There is an active permit on file for a kitchen remodel, and it describes no structural work of any kind. What is the appropriate action, and what must accompany it?
- Issue a written stop work order to the owner or to the person doing the work, stating the conditions under which the work will be permitted to resume
- BIssue a verbal warning only, because a written stop work order requires an order from a court before it may be served on the owner of the property here
The building official issues the order directly and no court involvement is required. Treating it as a judicial remedy leaves dangerous work running while paperwork moves through another agency.
- CRevoke the permit immediately, because a stop work order reaches only work that is being performed with no permit on file at all for the job
A stop work order applies to work performed contrary to the code or in a dangerous manner, whether or not a permit exists. Revocation is a separate action carrying its own grounds and its own process.
- DTake no action until the next scheduled inspection, because the permit on file for the kitchen remodel is still active and has not expired
The active permit covers a kitchen remodel and describes no structural work, so the demolition falls outside its scope. Waiting for the next inspection leaves an unsafe condition standing in the meantime.
Why A is correct
A stop work order is authorized where work regulated by the code is being performed contrary to the code or in a dangerous or unsafe manner. It is issued in writing to the owner, the owner's authorized agent or the person doing the work, and it must state both the reason for the order and the conditions under which work may resume. Here the unshored removal of a bearing wall is unsafe and falls outside the scope of the permit on file.
What this question is testing
The item tests whether the candidate selects the correct enforcement instrument for unsafe work, knows who the order is served on, and knows that the order must state the conditions under which work may resume.
On the job
Structural work sneaking onto a cosmetic permit is one of the most common serious findings in residential remodeling, because opening up a kitchen almost always means taking out a wall and the contractor decides on the spot whether it is bearing. What makes a stop work order stick is the writing: the reason stated plainly, the conditions for resuming stated plainly, and service on someone with authority rather than on whoever is holding the sledgehammer. Photograph the condition before you leave.
Memory technique
Stop the work, put it in writing, and say what has to happen before it restarts.
Exam tip
A stop work order is written, served, and states how to get moving again. If an answer leaves out any of those, it is incomplete.
Where to look it up
IRC Chapter 1, Section R114 for stop work orders, with Section R113 covering notices of violation.