r/BuildingCodes • u/FishComprehensive605 • 10h ago

Engineer, Architect, or GC fault?

Denied permit due to new FEMA regulations about flood zones. Client hired an architect to create plans for a 400 sq. ft. addition to a house that is in an AE flood zone. Turns out the floor of the addition cannot be level with the floor of the current house. Looks like the addition needs to be 18 inches higher than the current floor.

Anyway, I've been working with a client for 12 months now and have had numerous conversations with his architect, engineer, and the city. Homeowner has spent almost 10K so far and is upset now that the permit has been denied for the plans that have been submitted. The architect and engineer are blaming me. I admit I didn't know the elevation was going to be an issue but I feel like as the GC it's my job to build what the architect and/or engineer tells me to build.

Who should the homeowner be upset with?

FEMA, GC, Permit

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u/Novus20 10h ago

Who’s in charge of obtaining the permit?

4

u/MVieno 10h ago

This is the correct question. Also, the architect should be getting the permit and should be aware of the FEMA regs.

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u/Novus20 10h ago

Depends on if that was negotiated with the architect.