My local county plan review is giving me a hard time with my roof SIPS. Even though they are 2012 IRC/IBC code compliant and I am utilizing the prescriptive method. They want an engineering stamp on the roof.

I believe the county doesn't want to do the homework to review the roof SIPS so the easy way is just have an engineer stamp it. That way they don't even have to look at the roofing plan, they just pass it since it's stamped.

Is this usually what happens with SIPS (roof in this case)?

Posted By Lbear on 15 Sep 2016 02:07 AM
My local county plan review is giving me a hard time with my roof SIPS. Even though they are 2012 IRC/IBC code compliant and I am utilizing the prescriptive method. They want an engineering stamp on the roof.

I believe the county doesn't want to do the homework to review the roof SIPS so the easy way is just have an engineer stamp it. That way they don't even have to look at the roofing plan, they just pass it since it's stamped.

Is this usually what happens with SIPS (roof in this case)?

Peter,
No it is not always the case,but the "prescriptive method" states in the applicability portion that it does not eliminate the need for engineering or engineering analysis
it is soleley a jurisdictional call.
many places in Georgia, North Carolina, TN, OH, PA, IN, IL, MO, MS,NY have never asked for additional engineering, however they have the right as the building official to request it, most building officials are not engineers and even if the plan review department has an engineer they may not understand or have expertise in SIP construction.
they have the right to require an engineers seal as "an alternative building method"
they also have the right to request the actual analysis, in they desire.


( you should be thankful .........just "Big brother" protecting us from ourselves)

I would think that the SIP supplier/manufacturer has all the engineering approvals and recommended installation details that should assuage the county folks. Have you tried them? County should accept the manufacturers engineering docs; sounds like they are primarily in CYA mode.

If every SIP sale requires an additional cost for engineering then SIPS become even less competitive.

I think an engineering stamp will relieve the county of any responsibility for the SIP roof.

Most AHJ's require site specific signed and sealed plans, SIP manufacturers have standard connection details, span charts and test data, but an engineer of record (in the state in which the construction occurs) should be responsible to put all that together for the specific job to ensure sound practices.
Further most building officials, plans reviewers are immune from culpability , if something goes bad the liability usually falls on the GC, engineer or architect

I think that is what I have to do. Contact an engineer and get a stamp. The county doesn't want any liability and having an engineer stamp will make them happy.