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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBuilding Inspections COVID-19 Protocol-External 3.24.20Created 3.2.20 All. In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, several City of Iowa City facilities are closed to the general public including City Hall including the front counter of the Neighborhood and Development Services Department. Building Inspection Services has outlined the following guidance to assist builders and developers in limiting interactions in the field during this time. PERMITS All permit applications are available online and applications continue to be required to be submitted electronically. You can find all the permit applications for Building and Trades Permits on the City website at https://www.icgov.org/eApplications BUILDING INSPECTION SERVICES Building Inspection services will continue, with some restrictions in place to protect the safety of the public, our builder and contractor partners, and our employees. General guidelines for all inspections: • When scheduling any inspection, you will be asked basic health screening question(s) about the people on the job site. • As of March 24th our building inspectors are now working remotely from their vehicles and are not physically in contact with other City staff. • We will limit exposure to as few individuals on site as possible. We request that only the Sub-contractor or General Contractor be present on site at the time of inspection. • Building Inspection Services staff may evaluate the risk before proceeding with any scheduled inspection. In order to follow State direction on social distancing, no more than 10 people in a group, with 6-8 feet of distance between people. • To request interior inspections of occupied structures, please contact Tim Hennes at 319-356-5122 or Terry Goerdt at 319-356-5124 . Inspections will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine the best course of action depending on life safety issues. Alternate types of documentation such as photos, videos, or live video sessions may be permissible depending on circumstances. Building Inspections No Modifications: Inspections that will occur as normal: • Exterior footings, foundations, decks, accessory structures. • Residential and commercial projects where structure is unoccupied. • In general, any new unoccupied construction project or outside project where exposure can be limited. Modifications: Inspections that will be adjusted for public safety: Created 3.2.20 • Interior residential/ commercial where occupants are present will be determined on a case-by-case basis when inspection is requested. We will evaluate the life safety issues and determine the best course of action. Depending on the project, photos, videos, or live video of the area may be considered to determine compliance. • High risk facilities such as hospitals, care centers, day cares, schools will be determined on a case-by-case basis. We will evaluate the life safety issues and determine the best course of action. Depending on the project, photos, videos, or live video of the area may be considered to determine compliance. • All other projects that pose a hazard from exposure to more than 10 individual or individuals who pose a risk will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Depending on the project, photos, videos, or live video of the area may be considered to determine compliance. Mechanical / Plumbing / Electrical Life safety issues including no heat, no water, no electrical will be evaluated and prioritized. We will work with subcontractors on limiting risk during inspections. No Modifications: Inspections that will occur as normal: • Exterior sewer and groundwork • Un-occupied commercial and residential projects • Accessory structures • Gas Pressure Test outside the structure • Gas Meter Release outside the structure • Electrical service • Temp electrical service Modifications: Inspections that will be adjusted for public safety: • Inspections of appliance replacements such as furnaces and water heaters in single family dwellings will be suspended until further notice. The contractor may take photos of the work and email to Tim Hennes at Tim-Hennes@iowa-city.org • Interior Residential and Commercial where occupants are present will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Depending on the project, photos, videos, or live video of the area may be considered to determine compliance. • High risk facilities such as hospitals, care centers, day cares, schools will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Depending on the project, photos, videos, or live video of the area may be considered to determine compliance. • Any project that poses a hazard from exposure to more than 10 or individuals who pose a risk will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and possibly postponed. Depending on the project, photos, videos, or live video of the area may be considered to determine compliance.