 is restrained or secured occupants, I-4 is day care for incapable persons.

Construction Types I through V: Type I and II are noncombustible, Type III is noncombustible exterior with combustible interior allowed, Type IV is heavy timber, Type V is combustible; subtypes A and B reflect fire-resistance levels.

Incidental uses (IBC Table 509) must be separated from the main occupancy by rated assemblies or protected as separate occupancies; the table establishes the required separation based on use and area.

Accessory occupancies are subordinate and limited in area; they may be classified as part of the main occupancy if the area limits and separation provisions are satisfied.

Mixed occupancy buildings can be designed as separated (rated separations per Table 508.4) or nonseparated (most restrictive requirements applied throughout), with area calculations differing by method.

Occupancy classification is a legal determination made by the code official; applicants may propose a classification, but the official's determination controls and is appealable.

Egress components in order: exit access, exit, and exit discharge; each component has separate requirements for capacity, travel distance, and protection.

Occupant load factors come from IBC Table 1004.5 (for example, 100 gross square feet per occupant for business, 15 for assembly unconcentrated, 5 for assembly concentrated); the calculated load governs egress width.

Two exits are generally required when occupant load exceeds the limits in Table 1006.3.2(1) or travel distance exceeds limits; remoteness rules require separation of at least half the diagonal or a stated minimum.

Common path and travel distance limits vary by occupancy and sprinkler protection; exit access travel distance is measured along the natural path to the nearest exit.

Exit width, door swing, panic hardware, and stair geometry (riser, tread, headroom, handrail) follow prescriptive dimensional requirements; doors in the means of egress must swing in the direction of travel above stated occupant loads.

Accessible route requirements: at least one accessible route connects site arrival points, accessible entrances, and all accessible spaces; route must be at least 36 inches wide and have compliant slopes and surfaces.

Accessible parking counts are based on total parking spaces, with van-accessible spaces required; signage and access aisle dimensions are prescribed by the ADA Standards and adopted accessibility code.

Elevators, platform lifts, and ramps are acceptable level-change solutions subject to specific limitations; areas of refuge and accessible means of egress apply to certain buildings.

The code official's authority derives from the adopting statute and ordinance; actions must be within delegated authority and supported by the adopted code text.

Due process in enforcement: notice of violation, opportunity to comply, and appeal rights must be provided before revocation or legal action; documentation supports each step.

Conflicts of interest: inspectors and reviewers must disclose financial interests in projects and recuse themselves; accepting gifts from permit applicants creates an appearance of impropriety.

Confidentiality: plan review and inspection information may be public record under state law, but trade secrets and security details may be protected; disclosure decisions follow the jurisdiction's records policy.

Ethical practice includes consistent application of code requirements, no selective enforcement, and written documentation of interpretations so similarly situated applicants receive the same treatment.

Liability: officials may have qualified immunity for discretionary acts but not for ministerial acts performed negligently; accurate records and adherence to procedure reduce exposure.

Appeals process: an applicant may appeal an interpretation or denial to the board of appeals within the ordinance's time limit; the appeal stays enforcement unless the official determines an imminent hazard.

Unauthorized practice: reviewers and inspectors must not design or specify work for applicants; providing design direction beyond code interpretation can create liability and ethical violations.

The IEBC provides three compliance methods for alterations: prescriptive (Chapter 5), work area (Chapter 6), and performance (Chapter 7); the chosen method determines the extent of upgrades triggered.

Work area compliance method classifies alterations as Level 1, 2, or 3 based on the work area relative to the building area and whether the work affects means of egress or structural elements.

Change of occupancy triggers IEBC Chapter 10 requirements; the new occupancy must meet the code for the new use, with allowances for existing construction based on the compliance method.

Additions must comply with the code for new construction and must not cause the existing building to become noncompliant in area, height, or egress.

The IPMC establishes minimum maintenance standards for existing structures: structural integrity, weathertightness, sanitation, and life-safety systems must be maintained.

Unsafe structures are those that are structurally deficient, a fire hazard, or otherwise dangerous to life; the code official may order repair, vacation, or demolition following notice and hearing.

Emergency measures: where an imminent danger exists, the official may act immediately to secure or vacate the structure, with notice and a hearing provided afterward as required by law.

Historic buildings may qualify for IEBC alternatives that preserve character-defining features while achieving equivalent life safety; approval requires documentation and official determination.