Final Inspection

jerryaldini

I built a 3 story deck in S.F., upon final inspection, the inspector noticed that
all my stairway runs where 32" rather than 36" wide. The inspector did not
sign off for the final. Everything else on the deck was perfect. There were 2 sets of plans I was working off of, the site plan and the revision. I thought they were identical, because the stamp on the both plans had the same date.
I was not involved in the permit process, so I didn't know there was a revision.
On the site plan, the stair widths were marked 32" clearly in the plans and the text below. On the revision the stair widths were marked 36" , but in the text below it still read 32" widths. I
The cost to comply and rebuild the stairwell to 36" would be around $25,000 which is completely out of the question(structure is all 4x material, with 6x6 verticals)
I did have a pre-final inspection with a different inspector and I only showed
him the site plan not by intention. He said since it passed through the city
and it was stamped, 32" would be acceptable. He said all I needed to do was
to get my hand rails up and he would sign me off. He also told me to make
sure that I ask for "him" for the final inspection. So thats just what I did. But the building dept. sent out a different inspector.
On that day I had both sets of plans, and he nailed me on it.
What options do I have?
What would happen to me as a licensed contractor if I just walked away
from this whole mess without getting it signed off?
I am really at this point with the whole thing!!

Bob Kovacs

Well, regardless of what Keith said, if the code requires 36", you're going to be stuck building 36" steps. Now, if Keith had come out for the inspection, you probably wouldn't be in this situation, but that doesn't make it right- he was just willing to let you violate code (which probably isn't something he'd like to see his name mentioned on the internet for, btw- you might want to remove his name from the post....). Bearr in mind that even without the revised plan with the 36" note, you'd still be required to meet code- the fact that the building department signed off on a deficient plan doesn't make it acceptable for you to build in violation of the code. Conveniently, the building department and its employees are absolved of any responsibility for such matters in the administrative sections of the code.

What can happen to you if you just walk away? Well, the homeowner can file a complain with the CSLB, and they can investigate. The case would be pretty cut and dry, and you'd lose. You'd then be given the option to correct the work at your expense, or the CSLB will pull your license. So, you can take the $25k hit now, or you can plan on losing your license, and never being granted another license in the state of California- not really a great set of options, IMO.......

neolitic

Perhaps there is a way that you
could make 36" between the rails?
Maybe you could get that to pass
without ripping out stringers and treads?
Good luck with it.

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JPC2

What code do you have to build to?
In my area, there is a provision for the encroachment of the handrail, leaving a clear width of 32" for a single rail, and 28" for a rail on both sides.

Is there any way to creat a "pocket in the wall to receive the handrail? As long as you meet the code clearances around the rail something like this could work.

Sometimes codes can be "interpreted" or applied to a special condition. As long as the code enforcement folks agree with your interpretation, you might can squeak by....

SES Constructio

Do you have a picture of the stairs in question?

LaurieC

I'm confused, are you having to change the stairs b/c you need to meet the code requirements? Or is the issue that you have not built what is on the approved plans?

Bill

here the stairs need to be a minimum of 36" CLEAR unless you are working in an existing situation like a remodel where this is not possible

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