Page 104 - Urban Construction Project Management

Building Codes and Permits 63

MEANS AND METHODS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION
MANAGER/GENERAL CONTRACTOR (CM/GC)

The project manager (PM) must become very familiar with the local code. In some
codes the “Means and Methods” (CM/GC’s responsibility for constructing a project
that is not part of the construction documents, i.e., erecting steel) may be detailed in
very definitive terms. This is true when working in urban settings where public expo-
sure is pronounced. Some items that may be covered in the code but are the responsi-
bility of the CM/GC (versus the design team) are indicated in Exhibit 4-1.

PERMITS

Permits are the documents issued by the municipality giving the CM/GC the right to
start construction. The requirement for issuing permits was based on the need to
make sure the architects and engineers designing a project were in fact conforming
to the local building code. The local officials also want some form of quality control
to be established for the project. Of primary concern is that the safety of the public and
the trades people are being maintained. See Exhibit 4-2 for the permit flowchart.

Permit Process
The requirement for a permit starts with the architect and engineers who will prepare the
necessary construction documents for the project. This design team must have a very good
understanding of the technical aspects of the code because when the architect and engineers

Exhibit 4-1
1. Location of protective public walkways and the requirement for the roof to sus-
tain a 300 pound per square foot falling load Construction
manager/general
2. Fire standpipe riser to be placed contiguous to the hoist (for fire fighters’ access
in case of a fire) contractor’s code
compliance
3. Safety crane requirements
responsibilities.
4. The location of safety nets
5. Scaffolding requirements
6. Maintenance of the site
7. Protection of adjoining property
8. Excavation operations
9. Erection operations
10. Demolition operation
11. Repair and alterations operations
12. Material handling and hoisting equipment
13. Explosive-powered and projectile tools
14. Explosives and blasting
15. Flammable and compressed gases, and other hazardous materials