Technology in Architectural Practice

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  • 1.  Architect Signing Permit Applications

    Posted 10-15-2013 03:30 PM
    This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Technology in Architectural Practice and Practice Management Member Conversations .
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    What are your policies on the signing of building permit applications for your clients?  Does anyone really read the "fine print" that the signatory is agreeing to/certifying? I recently had a conversation with an official in Minnesota whom stated that the permit "applicant" warranted the project with their signature.

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    John Berry AIA
    Codes Manager
    CR Architecture + Design, Inc.
    Cincinnati OH
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  • 2.  RE:Architect Signing Permit Applications

    Posted 10-17-2013 09:21 AM
    Have routinely signed on permit applications, but have never run into the issue of guaranteeing the project.

    If I was, then what would be the point of the review process?

    Anyway, here in St. Louis County, MO, I can apply for the permit, but the GC needs to sign for and pick up the approved permit documents. They are the ones on the hook for the calling of inspectors and etc..

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    Rudolph Beuc AIA
    Architect
    R. Beuc Architects
    Saint Louis MO
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  • 3.  RE:Architect Signing Permit Applications

    Posted 10-21-2013 07:51 AM
    My contracts state we will "...assist the Owner in the preparation of their permit applications..." but we do not guarentee their approval.

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    James Spinola AIA
    Hillcrest Architecture
    Saylorsburg PA
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE:Architect Signing Permit Applications

    Posted 10-22-2013 05:38 PM
    Warranted doesn't mean that you are guaranteeing that they get the permit.  You are only stating that you authorize the planning or building department to review the documents for their applicability, and conformity to the rules and regulations governing the site.

    If on the other had you did provide a signature without the owner knowing and got a permit on property without the owners approval this is where that signature would come into play.  Or if you signed the document and didn't meet the applicable building codes, or planning requirements then you would be required to revise your documents so that they are in conformance with the rules and regulations, but that would be the case regardless if you signed that document or not.

    That's my understanding.  

    I have meet some planners and building officials who aren't necessarily the most informed or entirely consistent in their decisions.

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    Willard Williams AIA
    Digital Design Coordinator
    Walker Warner Architects
    San Francisco CA
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE:Architect Signing Permit Applications

    Posted 10-22-2013 06:17 PM
    For private sector projects in California permit applications can only be signed by the Owner as Owner/Builder or a licensed General Contractor. State law requires that the permitting agency verify that the signatory maintains workers compensation insurance for construction.

    For public sector projects the applications are more complex as they are typically reviewed by the Division of the State Architect and the Architect of Record is required to sign the application.  

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    Max Williams AIA
    Principal
    Vaughn Williams Architecture + Planning
    La Canada CA
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE:Architect Signing Permit Applications

    Posted 10-19-2013 11:32 AM
    The attached link is to an article in the Philadelphia Enquirer concerning a local architect who obtained a demolition permit for a building that subsequently collapsed during demolition and killed six people.  When things go wrong they can go really badly wrong!

    http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/20131017_Deal_in_works_for_data_about_building_collapse_.html


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    George Bryant
    Philadelphia PA
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  • 7.  RE:Architect Signing Permit Applications

    Posted 10-21-2013 07:09 PM
    Make that the Philadelphia Inquirer.

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    George Bryant
    Philadelphia PA
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    Original Message


  • 8.  RE:Architect Signing Permit Applications

    Posted 10-22-2013 09:25 AM
    Unless the Architect was doing work under a designbuild contract with the owner, he should not have agreed to take out the permit, especially if he was not insured for this. That task of obtaining a permit usually belongs to the contractor. 
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    Richard Koziol AIA
    Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.
    Northbrook IL
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    Original Message


  • 9.  RE:Architect Signing Permit Applications

    Posted 10-22-2013 10:43 AM
    I would suggest that you contact your Professional Practice Liability insurer to see what they recommend.  Our insurer conducts periodic seminars, eligible for AIA CEU credits, to reinforce principles of good practice.  Then, engage those authorities having jurisdiction in appropriate discussion to determine best procedure and wording of regulations in order that the appropriate people take the appropriate responsibilities, and to the appropriate degree.  You should not undersign anything that certifies, or guarantees outcomes over which you do not have direct involvement.  Or did I misunderstand the issue?

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    Timothy Brocato AIA
    Alexandria LA
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    Original Message