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  • 1.  CAD files to building departments

    Posted 04-23-2024 04:36 PM

    We were asked to send our CAD file to the building department along with the pdf. I told my client that I refused without a full disclaimer from that city (which of course, they will never do!) Thankfully, my client felt the same way. I'll send CAD files for consultants and to the client but not to building departments. Have any of you run in to this yet and if so, how did you handle it.

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    Cindy Larson
    Centrepoint Architects LLC
    561 Windsor Street A404
    Somerville MA 02143
    617.718.9707
    clarson@centrepointarchitects.com
    www.centrepointarchitects.com


  • 2.  RE: CAD files to building departments

    Posted 04-25-2024 07:52 AM

    Have never run into this, seems an odd request and I would not send my cad files to anyone, unless a cad release disclaimer is signed. But personally I think I would avoid sending cad files to an AHJ altogether. 



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    Arben Sela AIA
    BuildPlus Architecture PLLC
    West Nyack NY
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: CAD files to building departments

    Posted 04-25-2024 12:25 PM

    Thank you! That was my feeling as well and I'm relieved that my client backs me up on this. If they really push it, I can spend some time exploding everything, putting it all on one layer, etc. so that it is very difficult for them to use any of it. But still only after receiving a release.

    Even with that, I'm still not comfortable sending it to them.



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    Cindy Larson AIA
    Centrepoint Architects
    Somerville MA
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: CAD files to building departments

    Posted 04-26-2024 06:24 PM
    I would question the AHJ as to why they need CAD files. As a former owner's representative, we asked firms for a copy of their CAD files for future projects. As for also being a former Building Official, we asked for a PDF to help plan review and for the permit file. There was no need to manipulate or edit a design professional's work.

    Larry Burkhardt AIA, P.E.



    Sent from App for Gmail



    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: CAD files to building departments

    Posted 04-29-2024 05:25 PM
    We've had Fire Departments request CAD files to make it easier to do their Emergency Response Plans in CAD. We try to view AHJs as collaborators with us, much like other consultants we would have on the team. We share the goal of ensuring the HSW of the occupants. So, we are pretty open about sharing project documentation.

    Brian Van Winkle, AIA
    Architect | Principal | Direct: (314) 324-2542
    Vessel Architecture & Design | Denver



    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: CAD files to building departments

    Posted 07-02-2024 03:59 PM

    Like the others, I would not provide CAD files to an AHJ. I believe it could even violate architect state laws to do so. If you decide to provide them, I would require a signed CAD release to protect you from unauthorized edits and remove titleblocks and seals, if necessary.

    If a certain department wants a specific CAD file to develop its own plans, that is a narrow scope for background drawing(s) and should also be subject to a signed CAD release.



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    Robin Bellerby AIA
    Humphreys & Partners Architects, LP
    Dallas TX
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    Original Message


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