Residential Building Inspector B1General Administration, Legal, and EnforcementEasy
A homeowner has completed a new deck addition without obtaining the required building permit. An inspector discovers this during a routine neighborhood inspection. What is the most appropriate initial action the inspector should take regarding this violation?
- AAdvise the homeowner that no action is necessary if the deck appears structurally sound.
- BImmediately issue a stop work order and require the deck to be demolished.
- CSchedule a final inspection to determine if the deck meets code requirements.
- DIssue a notice of violation and inform the homeowner of the permit application process.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Issue a notice of violation and inform the homeowner of the permit application process.
When construction is performed without a permit, the initial step is to issue a notice of violation and guide the homeowner on how to rectify the situation by applying for the necessary permits and subsequent inspections.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Unpermitted work, regardless of apparent quality, is a violation and requires official action.
- B. Demolition is typically a last resort after other remedies have failed or if the structure is demonstrably unsafe.
- C. A final inspection cannot be performed without a permit being issued and prior required inspections being completed.
Unpermitted Work
Construction or alteration performed without obtaining the required building permits from the local jurisdiction.
- Requires a notice of violation.
- Owner must apply for retroactive permits.
- Subject to fees and potential penalties.
Memory trick: Unpermitted work always starts with a warning and a path to proper paperwork.