Residential Building Inspector B1General Administration, Legal, and EnforcementMedium
A residential building inspector observes a partially constructed deck that appears to deviate significantly from the approved plans, including different beam sizes and ledger board attachment methods. The permit card is posted, but no inspections have been called since the foundation. What is the most appropriate action for the inspector to take?
- ANotify the permit office to revoke the existing permit due to non-compliance.
- BImmediately issue a Stop Work Order until the discrepancies are resolved and approved.
- CIssue a notice of violation and allow construction to continue while the owner submits revised plans.
- DApprove the work visually if it appears structurally sound, given the posted permit.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Immediately issue a Stop Work Order until the discrepancies are resolved and approved.
Significant deviations from approved plans, especially structural ones, compromise the integrity of the design and require an immediate halt to work until the issues are addressed, and revised plans are approved. Continuing work under these conditions is a serious violation.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Revoking a permit is a more severe action, typically taken after a Stop Work Order and failure to comply; it's not the initial 'most appropriate' action.
- C. Allowing work to continue with significant deviations is unsafe and contrary to code enforcement.
- D. Visual approval is insufficient when there are significant deviations from approved plans; detailed review and approval are necessary.
Stop Work Order Triggers
Circumstances under which a building official is authorized to issue an order to immediately cease all construction activities on a project.
- Issued for unpermitted work.
- Issued for work not conforming to approved plans.
- Issued for unsafe conditions or imminent hazards.
Memory trick: Stop Work when Plans are Wrong, or Safety's Gone.