Code officer: Certificate of Occupancy for a kitchen remodel?
Tim_William
| Posted in Code Questions on
I am a homeowner doing a kitchen remodel. This includes installing a beam to open a wall, replacing a window with French doors to the exterior, and replacing a sliding door with a window.
I applied for the electrical and plumbing permits. For the framing and doors, my local code officer is asking for construction drawings with details of the wall assembly, and furthermore he’s asking me to apply for a CO. I understand his concern around the beam, but it seems like overkill to require exterior wall assembly details. My house was built in 1951. And the certificate of occupancy application is just bizarre, as I already live in the house.
I don’t have experience getting permits, is this level of detail to be expected for a remodel permit?
Replies
This is really up to the local codes department.
It makes sense for them to want to review the drawings. the outside wall holds up the roof, and you are changing it in ways that could be dangerous.
The CO is to make sure you finish the work in a timely manner, and don't leave it half-done.
They may have the authority to hang a red tag on the house and make you move out, so best plan is to do what they want.
Thanks for the insight.
The Code officer is correct. You're making structural changes and will need engineered drawings to obtain a permit and everything you touch will have to be brought up to current code standards. They can also require to bring other items up to code as well but they probably won't. I've just spent 11 months getting a permit to build an exact replacement for a 5 X 11' deck.
Thanks, and I really hope this permit doesn’t take that long!