A colleague and I met with a group of code officials to discuss new commissioning requirements in an updated energy code that recently went into effect. We were talking about what the code called for in terms of enforcement and what the inspectors should expect with respect to documentation from commissioning professionals. This led to a more generic discussion about code enforcement in general and the inspectors’ frustration with being pressured to sign off on buildings that do not necessarily meet all code requirements.
Buildings are often accepted for occupancy on a temporary basis, contingent on the project team completing a documented list of outstanding code requirements within one year. However, there are typically no consequences for the project team not meeting those code requirements after one year. What are the inspectors supposed to do, throw the occupants out of the building?