FAQs
Q: How can outside plan review services be paid for if they are not included in the department's budget?
A: Plan review fees can be billed directly to the owner, design professional or contractor. In addition, Kimball Engineering offers free UPS Next Day shipping so municipalities will not have to incur any of the plan review costs.
Q: How long do plan reviews take?
A: Initial plan review comments are submitted to the building department within nine (9) business days. All re-reviews are completed within five (5) working days.
Q: Can expedited plan reviews be performed?
A: In many cases an expedited plan review can be performed for an additional fee.
Q: What is included as part of the review comments?
A: Plan review comments are grouped by reviewer (i.e building, structural, fire, etc.). Complete plan reviews will note all Use Groups, Types of Construction, Mixed Uses, and Rated Assembly requirements. When applicable, each comment will provide a building code or standard reference. General comments in regards to engineering principles or to reduce potential field errors may also be made without a code reference.
Q: How will plan review comments be received?
A: Plan review comments can be immediately emailed or faxed to the municipality upon completion. A hard signed hard copy will also be mailed if desired. Comments may also be sent directly to the design professional or permit applicant when requested.
Q: What is required for a structural plan review?
A: For a structural plan review a copy of the soils report, structural calculations, project specifications and complete set of drawings is required. Only one set of each document is required.
Q: What is required for a complete plan review?
A: For a complete plan review a copy of the soils report, structural calculations, project specifications, energy analysis, applicable ICC-ES approvals, and complete set of drawings is required. Additional items may also be necessary if required by the particular jurisdiction. Two sets of each document are required.
Q: How can plans be delivered to Kimball Engineering?
A: Municipalities may use Kimball Engineering's UPS account for next day shipping. If the jurisdiction is within 20 miles we will send a runner to pick up the plans. Plans may also be dropped off directly to our office or submitted electronically for review (see eReview).
Q: When will plans be returned?
A: Typically plans will be kept until all comments have been responded to satisfactorily, at which point all information will be returned to the municipality. If the municipality requests it, Kimball Engineering can discard the information.
Q: May design professionals, owners, and contractors contact Kimball Engineering should they have questions about the plan review?
A: Kimball Engineering will discuss projects with interested parties with the permission of the municipality.
Q: Are local amendments to the code considered in plan reviews?
A: Prior to commencing a review of a project Kimball Engineering will check with the jurisdiction if the city has any specific requirements. All state code amendments will be considered in the plan review.
Q: Can we contact Kimball Engineering with code questions related to projects which are not being reviewed?
A: We will make every effort to answer all code related questions at no charge.
Q: Can Kimball Engineering review "phased" projects?
A: When sufficient information is provided, phased or partial reviews can be performed. Please call to discuss what information may be required for your particular project.
Q: Will plan reviews performed by Kimball Engineering be kept confidential?
A: Kimball Engineering will only release information to the client, unless specifically instructed otherwise.
Q: If a full plan review is not desired, can speicific specialty reviews be performed?
A: Yes, Kimball Engineering may perform individual building code, structural, accessibility, energy, fire & life safety, mechanical/plumbing, and electrical reviews if desired.
Q: Will Kimball Engineering be available for design review meetings or to perform site visits?
A: Yes, Kimball Engineering can perform site visits and be present for design review meetings. An extra fee may apply for these services.
Q: Can Kimball Engineering provide code consulting for design firms during design development?
A: Yes, Kimball Engineering will assist during any phase of the project, including the design phase.
Q: Does Kimball Engineering carry liability insurance?
A: Yes, Kimball Engineering carries both general and professional liability insurance as well as worker's compensation insurance. A certificate of insurance can be provided to our clients at any time if requested. |
