HomeMy WebLinkAboutORD 7327 TO AMEND UPDATE, AND IMPROVE THE AUGUSTA GEORGIA CODE, TITLE SEVEN CHAPTER ONE, SECTIONS 7-1-1 THROUGH 7-1-120 TO OBTAIN PERMITS SIMILAR TO HOMEOWNERS AND CONTRACTORIS ORDINANCE NO. 73 ��
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND, UPDATE, AND IMPROVE THE
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA CODE, TITLE SEVEN, CHAPTER ONE,
SECTIONS 7-1-1 THROUGH 7-1-120, TO ALLOW THE AUGUSTA,
GEORGIA GOVERNMENT TO OBTAIN PERMITS IN A MANNER
SIMILAR TO HOMEOWNERS AND CONTRACTORS; TO PROVIDE
FOR A WAIVER OF PERMIT FEES FOR THE AUGUSTA, GEORGIA
GOVERNMENT; TO REPEAL ALL CODE SECTIONS AND
ORDINANCES AND PARTS OF CODE SECTIONS AND ORDINANCES
IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE DATE AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, The proposed amendments to the Augusta Building Code updates the
terminology to be reflective of the administrative sections of the Georgia
Department of Community Affairs adopted construction codes; .
WHEREAS, The Augusta Building Code allows certain permits and certificates of
occupancy to be issued to properly licensed contractors and homeowners in section
7-1-9 but does not specifically address the permit process for the Augusta, Georgia
government and does not provide for" a waiver of permit fees for the Augusta,
Georgia government;
WHEREAS, Augusta, Georgia is desirous of allowing qualified Augusta, Georgia
employees to provide construction services and other services requiring a permit
for Augusta, Georgia without the requirement of paying permit fees;
WHEREAS, Augusta, Georgia has a public interest in ensuring that all
construction related work, including work done by the Augusta, Georgia
government, is safe and is properly inspected; and
THE AUGUSTA, GEORGIA COMMISSION ordains as follows:
SECTION 1. Sections 7-1-1 through 7-1-120 of AuGUSTA, GA. CoDE Title seven,
Chapter one as set forth in the AuGUSTA, GA. CoDE, are hereby amended by
striking these sections in their entirety. New Sections 7-1-1 through 7-1-120 are
hereby inserted to replace the repealed sections as set forth in "E�ibit A" hereto.
SECTION 2. This ordinance shall become effective upon its adoption in
accordance with applicable laws.
SECTION 3. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are
hereby repealed.
Adopted this �.�"day of ���� � � , 2012.
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David S. Copenhaver �" µ`
As its Mayor �� � � �,�
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EXHIBIT A
REPLACE WITH
TITLE 7
BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
Article 1 In General
Sec.7-1-1. Scope.
Sec.7-1-1.1 Appendices
Sec.7-1-2. Title.
Sec. 7-1-3. Code remedial.
Sec.7-1-4. Applicability.
Sec. 7-1-5. Alteration or repair of existing building.
Sec. 7-1-6. Change in occupancy of existing building.
Sec.7-1-7. Reserved.
Sec. 7-1-8. Preferential classification and assessment of landmark historic property.
Sec. 7-1-9. Installation or maintenance by homeowner.
Secs. 7-1-10-7-1-15. Reserved.
Article 2. Structural Standards and Requirements
Sec. 7-1-16. Technical codes—Adopted by reference.
Sec. 7-1-17. Same—Conflicts with chapter provisions.
Sec.7-1-18. Reserved.
Sec. 7-1-19. Mothballing vacant structures.
Sec. 7-1-19.2. Registration of vacant and abandoned buildings.
Sec. 7-1-19.3. Specific mothballing procedures.
Sec. 7-1-19.4. General mothballing procedures.
Sec. 7-1-19.5. Mothballing—Boarding specifications.
Sec. 7-1-19.6. Completion period.
Sec. 7-1-19.7. Initial compliance inspection.
Sec. 7-1-19.8. Annual compliance inspections.
Sec. 7-1-19.9. Enforcement.
Secs. 7-1-20-7-1-25. Reserved.
Article 3. Planning and Development Department
Sec.7-1-26. Established.
Sec. 7-1-27. Employee qualifications.
Sec. 7-1-28. Restrictions on employees' business interests.
Sec. 7-1-29. Records and reports.
Sec. 7-1-30. Liability, defense of employees for actions taken in the course of their duties.
Sec. 7-1-31. Powers and duties of Director-Building Official.
Sec. 7-1-32. Requirements not covered by code.
Sec. 7-1-33. Alternate materials and methods.
Secs. 7-1-34-7-1-45. Reserved.
Article 4. Construction Advisory Board
Sec. 7-1-46. Created.
Sec.7-1-47. Composition.
Sec.7-1-48. Duties.
Secs. 7-1-49-7-1-55. Reserved.
Sec. 7-1-56. Appeals proceedings—authorized; filing notice of appeal.
Sec.7-1-57. Same-decisions.
Secs. 7-1-58-7-1-80. Reserved.
Article 5. Permits, Inspections and Certificates of Occupancy
Sec. 7-1-81. Permit application; exceptions.
Sec. 7-1-82. Drawings and specifications.
Sec. 7-1-83. Site drawings; boundary line survey.
Sec. 7-1-84. Hazardous occupancies.
Sec. 7-1-85. Examination of permit applications and documents; inspection of buildings prior
to permit decisions.
Sec. 7-1-86. Issuing permits.
Sec. 7-1-87. Contractor's responsibilities.
Sec. 7-1-88. Phased Approval / Special permits for foundation pending permit issuance.
Sec. 7-1-89. Conditions ofpermit.
Sec. 7-1-90. Permit fees.
Sec. 7-1-91. Commencing work without permit prohibited; penalty for violation.
Sec. 7-1-92. Posting building permit card; keeping approved drawings available for inspection
at site required.
Sec.7-1-93. Reserved (deleted)
Sec. 7-1-94. Inspections.
Sec. 7-1-95. Same—Inspection service.
Sec. 7-1-96. Same—Inspection prior to issuance of certificate of occupancy or completion.
Sec. 7-1-97. Same—Required inspections.
Sec. 7-1-98. Written approval required.
Sec.7-1-99. Reserved (deleted)
Sec.7-1-100. Reserved (deleted)
Sec. 7-1-101. Certificates of occupancy.
Sec.7-1-102. Reserved (deleted)
Sec. 7-1-103. Certificate of completion.
Sec. 7-1-104. Service utilities.
Sec.7-1-105. Reserved (deleted)
Sec.7-1-106. Reserved (deleted)
Secs. 7-1-107-7-1-115. Reserved.
Article 6. Construction Trades Regulation
Sec. 7-1-116. Payment of Occupation Tax, Bond, and Liability Insurance
Sec. 7-1-116-1.Qualifications for Home and Commercial Private Building Inspector
Sec. 7-1-116.2 ---- Sec. 7-1-116.17 Reserved (deleted)
Sec. 7-1-117. Performing building, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work.
Sec. 7-1-118. Limitations on use of building, electrician, plumber or HVAC certificate to obtain
permit.
Sec. 7-1-119. Exemptions from sections 7-1-117 through 7-1-118.
Sec. 7-1-120. Penalties for violations of sections 7-1-117 through 7-1-118.
Secs. 7-1-121-7-1-130. Reserved.
Chapter 1
BUILDING AND BUILDING REGULATIONS
ARTICLE 1 IN GENERAL
Sec. 7-1-1. Scope.
The provisions of this Chapter shall govern the administration and enforcement of the
International Building, Gas, Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy Conservation, and Fire Codes, the
International Residential Code, and the National Electric Code, hereinafter referred to as the
technical codes, as are adopted in Article 7 herein.
Sec. 7-1-1.1 Appendices. Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically
adopted.
Sec. 7-1-2. Title.
The provisions embraced within the following articles and sections shall constitute and be known
and may be cited as The Building Code of Augusta, Georgia, hereinafter referred to as this
building code.
Sec. 7-1-3. Code remedial.
(a) General. The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the
public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities,
stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, energy conservation, and safety to life and
property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment and to provide safety to
fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
(b) Quality control. Quality control of materials and workmanship is not within the purview of
this building code except as it related to the purposes stated herein.
(c) Permitting and inspection. The inspection or permitting of any building, system or plan by
any jurisdiction, under the requirements of this building code, shall not be construed in any court
as a warranty of the physical condition of such building, system or plan or their adequacy. No
jurisdiction nor any employee thereof shall be liable in tort for damages for any defect or
hazardous or illegal condition or inadequacy in such building, system or plan, nor for any failure
of any component of such, which may occur subsequent to such inspection or permitting.
Sec. 7-1-4. Applicability.
(a) Generally. Where, in any specific case, different sections of this building code specify
different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall
govern. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the
specific requirement shall be applicable.
(b) Building. The provisions of the International Building Code shall apply to the construction,
alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, use and occupancy, location,
maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances
connected or attached to such buildings or structures.
(c) Residential. The provisions of the International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family
Dwellings shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement,
repair, use and occupancy, location, removal, and demolition of detached one- and two-family
dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade in height with a separate
means of egress and their accessory structures.
(d) Electrical. The provisions of the National Electrical Code shall apply to the installation of
electrical systems, including alterations, repairs, replacement, equipment, appliances, fixtures, fit
tings and appurtenances thereto.
(e) Gas. The provisions of the International Gas Code shall apply to the installation of
consumers' gas piping, gas appliances and related accessories as covered in this building code.
These requirements apply to gas piping systems extending from the point of delivery to the inlet
connections of appliances, and the installation and operation of residential and commercial gas
appliances and related accessaries.
(� Mechanical. The provisions of the International Mechanical Code shall apply to the
installation of inechanical systems, including alterations, repairs, replacement, equipment,
appliances, fixtures, fittings andlor appurtenances, including ventilating, heating, cooling, air
conditioning and refrigeration systems, incinerators, and other energy-related systems.
(g) Plumbing. The provisions of the International Plumbing Code shall apply to every plumbing
installation, including alterations, repairs, replacement, equipment, appliances, fixture, fittings
and appurtenances, and when connected to a water or sewerage system.
(h) Energy Conservation. The provisions of the International Energy Conservation Code shall
regulate the design and construction of buildings for the effective use of energy.
(i) Fire Prevention. The provisions of the International Fire Code shall apply to matters
affecting or relating to structures, processes and premises from the hazard of fire and explosion
arising from the storage, handling or use of structures, materials or devices; from conditions
hazardous to life, property or public welfare in the occupancy of structures or premises; and from
the construction, extension, repair, alteration or removal of fire suppression and alarm systems or
fire hazards in the structure or on the premises from occupancy or operation.
(j) Property Maintenance. The provisions of the International Property Maintenance Code shall
apply to existing structures and premises; equipment and facilities; light, ventilation, space
heating, sanitation, life and fire safety hazards,
(j) Federal or state authority. The provisions of this building code shall not be held to deprive
any federal or state agency, or any applicable governing authority having jurisdiction, of any
power or authority which it had on the effective date of the adoption of this building code or of
any remedy then existing for the enforcement of its orders, nor shall it deprive any individual or
corporation of its legal rights as provided by law.
(k) Appendices. To be enforceable, the appendices included in the technical codes must be
referenced in the code text or specifically included in the adopting ordinance.
(1) Referenced standards. Standards referenced in the technical codes shall be considered an
integral part of the codes without separate adoption. If specific portions of a standard are denoted
by code text, only those portions of the standard shall be enforced. Where code provisions
conflict with a standard, the code provisions shall be enforced. Permissive and advisory
provisions in a standard shall not be construed as mandatory.
Sec. 7-1-5. Alteration or repair of existing building.
Alterations or repairs to existing buildings shall be governed by the Technical codes.
Sec. 7-1-6. Change in occupancy of existing building. If the occupancy of an existing building
is entirely changed, the building shall be made to conform to the requirements of this building
code for the new occupancy. If the occupancy of only a portion of an existing building is
changed and that portion is separated from the remainder of the building, then that portion must
be made to conform pursuant to applicable building codes.
Sec. 7-1-7. Reserved.
Sec. 7-1-8. Preferential classification and assessment of landmark historic property.
Property in Augusta, Georgia, may qualify as landmark historic property and be eligible to
receive the preferential assessment provided for in section (c.l) of O.C.G.A. § 48-5-7.
Sec. 7-1-9. Installation or maintenance by homeowner.
Nothing in this building code shall prevent a homeowner from doing construction, installing
electrical, mechanical or plumbing systems or maintaining his home within his own property
boundaries, provided such work is done by himself and is used exclusively by him or his family.
Such privilege does not convey the right to violate any of the provisions of this building code,
nor is it construed as exempting any such property owner from obtaining a permit, paying
required fees and requesting inspections.
Secs. 7-1-10-7-1-15. Reserved.
ARTICLE 2. STRUCTURAL STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS
Sec. 7-1-16. Technical codes—Adopted by reference.
The latest edition of the Georgia Mandated codes and Georgia Amendments as promulgated by
the State of Georgia through the Department of Community Affairs shall be enforced by Augusta
Georgia. (Adoption of the codes, appropriate appendices, and amendments by the State of
Georgia are so denoted. Georgia Optional Codes adopted by Augusta Georgia are so denoted.)
http:/Iwww.dca.state.qa.us/development/constructioncodes/proqrams/codeAmendments.asp
Georgia Mandated Codes
Code GA Adopted Amendments and Appendices
International Building Code *
International Plumbing Code *
International Fuel Gas Code *
International Mechanical Code *
National Electrical Code *
International Energy Conservation Code *
International Fire Code *
International Residential Code *
Georgia Optional Codes
International Property Maintenance Code , 2003 Edition
The Planning and Development Department shall be responsible for the administration and
enforcement of the above codes adopted by reference. Any person or persons failing to comply
with the provisions of the above codes in Augusta, Georgia shall be guilty of an offense and
upon trial as a misdemeanor and conviction, shall be punished as provided in section 1-6-1 of
this Code.
Sec. 7-1-17. Same—Conflicts with chapter provisions.
All provisions in this chapter in conflict with any provisions of the Technical codes referenced in
section 7-1-16 shall govern and control, and the conflicting provisions of the referenced codes
shall be repealed.
Sec. 7-1-18. Reserved.
Editor's note—Ord. No. 6176, adopted in 1999, repealed § 7-1-18 in its entirety. Formerly, said
section pertained to rigid or thin wall conduit required in certain installations.
Sec. 7-1-19. Mothballing vacant structures.
(a) In lieu of enforcement under other provisions of this Code, the owner(s) of a vacant structure
may elect to close or 'mothball' the structure if the structure is vacant and unfit for human
habitation and occupancy, and it is not dilapidated, unsafe, unsanitary, or in danger of structural
collapse. Mothballing is defined as a method used to protect a vacant structure from weather
damage and vandals while preserving the structure for future use. The goal of mothballing is to
temporarily protect the property to allow the owner to plan the property's future, or acquire funds
for preservation, rehabilitation or restoration. In historic districts, the owner, prior to
mothballing, must obtain a certificate of appropriateness pursuant to Augusta-Richmond County
Code Title 7, Chapter 4, Article 4, Application to Preservation Commission for certificate of
appropriateness.
(b) Prior to mothballing a structure, the property owners will be required to register the vacant
property with the Planning and Development Department. The Planning and Development
Department will issue a mothballing a permit. Within ten (10) days of completion of the
mothballing, the property owner must contact the Planning and Development Department to
schedule an initial compliance inspection. Annually, the property will be inspected for
compliance with the provisions of this Code Section.
Sec. 7-1-19.2 Registration of vacant and abandoned buildings
(a) Owners of vacant buildings, who elect to mothball in lieu of repairing or demolishing the
structure, must register their properties at the Planning and Development department prior to
beginning work. This registration shall be made through a form provided by the department and
shall include a list of a contact person or persons responsible for the maintenance and repair of
the property. This form shall contain the current telephone numbers and addresses of all contact
persons. It is the sole responsibility of the property owner to update this information at the
Planning and Development department.
(b) Mothballing permit. After registration, the owners of vacant buildings must obtain a
mothballing permit from the Planning and Development department. The cost of the mothballing
permit is twenty-five dollars ($25.00) that includes the compliance inspection. A separate
building permit may be required for building repairs.
(c) Term ofpermit, one year; option to renew for one year. A mothballing permit shall be valid
for one year next following the date of the registration of the property and may be renewed for
one year next following the first anniversary of the date of the issuance of said permit. The fee
far the renewal term shall be $25.00 and shall be paid when application is made for renewal.
Sec. 7-1-19.3. Specific mothballing procedures.
The three highest priorities for a mothballed building are:
1) to protect the building from sudden loss, 2) to weatherize and maintain the property to stop
moisture penetration, and 3) to control the humidity levels inside once the building has been
secured.
Sec. 7-1-19.4. General mothballing procedures.
(a) A properly mothballed building will have a watertight roof, secured doors and windows,
repaired or stabilized rot problems, painted wood, repaired masonry, and well maintained
grounds. All trash, debris, garbage should be removed from inside, outside and under the house.
(b) To ensure compliance with this Code section, the property owner, at a minimum, should take
the following actions:
(1) The building's roof should be weather tight. Missing shingles should be replaced,
holes should be repaired. Rolled roofing is acceptable as a temporary repair material; but
if it is used, it must be securely installed.
(2) Windows should be covered on the exterior with high grade plywood cut to fit within
the window opening. Window coverings should be attached with screws to minimize
damage to the window when they are removed. Window coverings should be painted a
flat color — i.e. dark grey or black, or a color that matches the building.
(3) The water should be turned off and the pipes drained. If the building has a functional
sprinkler system, it should remain operational.
(4) All electrical systems not necessary for security, fire prevention, and/or ventilation
should be disconnected.
(5) Exterior walls surfaces shall be free of breaks, holes, loose or missing materials to
prevent deterioration. All exterior surfaces shall be repaired and protected from the
elements including but not limited to porches, decks, balconies and fences. All metal
surfaces subject to rust or corrosion shall be coated to inhibit such rust and corrosion.
Gutters should be cleaned and inspected to verify that they discharge away from the
building. Corrective measures should be taken as necessary.
(6) Potential points for water intrusion, like crawlspace openings and basement windows,
should be blocked and the water diverted away from the building; however, basement and
crawlspace ventilation shall be maintained.
(7) Loose architectural elements like brackets that should be documented, removed, and
stored on site. Securely attached material should not be removed.
(8) Chimneys should be securely blocked with heavy duty wire mesh to prevent animal
intrusion.
(9) The building should be adequately ventilated. Small openings covered with heavy
duty wire mesh at the top of window coverings may be adequate. In humid climates,
forced air ventilation may be necessary.
(10) Vegetation around the building should be pruned back from the walls a minimum of
twelve (12) inches to allow good airflow. Overhanging dead tree limbs and branches
should be removed. The property grounds shall be maintained at all times (including
bushes, beds, and other vegetation), the grass shall not exceed six (6) inches in height and
the property shall be kept free of trash and debris at all times.
(11) The owner shall establish a monitoring and maintenance schedule for the building.
The schedule, at a minimum, should require that a drive-by inspection be done on a
monthly basis, that a walk around be done every three (3) months, and that the building
be entered and inspected annually.
Sec. 7-1-19.5. Mothballing—Boarding specifications.
The property owner must comply with the following minimum requirements regarding windows,
exterior doors and other openings in exterior walls of vacant structures.
(1) Minimum cleaning and safety requirements:
a. Remove to legal dumpsite all trash debris, garbage from inside, outside and under
house before boarding. (Keep on file copy of all receipts from landfill or their disposal
facility for review.)
b. Correct health and structural hazards inside, outside and under house before boarding.
(2) Minimum window board-up requirements
a. Remove windowpanes if broken. If window panes not broken, lower or raise window
sash to permit installation of carriage bolts described below.
b. Neatly cut a single piece of one-half (1/2) inch high grade exterior plywood that is
sized to fit snugly inside the window opening against the windows stop. Consider
installing two (2) inches X four (4) inches blocking within opening for back of plywood
to rest against snugly.
c. Cut an opening centered and six (6) inches below the top of the plywood and install a
metal soffit vent that covers the opening but allows light to enter the structure once the
plywood has been installed. Use screws to attach the vent to the plywood.
d. Cut at least two two (2) inches x four (4) inches wood support members that are
sixteen (16) inches wider than the window opening.
e. The support members are to be mounted horizontally and flush against the interior
window casing with eight (8) inches extending left and right of the window opening. The
top support should be located within one-fourth (1 /4) and one-third (1 /3) of the window
opening height from the top of the opening. The bottom support should be located within
one-half (1/2) to one-third (1/3) of the window opening height from the bottom of the
opening.
£ Drill at least two holes in each of the two (2) inches X four (4) inches support members
then drill holes in the plywood that line up with the holes drilled in the support members.
g. Insert a washer over the end of a three-eighths (3/8) inch diameter round, smooth head,
carriage bolt.
h. Line up each hole in the two (2) inches X four (4) inches support member and the
plywood.
i. At each hole, insert a three-eighths (3/8) inch diameter carriage bolt from exterior to
interior through the plywood, through the window opening and through the two (2)
inches X four (4) inches and plywood toward each other until there is no play.
j. Prime the exterior surface of the plywood.
k. On the exterior, caulk the perimeter edges of the plywood.
1. Paint the exterior surface of the plywood a flat color — i.e. dark grey or black, or a
color that matches the building.
(3) Minimum exterior door board-up requirements.
a. Remove door.
b. Neatly cut a single piece of one-half (1/2) inch high grade exterior plywood that is
sized to fit snugly inside the door opening against the doorstop. Consider installing two
(2) inches X four (4) inches blocking within opening for back of plywood to rest against
snugly.
c. Cut an opening centered and six (6) inches below the top of the plywood and install a
metal soffit vent that covers the opening but allow light to enter the structure once the
plywood has been installed. Use screws to attach the vent to the plywood.
d. Cut a least two two (2) inches times; four (4) inches wood support members that are
sixteen (16) inches wider than the door opening.
e. The support members are to be mounted horizontally and flush against the interior door
casing with eight (8) inches extending left and right of the door opening. The top support
should be located within one-fourth (1/4) and one-third (1/3) of the door opening height
from the top of the opening. The bottom support should be located within one-fourth
(1/4) to one-third (1/3) of the door opening height from the bottom of the opening.
£ Drill at least two (2) holes in each of the two (2) inches X four (4) inches support
member and the plywood. At each hole, insert a three-eighths (3/8) inch diameter
carriage bolt from exterior to interior—through the plywood, through the door opening
and through the two (2) inches X four (4) inches.
g. Insert a washer over the end of a three-eighths (3/8) inch diameter round, smooth head,
carriage.
h. Line up each hole in the two (2) inches X four (4) inches support member and the
plywood. At each hole,insert a three-eighths (3/8) inches diameter carriage bolt—from
exterior to interior—through the door opening and through the two (2) inches X four (4)
inches.
i. Slip a three-eighths (3/8) inch diameter nut and washer over the end of the carriage bolt
inside the structure and securely tighten the nut pulling the two (2) inches X four (4)
inches and plywood toward each other until there is no play.
j. Prime the exterior surface of the plywood.
k. On the exterior, caulk the perimeter edges of the plywood.
l. Paint the exterior surface of the plywood a flat color—i.e. dark grey or black, or a color
that matches the building.
(4) Crawlspace/basement door, gable vent or other opening.
a. Remove door or vent and install when necessary two (2) inches x four (4) inches
blocking in the opening.
b. Cut a single piece of one-half (1/2) inch high grade exterior plywood that will fit
snugly against the outside edge of the blocking.
c. Screw plywood snugly to blocking using at least one (1) inch screws.
d. Prime the exterior surface of the plywood and caulk the perimeter edges.
e. Paint the exterior surface of the plywood a flat color — i.e. dark grey or black, or a
color that matches the building.
Sec. 7-1-19.6 Completion period
(a) Period of completion. Owners of vacant structures shall have ninety (90) days from date of
issuance of the mothballing a permit to complete mothball the building in compliance with these
provisions.
(b) Extension. The Director of the Planning and Development Department may extend the
completion period up to ninety (90) days based on unusual circumstances and financial
hardships.
Sec. 7-1-19.7 Initial compliance inspection.
(a) Initial compliance inspection. The Planning and Development Department will conduct an
initial mothballing compliance inspection of the building, and shall issue an acceptance
certificate if the property owner has substantially complied with the requirements as set forth in.
(b) Non-acceptance. If the owner has not substantially complied with the requirement of this
ordinance, the department shall issue an issue a note of non-acceptance during the initial
compliance inspection, the department shall provide the owner with a copy of the noted deficit
area(s). The building owner will have thirty (30) days from the date of inspection within which
to take corrective action(s) and request another compliance inspection. The owner may be
subject to other enforcement proceedings under this Code if the department notes the structure as
non-acceptance during a follow-up compliance inspection.
Sec. 7-1-19.8 Annual compliance inspections.
To ensure compliance, the Planning and Development Department will conduct annual
inspections of all structures registered under this Code section.
Sec. 7-1-19.9 Enforcement.
The Planning and Development department will be responsible for enforcing compliance with
the mothballing ordinance.
Secs. 7-1-20-7-1-25. Reserved.
ARTICLE 3. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Section 7-1-26 Established.
The Planning and Development Department was effectively established by the Augusta, Georgia
Commission in Augusta, Georgia Code Section 8-1-5 herein.
Section 7-1-27 Employee qualifications.
(a) Director-Building Official qualifications. The person in charge of the Planning and
Development Department shall be known as the Director-Building Official. The Director-
Building Official shall have at least ten (10) years" experience or equivalent as an architect,
engineer, inspector, contractor, or superintendent of construction, or any combination of these,
five (5) years of which shall have been in responsible charge of work. The Director-Building
Official shall be certified as a building official through a recognized certification program. The
Director-Building Official shall be appointed or hired by the Augusta, Georgia Commission and
shall not be removed from the office except for cause after full opportunity has been given to be
heard on specific charges before the Commission.
Sec. 7-1-28. Restrictions on employees' business interests.
An office or employee connected with the department, except one whose only connection is as a
member of the board established by this building code, shall not be financially interested in the
furnishing of labor, material, or appliances for the construction, alteration, or maintenance of a
building, structure, service, system, or in the making of plans or specifications therefore, unless
he is the owner of such building. Such officer or employee shall not engage in any work which is
inconsistent with his duties or with the interests of the department.
Section 7-1-29 Records and Reports.
(a) The Director-Building Official shall keep, or caused to be kept, a record of the business of the
department. The records of the department shall be open to public inspection.
(b) The Director-Building Official shall annually submit a report to the Augusta, Georgia
Administrator covering the work of the department during the preceding year. He may
incorporate in said report a summary of the decisions of the Construction Advisory Board during
said year.
Section 7-1-30 Liability, defense of employees for actions taken in the course of their duties.
Any officer or employee, or member of the Construction Advisory Board, charged with the
enforcement of this building code, acting for the governing body in the discharge of his duties,
shall not thereby render himself liable personally; and he is hereby relieved from all personal
liability for any damage that may accrue to persons or property as a result of any act required or
permitted in the discharge of his duties. Any suit brought against any officer or employee or
member because of such act performed by him in the enforcement of any provision of this
building code shall be defended by the Augusta, Georgia attorney until the final termination of
the proceedings.
Section 7-1-31 Powers and duties of Director-Building Official.
(a) The Director-Building Official shall enforce the provisions of this building code, and is
authorized to render interpretations of this building code which are consistent with its spirit and
purpose. The Director-Building Official"s power shall include, but not be limited to, the
following:
(1) Right of entry. Whenever necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of the provisions of
this building code, or whenever the Director-Building Official has reasonable cause to believe
that there exists in any building or upon any premises any condition or code violation which
makes such building, structure, premises, electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems
unsafe, dangerous or hazaxdous, the building official may enter such building, structure or
premises at all reasonable times to inspect the same or to perform any duty imposed upon the
Director-Building Official by this building code. If such building or premises are occupied, he
shall first present proper credentials and request entry. If such building, structure, or premises are
unoccupied, he shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons having
charge or control of such and request entry. If entry is refused, the building official shall have
recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure entry.
When the Director-Building Official shall have first obtained a proper inspection warrant or
other remedy provided by law to secure entry, no owner or occupant or any other persons having
charge, care or control of any building, structure, or premises shall fail or neglect, after proper
request is made as herein provided, to promptly permit entry therein by the Director-Building
Official, or his designer, for the purpose of inspection and examination pursuant to this building
code.
(2) Inspections. The Director-Building Official may make, or cause to be made, the inspections
required by this building code.
(3) Tests. The Director-Building Official may require tests or test reports as proof of compliance.
Tests, if required, are to be made at the expense of the owner, or his agent, by an approved
testing laboratory or other approved agency. Copies of such test reports or the results of all such
tests shall be kept on file in the office of the Director-Building Official.
(4) Stop work orders. Upon notice from the Planning and Development Department, work on any
building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system that is being done contrary to
the provisions of this building code or in a dangerous or unsafe manner, shall be immediately
stopped. Such notice shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property, or to his
agent, or to the person doing the work, and shall state the conditions under which work may be
resumed. When an emergency exists, written notice shall not be required to be given to the
Planning and Development Department.
(5) Revocation of permits.
a. The Director-Building Official may revoke a permit or approval, issued under
the provisions of this Chapter, in case there has been any false statement or
misrepresentation as to a material fact in the application or plans on which the permit or
approval was based.
b. The Director-Building Official may revoke a permit upon determination by the
Director-Building Official that the construction, erection, alteration, repair, moving,
demolition, installation, or replacement of the building, structure, electrical, gas,
mechanical or plumbing systems, for which the permit was issued is in violation of, or
not if conformity with, the provisions of this building code.
Section 7-1-32 Requirements not covered by code.
Any requirements necessary for the strength, stability or proper operation of an existing or
proposed building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, or for the public
safety, health and general welfare, not specifically covered by this or the other technical codes,
shall be determined by the Planning and Development Department.
Sec. 7-1-33. Alternate materials and methods.
The provisions of the technical codes are not intended to prevent the use of any material or
method of construction not specifically prescribed by them, provided any such alternate has been
reviewed by the Director-Building Official. The Director-Building Official shall approve any
such alternate, provided the Director-Building Official finds that the alternate for the purpose
intended is at least the equivalent of that prescribed in the technical codes, in quality, strength,
effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety. The Director-Building Official shall require
that sufficient evidence or proof by submitted to substantiate any claim made regarding the
alternate.
Secs. 7-1-34-7-1-45. Reserved.
ARTICLE 4. CONSTRUCTION ADVISORY BOARD*
Sec. 7-1-46. Created.
There is hereby created the Augusta-Richmond County Construction Advisory Board which
shall consist of ten (10) members. The Board shall serve in an advisory and mediation capacity
only, and all members shall be appointed by the Augusta-Richmond County Commission and
shall serve at the pleasure thereof.
Sec. 7-1-47. Composition.
The Board shall be composed of the following:
a. One (1) licensed electrical contractor;
b. One (1) master plumber;
c. One (1) licensed HVAC contractor;
d. One (1) commercial contractor;
e. One (1) residential contractor;
f. One (1) architect;
g. One (1) electrical engineer;
h. One (1) consulting engineer;
i. One (1) consumer member-Super District 9; and
j. One (1) consumer member-Super District 10.
k. One (1) Residential-Light Commercial Contractor.
Members, other than the initial members, shall be appointed for terms of four (4) years.
Vacancies shall be filled for an unexpired term in the amount of which the original appointments
are required to be made. Continued absence of any member from regular meetings of the Board
shall, at the discretion of the Commission, render any such member liable to immediate removal
from office. The Augusta, Georgia employee holding the position of Director-Building Official
of the Planning and Development Department shall be responsible for all administrative duties
and support to the Advisory Board. The Director-Building Official, Building Inspectors,
Planning Commission Director, Utilities Department Director, and Fire Chief, employed by
Augusta, Georgia shall serve in an advisory capacity as non-voting, ex-officio members of the
Advisory Board. At its first meeting of each calendar year, the construction Advisory Board shall
elect one (1) of its members as Chairman and one (1) of its members as Vice-Chairman to serve
during the calendar year and until his/her successor has been elected and qualified for office. The
Chairman shall preside at meetings of the Advisory Board. In the absence of the Chairman, the
Vice Chairman shall preside at meetings. In order to take any action, a quorum of at least a
majority of voting members of the Advisory Board must be present at the duly called meeting. A
vote of a majority of the voting members present at the duly called meeting at which a quorum is
present shall be required to adopt or approve any proposed action by the Board. The
Construction Advisory Board shall meet on the second Thursday in each of the following
months: January, March, May, July, September, and November. Special meetings may be called
by the Chairman, or Vice-Chairman, as he/she deems necessary.
Sec. 7-1-48. Duties.
The Construction Advisory Board shall adopt such reasonable rules and regulations as are
necessary for the conduct of its affairs and shall, when needing legal advice, consult with
Augusta, Georgia Attorney, through the department DirectorBuilding Official. It shall be the
duties of the Construction Advisory Board to:
(a) Serve in an advisory capacity to the Commission on matters pertaining to Construction.
(b) Conduct mediation hearings to resolve differences of opinions in the interpretation of all
construction codes and inspection procedures in force in Augusta, Georgia.
(c) Make recommendations to the Commission concerning unresolved matter in interpretation of
codes and inspection procedures.
(d) The Advisory Board Committee will not make any changes from the standard codes adopted.
If it is felt that any code does not meet Augusta, Georgia's needs due to unique physical or
climatological conditions, a proposal to modify a code may be submitted to the Commission
through the department Director/Building Official.
(e) Serve as a liaison between the Augusta, Georgia and builders, developers, design
professionals and other disciplines involved in the building and development industries. This
duty includes dissemination of information such as adoption of new building codes and changes
in policies to these groups and the general public.
(� Appoint a member of the Construction Advisory Committee to serve as an ex-officio member
of the Subdivision Regulations Committee.
Secs. 7-1-49 --- 7-1-55. Reserved.
Sec. 7-1-56. Appeals proceedings—authorized; filing notice of appeal.
(a) Whenever the DirectorBuilding Official shall reject or refuse to approve the mode or manner
of construction proposed to be followed, or materials to be used in the erection or alteration of a
building or structure, or when it is claimed that the provisions of the building code do not apply,
or that an equally good or more desirable form of construction can be employed in any specific
case, or when it is claimed that the true intent and meaning of the building code or any of the
regulations there under have been misconstrued or wrongly interpreted, the owner of such
building or structure or his duly authorized agent, may appeal from the decision of the
Director/Building Official to the Construction Advisory Board; or when the building owner has
reason to file a claim against the contractor's bond, the owner of such building or structure or his
duly authorized agent, may petition the Construction Advisory Board through the Building
Official to hear the facts and approve recommending to the Augusta Commission that the
contractor's bond- in an amount to be determined at the hearing- should be forfeited to the
building owner.
(b) Notice of Appeal shall be in writing and filed within ten (10) days after the decision is
rendered by the Director/Building Official. A fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) shall accompany such
notice of appeal. In case of a building or structure which, in the opinion of the DirectorBuilding
Official, is unsafe or dangerous, the Director/Building Official may, in his order, limit the time
for such appeal to be a shorter period. Appeals hereunder shall be on forms provided by the
Director/Building Official.
Sec. 7-1-57. Same-decisions.
(a) The Advisory Board shall, in every case, reach a decision without unreasonable or
unnecessary delay.
(b) The Advisory Board, when so appealed to and after a hearing, may vary the application of
any provision of this building code to any particular case when, in its opinion, the enforcement
thereof would do manifest injustice and would be contrary to the spirit and purpose of this
building code or public interest, or when, in its opinion, the interpretation of the
Director/Building Official would be modified or reversed. A decision of the
Board to vary the application of any provision of this building code or to modify an order of the
Director/Building Official shall specify in what manner such variation or modification is made,
the conditions upon which it is made, and the reasons therefore.
(c) Every decision of the Advisory Board shall be final, subject, however, to such remedy as any
aggrieved party might have at law or in equity. It shall be in writing and shall indicate the vote
upon the decision. Every decision shall be promptly filed in the office of the Director/Building
Official, and shall be open to public inspection; a copy shall be sent by mail or otherwise to the
applicant.
(d) If a decision of the Advisory Board reverses or modifies a refusal, order, or disallowance of
the Director/Building Official, or varies the application of any provision of the building code, the
Director/Building Official shall immediately take action in accordance with such decision.
Secs. 7-1-58-7-1-80. Reserved.
ARTICLE 5. PERMITS, INSPECTIONS AND CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY
Sec. 7-1-81. Permit application; exceptions.
(a) When required. Any owner, authorized agent, or contractor who desires to construct, enlarge,
alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect,
install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or
plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by the technical codes, or to cause any
such work to be done, shall first make application to the Director-Building Official and obtain
the required permit for the work.
(b) Exceptions. Exemptions from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant
authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or
any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following:
Building:
1. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses
and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet, and the
structure location complies with required setbacks.
2. Fences installed in compliance with height and location restrictions.
3. Sidewalks and driveways installed on private property in compliance with soil
erosion and storm water management regulations.
4. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work.
5. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family
dwellings.
Electrical:
Repairs and maintenance: Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or
the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently
installed receptacles.
Gas:
1. Portable heating appliance.
2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make
such equipment unsafe.
Mechanical:
1. Portable heating appliance.
2. Portable ventilation equipment.
3. Portable cooling unit.
4. Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated
by the code.
5. Replacement of any part that does not alter its approval or make it unsafe.
6. Portable evaporative cooler.
7. Self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds (Skg) or less of refrigerant
and actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (746 W) or less.
Plumbing:
1. The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe, provided however,
that if any concealed trap, drain pipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes
defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new
material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained
and inspection made as provided in this code.
2. The clearing of stoppages or the repairing or leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures and the
removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or
require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.
(c) Emergency Repairs. Where equipment replacements and repairs must be performed in
emergency situations, the permit application shall be submitted within the next working business
day to the building official.
(d) Repairs. Application or notice to the building official is not required for ordinary repairs to
structures, replacement of lamps or the connection or approved portable electrical equipment to
approved permanently installed receptacles. Such repairs shall not include the cutting away of
any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal or cutting or any structural beam or load-
bearing support, or the removal or change or any required means of egress, or rearrangement of
parts of a structure affecting the egress requirements; nor shall ordinary repairs include addition
to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any standpipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain
leader, gas, soil, waste, vent, or similar piping, electric or mechanical or other work affecting
public health or general safety.
(e) Public service agencies. A permit shall not be required for the installation, alteration or repair
of generation, transmission, distribution or metering or other related equipment that is under the
ownership and control of public service agencies by established right.
(� Temporary structures. A special building permit for a limited time shall be obtained before
the erection of temporary structures such as construction sheds, seats, canopies, tents and fences
used in construction work or for temporary purposes such as reviewing stands. Such structures
shall be completely removed upon the expiration of the time limit stated in the permit.
(g) Work authorized. A building, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing permit shall carry with
it the right to construct or install the work, provided the same are shown on the drawings and set
forth in the specifications filed with the application for the permit. Where these are not shown on
the drawings and covered by the specifications submitted with the application, separate permits
shall be required.
(h) Minor repairs. Ordinary minor repairs may be made with the approval of the building official
without a permit, provided that such repairs shall not violate any of the provisions of the
technical codes.
(i) Information required. Each application for a permit, with the required fee, shall be filed with
the Planning and Development Department on a form furnished for that purpose and shall
contain a general description of the proposed work and its location. The application shall be
signed by the owner, or his authorized agent. The building permit application shall indicate the
proposed occupancy of all parts of the building and of that portion of the site or lot, if any, not
covered by the building or structure and shall contain such other information as may be required
by the license and inspection department.
(j) Time limitations. An application for a permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to have
been abandoned six (6) months after the date of filing for the permit, unless before then a permit
has been issued. One or more extensions of time for periods of not more than ninety (90) days
each may be allowed by the Director-Building Official for the application, provided the
extension is requested in writing and justifiable cause is demonstrated.
(k) Issuance to contractors only. No permit, except for homeowners as provided for in section 7-
1-9 and to Augusta, Georgia as provided for in section 7-1-81(i), shall be issued to anyone other
than a properly licensed contractor under the laws of the State of Georgia and the ordinances of
Augusta, Georgia.
(1) Augusta, Georgia. Nothing in this building code shall prevent Augusta, Georgia from
building, installing electrical, mechanical or plumbing systems or maintaining property owned
by Augusta, Georgia. Such privilege does not convey the right to violate any of the provisions of
this building code, nor is it construed as exempting Augusta, Georgia from obtaining a permit
and requesting inspections.
(m) Suspension or revocation. The building official is authorized to suspend or revoke a permit
issued under the provisions of this code whenever the permit is issued in error or on the basis of
incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete information, or in violation of any ordinance or regulation or
any of the provisions of this code.
(n) Placement ofpermit. The building permit or copy shall be kept on the site of the work until
the completion of the project.
Sec. 7-1-82. Drawings and specifications.
(a) Requirements. When required by the Director-Building Official, two (2) or more copies of
specifications, and of drawings drawn to scale with sufficient clarity and detail to indicate the
nature and character of the work, shall accompany every application. Such drawings and
specifications shall contain information, in the form of notes or otherwise, as to the quality of
materials, where quality is essential to conformity with this building code. Such information
shall be specific, and this building code shall not be cited as a whole or in part, nor shall the term
legal or its equivalent be used, as a substitute for specific information. All information, drawings,
specifications and accompanying data shall bear the name and signature of the person
responsible for the design. Where special conditions exist, the building official is authorized to
require additional construction documents to be prepared by a registered design professional.
Exception: The building official is authorized to waive the submission of construction
documents and other data not required to be prepared by a registered design professional
if it is found that the nature of the work applied for is such that review of construction
documents is not necessary to obtain compliance with this code.
(b) Additional data. The Director-Building Official may require details, computations, stress
diagrams, and other data necessary to describe the construction and basis of calculations.
(c) Design professionals. All drawings, specifications, and accompanying data shall bear the
name and address of the designer. In the case of buildings or structures of Group E-Educational,
Group I-Institutional and Group A-Assembly occupancy, and all buildings or structures three (3)
stories or more in height or five thousand (5,000) square feet in area, except one and two-family
dwellings, such designer shall be an architect or engineer legally registered under the laws of this
state regulating the practice of architecture or engineering and shall affix his official seal to said
drawings, specifications and accompanying data.
(d) Structural and fire resistance integriry. Plans for all buildings shall indicate how required
structural and fire-resistive integrity will be maintained where a penetration of a required fire
resistive wall, floor or partition will be made for electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing and
communication conduits, pipes and systems and also indicate in sufficient detail how the fire
integrity will be maintained where required fire resistive floors intersect the exterior walls.
(e) Means of egress. The construction documents shall show in sufficient detail the location,
construction, size and character of all portions of the means of egress in compliance with the
provisions of this code.
( fl Exterior wall envelope. Construction documents for all buildings shall describe the exterior
wall envelope in sufficient detail to determine compliance with this code. The construction
documents shall provide details of the exterior wall envelope as required, including flashing,
intersections with dissimilar materials, corners, end details, control joints, intersections at roof,
eaves or parapets, means of drainage, water-resistive membrane and details around openings.
The construction documents shall include manufacturer's installation instructions that
provide supporting documentation that the proposed penetration and opening details described in
the construction documents maintain the weather resistance of the exterior wall envelope. The
supporting documentation shall fully describe the exterior wall system which was tested, where
applicable, as well as the test procedure used.
Sec. 7-1-83. Site drawings; boundary line survey.
The Director-Building Official shall require drawings showing the location of the proposed
building or structure and of every existing building or structure on the site or lot. He may also
require a boundary line survey, if necessary, prepared by a qualified surveyor.
Sec. 7-1-84. Hazardous occupancies.
The Director-Building Official may require the following:
(a) General site plan. A general site plan drawn at a legible scale which shall include, but not be
limited to, the location of all buildings, exteriar storage facilities, permanent access ways,
evacuation routes, parking lots, internal roads, chemical loading areas, equipment cleaning areas,
storm and sanitary sewer accesses, emergency
equipment and adjacent property uses. The exterior storage areas shall be identified with the
hazard classes and the maximum quantities per hazard class of hazardous materials stored.
(b) Building floor plan. A building floor plan drawn to a legible scale which shall include, but
not be limited to, all hazardous materials storage facilities within the building and shall indicate
rooms, doorways, corridors, exits, fire rates assemblies with their hourly rating, location of liquid
tight rooms, and evacuation routes. Each hazardous materials storage facility shall be identified
on the plan with the hazard classes and quantity range per hazard class of the hazardous materials
stored.
Sec. 7-1-85. Examination of permit applications and documents; inspection of buildings
prior to permit decisions.
(a) Review. The Director-Building Official shall examine, or cause to be examined, each
application for permit and the accompanying documents, consisting of drawings, specifications,
computations and additional data and shall ascertain by such examinations whether the
construction indicated and described is in accordance with the requirements of the technical
codes and all other pertinent laws or ordinances.
(b) Affidavits. The Director-Building Official may accept a sworn affidavit from a registered
architect or engineer stating that the plans submitted conform to the technical codes. For
buildings and structures, the affidavit shall state that the plans conform to the laws as to egress,
type of construction and general arrangement and, if accompanied by drawings, show the
structural design and that the plans and design conform to the requirements of the technical
codes as to strength, stresses, strains, loads and stability. The Director-Building Official may
without any examination or inspection accept such affidavit, provided the architect or engineer
who made such affidavit agrees to submit to the Director-Building Official copies of inspection
reports as inspections are performed and upon completion of the structure, electrical, gas,
mechanical, or plumbing systems a certification that the structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or
plumbing system has been erected in accordance with the requirements of the technical codes.
Where the Director-Building Official relies upon such affidavit, the architect or engineer shall
assume full responsibility for the compliance with all provisions of the technical codes and other
pertinent laws or ordinances.
(c) Before issuing a permit, the Director-Building Official may examine, or cause to be
examined, any building, electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems for which an
application has been received for permit to enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the
occupancy.
Sec. 7-1-86. Issuing Permits.
(a) Action on permits. The Director-Building Official shall act upon an application for a permit
with plans as filed, or as amended, without unreasonable or unnecessary delay. If the Director-
Building Official is satisfied that the work described in an application for permit and the
documents filed therewith conform to the requirements of the technical codes and other pertinent
laws and ordinances, he shall issue a permit therefore to the applicant.
(b) Refusal to issue permit. If the application for a permit and the accompanying documents
describing the work do not conform to the requirements of the technical codes or other pertinent
laws or ordinances, the Director-Building Official shall not issue a permit, but shall return the
documents to the applicant with his refusal to issue such permit. Such refusal shall, when
requested, be in writing and shall contain the reasons therefore.
(c) Public right of way. A permit shall not be given by the Director-Building Official for the
construction of any building, or for the alteration of any building where said building is to be
changed and said change will affect the exterior walls, bays, balconies, or other appendages or
projections fronting on any street, alley or public lane, or for the placing on any lot or premises
of lot or premises, unless the applicant has made application at the office of the Director of
Planning and Development for the lines of the public street on which he proposes to build, erect
or locate said building; and it shall be the duty of the Director-Building Official to see that the
street lines are not encroached upon except as provided in chapter 3 hereof.
Sec. 7-1-87. Contractor's responsibilities.
It shall be the duty of every contractor who shall make contracts for the installation or repairs of
building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems, for which a permit is
required, to comply with state and/or local rules and regulations concerning licensing which the
applicable governing authority may have adopted.
Sec. 7-1-88. Phased approval - Special permits for foundation pending permit issuance.
The building official is authorized to issue a permit for the construction of foundations or any
other part of a building or structure before the construction documents for the whole building or
structure have been submitted, provided that adequate information and detailed statements have
been filed complying with pertinent requirements of this code. The holder of such permit for the
foundation or other parts of a building or structure shall proceed at the holder's own risk with the
building operation and without assurance that a permit for the entire structure will be granted.
Sec. 7-1-89. Conditions of permit.
(a) Permit intent. A permit issued shall be construed to be a license to proceed with the work and
shall not be construed as authority to violate, cancel, alter, or set aside any of the provisions of
the technical codes, nor shall such issuance of a permit prevent the Director-Building Official
from thereafter requiring a correction of errors in plans or in construction, or of violations of this
building code. Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work authorized by such
permit is commenced within six (6) months after its issuance, or if the work authorized by such
permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of six (6) months after the time the work is
commenced; provided that, for cause, one (1) or more extensions of time, for periods not
exceeding ninety (90) days each, may be allowed. The extension shall be requested in writing
and justifiable cause demonstrated. Extensions shall be granted in writing by the Director-
Building Official.
(b) Permit issued on basis of affidavit. Whenever a permit is issued in reliance upon an affidavit
or whenever the work to be covered by a permit involves installation under conditions which, in
the opinion of the Director-Building Official, are hazardous or complex, the Director-Building
Official shall require that the architect or engineer who signed the affidavit or prepared the
drawings or computations shall supervise the work. In addition, they shall be responsible for
conformity with the permit, provide copies of inspection reports as inspection are performed, and
upon completion make and file with the building official written affidavit that the work has been
done in conformity with the reviewed plans and with the structural provisions of the technical
codes. In the event such architect or engineer is not available, the owner shall employ in his stead
a competent person or agency whose qualifications are reviewed by the Director-Building
Official.
Sec. 7-1-90. Permit fees.
(a) When due and payable. A permit shall not be issued until the fees prescribed in this section
shall have been paid, nor shall an amendment to permit be approved until the additional fee, if
any, due to an increase in the estimated cost of the building, structure, electrical, plumbing,
mechanical or gas systems, shall have been paid.
(b) Accounting of fees. The Director-Building Official shall keep a permanent and accurate
accounting of all permit fees and other monies collected, the names of all persons upon whose
account the same was paid, along with the date and amount thereof.
(c) Amount fee schedule. On all buildings, structures, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and gas
systems or alterations requiring a permit, a fee for each permit shall be paid as required in
subsection (a) of this section at the time of filing application, in accordance with the following
schedule:
(1) Residential.
a. Single-Family Fee Schedule.
Building, per square foot under roof $.06
Electrical, per house $50.00
Mechanical, per house $50.00
Plumbing, per house $50.00
Fireplace, each $8.00
Inspection fee, per house on crawl space $238.00
(14 inspections at $17.00 each)
Inspection fee, per house on slab $255.00
(15 inspections at $17.00 each)
b. Single-Family Attached (townhouses). Where lot is sold with house, fees shall be the
same as for single-family.
c. Apartment and condominium dwelling unit permit fees. The permit fee will be based
on the construction cost using fee schedule.
d. Seventeen dollars ($17.00) for each required inspection per dwelling unit.
e. All repairs, additions, alterations will be based on cost of labor and materials, using
fee schedule, plus seventeen dollars ($17.00) for each required inspection.
£ All inspections requested on the weekend and after normal business hours will be at a
cost of one-hundred dollars ($100.00) per inspection.
(2) Commercial, industrial, multifamily, and public building, having total valuation.
($500.00 and less: no fee unless inspection required.)
$1.00 to $6,250.00 $50.00 flat fee, plus $17.00 fee for each inspection
shall be charged.
$6,251.00 to $15,000.00 $50.00 for the first $6,250.00 plus $4.20 for each
additional thousand or fraction thereof, to and
including $15,000.00.
$15,001.00 to $50,000.00 $87.80 for the first $15,000.00 plus $4.20 for each
additional thousand or fraction thereof, to and
including $50,000.00.
$50,001.00 to $100,000.00 $234.80 for the first $50,000.00 plus $3.15 for each
additional thousand or fraction thereof, to and
including $100,000.00.
$100,001.00 to $500,000.00 $392.30 for the first $100,000.00 plus $2.10 for
each additional thousand or fraction thereof to and
including $500,000.00.
$500,001.00 and up. $1,232.30 for the first $500,000.00 plus $1.05 for
each additional thousand or fraction thereof.
(3) Moving of buildings or structures; for the moving of any building or structure, the fee
shall be sixty-seven ($67).
(4) Demolition of buildings or structures; for the demolition of any building or structure, the
fee shall be fifty dollaxs ($50.00) per building, plus a seventeen dollar ($17.00) inspection
fee.
(5) All subcontractors and contractors for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, low voltage and
sprinklers (building and grounds) will be required to purchase their own permits based on
the fee schedule provided in paragraph (2) of this sub-section.
(6) All commercial repairs will be based on the cost or contract using the fee schedule in
paragraph (2) of this sub-section for building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, low-
voltage and sprinkler system contractors.
(7) Electrical permits for new (location) mobile homes shall be fifty dollars ($50.00) plus a
seventeen dollar ($17.00) inspection fee and permits for electrical repairs to mobile
homes shall be fifty dollars ($50.00) plus a seventeen dollar ($17.00) inspection fee.
(8) Re-Inspection; if it is necessary to make a re-inspection for a required building, electrical,
mechanical or plumbing inspection because of improper work, the contractor responsible
shall pay a re-inspection fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for each re-inspection.
(9) Mothballing Permits: flat fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00).
(d) Same—Permit valuation. Permit valuations shall include total cost, such as plumbing,
electrical, mechanical equipment and other systems, including materials and labor. If, in the
opinion of the Director-Building Official, the valuation of building, alteration, structure,
electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems appears to be underestimated on the application,
the permit shall be denied unless the applicant can show detailed estimated cost to meet the
approval of the Director-Building Official.
(e) Plan review fees. The fee for reviewing all plans, including Building, Electrical, Plumbing
and Mechanical shall be sixty-six percent (66%) of the permit amount. One and two-family
dwellings are exempt from plan review fees.
(� Augusta, Georgia. Notwithstanding any other provisions as provide in this building code,
Augusta, Georgia shall not be required to pay any permit, inspection or review fees.
(g) Refunds. The building official is authorized to establish a refund policy.
Sec. 7-1-91. Commencing work without permit prohibited; penalty for violation.
A person, firm or corporation who commences any work on a building, structure, electrical, gas,
mechanical or plumbing system, or who causes the same to be done, before obtaining the
necessary permits, shall be subject to a five hundred dollar ($500.00) penalty for the first offense
and a one thousand dollar ($1,000.00) penalty for the second offense and each offense occurring
thereafter.
Sec. 7-1-92. Posting building permit card; keeping approved drawings available for
inspection at site required.
(a) Work requiring a building permit shall not be commenced until the permit holder or his agent
shall have posted the building permit card in a conspicuous place on the front of the premises.
The permit shall be protected from the weather and located in such position as to permit the
Director-Building Official or his authorized representative to conveniently make the required
entries thereon. This permit card shall be maintained in such position by the permit holder until
the certificate of occupancy or completion has been issued by the Director-Building Official.
(b) When the Director-Building Official issues a permit, he shall endorse, in writing or by stamp,
both sets of plans Reviewed for Code Compliance. One set of drawings so reviewed shall be
retained by the building official and the other set shall be returned to the applicant. The permit
drawings shall be kept at the site of work and shall be open to inspection by the Director-
Building Official or his authorized representative.
Sec.7-1-93. Deleted
Sec. 7-1-94. Inspections.
(a) Existing building inspections. The Director-Building Official shall inspect all buildings,
structures, electrical, gas, mechanical and plumbing systems, from time to time, during and upon
completion of the work for which a permit was issued. He shall make a record of every such
examination and inspection and of all violations of the technical codes.
(b) Manufacturers and fabricators. When deemed necessary by the Director-Building Official,
he shall make, or cause to be made, an inspection of materials or assemblies at the point of
manufacture or fabrication. He shall make a record of every such examination and inspection and
of all violations of the technical codes.
Sec. 7-1-95. Same—Inspection service.
The Director-Building Official may make, or cause to be made, the inspections required by
section 7-1-94. He may accept reports of inspectors of recognized inspection services, provided
that after investigation he is satisfied as to their qualifications and reliability. A certificate called
for by any provision of the technical codes shall not be based on such reports unless the same are
in writing and certified by a responsible officer of such service.
Sec. 7-1-96. Same—Inspection prior to issuance of certificate of occupancy or completion.
The Director-Building Official shall inspect or cause to be inspected at various intervals all
construction or work for which a permit is required, and a final inspection shall be made of every
building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system upon completion, prior to the
issuance of the certificate of occupancy or
completion.
Sec. 7-1-97. Same—Required inspections.
The Director-Building Official, upon notification from the permit holder or his agent, shall make
the following inspections of buildings and such other inspections as may be necessary, and shall
either approve that portion of the construction or shall notify the permit holder or his agent of
any violations which must be corrected in order
to comply with the technical codes:
Required Inspections- Special Conditions
1. Rebar electrical grounding: do not place concrete until inspection is approved.
2. Footing: Setback — string line required detailing property line. Do not place
concrete until inspections are approved.
3. Foundation (masonry): do not install floor system until inspections are
approved.
4. Plumbing slab: 10' head pressure or 5 psi required. Do not cover piping until
inspections are approved.
5. Monolithic slab (turndown): string line required detailing property line. Do not
place concrete until inspections are approved.
6. Concrete slab: do not place concrete until inspections are approved.
7. Sewer line: do not cover until inspections are approved.
8. Rough framing, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing: do not cover until all
inspectionsare approved.
9. Pre-power: electrical service released conditionally for testing and start up.
10. Final building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing: do no occupy until all
inspections are approved.
Sec. 7-1-98. Written approval required.
Work shall not be done on any part of a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or
plumbing system beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining
the written approval of the inspector. Such written approval shall be given only after an
inspection has been made of each successive step in the construction or installation as indicated
by each of the foregoing inspections.
Sec. 7-1-99. Deleted
Sec. 7-1-100. Deleted
Sec. 7-1-101. Certi�cates of occupancy.
(a) Building occupancy. A new building shall not be occupied or a change be made in occupancy
or the nature or the use of a building or part of a building until after the Director-Building
Official shall have issued a certificate of occupancy therefore. Said certificate shall not be issued
until all required electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing and fire protection systems have been
inspected for compliance with the technical codes, and other applicable laws and ordinances,
payment of all fees, and approved by the Director-Building Official.
(b) Temporary/partial certificates of occupancy.
A temporary/partial certificate of occupancy may be issued for a portion or portions of a building
which may safely be occupied prior to final completion of the building.
Sec. 7-1-102. Deleted
Sec. 7-1-103. Certificate of completion.
Upon satisfactory completion of a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing
system, a certificate of completion may be issued. This certificate is proof that a structure or
system is complete and for certain types of permits is approved for use and may be connected to
a utility system. This certificate does not grant authority to occupy or connect a building, such as
a shell building, prior to the issuance of a certificate of
occupancy.
Sec. 7-1-104. Service utilities.
(a) Connection of service utilities. No person shall make connections from a utility, source of
energy, fuel or power to any building or system which is regulated by the technical codes for
which a permit is required, until approved by the Director-Building Official and a certificate of
occupancy or completion issued.
(b) Temporary connection. The Director-Building Official may authorize the temporary
connection of a building or system to the utility source of energy, fuel or power for the purpose
of testing building service systems or for use under a temporary certificate of occupancy.
(c) Authority to disconnect service utilities. The Director-Building Official shall have the
authority to authorize disconnection of utility service to the building, structure or system
regulated by the technical codes, in case of emergency where necessary to eliminate an
immediate hazard to life or property. The Director-Building Official shall notify the serving
utility, and whenever possible the owner and occupant of the building, structure or
service system, of the decision to disconnect prior to taking such action. If not notified prior to
disconnecting, the owner or occupant of the building, structure or service system shall be notified
in writing, as soon as practical thereafter.
Sec. 7-1-105. Deleted
Sec. 7-1-106. Deleted
The Director-Building Official may require tests or test reports as proof of compliance. Required
tests are to be made at the expense of the owner, or his agent, by an approved testing laboratory
or other approved agency.
Secs. 7-1-107-7-1-115. Reserved.
ARTICLE 6. CONSTRUCTION TRADES RE-GULATION
Sec. 7-1-116. PAYMENT OF OCCUPATION TAX, BOND AND LIABILITY
INSURANCE REQUIRED.
It shall be the duty of every builder (residential, residential-light commercial, and general
contractor), specialty contractor, plumber, electrician, and HVAC contractor who shall make
contracts for the erection or construction or repair of buildings or installation of building
components, or who shall make contracts for the installation or construction or repair of
electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems, for which a permit is required, and every contractor or
builder, specialty contractor, plumber, electrician, or HVAC contractor making such contracts
and subletting the same, or any part thereof, to do the following:
(a) Obtain a business tax certificate in accordance with Title 2, Chapter 2 of the Augusta-
Richmond County Code; or if a business tax certificate or business license has been
obtained elsewhere in the State of Georgia and is current and valid, present a copy of
said business tax certificate or license to the Planning and Development Department.
(b) Execute and deposit in the Planning and Development Department a bond in the sum
of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) for Georgia State licensed Residential
contractors; a bond in the sum of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) for Georgia State
licensed Residential-Light Commercial contractors, and General contractors; a bond
in the sum of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) for Georgia State licensed electrical,
plumbing and HVAC contractors doing residential work; a bond in the sum of twenty
thousand dollars ($20,000) for Georgia State licensed electrical, plumbing and HVAC
contractors doing commercial work; and a bond in the sum of five thousand dollars
($5,000) for Specialty contractors; such bond to be conditioned that all work
performed by the contractor or under his supervision shall be performed in
accordance with the provisions of this building code and that he shall pay all fees and
penalties properly imposed upon him for violations of the provisions of this building
code.
(c) Place on file in the license and inspection department office a certificate of insurance
for public liability and property damage for an amount not less than fifty thousand
dollars ($50,000.00) for each person and one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00)
for each occurrence. It shall be the responsibility of the contractor to notify the
Planning and Development Department immediately upon cancellation of or change
in public liability and property damage insurance.
(d) Place on file a copy of the Georgia State license for builders (residential, residential-
light commercial, or general contractor), electricians, plumbers, and mechanical
contractors who will be purchasing permits as either a sole proprietor or as an agent.
Sec. 7-1-116-1. Qualifications for home and commercial private building inspectors.
(1) Present proof of current certification by the American Society of Home Inspectors, or any
other national certifying agency for building inspectors that is approved for this purpose by the
Building Official, as a private building inspector for residential and commercial structures.
(2) Obtain a business tax certificate in accordance with Title 2, Chapter 2 of the Augusta-
Richmond County Code; or if a business tax certificate or business license has been obtained
elsewhere in the State of Georgia and is current and valid, present a copy of said business tax
certificate or license to the Planning and Development Department.
Sec. 7-1-116-2 through Sec. 7-1-116-17. Deleted
Sec. 7-1-117. Performing building, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work.
Building (Residential, Residential-Light Commercial, and General Contractor), Electrical,
Plumbing, and HVAC contractors required to employ State certified personnel. Before being
licensed to perform building, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC contracting and construction in
Augusta-Richmond County, each person, firm or corporation desiring such license shall have a
person regularly employed who has been certified by the Georgia State Construction Industry
Board (O.C.G.A. Title 43).
Sec. 7-1-118. Limitations on use of building, electrician, plumber, or HVAC certificate to
obtain permit.
(a) No person holding State certification as builder, electrician, plumber or HVAC contractor
shall allow his certification to be used, directly or indirectly, for the purpose of obtaining a
permit, business license, or to perform work unless said person is employed by the firm applying
for the permit, business license or performing said work.
(b) Any person or persons found guilty of using another person's State certification for the
purpose of obtaining a permit or doing work under a certificate other than his own may be
reported to the Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board and subject to penalty as
prescribed in section 7-1-120.
Sec. 7-1-119. Exemptions from sections 7-1-117 through 7-1-118.
(a) Owner performing building, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work at his residence. Nothing
contained herein shall prevent or prohibit an owner from doing building, electrical, plumbing, or
HVAC work in a dwelling in which he resides; provided, however, such owner shall pay
required permit fees and shall make such installations as required by this building code for safety
purposes and provided, however, such person does not employ another to do said work unless
that person holds appropriate State certifications for the type work he will be performing, and
said person holds a current business tax certificate.
(b) Industry maintenance department. Any manufacturing industry employing fifty (50) or more
workers and operating its own maintenance department shall be exempt from the provisions of
this article, except that the installations shall be in compliance with the standards provided by the
applicable code.
(c) Augusta, Georgia. Nothing contained herein shall prevent or prohibit Augusta, Georgia from
having its employees do building, electrical work, plumbing work (or other work requiring a
permit) for Augusta, Georgia; provided, however, that Augusta, Georgia shall be required to
obtain a permit and make such installations as required by this building code for safety purposes
and the installations shall be in compliance with the standards provided by the applicable code.
Nothing in this code is intended to eliminate or reduce any state law requirements with regard to
licensing.
Sec. 7-1-120. Penalties for violations of sections 7-1-117 through 7-1-118.
(a) Any violation of any of the provisions, sections or subsections of sections 7-1-117 through 7-
1-118, shall be tried as a misdemeanor and punished as provided in section 1-6-1 of this Code.
The inspector shall have the authority to issue or cause to be issued a subpoena to the person
violating said sections to appear in the appointed court for a hearing.
(b) In addition to (a) of this section, any person, firm or corporation who violates 7-1-117
through 7-1-118 will be reported to the State Construction Industry License Board for further
punitive action as provided for in O.C.G.A. (Title 43).
(c) Any person, firm or corporation who shall continue to violate sections 7-1-117 through 7-
1118, may be presented to the Augusta Commission for consideration to deny, revoke, or
suspend the business tax certificate as provided for in Section 2-1-38.
CERTIFICATION
The undersigned Clerk of Commission, Lena J. Bonner, hereby certifies that the
foregoing Ordinance was duly adopted by the Augusta, Georgia Commission
on ��_ , 2012 and that such Ordinance have not been modified or
rescinded as of the da e hereof and the undersigned further certifies that attached
hereto is a true copy of the Ordinance which was approved and adopted in the
foregoing meet' g ).
�
ena J. Bo er; Clerk of Commission
Published in the Augusta Chronicle.
Date March lst 2012
Second Reading Waived