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Written by Katie Dombrowski

Category: Development Services

Created: 01 June 2018

2017 was a historic year for tragic natural disasters, and scientists predict that we will see more natural disasters occurring in areas that previously thought they were immune. These predictions call for proper planning to help prevent loss of life, property damage, and unnecessary post-disaster expenses. Building codes are society's best way of protecting homes, offices, schools, manufacturing facilities, stores, and entertainment venues from such devastations. Code officials work day in and day out to keep the public safe. As such, they require the most advanced and sophisticated training and education to safeguard the public from such disasters. Code officials are expected to be experts in building code, but citizens should also have a working knowledge of how building structures can indeed help save lives.

Week five of Building Safety Month focuses on improving education and training standards for a safer tomorrow through knowledge gained from the plethora of training resources. Today’s code officials are expected to be certified on ICC approved disciplines including building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire. Furthermore, a major focus on yearly continuing education is required to keep these certifications active and compliant on the ever-changing building codes.

With powerful advancements in technology and frequent discoveries of new methods for solving age-old problems, the building industry, like many industries, is constantly changing. For building safety professionals worldwide, education and training are valuable and essential aspects of professional development. Much like code officials, private citizens are also encouraged to seek learning opportunities to help improve knowledge of building code safety. Below is a list of resources that can help both building code officials and private citizens alike build strong knowledge of building code safety. This joint effort of increased knowledge and awareness of building code can help prepare us for Mother Nature’s inevitable fury!

Resources

ICC Learning Center

ICC Preferred Provider Program

National Safety Council (NSC) Workplace Safety Training

Certified Code Safety Professional Exams

NFPA Certified Electrical Compliance Professional (CESCP)

BOMA Educational Resources

ICC-ES Educational Tools

S.K. Ghosh Seminars

IAS Training Programs

General Code Webinars

OSHAcademy Professional Training Courses

National Association of Safety Professional (NASP) Training Resources

ANSI Education and Training

Board of Certified Safety Professional (BCSP) Certifications

Certified Code Safety Professional Certification

Contractor/Trades Testing

Specialty Programs

UST/AST Certification

Certification Renewal

This blog was written by guest blogger Lazaro Perez, Training & Development Analyst for the Development Services Department

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Written by Katie Dombrowski

Category: Development Services

Created: 22 May 2018

The Development Services Department would like to alert you to the following changes to the Concurrent Site Mylar Revision Process: 

¨Please include a submittal narrative which describes the plan revisions and lists the revised sheets.

¨Revision pages should be inserted into the full approved plan set, preceding the original sheets being revised.

¨A visible “VOID” watermark, accompanied by a large, visible X should be on all original sheets being revised.

¨Changes on revision sheets need to be clouded or highlighted.

¨The plan set will have a new cover sheet included with each revision and require a blank signature stamp.

¨A new revision table shall be included on the new cover.

¨Revised sheets are to be physically tabbed by the applicant.

¨All mylar revisions need to include the latest approved version of every sheet, including revised sheets from previous mylar revisions.

¨Please note only one mylar revision will be allowed in an active plan review cycle.

For more information, and to download the Concurrent Site Mylar Revision checklist, visit raleighnc.gov and search "Concurrent Site Review." Select the "Concurrent Site Review" page and scroll down to "Revisions to Approved Plans."

Assistance is available by calling the Customer Service Center at 919-996-2495 or emailing [email protected]. 

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Written by Katie Dombrowski

Category: Development Services

Created: 09 May 2018

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• A low-cost gas heat pump designed to reduce heating costs by up to 45% compared to conventional gas furnaces and boilers.

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Written by Katie Dombrowski

Category: Development Services

Created: 26 March 2018

The City of Raleigh Development Services Department has replaced the face-to-face Due Diligence Session with a new online version: Due Diligence Online Service (DDOS). Just like before, this service is free of charge and will help you to learn what development is and isn’t possible on a specific property. DDOS will continue to address high level questions and issues related to the development of property, and Review staff will only comment on site review trades (current planning, urban forestry, stormwater, fire and transportation). In other words, information related only to the parcel(s) and any general regulatory items that may be applicable based on project parameters.

How do I submit for a DDOS?

• To submit a DDOS go to the online form and fill out the property data.
• Once staff has completed the DDOS review, each applicant will receive an email containing staff comments, based on a predetermined scope of review.

What do I need to keep in mind when submitting for a DDOS?

• Only contiguous properties are allowed to be submitted, and multiple parcels will be reviewed as a combined assemblage.
• Comments generated during the DDOS are based solely on existing zoning of the property.
• If a formal development application is submitted after a DDOS, and any development details or site information have changed, it is possible that staff comments may be different from those provided during a DDOS.
• Information received should be considered advisory-only, no approvals or permits are issued with a DDOS. If a formal regulatory-based review is desired, please consider one of our other face-to-face services.

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Written by Katie Dombrowski

Category: Development Services

Created: 27 February 2018

With spring fast approaching we want to remind everyone about all the changes and updates that are happening during this time. Don’t forget you can always email [email protected] with any questions!

New Site Inspection & Infill Requirement
Beginning March 1, 2018, a zoning site inspection must occur prior to foundation inspection. A zoning site inspection is required once forms for foundations are completely in place (preferably before concrete is poured). However, the owner and/or builders (at their discretion) may schedule the site inspection at the foundation stage (after concrete is poured, but prior to any framing or vertical construction occurring).

Additionally, and as part of this inspection, a survey performed by a professional land surveyor licensed in the state of North Carolina must be completed and submitted to the City of Raleigh zoning for all residential infill construction projects. The completed survey must be made available on site for examination by zoning inspections staff.

Note: Building foundation inspections will only be allowed to be scheduled once the site inspection has been completed and approved. For more details on this new requirement, click here.

New Visible Permit Requirement
Beginning March 1, 2018, a new visible permit will be required for all Right-of-Way (ROW) obstructions. The goal of this additional permit is to reduce the number of complaints and questions for both City staff and the contractor. Upon receiving a ROW obstruction permit, the City will issue a visible permit which is required to be posted onsite in a central location for the duration of the work. The permit will contain:
• City contact information (email and phone)
• Date work expires (to inform citizens of the duration of the project)
Contractors will be responsible for affixing the permit to a structure or signage onsite. For questions or concerns regarding the new visible permit, please email [email protected]v.

Building Code Summary
The below schedule will help clarify the new required NC Building Code Summaries:
January 1, 2018 thru June 30, 2018:
 We accept the City of Raleigh Building Code Summary.
 We accept the 2012 NC State Building Code Summary.
× We reject the 2018 NC State Building Code Summary.

July 1, 2018 thru December 31, 2018:
× We reject the City of Raleigh Building Code Summary.
 We accept the 2012 NC State Building Code Summary.
 We accept the 2018 NC State Building Code Summary.

January 1, 2019:
× We reject the City of Raleigh Building Code Summary.
× We reject the 2012 NC State Building Code Summary.
 We accept the 2018 NC State Building Code Summary.

Important Note: Designers must use the 2012 Building Codes with the 2012 Building Code Summary, and the 2018 Building Codes with the 2018 Building Code Summary.

Due Diligence Online Service (DDOS) Available Now!
We have replaced the face-to-face Due Diligence session with a new online version. Just like before, this service is free of charge and allows clients to learn what type of development is and isn’t possible on a specific property. It also addresses high level questions related to development. Review staff will comment on site review trades (current planning, urban forestry, stormwater, fire and transportation) only. In other words, information related only to the parcel(s) and any general regulatory items that may be applicable based on project parameters. For more information and access to the scheduling tool, click here.

New Locked Forms Available
New locked forms are available online for Utility Placement Easement, Sidewalk Easement and Slope Easement. The form templates can be found in the Development Services Department form directory under “S to Z.”

Design Adjustment Process Changes
A new design adjustment application is now available which is intended to guide applicants through all UDO-required findings associated with their request and help streamline the process. Additionally, all requests are now submitted to a central point of intake at [email protected], with notification provided to the applicant upon receipt of a complete application. Please make note that upon receipt of this message, all required mailed notifications should be hand delivered to the coordinating reviewer on the 5th floor of One Exchange Plaza. For further information, please see the Design Adjustments webpage.

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Written by Sharon Felton

Category: Development Services

Created: 12 January 2018

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As the City of Raleigh continues to grow, we at the Development Services Department routinely seek ways to improve our processes. To address issues that may result due to property constraints and building setbacks, we will be implementing a new survey requirement for all infill lots (defined per UDO section 2.2.7), as well as for any projects with lots that appear to substantially deviate from the approved plans. Infill construction often occurs in older neighborhoods where the lot lines are no longer distinguishable.

Beginning March 1, 2018, a survey performed by a professional land surveyor licensed in the state of North Carolina, must be completed and submitted to the City of Raleigh for all infill construction projects. The City recommends that this take place once the forms are completely in place (before concrete is poured) or at the owner and/or builders discretion at the foundation stage (after concrete is poured, but prior to any framing or vertical construction occurring). This flexibility is provided to align with other entities, that at times may require a similar survey, and thus allows for combining of the two.

There will be no change to the initial plan submittal and/or application requirements. Please stay tuned for more information, both through this blog and the city website.

For the purpose of this requirement the following definition shall apply to a Foundation /Form Survey:

• Foundation/Form survey: A sealed and signed survey by a North Carolina licensed Land Surveyor, which attests to the horizontal and vertical location of the building foundation and/or forms, which clearly indicates the set back dimensions ( on all sides and to any accessory or main buildings); any deviations from the approved plans clearly noted, and a statement that foundations and/or forms were found to be in conformity with the approved plans ( any exceptions/deviations noted). In addition an average grade reference datum benchmark , as determined by section 1.5.7 of the UDO , shall be staked on site, and protected for the zoning inspector to use for determining final height compliance at time of the building final. This reference datum location and height shall be clearly indicated/referenced in the prepared sealed document as well as the height of the top of forms or foundation relative to this datum.
• UDO section 1.5.7 ( A) 2 “Average grade is determined by calculating the average of the highest and lowest elevations along pre development grade or improved grade ( whichever is more restrictive) along the front of the building parallel to the primary street setback. Where mass-grading has been approved by the City average grade shall be considered the improved grade following such mass grading.”
• UDO section 1..5.7 (A ) 4 “ where the property slope increases to the rear , building height is measured from the average point at grade of the front and rear wall planes.”