Get a Building Permit from DCRA: What You Need To Know
Get a Building Permit from DCRA: What You Need To Know
June 5, 2021 | building code, building permits, Construction Code, Construction Inspections, DCRA, foundation, Inspections, new construction, non-compliance, Permit Expediting, structural engineer, Underpinning
GUIDELINES FOR UNDERPINNING PERMIT
There are two types of Underpinning: One is shallow or traditional pit underpinning, when suitable foundation bearing soils are found at shallow depths. The second type is deep underpinning when suitable bearing soils are found at deeper depths (Helical piles, push piers, micro/mini piles to solve foundation settlement problems).
A building permit is required to provide underpinning of an existing wall footing when conducting the following construction:
- 1. Conversion of an existing crawl space to a full basement with code complying ceiling height.
- 2. To lower an existing basement with non-compliance ceiling height to a new basement with code complying ceiling height.
- 3. To add a footing to an existing wall without a footing.
- 4. When replacing an existing wall and its footing in distress due to settlement or design deficiencies.
- 5. Lowering of an existing wall footing due to adjacent new construction extending to elevations lower than the elevation of existing footing
- 6. Lowering of existing wall footing needed due to utility trench in the vicinity of the existing wall and its footing or similar other conditions.
This underpinning work shall be under the direction of a structural engineer and undertaken by experienced contractor because of the inherent dangers of possible wall collapses and endangerment of adjoining properties in performing this work.
