To everyone who responded about unpermitted work - Mahalo! (Thank you in Hawaiian)
Unpermitted work in Maui is rampant. Two or three times a year I get a call from someone who needs after-the-fact plans, or even worse, plans but no permit. I always turn them down. But this time was different, it was my own project!
When I was President of AIA Maui Chapter, I wrote a letter to the Mayor of Maui County and proposed a mandatory inspection of any real property listed for sale. When I bought my house here, the title search uncovered an open permit from years earlier. The previous owner never got the required inspections. The house had been sold several times since then. Each time the liability for unpermitted work was passed along to the new owner. How is this possible, as Robert Zumwalt, AIA, pointed out? We can't rely on the title company. I told the mayor this practice should be illegal. There is such a law in Newport Beach, CA, where I am also licensed.
It undermines our profession when the practice of unpermitted work is so common. Who needs an architect if people feel they don't need plans, permits or inspections?
I have sent a letter of non responsibility to my client for the work done. Then I'll submit a proposal for additional services with some of the conditions J.Kretschmer suggested.
Mahalo!
Tim
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Timothy Mead AIA
Timothy N. Mead, AIA, Architect
Kihei HI
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-10-2019 19:55
From: Timothy Mead
Subject: Unpermitted Work
Over 2 years ago I prepared a set of working drawings for a remodel. Last week the client called me because the building department sent them a violation notice of unpermitted work (my project). They want me to submit the plans for a building permit application. How should I handle this?
I visited the site, the project is built out! Looks pretty good! My drawings included demolition plans, electrical, structural, etc. None of this was inspected. The new space is already occupied.
Anyone had a similar experience?
Thanks,
Tim
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Timothy Mead AIA
Timothy N. Mead, AIA, Architect
Kihei HI
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