Single Family Residence Construction Checklist

Overview

This document outlines the requirements for obtaining a building permit and scheduling inspections for a single-family dwelling in Altoona, PA. It applies to permanent structures but excludes manufactured or industrial buildings.

Application Requirements

To submit an application, you must provide a "checkmark" for every item on the checklist. The submission requires:

• Site Plan: Must show outside dimensions and distances to front, side, and rear property lines.
• Construction Documents: Three (3) complete sets of plans showing code compliance, including:
  • Fire Safety: Option for automatic fire sprinklers (if not installed, basement floor ceiling assembly details are required).
  • Floor Plans: Sizes of all rooms.
  • Foundation Details: Depth below frost line, thickness, width, rebar, masonry type, waterproofing, and anchorage.
  • Structural Specs: Roof rafter size/spacing, sheathing thickness, ceiling joist size/spacing, floor joist size/spacing, wall sections (plates and headers), beam locations/sizes, and wall bracing details.
  • Openings: Sizes of all doors and windows (including emergency egress dimensions for sleeping rooms).
  • Systems: Locations of smoke/CO alarms, insulation values (U-values for windows, R-values for walls/attic/foundation), heating, plumbing, and electrical.
  • Stairs: Riser height (max 8 1/4"), tread depth (min 9"), handrail height, guardrail details, and basement emergency escape openings.
  • Forms: Completed building permit application.

Inspection Procedures

Once the permit is issued, the following rules apply:

• Permit Posting: The building permit must be posted on-site and visible from the road until completion.
• Scheduling: You must provide your permit number when scheduling. Do not schedule if the work is not ready.
• Notice: Give three (3) working days' advance notice for inspections.

Inspection Schedule

1. Footing Inspection: After forming, before placing concrete. (Priority given to this inspection).
2. Foundation Inspection: French drain and waterproofing, before backfilling.
3. Plumbing Under Slab: Rough-in, before placing concrete floor.
4. Framing Inspection: Before insulating and exterior finishes, but after heating, plumbing, and wiring are roughed in.
5. Energy Conservation: (Specific timing not detailed, listed as item 5).
6. Wallboard: Only required if there is an integral or attached garage.
7. Final Inspection: When the job is completely finished, prior to occupancy permit and after plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work.

Fees and Approval

• Plans will be reviewed for code compliance. If requirements are not met, additional information will be requested.
• If requirements are met, plans will be stamped "APPROVED. "
• A building permit will be issued once all fees are paid.
• Inspection procedures must be followed to ensure all required inspections are performed.