Is Building Permit required by code?

[SKJ25POL]

I am wondering for repair or replace of a structural member do we still need to get a building permit?

To give you more detail of what I am asking for, there is a belt conveyor steel trusss that two of bottom chords are corroded severly which repaires reinforcement, repair or replacing those particular members.

Can anyone with knowledge of building code tell me if we need/require us to get a building permit for this?

Thank you so very much for information.

Respectfully,
Fellow structural engineer

 

[JedClampett]

From your description, this is a maintenance activity (usually not requiring a permit) on equipment (usually not requiring a permit). So no permit required.
But codes are a local issue, so you need to find out what code governs (City or County websites are good for this) and verify this.

 

[EngineeringEric]

My experience with large manuf. facilities is similar to Jed's statement. It is a repair no permit needed. Now i will say that major repairs due to failure will need a permit (ie the thing collapses) but it is up the BCO. I'd say give them a call if this isn't the only facility there, don't tell them where or what exactly you are doing and get them familiar enough to give an answer.

 

[BUGGAR]

What may be an issue - do the public have any access to the area around the conveyor?

You are likely under the jurisdiction of Federal or State OSHA (if in the U.S.). This generally covers "the workplace".

I agree with Jed, too.

 

[SKJ25POL]

EngineeringEric, the conveyor structure is located in U.S. and it is in an industrial plant. Beside some workers in plant, there are no civilians there, so I don't see it in public area.

May I ask if you are aware of any OSHA provision regarding repair of structures?

So what I collect from the responses is there are no building permit requirement, am I right?

Thanks eveybody

 

[EngineeringEric]

Not aware of an OSHA Requirement. Not really sure what OSHA would have to do with the repair in a situation like yours.

It seems like it is a structural repair that is required. As for the repair, I wouldn't worry about 'code', just make your repair stronger than what was there and call it a day.

 

[TehMightyEngineer]

Most codes I'm familiar with have industrial exceptions where most industrial repair work does not require a permit.

Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.

 

[racookpe1978]

If you are replacing "like (design and weld and shape) with like" then you fall under YOUR PLANT maintenance and repair process and checks. (QA, weld inspections, material certifications, training, OSHA, tagouts/Lock Out (if pressurized or energized systems), and your own plant's work permit requirements and insurance. (Self work, or by a contractor?)

If the original design has not changed, and if the original supports and concrete have not sagged or moved, then the original design is probably still good (member size, position, and weld and inspection criteria could come from the original dwgs). Your design checks need to verify that the strut (bent) will still hold under static and dynamic loads AFTER the first weakened member is cut away to replace it with a new piece of steel. Then, when that first weak (rusted) member is rewelded, will the bent stay up when the second rusted member is cut away to be replaced?

 

[msquared48]

Is Building Permit required by code?

This is not really the correct question to pose as the IBC code guidelines are a minimum.

Your local building jurisdiction would ultimately have the authority to decide whether or not a permit was needed, based on code guidelines. Remember, that they can always be stricter than the code. That is their perrogative.

Mike McCann, PE, SE

 

[JedClampett]

Yeah, but as soon as you call the building department, they'll make it their mission in life to inject themselves in your design.
In this case, I'd rather beg forgiveness than ask permission.

 

[msquared48]

Jed:

So you would design and dig tunnels?

Mike McCann, PE, SE

 

[BUGGAR]

Yeah, but as soon as you call the building department, they'll make it their mission in life to inject themselves in your design.

Oh how true in my experience!!

 

[ARS97]

Practically all of my work experience has been in the coal/sand/gravel material handling industry. For whatever reason, most local building code enforcement officials seem to not get involved in these types of projects. It baffles the mind, seeing how some of the applications involve EXTREMELY large forces (as with conveyor tensions), but it is what it is. It all depends on the local official.

 

[madmantrapper]

I would not call and open that can of worms. Most all of my experience has been in equipment maintenance and modification. I have not ever needed a permit. Most of the work by us was in MD PA and SC.