Here at Hayne, we have many encounters with city counters. Along with that, we have many... discussions.. with them too. Especially when we know what we are proposing is allowed! Let us tell you a story..
Scene:
Hayne Architects want to plan ahead and be sure that the remodel/ addition they are proposing will be allowed with the City. Hayne Architects is proposing an addition on top of a garage and enclosed stairway access to the roof above that. From the code (their words) and neighboring homes, this seems to be counted as a 2-story home and not a 2 and a half story. But before getting the client excited about the design Hayne Architects wants to confirm with the City by going in for a Pre-submittal meeting.
Hayne
Hi Presubmittal Plan Checker, we are proposing to build on top of an existing garage and having access to the roof by a covered stair. The way we interpret the code, this seems like it would be allowed.
Plan Checker
Hmm, no I don't think so but let me check with my supervisor.
*elevator music*
My supervisor reviewed this and it made sense to her so you should be all good in the hood.
Sweetness! Thank you, we can't wait to complete this easy breezy submittal since we were prepared and talked to a planner before submitting! What could go wrong!?
What a silly question Hayne Architects.. because the answer is so much, so much could wrong.
Hayne Architects confidently submits their plans.
City Email: Hello you have corrections from your recent submittal.
Great! Let's see what these corrections are about since I know they won't be about the stair access since we confirmed it with the City at our pre submittal meeting!
Correction: The stair access to the roof makes the building a two and a half story, please revise.
OH WHAT THE FRAMING!?
We are just as shocked as you, Hayne Architects! What will happen next? Will they weep at their desks and accept defeat!? Or will they search and read code to fight the deceitful planning submittal?