Building Inspections
The Built Environment
Building Inspections contribute to the overall life safety and quality of the built environment through observation of all construction in buildings, mechanical, electrical and plumbing disciplines. We review plans, process permits, and inspect all projects large and small, and upon completion a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is issued.
Downtown Plano
Davis Library
Residential
Permits
Why measuring Permit Volume is important to our Community.
Permit volume helps defines the health of the development work in the community. The higher the volume means we have a healthy economic development process that attracts both new construction and remodeling industry.
Permit volumes also depends on how quickly we can turn applications into issued permits and for construction projects, the faster approval the faster contractors can get the job done and owners can benefit from their project investment.
Plan Reviews
Why we use a 5-day threshold for Residential Plan Review?
Building Inspections developed the 5-day threshold for residential plan review in an effort to process permits in a timely manner thereby meeting residential construction schedule.
The plan review services include homeowner construction projects such as patio covers, carports, accessory sheds, home remodels, kitchen and bath updates, and new developments which include home construction.
Ultimately our goal is to achieve the life safety code compliance provisions of the International Codes.
Why we use a 10-day threshold for Commercial Plan Review?
Building Inspections developed the 10-day threshold for commercial plan review comments in an effort to process permits in a timely manner.
Commercial projects are unique due to size, scale, and complexity. It is our goal to review each project within 10 days and notify architects and engineers with comments or needed corrections which may affect their project schedule. At this point plans are revised and resubmitted. This process is continued until all documents have been satisfactorily submitted, reviewed, and approved for construction.
It is our effort to move projects along at the "speed of business." Ultimately our goal is to achieve the life safety code compliance provisions of the International Codes.
What is the International Code Council (ICC)?
The International Code Council (ICC) is a member-focused association. It is dedicated to developing model codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance process to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures. Most U.S. communities and many global markets choose the International Codes.
The International Codes, or I-Codes, published by ICC, provide minimum safeguards for people at home, at school and in the workplace. The I-Codes are a complete set of comprehensive, coordinated building safety and fire prevention codes. Building codes benefit public safety and support the industry’s need for one set of codes without regional limitations.
Fifty states and the District of Columbia have adopted the I-Codes at the state or jurisdictional level. Federal agencies including the Architect of the Capitol, General Services Administration, National Park Service, Department of State, U.S. Forest Service and the Veterans Administration also enforce the I-Codes. The Department of Defense references the International Building Code for constructing military facilities, including those that house U.S. troops around the world and at home. Amtrak uses the International Green Construction Code for new and extensively renovated sites and structures. Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands enforce one or more of the I-Codes.
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Permit Inspections
Why measure between 14 and 19 Inspections per Inspector per day?
Building Inspections developed the metric of 14 to 19 inspections per day per inspector to maximize a normal 8 hour work day.
The goal is to maintain and balance the speed, accuracy, and quality of our inspection services.
Why we strive for 25.7 minutes or less per Inspection?
Building Inspections carefully monitors the amount of work accomplished each day in order to achieve a balance on the number, quality, and time available for each inspection. Time and motion studies dictate this review with an eye on complexity and accuracy. These are all factors in determining our response on a daily basis.
Building Inspections Professional Involvements
International Accreditation Services - First Building Inspections Dept. in the State of Texas to be accredited with IAS.
International Code Council - Active governing member of the ICC.
Building Official Association of Texas (BOAT) - Active governing member of BOAT.
