CPP CPP Construction & Building Permits 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the difference between a 'prescriptive' and 'performance-based' building code approach?
- Prescriptive specifies exact methods; performance-based allows any method that achieves the required outcome (Correct answer)
- Prescriptive codes are federally mandated; performance-based are state-level
- Performance-based codes are stricter than prescriptive
- Prescriptive codes apply only to residential; performance-based to commercial
Correct answer: Prescriptive specifies exact methods; performance-based allows any method that achieves the required outcome
Prescriptive codes specify exact materials and methods, while performance-based codes define outcomes (e.g., fire resistance rating) and allow designers to use any method to achieve them.
Question 2: What is a 'grading permit' and when is it typically required?
- A permit required for earthwork, excavation, or fill activities that disturb a specified area or volume of soil (Correct answer)
- A permit for installing gravel driveways
- A construction document grading plan approval only
- A permit for demolishing existing paved surfaces
Correct answer: A permit required for earthwork, excavation, or fill activities that disturb a specified area or volume of soil
Grading permits are required for significant earthwork to ensure proper drainage, erosion control, and slope stability, and to prevent impacts on neighboring properties and waterways.
Question 3: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), when must an existing building be brought into compliance during renovation?
- When the renovation affects the path of travel to the primary function area, up to 20% of renovation cost (Correct answer)
- Only when 100% of the building is renovated
- Only for new construction, not renovations
- When the building changes ownership
Correct answer: When the renovation affects the path of travel to the primary function area, up to 20% of renovation cost
ADA regulations require that alterations to primary function areas trigger accessibility improvements to the path of travel, restrooms, and drinking fountains serving that area, up to 20% of the alteration cost.
Question 4: What is a 'right-of-way' (ROW) permit in construction?
- A permit required to perform work within a public street, sidewalk, or utility easement (Correct answer)
- Permission to construct on private property adjacent to a road
- A permit for utility company work on private land
- A zoning variance for setback encroachment
Correct answer: A permit required to perform work within a public street, sidewalk, or utility easement
ROW permits allow contractors to occupy or disturb public rights-of-way for activities like utility installation, driveway connections, or lane closures, with conditions to maintain public safety.
Question 5: What is the International Residential Code (IRC) primarily designed for?
- One- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories (Correct answer)
- All residential buildings regardless of height
- Multi-family residential buildings with 5+ units
- Manufactured and mobile homes
Correct answer: One- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories
The IRC covers detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not exceeding three stories, providing a standalone code that addresses structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
Question 6: What is 'plan review' in the building permit process?
- The technical examination of construction drawings and specifications for code compliance before permit issuance (Correct answer)
- An appeal of a building permit denial
- A post-construction audit of contractor work
- A zoning board review of site plans
Correct answer: The technical examination of construction drawings and specifications for code compliance before permit issuance
Plan review is conducted by building department staff or third-party reviewers who examine permit drawings for compliance with building, fire, zoning, and other applicable codes before permits are issued.
CPP CPP Construction & Building Permits 2
What is the difference between a 'prescriptive' and 'performance-based' building code approach?