LTC 180-2005 Building Code Effective Grading Classification
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
Office of the City Manager
Letter to Commission No. 180-2005
m
FROM:
Mayor David Dermer and
Members of the City C mmissiOl~..//
qVO
DATE: July 7,2005
TO:
SUBJECT:
Building Code Effective Grading Classification
Jorge M. Gonzalez
City Manager
It is my pleasure to report to the Commission that the City of Miami Beach Building Department has
been graded class 2 effective January 1,2005. The Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule
(BCEGS), instituted by Insurance Service Office (ISO), assesses the building codes in effect in a
particular community and how the community enforces its building codes, with special emphasis on
mitigation oflosses from natural hazards. The ISO is an insurer-supported organization with primary
mission of providing advisory insurance underwriting and rating information to insurers. The
BCEGS program assigns each municipality a BCEGS grade of 1 (best) to 10 (no recognized
protection). The BCEGS classifications for each community are used by insurance companies for
underwriting purposes. Insurers that currently receive Public Protection Classification (PPC) will
automatically receive BCEGS advisory credits and related underwriting information. PPC is similar
in concept to ISO's BCEGS that evaluates municipal fire-suppression capabilities and has been used
by insurers for decades.
Mr. Ken DeGuzman, representative onso visited the Miami Beach Building Department on April
6, 2005. The purpose of his visit was to verify implementation of the activities listed in the
Department's application for participation in the Building Code Effectiveness Grading. After the
verification of the activities, the application was evaluated by the ISO officials. ISO classified the
Miami Beach Building Department in class 2 of the BCEGS. The Department was ranked among the
top 7% of the building departments in Florida and among the top 2% of the building departments in
the nation. This is one of the highest classifications in the nation and helps residents of Miami Beach
in obtaining considerable discounts in the homeowners' insurance premiums.
Please find attached a copy ofthe comprehensive grading report prepared by ISO. As the ~pai&nent
is growing with additional staffing, implementation of several state of the art procedufes~ettff:
training and better customer service, it is our goal to establish the City of Miami Be~~ B.!!Ildi~
Department as a class 1 building department. :;;;:.' - i-n
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Countrywide BCEGS Classes
Page 1 of 1
ISO Mitigation Home I About ISO I PPC Program I BCEGS I Order Documents I E-mail Updates I Talk to ISO Mitigation I Search
ISO's Building Code Effectiveness
Grading Schedule (BCEGSTM)
What? Why? When? And what do I
do?
What determines a municipality's
code-effectiveness classification?
How do building code-effectiveness
classifications affect insurance
pricing?
What other underwriting
information will be available to
insurers?
Facts and figures about BCEGS
grades around the country
Countrywide
Distribution of Communities by BCEGS Class
Number within Classification
view a specific state: Select State
3000
l')
..-
o w
..- N
-.;t
N
2500
..-
w
o
N
2000
1500 ..-
.....
N
..-
1000
500 10
10
-.;t 10
..- .....
0 -.;t 10
1 2 3 4
m
m
-.;t
..-
II Personal Lines
m Commercial Lines
N -.;t
..... I()
5
6
7
8
9
10
The personal lines classification addresses building code adoption and
enforcement for 1- and 2-family dwellings. The commercial lines classification
is for all other buildings.
>>return to BCEGS Facts and FiQures
Privacy Policy I @ISO Properties, Inc., 2001, 2005. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.isomitigation.com/bcegs/1 OOO/bcegs 1 002.html
07/06/2005
Florida
Page 1 of 1
ISO Mitigation Home I About ISO I PPC Program I 13~1;~~ I Order Documents I E-mail Updates I Talk to ISO Mitigation I Search
ISO's Building Code Effectiveness
Grading Schedule (BCEGS)
What? Why? When? And what do I
do?
What determines a municipality's
code-effectiveness classification?
How do building code-effectiveness
classifications affect insurance
pricing?
What other underwriting
information will be available to
insurers?
Florida
Distribution of Communities by BCEGS Class
Number within Classification
view another state: Select State
160
140
120
137
126 129
116
Facts and figures about BCEGS 100
grades around the country
80
60
40
20
o
m Personal Lines
III Commercial Lines
4545
24 23
2 2 2 2 0 0 0 0
2 l 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 1
1
The personal lines classification addresses building code adoption and
enforcement for 1- and 2-family dwellings. The commercial lines classification
is for all other buildings.
>>return to BCEGS Facts and Figures
Privacy Policy I @ISO Properties, Inc., 2001, 2005. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.isomitigation.com/bcegsll 000/ graphs/FL .html
07/06/2005
'.
III
INSURANCE SERVICES OFFICE, INC.
4 B EVES DRIVE SUITE 200 MARLTON ,NJ 08053 (856) 985-5600 FAX (856) 985-6464
June 6, 2005
Mr. Jorge Gonzalez, City Manager
City of Miami Beach
1700 Convention Center Drive
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
RE: Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule
Miami Beach, Miami-Dade County, Florida
Dear Mr. Gonzalez:
We wish to thank you and Hamid Dolikhani for the cooperation given to our representative, Ken
DeGuzman, during our recent survey. We have completed our analysis of the building codes
adopted by your community and the efforts put forth to properly enforce those codes. The resulting
Building Code Effectiveness Grading Classification is 2 for 1 and 2 family residential property and
2 for commercial and industrial property.
The Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO) is an insurer-supported organization with the primary
mission of providing-advisory insurance underwriting and rating information to insurers. There is
no requirement that insurers use our advisory material. Insurers may have adopted, or may be in the
process of adopting, an ISO insurance rating program that will provide rating credits to individual
property insurance policies in recognition of community efforts to mitigate property damage due to
natural disasters. These insurers may use the Building Code Effectiveness Grading Classification
we have recently developed for your community as a basis for the credits used. While individual
insurers may use different credits or different effective dates, the ISO program will apply credits to
new construction within Miami Beach that has been issued a Certificate of Occupancy in the year
2005 and forward.
We have attached a copy of our report which provides additional information about our
classification process and how we have graded various aspects of your community's building codes
and their enforcement.
We want to highlight the fact that the Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule is an
insurance underwriting and information tool; it is not intended to analyze all aspects of a
comprehensive building code enforcement program nor is it for purposes of determining compliance
with any state or local law or for making property/casualty loss prevention and life safety
recommendations.
If you have any questions about the Classification that was developed, please let us know.
Additionally, if you are planning on any future changes in your building codes or their enforcement,
please advise us as these changes may affect our analysis and your community's grading
classification.
Sincerely,
BCEGS Building Codes. Department
(856) 985-5600 FAX (800) 955-2422
Enclosure
cc: Hamid Dolikhani w/enc1osure
Page 1 of 14
BUILDING CODE EFFECTIVENESS GRADING SCHEDULE
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of the Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule is to review the available public building code
enforcement agencies and to develop a Building Code Effectiveness Classification for insurance underwriting
information and rating purposes.
The Schedule measures the resources and support available for building code enforcement. It also evaluates how
those resources apply to the mitigation of the natural hazards common to the specific jurisdiction. These
measurements are then developed into a Building Code Effectiveness Classification number on a relative scale
from 1 to 10, with 10 representing less than the minimum recognized protection.
The Schedule is an insurance underwriting information and rating tool. It is not intended to analyze all aspects of
a comprehensive building code enforcement program. It is not for purposes of determining compliance with any
state or local law or regulation, nor is it for making property/casualty loss prevention or life safety
recommendations. It should not be used for purposes other than insurance underwriting information and rating.
The Building Code Effectiveness Classifications developed through the use of this Schedule are only one of
several elements used to develop insurance rates for individual properties. Other features specifically relating to
individual properties such as construction, occupancy, and exposures have similar importance in the
development ofthese rates.
The Schedule is divided into 3 sections:
Administration of Codes:
This section evaluates the administrative support available in the jurisdiction for code enforcement. It looks for
adopted building codes and modifications of those codes through ordinance, code enforcers qualifications,
experience and education, zoning provisions, contractorlbuilder licensing requirements, public awareness
programs, the building department's participation in code development activities and the administrative policies
and procedures.
Plan Review:
This section assesses the plan review function to determine the staffmg levels, personnel experience,
perfonnance evaluation schedules, review capabilities, and level of review of construction documents for
compliance with the adopted building code for the jurisdiction being graded.
Field Inspection:
This section evaluates the field inspection function to determine the staffmg levels, personnel experience,
perfonnance evaluation schedules, review capabilities, and level of review of building construction for
compliance with the adopted building code for the jurisdiction being graded.
The attached "Commercial Classification Details" identify the subject matter, maximum points achievable and
the points obtained in the review of your community. This information is provided to you without
recommendation and is for your use in understanding the details of the measurement of your building code
enforcement activities in relationship to the Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule.
6/1i2005
FL, Miami Beach
Commercial
SECTION I
ADMINISTRATION OF CODES
Page 2 of 14
~ 00. GENERAL
This section evaluates the administrative support for code enforcement within the jurisdiction -- the adopted
building codes and the modifications of those codes through ordinance, code enforcers qualifications, experience
and education, zoning provisions, contractorlbuilder licensing requirements, public awareness programs, the
building department's participation in code development activities, and the administrative policies and
procedures.
105. ADOPTED CODES
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
The latest edition of the model codes should be adopted and enforced by the jurisdiction.
CODES
5
8.00
8.00 points
8.00 point(s)
Points Scored
8.00 ts
108. ADDITIONAL CODE ADOPTIONS
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
CODES
5
0.67
0.67
0.67
0.67
0.67
0.67
4.00 points
4.000 DOint(S)
Points Scored
0.670 ts
0.670 ts
0.670 ts
0.670 ts
0.670 ts
0.670 ts
110. MODIFICATION TO ADOPTED CODES
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
4.00 points
4.00 point(s)
There should be no modifications to the structural design provisions of the adopted codes and referenced
standards that would weaken the intent for construction mitigation of natural hazards as defmed in the model
codes and referenced standards. No proration is permitted in this item.
** Maximum allowable points = (points credited in item 105) x 0.125 x 4.0
6/1 /2005
112. METHOD or ADOPTION
Page 3 of 14
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
1.00 points
1.00ooint(s)
Points awarded for timely unamended adopted of nationally recognized code publication.
115. TRAINING
Maximum Points Possible 13.30 points
Points Scored 8.75 point(s)
Amount of expenditures for training equaling at least 2% of the annual operating budget for all building
department related activities
Pts Poss.
3.00 points
Each code enforcement person receiving the following amount of training per year:
Pts Poss.
1.25 points
1.25 points
1.25 points
4.25 points
Administration
Legal
Mentoring
Technical
12 hours .................................
12 hours .................................
12 hours .................................
60 hours ................................;.
Scored
2.25 point(s)
Scored
0.84 point(s)
0.84 point(s)
~.25 point(s)
1.39 point(s)
Incentives provided by the jurisdiction for continuing education, outside training, certification and certification
maintenance
Department pays certification exam fees.
. Pts Poss. Scored
0.5 point 0.50 point
Pts Poss. Scored
0.5 point 0.38 point
Pts Poss. Scored
0.5 point 0.50 point
Department provides incentive for outside training/certification.
Department pays for continuing education, etc.
Pts Poss.
0.50 point
Education of elected officials or governing authorities in building codes and building code enforcement a
minimum of 3 hours per official per year
Scored
0.50 point
A formal appeal process that a contractor/builder or architect/design professional can utilize as recourse to a
building official's interpretation of the adopted building code/zoning regulations
Pts Poss.
0.30 point
Scored
0:30 point
I'" (1 '''^f\~
O/lU.UU:J
Page 4 of 14
120. CERTIFICATION
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
12.00 points
9.56 point{s)
The credit for certification is as follows:
Certification of code enforcement personnel (applicable to the position requirements) thro~h_a_comprehensive-
examination representative of the perfonnance area for which certification is sought -.,- \ \ .
Pts Pass. Scored .
8.00 points \ .80 poin~
Pts Pass. '&ored
0.50 point 0.50 point
State or local jurisdiction mandated program of certification maintenance through continuing education at least
once every 3 years
State or local jurisdiction mandated program for certification.
Pts Pass. Scored
1.50 points 1.50 point(s)
Program of employee certification in the field they are employed (p'ior to employment or within one year of date
of hire or advancement) - - _' - .'
.. Pts Pass. Scored
1.00 point 0.75 point
Program of employee certification where specific code related educations and experience are required
prerequisites to testing requirements
Pts Pass.
1.00 point
Scored
1.00 point
6i i/2005
Page 5 of 14
125. BUILDING OFFICIAL'S QUALIFICATION / EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
4.00 points
2.80 ooint{s)
The following is reviewed:
Certification as a building official
Pts Poss. Scored
0.60 point 0 point
Licensed Architect or Engineer
Pts Pass. Scored
0.60 point 0 point
High School diploma
Pts Poss. Scored
0.10 point 0.10 point
College degree
Pts Poss. Scored
0.50 point 0.50 point
Masters degree
Pts Poss. Scored
0.40 point 0.40 point
Construction related experience
None
less than 2 years
or two to five years
or more than five years
Pts POSS. Scored
0.00 point
0.10 point
0.20 point
0.60 point 0.60 point
Code enforcement experience
Pts POSS. Scored
0.00 point
0.10 point
0.20 point
0.60 point 0.60 point
None
less than 2 years
. or two to five years
or more than five years
Building official experience
Pts Pass. Scored
0.10 point
0.20 point
0.60 point 0.60 point
less than 2 years
or two to five years
or more than five years
6/1/2005
Page 6 of 14
130. SELECTION PROCEDURES FOR BUILDING OFFICIAL
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
0.50 point
0.50 point
Selection through examination
Selection through peer review
Pts Poss. Scored
0.25 point 0.25 point
0.25 point 0.25 point
135. DESIGN PROFESSIONALS
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
2.00 points
1.0 I ooint(s)
The credit for design professionals is as follows:
If supervisory plan review staff are graduate or registered architects or engineers
Pts Poss. Scored
1.00 points 0.73 point
If non-supervisory plan review staff are graduate or registered architects or engineers
. Pts Poss. Scored
0.50 points 0.27 point
If supervisory field inspection staff are graduate or registered architects or engineers
Pts Poss. Scored
0.50 point 0 point
140. ZONING PROVISIONS
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
1.00 point
1.00 point
Where possible, special (through ordinance or code amendment) zoning provisions that address mitigation
measures for buildings subject to local natural hazards.
6/1/2005
Page 7 of 14
145. CONTRACTORIBUILDER LICENSING AND BONDL.""lG
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
1.00 point
1.00 point
Contractorslbuilders licensed and bonded to work in the jurisdiction being graded. The licensure dependence upon
examination and experience
Licensing requirement for contractors and builders
Pts Poss. Scored
0.10 point 0.10 point
Pts Poss. Scored
0.50 point 0.50 point
Pts Poss. Scored
0.30 point 0.30 point
Pts Poss. Scored
0.10 point 0.10 point
Licensing by examination
Licensing by experience
Bonding requirements for contractors
155. PUBLIC AWARENESS PROGRAMS
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
2.50 points
2.50point(s)
The amount of expenditures for public awareness programs equaling a minimum of 0.5% of the annual operating
budget for all building department related activities
Pts Poss. Scored
1.25 point 1.25 point
The amount of hours spent by code enforcers on public awareness programs, equaling a minimum of3 hours per
code enforcement employee per year
Pts Poss.
1.25 point
Scored
1.25 point
160. PARTICIPATION IN CODE DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
0.50 points
0.50point(s)
The building department involvement in code development activities and associations with groups or
organizations that assemble building enforcement personnel for the purpose of education and advancement of
effective building codes.
Participation in Code change Activities
Pts Poss.
0.25 point
Scored
0.25 point
Participation in Code association/chapter meetings
Pts Poss.
0.25 point
Scored
0.25 point
6/1/2005
Page 8 of 14
165. ADLVllNISTRATIVE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
0.20 points
0.20 noint(s)
The credit for "Policies and Procedures" is as follows:
A policies and procedures guide for employees
Pts Poss. Scored
0.10 point 0.10 point
The policies and procedures guide covers technical code requirements (such as approved products listings) that
would assist a designer or builder .
Pts Pass.
0.05 point
Publicizing the policies and procedures guide as available to the public.
Pts Pass.
0.05 point
Scored
0.05 point
Scored
0.05 point
6/1/2005
Page 9 of 14
SECTION IT
PLAN REVIEW
~oo. GENERAL
This section evaluates the plan review function to detennine the following:
Staffmg levels
Personnel experience
Perfonnance evaluation schedules
Review capabilities, and level of review of construction documents for compliance with the adopted
building code for the jurisdiction being graded
205. EXISTING STAFFING
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
9.00 points
9.00 point(s)
Staffmg levels sufficient to assure comprehensive reviews of construction documents for compliance with the
adopted building codes .
**. . _ points achieved in item 215 .
Maximum allowable pomts - . t 'bl"t 21 - x item 205
pom s pOSSi e m 1 em :>
~lO. EXPERIENCE OF PERSONN,EL
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
1.50 points
1.28ooint(s)
5 years or greater experience in plan review of plan review staff.
6/1/2005
~15. DETAIL OF PLAN REVIEW
Page 10 of 14
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
The credit for the comprehensiveness of plan review is as follows:
11.50 points
11.50 point(s)
Pts Poss.
3.25 points
Comprehensive review of plans performed even if they were prepared and sealed by a registered design
professional certified in the appropriate field of work
Scored
3.25 point(s)
Pts Poss.
3.25 points
Structural plan reviews conducted for all proposed building construction or building additions/modifications
including a review of engineering calculations
Scored
3.25 point(s)
A means to evaluate, or reference evaluation service reports, for substitute products and/or materials for
conformance with the intent of the structural portions of the adopted building codes
. Pts Poss.
2.00 point
Scored
2.00 point
A detailed checklist used with each plan review to assure all pertinent building code issues have been considered
. Pts Poss. Scored
. 1.50 points 1.50 point(s) _
The checklist becomes a part of the permanent record of the project address
Pts Poss.
0.50 point
Department maintains detailed records of review activity.
Pts Poss.
1.00 points
Scored
0.50 point
Scored
1.00 point(s)
220. PERFORMANCE EV ALUA nONS FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
Credit for quality assurance programs for plan reviewers is as follows:
1.00 point
1.00 point
Annual employee performance evaluations
Pts Pass.
0.50 point
"Follow-up" plan reviews by a different plan reviewer conducted semiannually
Pts Poss.
0.50 point
Scored
0.50 point
Scored
0.50 point
6ili2005
Page 11 of 14
SECTION III
FIELD INSPECTION
1300. GENERAL
This section evaluates the field inspection function to determine the following:
Staffmg levels
Personnel experience
Performance evaluation schedules
Review capabilities and level of review of building construction
~05. EXISTING STAFFING
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
9.00 points
9.00 point(s)
Staffmg levels sufficient to assure comprehensive reviews of building construction for compliance with the
adopted building codes
310. EXPERIENCE OF PERSONNEL
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
3.00 points
2.57 point(s)
5 years or greater experience in field inspection
Pts Pass.
1.50 points
Scored
1.22 point(s)
2 years or greater of construction related experience
Pes Poss.
1.50 points
Scored
1.35 point(s)
1315. MANAGING INSPECTION AND RE-INSPECTION ACTIVITY
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
1.00 point .
1.00 point
Detailed record keeping of inspection activity.
6/112005
320. INSPECTION CHECKLIST
Page 12 of 14
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
2.00 points
o point(s)
A detailed checklist completed for each building construction project to assure that all pertinent building code
issues have been considered
Pts Pass.
1.50 points
The checklist becomes a part of the permanent record of the project address
Pts Pass.
0.50 point
Scored
o point(s)
p25. SPECIAL INSPECTIONS
Scored
o point
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
1.00 points
1.00 point(s)
Where necessary to assure structural integrity, the building department requirement for special inspections for
specific structural elements conducted by professional inspectors who have been certified for such work
Pts Pass. Scored
0.70 point 0.70 point
The certification being obtained by a combination of:
Examination
Pts Pass.
0.10 point
Experience in the field of inspection they will be performing
Pts Pass.
0.10 point
An interview by the building official to assess qualifications
Pts Pass.
0.10 point
Scored
0.10 point
Scored
0.10 point
Scored
0.10 point
330. INSPECTIONS FOR NATURAL HAZARD MITIGATION
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
1.50 points
1.50 point(s)
Wh~n there are construction mitigation measures def'med in the adopted building code for the natural hazard(s)
peculiar to the area being graded, special inspectiorts that focus on compliance with the provisions of the code
6/i/2005
Page 13 of 14
. 1335. FINAL INSPECTIONS
Ma..<imum Points Possible
Points Scored
2.50 points
2.50ooint(s)
Final inspections performed on all buildings after the construction is completed and the building is ready for
occupancy
1340. CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
2.00 points
2.00ooint(s)
Certificates of occupancy issued by the building department after the construction is completed and prior to the
building being occupied
345. PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
1.00 point
1.00 point
Credit for quality assurance programs for field inspectors is as follows:
Annual employee performance evaluations
Pts Poss,
0.50 point
Scored
. 0.50 point .
"Follow-up" field inspections by a different field inspector conducted semiannually
Pts Poss.
0.50 point
Scored
0.50 point
6/1/2005
Page 14 of 14
Jurisdiction: Miami Beach
State: FL
Commercial
Total points:
Classification:
88.17
2
Survey Date: 04/06/2005
FINAL SCORING
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
44.82
22.78
20.57
Subtotal
Item 105
88.17
8.00
The final score is determined by a relationship between Item 105 and the balance of the scoring.
[ {(Section I + Section II + Section III) - Item
ID5} x
[{( 44.82+22.78+20.57)-8.00}x8.00/8.00)]+8.00=88.17
Points achieved in Item
105
Points possible in Item
105
] + I tern
105
Classification Point Spreads Classification Point Spreads
I 93.00 - 100.00 6 48.00 - 55.99
2 85.00 - 92.99 7 41.00 - 47.99
3 77.00 - 84.99 8 25.00 - 40.99
4 65.00 - 76.99 9 10.00 - 24.99
5 56.00 - 64.99 10 0.01 - 9.99
I Close I
6/i12005
Page 1 of 14
BUILDING CODE EFFECTIVENESS GRADING SCHEDULE
l1'iTRODUCTION
The purpose of the Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule is to review the available public building code
enforcement agencies and to develop a Building Code Effectiveness Classification for insurance underwriting
information and rating purposes.
The Schedule measures the resources and support available for building code enforcement. It also evaluates how
those resources apply to the mitigation of the natural hazards common to the specific jurisdiction. These
measurements are then developed into a Building Code Effectiveness Classification number on a relative scale
from I to 10, with 10 representing less than the minimum recognized protection.
The Schedule is an insurance underwriting information and rating tool. It is not intended to analyze all aspects of
a comprehensive building code enforcement program. It is not for purposes of determining compliance with any
state or local law or regulation, nor is it for making property/casualty loss prevention or life safety
recommendations. It should not be used for purposes other than insurance underwriting infonnation and rating.
The Building Code Effectiveness Classifications developed through the use of this Schedule are only one of
several elements used to develop insurance rates for individual properties. Other features specifically relating to
individual properties such as construction, occupancy, and exposures have similar importance in the
development of these rates.
The Schedule is divided into 3 sections:
Administration of Codes:
This section evaluates the administrative support available in the jurisdiction for code enforcement. It looks for
adopted building codes and modifications of those codes through ordinance, code enforcers qualifications,
experience and education, zoning provisions, contractor/builder licensing requirements, public awareness .
programs, the building department's participation in code development activities and the administrative policies
and procedures.
Plan Review:
This section assesses the plan review function to detennine the staffmg levels, personnel experience,
perfonnance evaluation schedules,'review capabilities, and level of review of cons~ction documents for
compliance with the adopted building code for the jurisdiction being graded.
Field Inspection:
This section evaluates the field inspection function to determine the staffmg levels, personnel experience,
performance evaluation schedules, review capabilities, and level of review of building construction for
compliance with the adopted building code for the jurisdiction being graded.
The attached "I - and 2 - family Classification Details" identify the subject matter, maximum points achievable
and the points obtained in the review of your community. This information is provided to you without
recommendation and is for your use in understanding the details of the measurement of your building code
enforcement activities in relationship to the Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule.
6ili200S
FL, Miami Beach
1 - and 2 - family
SECTION I
ADMINISTRATION OF CODES
Page 20f 14
~ 00. GENERAL
This section evaluates the administrative support for code enforcement within the jurisdiction -- the adopted
building codes and the modifications of those codes through ordinance, code enforcers qualifications, experience
and education, zoning provisions, contractorlbuilder licensing requirements, public awareness programs, the
building department's participation in code development activities, and the administrative policies and
procedures.
105. ADOPTED CODES
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
The latest edition of the model codes should be adopted and enforced by the jurisdiction.
CODES
5
8.00
8.00 points
8.00 point(s)
Points Scored
8.00 ts
108. ADDITIONAL CODE ADOPTIONS
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
CODES
Electric
echanical
uel Gas
umblin
nerg
Wildland Urban interface
5
0.67
0.67
0.67
0.67
0.67
0.67
4.00 points
4.000 point(s)
Points Scored
0.670 ts
0.670 ts
0.670 ts
0.670 ts
0.670 ts
0.670 ts
110. MODIFICATION TO ADOPTED CODES
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
4.00 points
4.00ooint(s)
There should be no modifications to the structural design provisions of the adopted codes and referenced
standards that would weaken the intent for construction mitigation of natural hazards as defmed in the model
codes and referenced standards. No proration is permitted in this item.
** Maximum allowable points = (points credited in item 105) x 0.125 x 4.0
6il/2005
112. METHOD Of ADOPTION
Page 3 of 14
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
1.00 points
1.00 point(s)
Points awarded for timely unamended adopted of nationally recognized code publication.
115. TRAINING
Maximum Points Possible 13.30 points
Points Scored 8.75 point(s)
Amount of expenditures for training equaling at least 2% of the annual operating budget for all building
department related activities
Pts Pass.
3.00 points
Each code enforcement person receiving the following amount of training per year:
Pis Pass.
1.25 points
1.25 points
1.25 points
4.25 points
Administration
Legal
Mentoring
Technical
12 hours .................................
12 hours .................................
12 hours .................................
60 hours ................................:
Scored
2.25 point(s)
Scored
0.84 point(s)
0.84 point(s)
1.25 point(s)
1.39 point(s)
Incentives provided by the jurisdiction for continuing education, outside training, certification and certification
maintenance
Department pays certification exam fees..
Pts Poss. Scored
0.5 point 0.50 point
Pts Poss. Scored
0.5 point 0.38 point
Pts Poss. Scored
0.5 point 0.50 point
Department provides incentive for outside training/certification.
Department pays for continuing education, etc.
Pts Pass.
0.50 point
Education of elected officials or governing authorities in building codes and building code enforcement a
minimum of 3 hours per official per year .
Scored
0.50 point
A formal appeal process that a contractorlbuilder or architect/design professional can utilize as recourse to a
building official's interpretation of the adopted building code/zoning regulations
. Pts Poss.
0.30 point
Scored
0.30 point
6/1/2005
Page 4 of 14
120. CERTIFICATION
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
12.00 points
9.56 ooint(s}
The credit for certification is as follows:
Certification of code enforcement personnel (applicable to the position requirements) through a comprehensive
examination representative of the performance area for which certification is sought
PIs Pass.
8.00 points
Scored
5.80 point(s)
State or local jurisdiction mandated program for certification.
PIs Poss. Scored
0.50 point 0.50 point
State or local jurisdiction mandated program of certification maintenance through continuing education at least
once every 3 years
Pts Pass. Scored
1.50 points 1.50 point(s)
Program of employee certification in the field they are employed (prior to employment or within one year of date
of hire or advancement)
PIs Pass. Scored
1.00 point 0.75 point
Program of employee certification where specific code related educations and experience are required
prerequisites to testing requirements
Pts Pass.
1.00 point
Scored
1.00 point
6/1/2005
Page 5 of 14
125. BUILDING OFFICIAL'S QUALIFICATION I EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
4.00 points
2.80 point(s)
The following is reviewed:
Certification as a building official
Licensed Architect or Engineer
...
Scored
o point / .
~.
PIs Poss. Scored
0.60 point 0 point
High School diploma
Pts Pass. Scored
0.10 point 0.10 point
College degree
Pts Poss. Scored
0.50 point 0.50 point
Masters degree
PIs Poss. Scored
0.40 point 0.40 point
Construction related experience
PIs Pass. Scored
0.00 point
0.10 point
0.20 point
0.60 point 0.60 point
None .
less than 2 years _
or two to five years
or more than five years
. Code enforcement experience
None
less than 2 years
or two to five years
or more than five years
Pts Pass. Scored
0.00 point
0.10 point
0.20 point
0.60 point 0.60 point
Building official experience
less than 2 years
or two to five years
or more than five years
Pts Poss. Scored
0.10 point
0.20 point
0.60 point 0.60 point
6/1/2005
Page 6 of 14
130. SELECTION PROCEDURES FOR BUILDING OFFICIAL
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
0.50 point
0.50 point
Selection through examination
Selection through peer review
PIs Pass. Scored
0.25 point 0.25 point
0.25 point 0.25 point
135. DESIGN PROFESSIONALS
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
2.00 points
1.01 point(s)
The credit for design professionals is as follows:
If supervisory plan review staff are graduate or registered architects or engineers
Pts Pass. Scored
1.00 points 0.73 point
If non-supervisory plan review staff are graduate or registered architects or engineers
PIs Poss. Scored
0.50 points 0.27 point
If supervisory field inspection staff are graduate or registered architects or engineers -- --.-\~"
Pts Pos. Scored
. 0.50 pOl t" 0 pnint
/
" ...
140. ZONING PROVISIONS
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
1.00 point
1.00 point
Where possible, special (through ordinance or code amendment) zoning provisions that address mitigation
measures for buildings subject to local natural hazards.
6/1/2005
Page 7 of 14
145. CONTRACTORIBUILDER LICENSING AND BONDING
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
1.00 point
1.00 point
Contractorslbuilders licensed and bonded to work in the jurisdiction being graded. The licensure dependence upon
examination and experience
Licensing requirement for contractors and builders
Licensing by experience
Pts Poss. Scored
0.10 point 0.10 point
Pts Poss. Scored
0.50 point 0.50 point
Pts Poss. Scored
0.30 point 0.30 point
Pts Poss. Scored
0.10 point 0.10 point
Licensing by examination
Bonding requirements for contractors
155. PUBLIC AWARENESS PROGRAMS
Ma.ximum Points Possible
Points Scored
2.50 points
2.50 DOint(S)
The amount of expenditures for public awareness programs equaling a minimum of 0.5% of the annual operating
budget for all building department related activities
PIs Poss. Scored
1.25 point 1.25 point
The amount of hours spent by code enforcers on public awareness programs, equaling a minimum 00 hours per
code enforcement employee per year
PIs Poss.
1.25 point
Scored
1.25 point
160. PARTICIPATION IN CODE DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
Maximum Points Possible
. Points Scored
0.50 points
0.50 DOint(S)
The building department involvement in code development activities and associations with groups or
organizations that assemble building enforcement personnel for the purpose of education and advancement of
effective building codes. .
Participation in Code change Activities
Pts Poss.
0.25 point
Scored
0.25 point
Participation in Code association/chapter meetings
PIs Poss.
0.25 point
Scored
0.25 point
6ili2005
Page 8 of 14
165. ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
0.20 points
0.20 DOint(S)
The credit for "Policies and Procedures" is as follows:
A policies and procedures guide for employees
Pts Poss. Scored
0.10 point 0.10 point
The policies and procedures guide covers technical code requirements (such as approved products listings) that
would assist a designer or builder
PIs Poss.
0.05 point
Publicizing the policies and procedures guide as available to the public.
PIs Pass.
0.05 point
Scored
0.05 point
Scored
0.05 point
6/1/2005
Page 9 of 14
SECTION n
PLAN REVIEW
~oo. GENERAL
This section evaluates the plan review function to determine the following:
Staffmg levels
Personnel experience
Performance evaluation schedules
Review capabilities, and level of review of construction documents for compliance with the adopted
building code for the jurisdiction being graded
~05. EXISTING STAFFING
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
9.00 points
9.00 point(s)
Staffmg levels sufficient to assure comprehensive reviews of construction documents for compliance with the
adopted building codes .
**. . _ points achieved in item 215 .
Maxlffium allowable pomts - . t 'bl'"t 215 x Item 205
pom s pOSSI e m 1 em
~lO. EXPERIENCE OF PERSONNEL
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
1.50 points
1.28 point(s)
5 years or greater experience in plan review of plan review staff.
6/1/2005
. 215. DETAIL OF PLAN REVIEW
Page 10 of 14
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
The credit for the comprehensiveness of plan review is as follows:
11.50 points
11.50 point(s)
PIs Poss.
3.25 points
Comprehensive review of plans performed even if they were prepared and sealed by a registered design
professional certified in the appropriate field of work
Scored
3.25 point(s)
Pts Poss.
3.25 points
Structural plan reviews conducted for all proposed building construction or building additions/modifications
including a review of engineering calculations
Scored
3.25 point(s)
A means to evaluate, or reference evaluation service reports, for substitute products and/or materials for
conformance with the intent of the structural portions of the adopted building codes
. Pts Poss.
2.00 point
Scored
2.00 point
A detailed checklist used with each plan review to assure all pertinent building code issues have been considered
. Pts Poss. Scored
1.50 points '1.50 point(s)
The checklist becomes a part of the permanent record ofthe project address
Pts Pass.
0.50 point
Department maintains detailed records of review activity.
Pts Poss.
1.00 points
Scored
0.50 point
Scored
1.00 point(s)
220. PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
Credit for quality assurance programs for plan reviewers is as follows:
1.00 point
1.00 point
Annual employee performance evaluations
Pts Poss.
0.50 point
"Follow-up" plan reviews bya different plan reviewer conducted semiannually
Pts Pass.
0.50 point
Scored
0.50 point
Scored
0.50 point
6/1/2005
Page 11 of 14
SECTION III
FIELD INSPECTION
1300. GENERAL
This section evaluates the field inspection function to determine the following:
Staffmg levels
Personnel experience
Performance evaluation schedules
Review capabilities and level of review of building construction
305. EXISTING STAFFING
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
9.00 points
9.00 point(s)
Staffmg levels sufficient to assure comprehensive reviews of building construction for compliance with the
adopted building codes
~10. EXPERIENCE OF PERSONNEL
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
3.00 points
2.57 point(s)
5 years or greater experience in field inspection
Pts Pass.
1.50 points
Scored
1.22 point(s)
2 years or greater of construction related experience
Pts Poss.
1.50 points
Scored
1.35 point(s)
315. MANAGING INSPECTION AND RE-INSPECTION ACTIVITY
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
1.00 point
1.00 point
Detailed record keeping of inspection activity.
6/1/2005
...
320. INSPECTION CHECKLIST
Page 12 of14
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
2.00 points
o point(s)
PIs Poss.
1.50 points
A detailed checklist completed for each building construction project to assure that all pertinent building code
issues have been considered
Scored
o point(s)
The checklist becomes a part of the permanent record of the project address
Pts Pass.
0.50 point
325. SPECIAL INSPECTIONS
Scored
o point
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
1.00 points
1.00 point(s)
Where necessary to assure structural integrity, the building department requirement for special inspections for
specific structural elements conducted by professional inspectors who have been certified for such work
PIs Pass. Scored
0.70 point 0.70 point
The certification being obtained by a combination of:
Examination
Pts Poss.
0.10 point
Experience in the field of inspection they will be performing
Pts Poss.
0.10 point
An interview by the building official to assess qualifications
Pts Pass.
0.10 point
Scored
0.10 point
...
Scored
0.10 point
Scored
0.10 point
~30. INSPECTIONS FOR NATURAL HAZARD MITIGATION
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
1.50 points
1.50 point(s)
When there are construction mitigation measures defmed in the adopted building code for the natural hazard(s)
peculiar to the area being graded, special inspections that focus on compliance with the provisions of the code
6/1/2005
Page 13 of 14
.;
. 1335. FINAL INSPECTIONS
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
2.50 points
2.50 point(s)
final inspections performed on all buildings after the construction is completed and the building is ready for
occupancy
340. CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
2.00 points
2.00 point(s)
Certificates of occupancy issued by the building department after the construction is completed and prior to the
building being occupied
1345. PERFORMANCE EV ALVA TIONS FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE
Maximum Points Possible
Points Scored
1.00 point
1.00 point
Credit for quality assurance programs for field inspectors is as follows:
Annual employee performance evaluations
PIs Pass.
0.50 point
Scored .
0.50 point
"follow-up" field inspections by a different field inspector conducted semiannually
Pts Pass.
0.50 point
Scored
0.50 point
6il/2005
Page 14 of 14
Jurisdiction: Miami Beach
State: E1
1 - and 2 - family
Total points:
Classification:
88.17
2
Survey Date: 04/06/2005
FINAL SCORING
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
44.82
22.78
20.57
Subtotal
Item 105
88.17
8.00
The final score is determined by a relationship betw~en Item 105 and the balance of the scoring.
[{ (Section I + Section II + Section III) - Item
IDS} x
[ {(44.82+22.78+20.57)-8.00}x8.00iS.00)]+8.00=88.17
Points achieved in Item
105
Points possible in Item
105
] + Item
105
Class ification Point Spreads Classification Point Spreads
1 93.00 - 100.00 6 48.00 - 55.99
2 85.00 - 92.99 7 41.00 -47.99
3 77.00 - 84.99 8 25.00 - 40.99
4 65.00 - 76.99 9 10.00 - 24.99
5 56.00 - 64.99 10 0.01 - 9.99
I Close I
0"'!1 none;
, .a.. _>.1....-'