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Self-Certification. What is it? Should it be adopted for Albuquerque?. Self-Certification is.
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Self-Certification • What is it? • Should it be adopted for Albuquerque?
Self-Certification is... • a program that allows licensed architects and engineers, registered with the City, to self-certify that a project complies with all applicable laws and codes and the project can be approved without full review by plan examiners (though some 20% of applications are randomly selected for audit).
Is it New? • Self-Certification programs have existed in New York City and Chicago for several years. • 48% of new building applications to NY City Department of Buildings in 2006 were self-certified. • City of Dayton, OH has a pilot program. • AIA Phoenix was recently instrumental in the adoption of a self-certification program in Phoenix (modeled after Chicago).
Advantages? • The chief advantage is the time saved in the permitting process for all projects. Earlier occupancy, rents, better materials prices. • TI work, in particular, is positively affected. • With a tight budget it may give the City the opportunity to re-assign personnel from plan check to other duties. • Architects more directly assume the responsibility (and liability) they already have.
How Does It Work?(programs vary by city... following based on Phoenix) • The architect applies to the City to become registered to self-certify projects. • In addition to general information, and 3 yrs. of practice, 3-5 projects are listed for which the applicant was the architect of record. • The architect attends a City-run training program for applicants. Typical fees run from $1,500-$2,500 for a 16 hr. training program. • Qualified architect submits project (see flow chart).
What Stays the Same? • Projects are valued as they would be for standard plan-check. Record Drawings may be required. • Some additional fees may apply based on jurisdiction. • Planning and Zoning. • Field inspections are required.
What Projects Qualify? • TI’s for business, mercantile, factory, assembly & Storage. • New Residential and commercial to 4 stories. • Landscape salvage, inventory and new landscapes. • Grading/drainage & Parking lots.
What Doesn’t? • Historic preservation • Hillside projects • Institutional projects • Hazardous occupancies
What About My E & O? • Preliminary indications from insurance agents in the Albuquerque area indicate there is no increase in liability beyond that already assumed by the design professional.
Should AIA-ABQ Pursue Self-Certification? • Do you think this is a program we should have in Albuquerque? • How do you feel about self-certification and the role of architects in the process?
More Information... • http://www.phoenix.gov/development/scp.html • http://arizonaselfcertification.com/ • http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/bldgs/provdrs/stand_plan/svcs/the_self-certificationprogram.html • http://www.cityofchicago.org/content/city/en/depts/bldgs/provdrs/stand_plan/svcs/certified_correctionsprogram.html • http://archrecord.construction.com/news/daily/archives/071018self.asp