Any decisions made by the Building Official or Fire Chief while enforcing the Building Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code, International Fire Code, Life Safety Code and Electrical Code may be appealed to the Building Codes Board of Appeals by any person affected by the decision. The Board has the authority to approve the use of alternate materials, equipment and types of construction, if they are at least the equivalent of that prescribed by Code with respect to quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety.

Procedure:
Completely fill out the Board of Appeals application form and submit it to the Building Inspections Division of the Department of Community Development along with the application fee and 9 copies of any documentation that will demonstrate the proposed alternate materials or type of construction. Submittals must be received by the Building Inspections Division prior to the filing deadline. Filing deadlines and meeting dates are set at the beginning of each year, but you may request a special meeting if these dates would adversely affect the commencement of the proposed project.

The meeting agenda and all supporting documents will be sent to the Board and applicant one week prior to the meeting date. At the appeals hearing before the Board, any party may appear in person, by agent or by attorney. All testimony, objections and rulings will be recorded in the form of minutes of the meeting. The appellant is responsible for the expense of any tests or research required by the Board to substantiate the appellant's claim.

Fees:
For each item appealed, there is a $150.00 non-refundable application fee, which is due at the time the application is submitted.

Contacts:
Application forms and a schedule of filing deadlines and meeting dates are available in the Department of Community Development at City Hall, or by calling (913) 477-7500.

To inquire about the appeal process, contact Jim Jorgensen, Building Codes Administrator, at (913) 477-7701.