Treat building officials as if they are people because—spoiler alert—they are
Betsy Pettit: "A viewer is asking if code sometimes requires a builder to knowingly do something that seems counterintuitive by prioritizing compliance over sound engineering principles. Can anything be done to seek exceptions or obtain engineering approvals for a better design?"
Dr. Joe Lstiburek: "The answer is yes. The building official has complete authority and can interpret the code in a flexible way. In many instances, the Chief Building Official has accepted alternative approaches. However, the Chief Building Official often asks for a second or third opinion, typically from a licensed engineer or architect."
The role of peer review
Sometimes, we are asked to provide insight or perform a peer review when the building department lacks specific expertise. This is fairly common, especially in cases involving complex projects or large buildings. When local building departments need additional expertise, they may hire a prominent structural engineer or architect to conduct a peer review. So, building officials do have the ability to involve external professionals in the review process, and peer reviews are more common than many realize.
Approach Building Officials with respect
Here’s the key: you have to be respectful when dealing with building officials. Don’t go in with an attitude that implies you’re smarter than them or that their job is irrelevant. If you go in with a respectful approach and present a well-thought-out case, you’re more likely to achieve a positive outcome. Don’t rush them by demanding an immediate decision; give them time to ponder your proposal.
Be patient and professional
If you approach them with hostility, insisting the code is wrong and demanding a quick answer, it can backfire—even if your approach is technically correct. Instead, understand that most building officials are committed to making the right decisions and recognize that the code isn’t perfect. Generally, if a building official has been in the role for a while, they want to work with you, not against you. Show respect, present your information clearly, and give them time to research and ask questions. This approach can make a big difference in achieving an approval that aligns with both compliance and sound engineering principles.