Residential Building Inspector B1General Administration, Legal, and EnforcementEasy
A residential building inspector discovers that a homeowner has installed a new water heater without obtaining a permit. The installation appears to be technically correct and safe. What is the appropriate initial action for the inspector?
- AIssue a stop work order immediately, even if the work is complete.
- BIssue a final approval since the installation is technically correct and safe.
- CRequire the homeowner to apply for a retroactive permit and schedule a re-inspection.
- DInform the homeowner that no action is needed due to the safety of the installation.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Require the homeowner to apply for a retroactive permit and schedule a re-inspection.
Even if an installation appears safe, a permit is typically required for water heater replacements. The inspector's role is to ensure that all required permits are obtained and inspections are conducted, which often involves a retroactive permit process.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A stop work order is typically issued for ongoing work or hazardous conditions, not completed, apparently safe, unpermitted work.
- B. Final approval without a permit circumvents the permitting process and is not allowed.
- D. Permits are a legal requirement, regardless of perceived safety, and ensure proper documentation and oversight.
Unpermitted Work Procedure
The process followed by a building official when work requiring a permit has been performed without one, typically involving retroactive permitting and inspection.
- Permits are legal requirements for specific work.
- Even safe work needs proper documentation.
- Retroactive permits ensure compliance and record-keeping.
Memory trick: No Permit? Document, Inspect, then Permit It!