PROCEDURES FOR THE EXAMINATION

INSPECTION OF CONSTRUCTION

OF

PLANS

AND

Contents
INTRODUCTION
1.

EXAMINATION OF PLANS

1.1
1.2
1.3

Function of the Building Inspectorate

Building Inspector
Development Control Officer (Engineer)

2.

INSPECTION OF CONSTRUCTION

2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
2.10
2.11
2.12
2.13
2.14
2.15
2.16

General
Building layout
Foundations
Structural Frame
Ring Beam
Roof
Floors
Plumbing
Drainage
Septic Tank and Waste Disposal
Water Cistern
Electricity
Final Inspection
Special Inspections
Other Inspections
Safety and Health Inspections

3.

COMPLEX OR LARGE PROJECTS

4.

BUILDING ADVISORY SERVICE FOR SMALL BUILDINGS

5.

REPORTING

Procedures for the Examination of Plans and Inspection of Construction

Appendices
Forms
1A.

Review of Plans of Small Domestic Buildings

1B.

Results of Examination of Plans

2.

Request for Inspection

Building Inspection Report

4.

Monthly Report

5.

Design Requirements for Consideration by Building Consultants

6.

Certificate of Practising Structural Engineer

Procedures for the Examination of Plans and Inspection of Construction

INTRODUCTION
This document is based on discussions and observations of the
procedures used by most of the OECS building inspectorates for the
examination of plans and the inspection of construction. The problems
noted are that generally not enough time is taken for the examination of
the plans and the details on the drawings observed by the Building
Inspectors are not generally in accordance with the requirements of the
Guidelines.
The document does not discuss the procedures for receipt of the
applications, as each Authority will have its own procedures. However,
the examination of plans and the reporting of the examinations must be
carried out in an orderly manner, and attention is therefore given to the
procedures for doing this.
The use of the Building Guidelines and Building Code for buildings to be
erected in Antigua and Barbuda and in St. Kitts and Nevis is now the law
of the land. The Code defines small buildings as those residential and
retail commercial buildings less than 3000 sq. ft. in area, and therefore
covers most (in numbers) of the buildings being constructed in the State.
The requirements of the Code control the design and construction of all
buildings; but the Guidelines are geared for use by the designer and
constructor of small buildings.
The Building Inspectors have to ensure that all developments are carried
out in accordance with the Code and with the relevant plans as approved
by the DCA. The procedures outlined are intended to guide the building
inspectorate in carrying out the required inspections, but each Inspector
must be knowledgeable about the existing building and planning
Regulations and must be aware of the main recommendations detailed in
the Code and Guidelines.
The Sections on the Administration of the Code and on the
Administration of the Guidelines define the inspections which are
mandatory. Site Inspection visits are based on requests by the developer
or builder on the forms as at Appendix 1.
The visits paid to construction sites by the Building Inspectors must be
formal and within normal working hours unless specifically requested by
the builder to carry out an inspection after working hours for a specific
purpose, such as during a concrete pour.
There is also the need for the Building Inspectors to assist builders of
small homes in the construction techniques needed to permit "safe'
Procedures for the Examination of Plans and Inspection of Construction

construction, and it is recommended that an Advisory Service be

established to provide this assistance.
Many persons building small homes do not have the knowledge needed
to design and construct a safe and economical home. It is proposed that
the Building Inspector accept the challenges of assisting the homeowner
by explaining the requirements of the Building Guidelines and the
process required by the Authority for applying for a development
permission and for a permit to construct the home. It is not intended that
the Building Inspector design the home but he/she should discuss the
construction details with the home owner or builder. The details given in
the Guidelines and for timber homes in the document Build it Strong
should be followed by the home owner.
The Advisory Service if established can be an important function of the
DCA. The procedures for this service are outlined in Section 4.
Unless the regulatory body is equipped with personnel capable of
carrying out the examinations of major structural or infrastructure works,
it is assumed that the building inspectors concentrate on the examination
of plans for buildings within the scope of the Building Guidelines. Plans
for major works outside the scope of the Guidelines should be examined
by professional engineers and architects employed by the Public Works
Department.

Procedures for the Examination of Plans and Inspection of Construction

1.

EXAMINATION OF PLANS

1.1

Function of the Building Inspectorate

The examination of plans is part of the procedures for
processing of applications; however, the involvement of the
building inspectorate at this stage will assist the Development
Control Officer and the Director (Town and Country Planner) in
determining the need for other opinions on the proposals and
for discussions with developers.
The examination should be carried out systematically and in
accordance with the details given in the Building Code and
Guidelines. All construction details must be as per the Code and
Guidelines and must satisfy the requirements of the Code; or
the designer will be expected to provide calculations or other
information showing that the details shown on the drawings
would produce a hurricane and earthquake resistant building
and that the facilities being constructed are in accordance with
the Code.
The Code recognises that there are occasions in which a
Special Inspector may be required to assist the DCA in the
examination of plans and construction of specialized
installations. The Development Control Officer is expected to
advise the Director whether a Special Inspector is required
giving reasons for this advice. The reasons must be in
accordance with Section 1of the Code.
Until the Dept. of Planning engages a plumbing specialist, the
Senior Building Inspector should examine all plumbing layouts
using the Building Guidelines for guidance. The examination
should focus on:
-

the adequacy of pipe sizes and connections;

ensuring that there is no possibility of cross connection

between the potable water lines and waste lines;

the design and placement of septic tanks, cess pits

and disposal wells should be examined. If plans for
these facilities are not available, the designer should
be asked to submit them for consideration before the

Procedures for the Examination of Plans and Inspection of Construction

1.2

1.3

application is forwarded to the DCA. The Ministry of

Health should be consulted at an early stage for
advice on all plans for disposal of waste.
Building Inspector
a)

The Building Inspector will be expected to examine the

plans for the following:

b)

Type of building (see regulations) and of structural

frame

c)

Design of foundations

d)

Hurricane holding down bolts and clips

e)

Size of structural members

f)

Roof structure, pitch, sheathing and fixings

g)

Concrete block wall sizes and reinforcing

h)

Ring beam size and reinforcing

i)

Water cistern size and construction details

j)

Septic tank size and construction details

k)

Disposal of storm drainage. The drawings must show

the guttering and the path of the run-off of the water,
whether into a cistern or into a road drain.

l)

Plumbing arrangements ( in concert with the Senior

Building Inspector) and pipe sizes for internal
connections and arrangements for connections to the
main water supply system and to the mains sewer
system where applicable.

m)

Electricity (with the Electrical Inspector)

n)

The Building Inspector reports on the examination

using the form at Appendix ----- and then passes the
file to the Development Control Officer for his further
action.

Development Control Officer (Engineer)

Procedures for the Examination of Plans and Inspection of Construction

The Development Control Officer carries out the following:

a)

Determines whether a Special Inspector should be

recommended for the review of the structural plans or
other plans as required in Section 1 of the Code, and
to assist in the inspection of construction of the
structure and of any other specific component of the
development beyond the scope of the Guidelines.

b)

Examines the plans to determine whether the

structural designs shown are in accordance with the
Code. The Development Control Officer may request
the applicant to supply structural calculations if this is
considered necessary. If there no engineer in place,
the Public Works Department should be asked to
review the drawings for compliance with the Code, or
a Special Inspector may be engaged to carry out this
work.

c)

Reviews all comments on the file received from the

Senior
Building
inspector
and
from
the
Departments/Authorities consulted and prepares the
recommendation to the DCA for the consideration of
the Director. The file is then passed to the Director for
his action.

d)

The examination of the plans is complete only after the

Development Control Officer is satisfied that the plans
submitted are responsive to the Building Code and/or
Guidelines, and that the information given is adequate
for such a determination.

e)

The Development Control Officer may recommend to

he Director that the application be approved or not
approved based on the examination of the plans and
the comments received.

Procedures for the Examination of Plans and Inspection of Construction

2.

INSPECTION OF CONSTRUCTION

2.1

General

2.2

a)

Inspection of construction follows the approval of the

application and the request of the builder. Each sheet
of plans and specifications approved by the DCA must
be stamped and dated as approved and signed by the
Secretary.

b)

The Code and Guidelines give the stages at which the

Inspectors are expected to examine the work and to
approve or otherwise the work examined so that the
builder can move on to the following phase. The
following should be examined:

Building Layout.
The actual layout of the buildings or developments should be
checked against the approved plans. The Building Inspector
should ask the person in charge of the site to produce a copy of
the approved plans, before beginning the check. While the site
boundaries may be difficult to check by the Building Inspector,
the site boundaries should be marked and the Building
Inspector should satisfy himself that the construction is within
the required distances from the site boundaries and is in
accordance with the approved plans.

2.3

Foundations.
a)

Many building plans are submitted without a precise

knowledge of the soil types or without the topography
shown. During construction the builder finds that the
level of the land is such that a level footing is not
practicable and decisions have to be made on the
depth of the footing below ground level and the size of
the footing.

b)

In such circumstances the Building Inspector has to

decide whether the amendments made on site are
satisfactory or whether the developer should apply to

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the DCA for approval of the amendments found

necessary by site conditions. On a large project advice
on such problems would be given by the Special
Inspector, (where employed) but on small projects it is
expected that the Building Inspector would examine
the suggested variation to the plans and advise the
builder whether work can continue without requiring
the approval of the DCA.
c)

2.4

The following procedure should be used:

i)

For large projects, request the developers or

builders to provide soil tests and foundation
designs based on the ground profile and
strata (and other relevant data) on which the
footing is to be placed.

ii)

Inspect the foundations before concreting

takes place to check whether the footings are
being constructed as designed. If this is not
being done, the builder or developer should
be requested to provide amended drawings
for consideration of the DCA. For large
projects the builder should be advised to
cease work until the DCA has approved the
amendments.

iii)

For small projects, check to see whether the

footings are being constructed as per the
Guidelines, and that the base of the footing if
on rock, is keyed into the base material as
given in the Guidelines. It is important to
ensure that the footings can not be eroded by
storm water or if near the sea, by high seas or
storm surge affects.

Structural Frame.
a)

Where the structural frame is of timber, the Building

Inspector should check the connectors used to ensure
that they are adequate for the size of timber being
used, and that the connectors are properly placed. If
the frame is a concrete block wall the size and

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reinforcing of the walls and ring beam must be in

accordance with the approved drawings and with the
Guidelines..
b)

2.5

Concrete quality if mixed on site. Concrete tests

should be carried out to assist the builder to produce
concrete of the strength required by the Guidelines.

Ring Beam
The Building Inspector should check to see that the size being
used is as per the approved plans and in accordance with the
recommendations of the Guidelines and that the reinforcement
is adequate. The quality of the concrete should also be
examined. Badly constructed formwork produces generally bad
quality concrete. It is expected that the Building Inspector will
guide the small builder in the construction of adequate formwork
for ring beams and lintels.

2.6

2.7

Roof.
a)

The Building Inspector will be expected to ensure that

the roof structure is constructed as designed, and in
particular to see that the roof plates are properly bolted
to the ring beam and that the rafters are connected to
the plate by bolts or acceptable connectors.
Reinforcing rods bent around the rafters is not the
preferred method.

b)

The roof sheeting should be connected to the rafters

and purlins by screws rather than nails, as screws
provide better resistance to high winds. The roof
sheeting itself should be supported at intervals as
shown in the Guidelines so that there is no sagging.
Where corrugated galvanised iron sheets are used
gauge should preferably 24 rather than 26 in common
use.

Floors
a)

Timber floors shall be constructed as per the

Guidelines. Examine the sizes and placing of floor

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joists and fixing of joists to main beams or to wall

plates.

2.8

2.9

b)

For concrete floors ensure that the fill is properly

placed to prevent subsidence, and that the concrete is
vibrated or properly tamped to provide dense concrete.
A proper screed well floated will prevent dusting during
use and provide a surface that will wear well.

c)

Check the reinforcement to see whether it conforms to

the plans and to the Guidelines

Plumbing
a)

The Building Inspector must ensure that the

workmanship is sound and that the layout of the
system is as per the design examined and approved
by the DCA.

b)

The Building Inspector must check to see that there

are no cross connections between the water lines and
the waste lines, and that there is no possibility of
contamination of drinking supplies by waste water.

c)

The Guidelines give appropriate gradients for pipes of

the sizes recommended. The sizes should be checked
on site as the drawings for small buildings might not
show the pipe sizes or the gradients to be used. Also
all waste pipes must be trapped and vented in
accordance with the Guidelines. These must be
checked.

Storm Water Drainage

The Building Inspector should check to ensure that the guttering
supplied is properly connected and that all roof water is led to
the cistern or to a road drain as shown on the drawings.

2.10

Septic Tank and Disposal System

The construction of the tank must be carefully monitored, The
drawings approved by the DCA must be followed. It would be

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useful to have some of the inspections of the tank and disposal

system done by the Ministry of Heath.
2.11

2.12

Water Cistern
a)

The requirement for the construction of water cisterns

is necessary due to the low rainfall in the some
situations in Antigua and Barbuda. The Guidelines
require that for standard dwelling houses not
connected to a mains supply, the size of the cistern be
calculated on the basis of 10 gallons per sq. ft. of roof
area. The Building Inspector must check that this
requirement is being met.

b)

The construction details of the cistern should be shown

on the drawings. In general the deeper the cistern the
thicker should be the cistern walls. The Building
Inspector should check the construction as per the
drawings and ensure the proper placing of reinforcement. Each cistern must have an access hatch and
should preferably be constructed with two chambers
so as to allow for cleaning of the cistern without having
to dispose of all of the water.

c)

Be sure that soil or waste pipes are not routed through

the cistern, or that the cistern is not built under a
garage where leaking oil can get into the water.

Electricity
Inspections should be done in concert with the Electrical
Inspector. The inspections should begin with the placing of
conduits (where required) and at the stage when the conductors
are being pulled. The Electrical Inspector will determine the
stages of inspection and the Building Inspector will be expected
to inform the Electrical Inspector of the progress of the
construction and cooperate in the inspection.

2.13

Final Inspection
The permission to occupy a newly constructed building is
dependent on the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. This
certificate can only be issued if the final inspection has taken

proc. for exam. of plans

place and the Building Inspector is satisfied that the building

has been constructed in accordance with the approved plans.
The Building Inspector should therefore carry out this inspection
with the builder present. The inspection should include all major
systems, such as sewage disposal, electricity, water cistern,
drainage, and final covering of roof. The inspection will take at
least three hours for a building of 3000 sq.ft. and should not be
hurried.
2.14

Certificate of Occupancy
This certificate should be provided the day after the final
inspection if the inspection shows that the building construction
is satisfactory. If problems are noticed, the builder and
developer must be informed and another inspection planned.
Information to the builder and developer must be confirmed in
writing addressed to the developer or his/her agent as given in
the application form.

2.15

Other Inspections
The Special Inspector should be engaged for examination of
major mechanical and electrical systems such as desalination
plants, mechanical sewerage treatment plants, and power
plants. Reports of the Special Inspector will be sent to the
Director and copies sent to the builder and developer for action
where indicated. Inspections of major civil engineering works
also fall in this category, and should be handled similarly.

2.16

Safety and Health

a)

Section 6 of the Code details the requirements for

safety
precautions
during
construction.
This
requirement applies to all work whether on small or on
large projects. The Building Inspector must be aware
of the requirements of this Section of the Code, and
ensure that builders comply with the provisions where
applicable.

b)

In particular all mechanical hoisting equipment must be

examined to ensure that the equipment can be
operated safely.

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c)

During periods of hurricane watch the builder should

secure all material that can be moved by high winds,
and all loose material must be removed. In order to
ensure that the requirements of the Code are observed
the Development Control Officer should notify all
building sites to secure the premises and material as
soon as the hurricane watch is announced. This can
be done through the National Disaster Coordinator in
the warning messages given on the radio.

d)

Section 5 of the Code gives the minimum standards

required for public health and safety. Most of the
requirements can be examined during the stage of
processing of applications, but requirements for
sanitation on building sites and general cleanliness of
the site must be enforced by the Building Inspector.
There should be no exceptions to this requirement,
and the diligence of the Building Inspector is important
in ensuring that a tidy building site is maintained. The
Central Board of health should be informed if in the
opinion of the Building Inspector the construction site
is not being maintained in a safe and healthy manner.

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3.

COMPLEX OR LARGE PROJECTS

3.1

The Code (Section 1) details the requirements for the Special

Inspector(or Review Consultant) and gives the responsibilities
of the position. The Special Inspector reports to the Director
(through the Development Control Officer). The reports must be
submitted monthly and as needed by the progress of
construction. The terms of reference of the appointment must
therefore include this specific requirement, the details of which
should be developed during negotiations with the developer,
and submitted to the DCA with the comments made on the
application.

3.2

The Special Inspector must have the following qualifications:

a)

Recognised qualifications as an Engineer or Architect

b)

Proven experience in the design or construction of

projects similar to the project being examined

c)

Experience as a resident engineer or architect on

major projects, or specific experience in the installation
of major mechanical, electrical or electronic equipment
as may be deemed necessary.

3.3

It must not be assumed that a Resident Engineer or Clerk of

Works employed by the developer can perform the duties of the
Special Inspector. This determination must be made by the
Director who will take into account the qualifications and
experience of the engineer, the nature of the tasks to be
performed and the special reporting function of the Special
Inspector.

3.4

The reports of the Special Inspector will determine whether the

Development Control Officer is satisfied that the project
concerned has been constructed in accordance with the Code
and other requirements and can on completion of the project
recommend the issue a Completion Certificate.

3.5

It is important therefore that the Building Inspector ensure that

the reports of the Special Inspector are clear and unequivocal in
its conclusions so that the Director can issue the Completion
Certificate with confidence.

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3.6

Appendix 5 provides forms to be filled out and submitted by the

Prime Consultant and Structural Engineer engaged for projects
beyond the scope of the Guidelines. The proper use of these
forms will provide some comfort to the Authority that the
Consultants have examined and taken into account the design
requirements for buildings to resist the natural hazards of high
winds, heavy rainfall and earthquakes. These forms must
accompany the submissions for building permits for buildings
within the Groups indicated on the forms. The Director will not
examine any submission that is out accompanied by the forms
properly filled out. The Senior Building Inspector on receipt of
the applications for building permits must ensure that the forms
have been attached to the applications and that the critical
criteria have been considered by the Consultants.

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4.

BUILDING ADVISORY SERVICE FOR SMALL PROJECTS

4.1

Advice offered to small builders at the planning and designing

stages would prevent many problems in the building process.
Persons wishing to design and construct small buildings should
request advice from the Department when the buildings are
being planned.

4.2

The procedure to be used in providing the advice is as follows:

4.3

a)

The service would normally begin with the application

for development permission and a review of the plans.
The Senior Building Inspector should arrange a
meeting with the developer or builder to discuss all
details which would lead to the production of safe and
economical construction. It is not intended that the
Advisory Service deal with the planning aspects of
buildings except in areas where the Code requires
specific planning requirements, such as size and
location of bathrooms.

b)

Assistance is given in areas such as:

-

Filling out the application form

Explaining the Guidelines

Foundation design

Reinforcement of columns and beams

Design of septic tank and soakaway pit

Design of water cistern

Roof design and holding down mechanisms

Other matters which may be of concern to the

builder.

The Senior Building Inspector should inform the builder that the
advice offered is intended to produce buildings which would
conform to the requirements of the Guidelines and the Code.

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The responsibility for the design and construction of the building

remains with the developer or builder and not with the
Authority/Board.
4.4

The builder should be advised to discuss the electrical

installations with the Electrical Inspector at an early stage, so
that provision can be made for installation of conduits (where
needed) and the circuit breaker.

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5.

REPORTING

5.1

Appendices 1, 3 and 4 give the reporting forms to be used by

the Building Inspectors. The general procedure for ensuring
consistent reporting records is as follows:
a)

All reports must be placed on the relevant file.

b)

Reports must be identified by the plot and parcel

number and the Permission Certificate number.

c)

Drawings must be folded in envelopes and stapled to

the file. Large developments will produce many
drawings which cannot be placed in envelopes. In
such circumstances the package or roll must be
properly tagged with the application number and filed.
The location of these drawings should be noted on the
file.

d)

Reports should be made on each project under

construction at intervals no greater than two months,
and on the result of every inspection. Reports must
indicate clearly action to be taken by the Director or
Engineer or other officers of the DCA.

e)

All reports are received by the Senior Building

Inspector and each report filed appropriately. The
computer record is updated at that time.

f)

The files must be passed to the Engineer no later than

noon of the day the reports are received, so that the
Engineer can examine the reports and take
appropriate action.

g)

Copies of all letters sent by the Director on matters

arising from the reports should be sent to the Engineer
who should ensure that the Building Inspector who
generated the report is informed of the action taken.

f)

The Review Committee should examine the reports

and to ensure that appropriate action is taken where
indicated.

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h)

Each report should be subjected to a searching

analysis, as many major problems do not necessarily
surface on the reports.

i)

The monthly DCA reports should be examined by the

Director before being submitted to the DCA, and
forwarded to DCA with comments by the Director. All
problems noted and action taken should be reported to
the DCA.

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APPENDIX 1A
REVIEW OF PLANS OF SMALL DOMESTIC BUILDINGS
(Less than 3,000 Square Feet in Gross Floor Area)
Building elements or parts to be
examined
Building Type by function

Regulations, Code or
Guidelines reference
DCA Regulations

Building Type by fire resistance

Section 3 of Code

Roof

Guidelines Section B.5

Cross Sections required

Admin. of the Guidelines

Structure

Admin.. of the Guidelines

Site layout

Location

Development Standards Section 19 of Code

Guidelines Admin. and
DCA. Regulations
Land use plan

Floor - dimensions

Table 5-1 of Code

Floor - concrete

Guidelines Section B.4

Floor - timber

Guidelines Section C.3

Lighting and electricity

Guidelines Section G.7

Ventilation

Section 502.6 of Code

Sewerage and waste disposal

Section F of Guidelines

Water Storage

Section F of Guidelines

Plumbing

Section F of Guidelines

Parking

Table 19-7 of Section 19

of Code and DCA
regulations

Site plan

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Access

Section 19 of Code

Foundations
Concrete buildings

Section B of Guidelines

Timber buildings

Section C of Guidelines

Steel buildings

Section D of Guidelines

Fire Resistance Construction

Section E of Guidelines

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APPENDIX 1B
RESULTS OF EXAMINATION OF PLAN SUBMITTED FOR
DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL OR FOR A BUILDING PERMIT (The
relevant section of the Guidelines to be quoted for all items
reviewed)
Building Inspector
Date
Application Number
Date Submitted to the DCA
Type of Development: __________________________________
____________________________________________________
Name of Owner Person Interviewed (if any)
Satisfactory

Not satisfactory

Guidelines
section

Guidelines
section

Development elements
reviewed

Site Layout
Foundation layout, sizes
Concrete ground floorsCompaction, floor thickness
and reinforcement
Concrete suspended floors thickness and reinforcement
Walls (sizes and
reinforcement)
Columns Spacing, sizes and
reinforcement
Roof - type and pitch

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Guidelines
Section
Roof member sizes
Septic tank or Cess pit location and sizes
Soakaway Pit - location,
depth and size
Water cistern - location, type,
size, and construction
materials used
Concrete water cistern location, wall thickness,
reinforcement
Electricity (with electrical
inspector)
Plumbing - pipe sizes and
connections
Rain water disposal - size of
gutters and location of
disposal of rain water

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Guidelines
Section

APPENDIX 2
REQUEST FOR INSPECTION
(Sample form. Similar forms are to be used for all elements to be
inspected)

FORM NO 1: Request for Inspection of SETTING OUT

To:

Development Control Authority

Permission Number:

_______________________________

Type of Development:

_______________________________
__________________________
_____
__________________________
_____

Name of Developer:

_______________________________
__________________________
_____

Date inspection required:

__________________________
______
Name of Builder:
__________________________
______
Date of request:
__________________________
______

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Signature of Builder:
__________________________
______
Proposed date of inspection: _____________________________
Inspection not scheduled: _______________________________
(Reasons)
__________________________
______
__________________________
______
Sgd. Building Inspector

_______________________________

Date:

_______________________________

Note: This form is to be used for inspections of all elements as

identified in the Code. The builder should ensure that the request
reaches the Building Inspector at least 48 hours before the
inspection is required.
If the Building Inspector cannot meet the date required the builder
must be informed by noting this on the form and signing his name
and date. The builder must be aware that the responsibility for
conforming to the Code is his/her's, and not the DCA.

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APPENDIX 3.
BUILDING INSPECTION REPORT FORM
Name of Inspector: _____________________________________
Date and time of inspection: _____________________________
Certificate Number: __________________________________
Date Approved: _______________________________________
Type of Development: __________________________________
Name of Owner: _____________________________________
Person Interviewed: ____________________________________

ELEMENTS INSPECTED

SATISFACTO
RY
Guidelines
reference

Site Layout
Foundation
Floors
Walls
Columns
Belt Beam
Roof
Septic Tank or Cess Pit
Soakaway Pit

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NOT
SATISFACTORY
Guidelines
reference

Water Cistern
Electricity
Plumbing
Rain water guttering and
disposal

GENERAL COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

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APPENDIX 4.
Monthly Report Form
(Sample headings only)
BUILDINGS UNDER CONSTRUCTION DURING MONTH OF :

Name of Inspector
Permission
No

Plot and
Parcel No.

Date
Date
Approved

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Type of
Development

Stage
Reached

Is Work as
Approved

Comments

proc. for exam. of plans

APPENDIX 5
DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSIDERATION BY BUILDING
CONSULTANTS

Item
No.

AA-1
ARC
HITE
A-2

Description

Fire resisting assemblies

Fire separations and their continuity

A-3

Closures, including tightness and operation

A-4

A-7

Egress systems including access to exits

within suites and floor areas
Performance and safety of guardrails,
handrails etc
Structural capacity of architectural
components including anchorage and
restraints
Sound control

A-8

Landscaping design

A-9

Fire resistance

A-10

Access requirements for persons with

disabilities
Review of applicable shop drawings

A-5
A-6

A-11
A-12
A-13

Damp-proofing and waterproofing walls

below grade
Elevating devices

A-14

Wall cladding systems

A-15

Roof systems and cladding

proc. for exam. of plans

Con
side
Yes
red

No

A-16

Exterior glazing

A-17

Integration of building requirements

A-18

Conditions of development permit issued by

the Town Planner
Conditions of detailed and building permit
issued by the Building Authority

A-19
BB-1
STRU
CTUR
AL
ENGI
B-2

Structural capacity of structural components

(all beams, columns, floor and roof systems)
of the building including anchorage and
seismic restraints
Structural aspects of foundations

B-3

Review of all applicable shop drawings

B-4

Structural aspects of all precast members

including connections and restraint devices
Structural aspects of pre and post tensioned
design

B-5
CC-1
MEC
HANI
C-2
C-3

AC systems and devices

Fire dampers at required fire separations

C-6

Continuity of fire separations at AC

penetrations
Functional testing of mechanically related fire
emergency systems
Structural capacity of all mechanical systems
including anchorage and seismic restraints
Review of all applicable shop drawings

C-7

Maintenance manuals for AC systems

DD-1
CIVIL
ENGI

Site drainage systems

C-4
C-5

proc. for exam. of plans

D-2

Site grading

D-3

Embankments and retaining walls

D-4

Access roads

EE-1
PLUM
BING
E-2

Roof drainage systems

E-4

Continuity of fire separations at plumbing

penetrations
Functional testing of plumbing related fire
emergency systems
Review of all applicable shop drawings

E-5

Water supply for landscaping

E-6

Structural capacity of plumbing systems

including anchorage and restraints

G-1
G-2

Miscellaneous work. See A-8, D-1, D-2, D-3,

E-5, F-5
Soil replacement

G-3

Planting

E-3

Certificate of the Prime Consultant

I certify that the building for which an application for a building permit has
been requested has been designed in accordance with the requirements
of the Building Code. Where there is/are (a) deviation/s from the
requirements of the Code such deviations have been noted on the plans
and the Code or Standard used has been referenced.
Signed: ---------------------------------------------------------------Prime Consultant
Date: ------------------------------------------------------------------

proc. for exam. of plans

Note: This form must be submitted to the Director in support of an

application for a building permit. A building permit will not be
issued unless this form has been completed and submitted and
approved by the Director.

proc. for exam. of plans

APPENDIX 6
CERTIFICATE OF PRACTISING STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
1

Background
The accompanying certificate provides information on the
technical requirements of the structural design of buildings as
required under the provisions of the Code.
This form is to be presented to the Director with the structural
plans for the buildings conforming to the categories listed on the
form. Completion of the form will assist the Director in making
more appropriate decisions with respect to compliance of the
structure with the standards in the Code.
The use of this form does not increase the work of the structural
engineer. On the contrary, it provides a logical framework within
which the engineers work may be organised.
Note:

2.

The categories of buildings for which this form shall be

used include those buildings listed in Groups A, B, C
and F in Section 3 of the Code plus hotels of more
than 20 rooms and multi-storey condominiums of more
than 15 units.

Design
This form is to be used for submissions of applications to the
Director for a building permit to construct new buildings,
additions to existing buildings and renovations involving
changes of use.
Owner's Name:
Building:
Location:

3.

Documents Attached - if and as required by the Director:

proc. for exam. of plans

3.1

Drawings
-

outline drawings illustrating the overall structural

scheme

construction details

3.2

Philosophy and concept of structural design and design criteria:

(Attach report).

3.3

Safe foundation bearing pressure: Attach summary

geotechnical report.

3.4

Specifications: Attach separate sheets with the technical

specifications including materials, workmanship, testing and any
special construction sequencing.

3.5

Calculations: Attach separate sheets with calculations for the

overall structural frame and for typical details.

3.6

Building Class:

3.7

Existing Building Age:

4.

Design Criteria

4.1

Gravity Live Loads:

4.2

a)

roof

b)

upper floors

c)

ground floor

Wind Loading:
a)

Basic and Design Wind Velocities:

b)

Terrain Category:
i)

ground roughness

proc. for exam. of plans

ii)

4.3

4.4

topography

c).

Building life or safety or importance considerations

d)

Pressure Coefficients:
i).

External roof (max):

ii).

External roof (min):

iii)

External walls (max):

iv)

External walls (min):

v)

Internal (max):

vi).

Internal (min):

Earthquake loading:
i)

Zone Z factor:

ii)

Importance I factor:

iii)

Structural system K factor:

iv)

Structural stiffness C factor:

v)

Soils S factor:

Load combinations:

1.

dead + fluids

1.

dead + fluids + live + soil + rain

3.

dead + live + rain + wind

4.

dead + live + earthquake

5.

dead + wind + soil

proc. for exam. of plans

6.

dead + earthquake + soil

proc. for exam. of plans

5.

Certificate
I/We* certify that:
1

I am a/we are* Practising Structural1 Engineer(s)*

actively involved in the field of structural engineering
design.

I/We* have carried out/checked* the structural design

and calculations for the above building.

The structure for the above-mentioned building has

been designed in accordance with the principles of
structural mechanics and, if constructed reasonably in
accordance with the documents listed above, will be
capable of sustaining the combinations of loads to
which it will be subjected in accordance with the
relevant provisions of the Building Code. The relevant
standards, specifications and references relied upon in
the design of the building work are as follows:

4.

If the design does not comply with the relevant

standards and the Building Code, state in which areas
it differs (attach reports if necessary):

This Certificate is valid for ten years from date of issue

only if the building structure remains as designed.

I/We* have/have not* been engaged to carry out the

structural supervision of the construction and will/will
1

A corporate member of the Institution of Structural

Engineers of the UK or legal engineers registration

proc. for exam. of plans

not2 issue a Certificate to certify that the constructed

works are in accordance with the drawings.
All documents covered by this certificate shall be endorsed and
signed by the Practising Structural Engineer.
Name:
Qualifications
Address:
Signature:
Date:

Note: This form was developed with the assistance of Tony Gibbs

Delete where not necessary

proc. for exam. of plans

PROCEDURES
FOR THE EXAMINATION
OF PLANS
AND

INSPECTION OF
CONSTRUCTION

proc. for exam. of plans

PROCEDURES
For the
EXAMINATION OF PLANS
and
INSPECTION OF CONSTRUCTION
Prepared by
Alwyn T. Wason P.Eng
for the
Post Georges Disaster Mitigation Project

proc. for exam. of plans