Electrical Plans for Building Permits in N.Y.

[psdave]

I'm a builder from Red Hook, N.Y. Seven of the local eight building inspectors do not require electrical plans for a building permit. The other inspector requires electrical plans for a permit. When I asked him why he requires them, he stated that he does his own electrical inspections. I asked him why he did that if a UL inspector was responsible for doing a rough & final elec. inspection. He said since he signs off for the C.O. the ultimate blame comes down to him and the Town. My Questions are 1) Are electrical plans required for a building permit if a UL inspector is doing the inspections. 2) Why are we paying our electrician for inspection fees while this building inspector is going to be doing his own electical inspection ? 3) Is it legal for this building inspector to be doing electrical inspections ?

As you can tell I'm really confused about this issue, we don't have any problems except for this inspector. I'm not sure if this is the wave of the future or if he's just busting my balls for the building permit. Any help would be great ,
thank you,
dave

 

[chuckwheat]

Re: Electrical Plans for Building Permits in N.Y.

I feel your pain, unfortunately it is futile to disagree with a building inspector, even given the fact that he is ultimately working for you! My local building inspector is requiring stamped plans for a kitchen and bath remodel. Needless to say the entire proposed budget is being spent on plans alone. What happened to the good old days when the owner and/or builder was responsible for their actions. I personally would take that responsibility back from the government if it meant I could once again live in a free country. It seems officials get so accustomed to spending your money that it is only natural for them to find new ways to do so.
Sorry, you struck a nerve. Unless you happen to be related to the inspectors' boss, you're screwed. :roll:

 

[speedypetey]

Re: Electrical Plans for Building Permits in N.Y.

psdave, I am literally right across the river from you.
Now, I cannot say this for fact, but it has always been known, we electricians DO NOT answer to the building department around here. We use independent inspectors (not actually "UL" to correct you)(I use the NYBFU) who we contact, line up inspections, and pay. They in turn file their paperwork with the building dept.
I have NEVER seen a building inspector do an electrical inspection in this area. If one told me he was the electrical inspector and I had to use him I would definitely seek confirmation of this fact.

I will say I do know many areas require electrical plans to file for a permit for bigger jobs like a new house or large renovation/addition. This really has nothing to do with who is doing the inspections. It has more to do with the archetect. Most smaller jobs I have seen did not need electrical on the plans. If anything just a description of the work.

 

[pierre]

Re: Electrical Plans for Building Permits in N.Y.

In NY State, the building department is the AHJ, not the electrical inspector. If the building official has his certification for electrical he may opt to do his own inspections. In NY, most of the building departments empower a 3rd party electrical inspection company to make electrical inspections. I have heard several incidents where the building official has overruled the electrical inspector.

NY also requires plans for all work performed.
The issue stems from the lack of consistancy throughout the state. There are some who just don't care and will let whatever happens happen.

NY also just came out with a list of building officials they now recognize because of the required training. There are many missing from this list, and I wonder how the state is going to deal with this... it will be interesting to see.
Remember that the electrical inspectors in NY are "guests" of the local municipalities, and they could be removed at any time, including the NYBFUs.
There are actual rumblings of the state taking over the electrical inspections in the future, similar to Conn.

BTW- you could always call the state regional director for you area if you are unhappy with the local inspector, and they will come in a make a ruling on your situation. Mark Anderson is the regional director in your area.

[ May 26, 2005, 12:51 AM: Message edited by: pierre ]