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The Practice Management Knowledge Community (PMKC) identifies and develops information on the business of architecture for use by the profession to maintain and improve the quality of the professional and business environment.  The PMKC initiates programs, provides content and serves as a resource to other knowledge communities, and acts as experts on AIA Institute programs and policies that pertain to a wide variety of business practices and trends.

    

  • 1.  Permit Streamlining Best Practices

    Posted 05-12-2014 06:03 PM
      |   view attached
    This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Small Firm Round Table and Practice Management Member Conversations .
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    I'm researching Permit Streamlining Best Practices around the country, and would like to hear about Permit Processing successes - and nightmares.   Even a sentence or two is helpful; for cross posting to the PermitStreamline.Com database.  No problem if you prefer to remain 'anonymous' just let me know that.  

    With over 30,000 jurisdictions in the US, the range of experiences and programs Architects face in navigating local approvals all across the board.   My goals is to help the Architects become change agents, taking a leadership role in how our instruments of Service are reviewed by local jurisdictions on the way to getting building permits.  Join the conversation live in Chicago at the AIA Convention, 6/27/2014 from 2 to 3:30 FR206.  

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    Michael Malinowski AIA
    AIA Director - California Region
    Applied Architecture, Inc.
    Sacramento CA
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  • 2.  RE:Permit Streamlining Best Practices

    Posted 05-14-2014 11:19 AM
    It was a rough couple of years around 2005 when PA allowed Municipalities to opt "in or out"of doing their own IBC code review.
    It was sometimes unclear whether the state or a third party was responsible to review the drawings or both.
    On one project, the newly hired local building official denied ever receiving the drawings even though they
    were hand delivered to his office. 

    On the same job, the engineers had surrendered control of the footcandle calculations to the lighting manufacturer's
    "blackbox" software, so they could not defend themselves to the code official
    until they performed a lighting test in their own office to prove that they were correct.
    Frank

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    Frank Marshall
    EI Associates
    Harrisburg PA
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  • 3.  RE:Permit Streamlining Best Practices

    Posted 05-15-2014 07:36 PM
    We have found that one of the best ways to improve the permitting process is the development of a code data sheet(s). We have a standard code data sheet that includes all the code, zoning, occupancy, building type and construction type information. It also includes a plan(s), which show all rated walls, room sizes, occupancy capacities, exit separations, travel paths and distances, and exit capacities. We review this with the code agency in the preliminary meeting and include it in the front of the document set. This makes it easier for them to find the information they need for their review. It works to expedite the process. Tom ------------------------------------------- Thomas Dwyer AIA Thomas A. Dwyer AIA Scottsdale AZ -------------------------------------------


  • 4.  RE:Permit Streamlining Best Practices

    Posted 05-16-2014 06:43 PM
    I agree with having a code sheet, which can also be a "life safety plan".  Here in CA, for school submissions to DSA, we also have a separate fire dept sheet showing the fire lanes and with the local FD jurisdiction signoff so that sheet doesn't get 'marked up' during plan check.  We've used "life safety plans" for our medical projects as the wall fire and smoke rating indicators get very confusing when mixed with everything else on a typical architectural floor plan.

    Depending on the project's complexity there may be more than one 'code sheet' in the front of the set.  For example a sheet with room and building exiting capacities may be separate from the code sheet showing occupancies, separations and construction types. 

    We try to keep all of the code sheets and informational sheets out of the "A" drawings to separate them from construction and detailing, so as a rule we use "G" [for general] in the front of our sets.  It's a lot easier to tailor the presentation of code review requirements to the AHJ the project will be reviewed by while keeping your 'regular' document standards typical as well.

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    Michael Elia AIA
    Associate Principal
    NTD Architecture
    San Dimas CA
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  • 5.  RE: Permit Streamlining Best Practices

    Posted 05-19-2014 09:03 AM
    Good question, Michael. I'll be interested to learn the outcome, as permitting processes vary so widely across the country. Thomas' recommendation is on target as a practice recommendation; it not only supports the permitting process but will be invaluable over the life of the building, for reference as codes change and buildings are modified to respond to changing needs.

    It sounds as though Scottsdale's process alows for preliminary meetings with codes officials; that is my primary recommendation as a best practice for authorities having jurisdiction.

    But as to the larger question of how permitting agencies streamline the permitting process - as an architect who practices primarily in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, I have to say that there is very little interest on the part of permitting authorities in streamlining the permit process; rather, it continues to evolve in ways that complexify it. Most recently in the City of Philadelphia, in response to tragedies resulting from poor practices in building demolition, Streets Department review of even the simplest projects changed dramatically, effective May 1st, making it significantly more time-consuming and costly to get permits for even the simplest projects. Certainly changes were needed in the demolition permitting process, but the implications of the changes actually implemented do not seem to be well understood by the troops enforcing them, resulting in unnecessary costs and delays to projects that do not involve demolition.

    Until about a decade ago, it was possible to get a sketch-level review with a plans examiner that would allow the design team to get feedback from the AHJ agency, ultimately streamlining the permitting process. That is no longer possible in the City of Philadelphia or in most of the surrounding townships and municipalities, who largely rely on consultants for plans review.

    That would be my strongest recommendation - the ability to have meaningful discussion with authorities having jurisdiction early in the design process. A shared interpretation of codes requirements between the architect of record and the AHJ, and a transparent permitting process that allows dialogue, are the most important elements in streamlining the permitting process.

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    Mary Holland AIA
    CICADA Architecture/Planning, Inc.
    Philadelphia PA
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  • 6.  RE: Permit Streamlining Best Practices

    Posted 05-19-2014 11:19 PM
    Good suggestion Thomas, thanks for sharing.  This approach makes plan checking easier ; and provides a road map for future architects who may be trying to expand or repurpose your buildings.


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    Michael Malinowski AIA
    AIA Director - California Region
    Applied Architecture, Inc.
    Sacramento CA
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  • 7.  RE: Permit Streamlining Best Practices

    Posted 05-20-2014 08:37 PM
    Michael,

    The discussion of this topic is invaluable.  I have been reading with great interest.  However, permitting in many jurisdictions, especially on California involves much more than a building permit persee.  Here planning approval can be much more onerous and time consuming.  The process can take from one to many years. Approval generally relies on the opinions of Planning Commissions made up of, in most cases, layman.  

    Maybe, those interested in this thread can expand the discussion to experience in streamlining the planning approval process.

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    David Brotman FAIA
    Past AIA Regional Director
    Sunset Consultants
    Malibu CA
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  • 8.  RE: Permit Streamlining Best Practices

    Posted 05-21-2014 11:20 PM
    Thanks David - great suggestion.  I had been trying to keep it 'simple' - focused on miniserial permits - but you're correct - the landscape is far more complex.  Do you have a good story to share on an entitlement quest?
    Mike


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    Michael Malinowski AIA
    AIA Director - California Region
    Applied Architecture, Inc.
    Sacramento CA
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