Can a Building Inspector or Plan Reviewer Deny The Use of a TER or Master Plan Sheet?

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DENIED – YES OR NO?

While plan reviewers, inspectors, and other building officials have the authority to question any document submitted if the document complies with the intent of the applicable building code and related codes & standards, if the site-specific project design criteria (determined by others) complies with the limitations of the certified evaluation report, the short answer is no.

That being said

A bonafide Florida Product Approval or Miami Dade NOA does tend to meet with less resistance in that they are considered pre-reviewed to some extent. Sealed evaluation reports may be questioned for further documentation on how they were developed, slowing down the process and making things more expensive and time-consuming.  Product Approvals typically have more marketing clout as well, but cost more and are time-consuming to produce, apply for, and be approved by the governing agency.

The good news

Engineering Express has national experience with evaluation reports for building components.  We provide hundreds of certified evaluation reports available in our Master Plan Store for purchase that are used for permit every working day, and hundreds of Miami Dade, Florida, Texas, & ICC Evaluation reports to our name.

Remember

A TER (Technical Evaluation Report) or Master plan (also referred to as a product evaluation) can be denied if it does not meet the requirements of the intended project, if they’re unsealed, or if a design professional has not approved the evaluation for use at a site-specific address.  Engineering Express can help with both a product evaluation (typically for a manufacturer) and with their site-specific use.  Contact Us to submit a request to review your need.

Summary – What do do


Sometimes TER’s are denied due to misconceptions of what they are and what’s required (such as when they think an NOA is required).  In that case, Engineering Express can work with the reviewer to explain and illustrate the code process.  Sometimes Engineering Express can assist with a simple phone call or email, and sometimes an hourly consulting fee or fixed fee for additional documentation is necessary. Typically what is missing is the certification that the generic plan works for the intended site-specific condition.

If all else fails, click here to read the requirements & penalties plan reviewers and building officials face for wrongly denying a code-compliant application.

See the links below for more about the documentation and requirements of evaluation reports and NOA’s.

 

In the end, building officials cannot make up rules, they are bound to enforce them.  Sometimes that’s easier said than done, but with the right tenacity and professionalism, eventually, code compliance will prevail.  There’s no telling what that will take or the risk and reward, but it’s a legal and compliant process to submit a certified evaluation report for approval that meets the intent of the code.

Contact the office to discuss your issue or site-specific need.

Engineering Express provides hundreds of TER’s and Master Plans in our Online Plan Store.
We typically design these for the manufacturers so their installers can quickly and easily obtain sealed copies to obtain their building permit. 

Contact your local building official BEFORE ordering any engineering to determine what exactly is needed for permit.  We can assist in providing documentation to building officials to substantiate our reports.

Manufacturers: Contact Us to discuss your need.

ADDITIONAL TOPICS IN OUR KNOWLEDGE BASE ON THIS SUBJECT:

Product Approvals Are Not Always Required – Here’s Why

When is a Miami Dade Product Approval Required? 

What is a Master Plan Sheet?

How do I Quickly Get a Certified TER or Master Plan?

Can a Plan Reviewer or Building Inspector Deny The Use of a TER or Master Plan?

What do I do if a TER isn’t enough for a permit?

What Doesn’t a TER Do?

What is a TER and how is it used for permitting?

 

Last Update: January 13, 2022  

May 12, 2016  General  
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