Residential Building Inspector B1General Administration, Legal, and EnforcementMedium
A builder has received a notice of violation for failing to maintain proper erosion control measures on a construction site, leading to sediment runoff into an adjacent stream. The builder disagrees with the inspector's assessment and believes the existing measures are adequate. Which of the following is the appropriate next step for the builder to take according to the IRC's administrative provisions?
- ASubmit a written appeal to the Board of Appeals within the specified timeframe.
- BHire an independent third-party inspector to provide a conflicting report.
- CFile a lawsuit against the jurisdiction, claiming arbitrary enforcement.
- DImmediately halt all construction activities until the issue is resolved with the inspector.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Submit a written appeal to the Board of Appeals within the specified timeframe.
The IRC administrative provisions establish a Board of Appeals for disputes regarding code compliance or interpretations. A builder who disagrees with an inspector's decision should appeal to this board.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. While a third-party report might be evidence, it is not the formal process for appeal itself.
- C. Legal action is a drastic and usually later step, not the direct administrative appeal process.
- D. Halting work is not required unless a stop work order is issued; appeal is the proper dispute resolution.
Board of Appeals
A body established by the local jurisdiction to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions, or determinations made by the building official relative to the application and interpretation of the code.
- Provides a formal process for dispute resolution.
- Decisions are usually binding, subject to further legal review.
- Members are typically qualified by experience and training.
Memory trick: When an inspector's call feels wrong, appeal to the Board to make things right.