May 4, 2020 - Daily Update

Building Safety & Permits
Good morning, Building Safety & Permits has 50 inspections for today, May 4, 2020. 

Note that our office is closed to the public until further notice.
 
To:                Contractors, Architects, Engineers, & Building Owners
From:           Tom Coghill, Director of Building Safety and Permits
Subject:       Modified Inspection Protocols as a result of COVID-19

Re-inspection Policy

Please note that all re-inspection fees must be paid PRIOR to requesting a re-inspection.

To enhance the safety of Building Safety & Permits (BS&P) inspectors and our customers, we will triage inspections based on the ability to limit person-to-person contact according to the best available data and the following protocols.

When and where there is the greatest opportunity to limit person-to-person contact, inspections will continue with minimal changes. These are inspections that are performed outside in open air environments; such as, footings, foundations, floor framing, decks, temporary power poles, underground utility trench inspections, and similar. Most often these inspections may be performed without anyone else present.

When and where there is a moderate ability to limit person-to-person contact (those inspections that typically occur in environments where the work area is enclosed), BS&P inspectors will evaluate each situation and may take any of the following measures: 1) request that those present temporarily leave the space until the inspection is completed; 2) request to use approved video or photographic means to verify code compliance; 3) request that the inspection be rescheduled for a different time (possibly the same day); or 3) recommend to the permit holder that he or she request a waiver of the inspection, as allowed by USBC Section 113.1: “when the construction cost is less than $2,500 the inspection may, at the discretion of the inspecting authority be waived.” Examples of these inspections may include framing and insulation inspections, trade rough-in / final inspections, and building final inspections.

When and where there is limited to no ability to limit person-to-person contact, the inspectors will review appropriate actions with their supervisor and then coordinate with the permit holder prior to initiating the inspection. These may be inspections in occupied homes, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. In occupied homes, the inspectors and their supervisor may choose to use options 2 or 3, as noted above. For nursing homes and assisted living facilities, the inspector’s supervisor may suggest that the permit holder seek approval of a third-party inspector, in accordance with the building official’s written policy (https://va-jamescitycounty.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6494/Policy-Regarding-Approval-of-Third-party-Inspectors-and-Agencies-PDF).
 
Requests to submit video and/or photographs in lieu of work area visits by BS&P inspectors must be pre-approved by the Director of Building Safety & Permits or the Inspections Section Chief. Such exhibits must include a way to verify the date, time and location as well as the identity of the person taking the video or photograph.
 
Please see this link regarding 3^rd Party Inspections which REQUIRE pre-approval by the Inspection Chief. https://jamescitycountyva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6494/Policy-Regarding-Approval-of-Third-party-Inspectors-and-Agencies-PDF You may email Allen Turner  allen.turner@jamescitycountyva.gov to request pre approvals

Board of Supervisors Update
Due to COVID-19, and in order to help applicants complete as many transactions as possible remotely, the JCC Board of Supervisors has waived all credit card and e-check convenience charges through June 30, 2020.

Stormwater and Resource Protection Division
Staff is currently performing inspections. Staff will maintain a minimum separation of 6-feet from anyone that may be on site. For more information, call 757 253-6670.

Contact: 757-253-6626
https://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/406/Building-Safety-Permits