4.4 Permits, Codes, and the Inspection Process
Key Takeaways
- Build to the locally adopted ICC edition; the AHJ adopts and amends codes, so the newest ICC release may not apply.
- Permits cover structural/egress/system work; they expire (commonly 180 days) and unpermitted work risks stop-work orders.
- Concealed work must pass inspection before cover-up; no lawful occupancy without a Certificate of Occupancy.
- OSHA 1926: fall protection at 6 ft (Subpart M), scaffolds 10 ft (L), trench protection at 5 ft (P).
- Trench soil sloping: Type A 0.75:1, Type B 1:1, Type C 1.5:1; keep spoil ≥ 2 ft from the edge.
The Code Framework
Most US jurisdictions adopt the International Code Council (ICC) family: the International Building Code (IBC) for commercial/multifamily structures, plus the IMC, IPC, IFGC, IFC, and the NEC (NFPA 70) for electrical. Workplace safety is federal under OSHA 29 CFR 1926 (construction). The local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) adopts and amends the codes — always build to the locally adopted edition, which may lag the newest ICC release.
Permits
A building permit authorizes construction per approved plans; separate trade permits (mechanical, plumbing, electrical) are often required. Permits are generally not required for minor work (paint, finish flooring, small repairs) but are required for structural, egress, fire-rated, and system changes. A permit expires if work is not started or is abandoned (commonly 180 days). Building without a permit can force exposure of concealed work and a stop-work order.
Occupancy classifications (IBC Ch. 3)
| Group | Use |
|---|---|
| A | Assembly (theaters, restaurants) |
| B | Business (offices) |
| E | Educational |
| F | Factory/Industrial |
| M | Mercantile (retail) |
| R | Residential |
| S | Storage |
Occupancy group drives allowable area/height, fire ratings, and egress — a frequent exam linkage.
The Inspection Sequence
Inspections occur at hold points; concealed work must be inspected before cover-up. Typical order:
- Footing/foundation (before concrete)
- Slab/under-slab plumbing & electrical
- Rough-in framing, mechanical, plumbing, electrical (before insulation/drywall)
- Insulation (verify R-values)
- Final inspection → Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
No occupancy is lawful until the C of O is issued.
Energy code R-values
The IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) sets minimum insulation by climate zone. Typical commercial/residential targets: R-13 to R-21 wood-frame walls, R-30 to R-49 ceilings/attics. Higher R-value = greater resistance to heat flow. Insulation inspection verifies installed R-value and vapor barrier before drywall conceals it.
OSHA 29 CFR 1926 — Key Trigger Numbers
The exam loves OSHA construction trigger heights and thresholds:
| Topic | Subpart | Trigger |
|---|---|---|
| Fall protection (construction) | 1926 Subpart M | 6 ft to lower level |
| Scaffolds | 1926 Subpart L | fall protection at 10 ft |
| Excavations / trenches | 1926 Subpart P | protective system at 5 ft; competent person inspects daily |
| Stairways/ladders | 1926 Subpart X | stairs/ladder for breaks > 19 in |
| Hard hats/PPE | 1926 Subpart E | overhead/impact hazards |
Excavation and fall-protection traps
- Trenches 5 ft+ deep need sloping, shoring, or shielding (a competent person may exempt stable rock).
- Soil sloping: Type A 0.75:1 (53°), Type B 1:1 (45°), Type C 1.5:1 (34°). Type C is least stable.
- Spoil pile kept ≥ 2 ft from the trench edge.
- Fall protection at 6 ft in construction — note general industry (1910) uses 4 ft; the exam tests the 6 ft construction number.
Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M, at what height above a lower level is fall protection generally required in construction?
At what trench depth does OSHA 1926 Subpart P generally require a protective system (sloping, shoring, or shielding)?
The Code Family and Adoption
The International Code Council (ICC) publishes the model codes: IBC (building), IRC (residential), IMC (mechanical), IPC (plumbing), IFC (fire), IECC (energy); the NEC (NFPA 70) governs electrical. Codes are model documents with no force until a state or local jurisdiction adopts them, often with amendments. The local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and building official interpret and enforce the adopted edition — always build to the locally adopted edition, not the newest published one.
Permits and the Inspection Sequence
A building permit must be obtained before work starts; permits expire if work does not begin or lapses (commonly 180 days). Inspections occur in sequence and must pass before covering the work: typically footing/foundation → underground/under-slab plumbing → rough framing/MEP rough-in → insulation → final. Covering work before its inspection forces tear-out. The final inspection precedes the Certificate of Occupancy, which legally authorizes use.
Variances, Stop-Work, and Liability
When strict compliance is impossible, the owner may seek a variance from a board of appeals — never simply ignore the code. The building official can issue a stop-work order for unpermitted or unsafe work. Working without a permit can void insurance, trigger fines, and force exposure/inspection of concealed work. The contractor — not the owner — is generally responsible for code compliance of the work performed.
Common Exam Traps
- Trap: The newest published IBC governs. The locally adopted edition (with amendments) governs.
- Trap: Covering work before inspection. It must be left open until inspected/passed.
- Trap: A permit lasts indefinitely. It expires if work stalls (often 180 days).
- Trap: The CO is issued before the final inspection. The final inspection comes first.
A framing/rough-in inspection has not yet been performed. What must the contractor NOT do?
Plan Review, Fees, and Certificate of Occupancy Types
Before a permit issues, the AHJ conducts a plan review for code compliance; permit fees are typically based on project valuation or square footage. At the end, the jurisdiction may issue a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) allowing limited use while minor items finish, before the final Certificate of Occupancy (CO). Occupying a building without a CO (or TCO) is a code violation that can trigger fines and insurance problems. Match the document to the milestone: permit to start, inspections during, CO to occupy.