Building & Health Codes
(Page 8 of 9)
July/August 1974
By the Mother Earth News editors
HOW ONE HOMEOWNER GOT RID OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR
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Many people in the country deal with the myriad bureaucratic hassles, permits, and fees by ignoring them and hoping they don't get caught. A good friend of mine named Paul chose the exact opposite tactic in dealing with his local Building Inspector, who was one of the toughest I have met. When Paul bought his place, the largest structure on the land was a big beautiful red barn which he wanted to convert into his family dwelling. Because a barn in the eyes of the law is not meant to be a house, many problems were involved in meeting the requirements of the building codes.
Knowing in advance that he would meet the Building Inspector sooner or later, Paul went to his office and told him what he was going to do. He drew up some fairly sketchy but basic plans, submitted them for approval, and paid the first part of his fees. Then he began to modify the barn and make it his home. The inspector came to make an inspection and then began appearing on a regular basis. Each time he hassled Paul about some aspect of his remodeling job until he really got on Paul's nerves. So Paul decided to give him some of his own medicine.
Any time he began a new part of his remodeling, like a new wall, floor, beam, ceiling, or fireplace, he called up the Building Inspector and asked him what kind of materials he should use, how much he should buy, what kinds of nails or cement he should get, and how he should do the job. After several weeks of constant phone calls, the inspector had had enough. In complete exasperation he told Paul, "Dammit, I'm not your architect or contractor. Stop calling and bothering me." Paul then sent in the rest of his fees and never saw the Building Inspector again.
As long as you know that your house is going to have to be built to code and be inspected by someone who's being paid with your fees, you might as well get your money's worth. Bug the inspector. Maybe he'll leave you alone. If you're way off in the hills, all he really cares about is getting those fees. As long as nobody is going to see your house and complain about it and his job will not be jeopardized, he will probably leave you alone. The most important element of his job is collecting the fees and that is his primary concern.
USEFUL RESOURCES
All local codes and sample plans can be obtained at your local inspector's office. Check with the Building Inspector, Department of Roads, and Health Inspector.
The three national organizations that make up the various codes will send you any information you want on any aspect of the requirements for house construction. Write to the following:
(Uniform Building Code)
International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO)
50 South Los Robles
Pasadena, California 91101
(Uniform Plumbing Code)
The International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)
5001 E. Philadelphia St.
Ontario, California 91761
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