Class description:

Overview of the scoping provisions for accessibility in the International Building Code and the technical provisions of the ICC A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities. The seminar will also discuss differences between the provisions enforced by building department and the American Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines. A summary of the requirements will be discussed including where accessibility required, accessible routes, accessible plumbing fixtures and much more. 

Class description:

Seminar Description: Examining fire sprinkler shop drawings, cut sheets and hydraulic calculations is a primary duty of the authority having jurisdiction. This course will provide a method of reviewing plans and other fire sprinkler documents that is efficient and thorough. Attendees will learn what documents to accept to start a review, what steps to take through the fire sprinkler design and systems review, and how to have confidence while reviewing hydraulic calculations. This course applies current codes and standards to fire sprinkler systems from the initial site plan review, through the construction documents, to the as-built drawings. Significant time on how to effectively communicate deficiencies to the design professional. Students will receive a handout that provides detailed checklists with expert commentary that is useful to the fire sprinkler plan reviewer for years to come.

Class Description:

This new class is a foundational understanding to help build confidence in using the NEC. This class is very interactive as each attendee “shall” bring your NEC code book. As you will use it, learn from it and understand how to apply code sections as related to multi- family, commercial and industrial applications from all aspects of performing inspections and plan reviews. We will be breaking down clearance requirements, grounding and bonding, transformers, Chapter 3 wiring methods and so much more. There will be a portion of the class where the attendees will have a group practice test, as might be seen during a certification test to allow you to go find the correct code section. 

Course Description:

This two-day course is intended to provide essential information in the areas of code administration and history, legal aspects, customer service, basic construction, inspection process, zoning requirements, permit fee calculations, basic occupancy and construction types, and dealing with difficult customers. The course is recommended for front counter personnel, other Building Department staff and those who may be interested in preparing for the 2021 or 2024 ICC Permit Technician certification exam. 

Day 2 builds on the knowledge gained in Day 1.

*Please bring a calculator, highlighter, 2021 or 2024 International Building Code, 2021 or 2024 International Zoning Code, Legal Aspects of Code Administration and (optional) Basic Code Enforcement. 

Class description:

Success as an inspection professional depends on credibility, consistency and communication. This seminar is designed to prepare students who are entering the inspection field with some useful tools to establish credibility and consistency while building effective relationships. This course also examines the legal aspects of inspection as it relates to property owners, occupants, contractors and construction professionals. Course topics include:

•    Introduction to the legal aspects of code administration

•    Offer useful tools to support effective communication

•    Recognize the importance of consistency in decision making

•    Introduction into Property Rights and laws 

•    Understanding of the Inspectors role

•    Developing credibility

Class description:

This class will take a comprehensive look at all phases of inspections in new single family home construction. Examples of both code compliant construction and non-code compliant construction will be provided, as well as discussion surrounding possible corrections to non-code compliant installations. This class is based on the 2024 International Residential Code.

Class description:

This class is a basic overview of the means of egress requirements included in Chapter 10 of the IBC. The presentation will include detailed discussions on the design of the means of egress in buildings. Subjects included in the class are the three parts of the means of egress including occupant loads, egress width, number of exits, travel distance, common path of egress travel and exit enclosures. Practical examples will be used to illustrate code requirements. 

Class description:

This 2 day class will take a comprehensive look at all phases of inspections in new single family home construction. Examples of both code compliant construction and non-code compliant construction will be provided, as well as discussion surrounding possible corrections to non-code compliant installations. This class is based on the 2024 International Residential Code.

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Class description:

#1: This 4-hour class is designed to help the attendee understand the code provisions for the 2024 IMC. The attendee will be familiar with the layout of the code. The attendee will understand the ventilation and duct system requirements. The attendee will gain an understanding of various appliances and how the installation and use is regulated under the IMC.  

#2: This 4-hour course provides a detailed examination of Chapter 12 – Energy Systems of the 2024 International Fire Code (IFC), focusing on fire and life safety requirements for modern energy technologies. Participants will gain a working knowledge of how the IFC regulates energy generation, storage, and distribution systems in both new and existing buildings.

Covered systems include energy storage systems (ESS), fuel cells, solar photovoltaic systems, generators, hydrogen systems, and other emerging energy technologies addressed in Chapter 12. The course explores system classification, installation requirements, fire-resistance ratings, location and separation criteria, ventilation, monitoring, signage, emergency disconnects, and coordination with other applicable codes and standards.

Emphasis is placed on practical application for plan review and inspections, identifying common compliance issues, and understanding how Chapter 12 integrates with the International Building Code (IBC), International Electrical Code references, and referenced standards.

Learning Objectives:

1.    Navigate and apply 2024 IFC Chapter 12 requirements

2.    Understand fire and life safety risks associated with energy systems

3.    Evaluate installations for compliance during plan review and inspection

4.    Improve coordination between fire, building, and electrical enforcement

Class Description:

This new class is a foundational understanding to help build confidence in using the NEC and IRC together. This class is very interactive as each attendee “shall” bring your code books, the NEC & IRC. The focus will be on the NEC to help the attendee to build confidence in using both the IRC and NEC. As you will use it, learn from it and understand how to apply code sections as related to an inspection and or plan review. We will be breaking down the requirements from rough walls, final inspections, services, grounding electrode system and so much more. There will be a portion of the class where the attendees will have a group practice test, as might be seen during a certification test to allow you to go find the correct code section.

Course Description:

This two-day course is intended to provide essential information in the areas of code administration and history, legal aspects, customer service, basic construction, inspection process, zoning requirements, permit fee calculations, basic occupancy and construction types, and dealing with difficult customers. The course is recommended for front counter personnel, other Building Department staff and those who may be interested in preparing for the 2021 or 2024 ICC Permit Technician certification exam. 

Day 2 builds on the knowledge gained in Day 1.

*Please bring a calculator, highlighter, 2021 or 2024 International Building Code, 2021 or 2024 International Zoning Code, Legal Aspects of Code Administration and (optional) Basic Code Enforcement. 

Class description:

This class is based on the IBC Chapters 16 – 23 with highlights to other chapters including 6 and 7.

Class description:

Identifies IEBC and IBC provisions applicable to the design and construction of tenant space improvements. The discussion addresses the three most common types of uses: business, mercantile and assembly. It emphasizes options available in the code for gaining compliance. Discussion includes occupancy separations and fire areas, type of construction features, fire-resistance-rated construction, interior finish materials, fire protection features, means of egress components and means of egress design.

Class description: (Note: This is a repeat of Monday's class!)

This new class is a foundational understanding to help build confidence in using the NEC. This class is very interactive as each attendee “shall” bring your NEC code book. As you will use it, learn from it and understand how to apply code sections as related to multi- family, commercial and industrial applications from all aspects of performing inspections and plan reviews. We will be breaking down clearance requirements, grounding and bonding, transformers, Chapter 3 wiring methods and so much more. There will be a portion of the class where the attendees will have a group practice test, as might be seen during a certification test to allow you to go find the correct code section. 

Class description:

This 7-hour class will cover the basics of what is required to be a Building Official including politics, personnel issues, budgeting, image, dealing with the public, professional development, staffing, dealing with the media, management, ethics and basic legal matters. Class participation will be encouraged.

Class description:

Course Description: This full day course is intended to provide a background to the wall bracing provisions of the prescriptive building code. This will encompass walking through load path, the evolution of the code, and finishing with the relevant changes to the 2024 IRC code. The course will finish with a sample problem run in parallel for a shear design and braced design and also multiple examples of lateral analysis for a variety of plans that Felten Group has designed.                                     Objectives: Upon completion: participants will better be able to:

1. Understand the background of the wall bracing provisions

2. Better understand the lateral load path in the structure

3. Learn about the disparity that existed between the IBC and IRC in the previous code cycles

4. Understand the reliance of the wall bracing tables on ASCE7 (tables were derived from Chapter

28 using the Kz values from Chapter 26

5. Major changes are coming to ASCE 7-28, which may lead to changes to the wind tables in the

2030 IRC and beyond

6. Gain an understanding of the changes to the 2024 code

7. Gain an understanding of the differences between the 2018 IRC and the 2024 IRC braced wall

provisions

8. Gain an understanding of how bracing and shear designs are similar/

Class description:

1.    Discuss changes to the 2024 IWUIC and review the code and interface with IBC and IFC.

2.    Discuss wildland fire plan review requirements and considerations

3.    Challenges and alternatives to adopting the IWUIC

4.    Discuss/review plan examples for WUI development.

Class description:

The 2023 NEC / 2024 IRC “Ground Up Electrical Residential” is a highly interactive single family electrical code class all about attendee participation from an electrical inspection perspective. Bring your 2023 NEC & 2024 IRC as you will use it! It is the ongoing open electrical code discussions, where you will learn to use the NEC and IRC collectively, and how to apply the code sections. presented construction photos. This workshop type class is built to help with breaking down code arrangement, useful table(s), definitions, branch circuits, and much more. 

Note: To get the best possible experience students MUST bring their code books 2023 NEC & 2024 IRC.

Class description:

This class addresses the essential provisions of the IBC relating to the classification of buildings. Subjects include occupancy classification, type of construction, area calculations, location on property and building heights. Practical examples and problems will be discussed to illustrate code requirements. 

Class description: (Note: This is a repeat of Tuesday's class!)

This new class is a foundational understanding to help build confidence in using the NEC and IRC together. This class is very interactive as each attendee “shall” bring your code books, the NEC & IRC. The focus will be on the NEC to help the attendee to build confidence in using both the IRC and NEC. As you will use it, learn from it and understand how to apply code sections as related to an inspection and or plan review. We will be breaking down the requirements from rough walls, final inspections, services, grounding electrode system and so much more. There will be a portion of the class where the attendees will have a group practice test, as might be seen during a certification test to allow you to go find the correct code section.

Class description:

Designed primarily for the building department employee who has an interest in learning more about the plan review aspects of working at the front counter. The course is intended to provide essential information that will assist in performing plan reviews as it relates to such items as interior remodels, garage remodels, decks and other items. This course is designed to assist attendees in using the 2024 IRC to evaluate a projects code requirements including: 

• Review plans for completeness
• Egress and life safety requirements
• Room sizing and minimum clearance requirements
• Footing and lumber sizing and connections

Attendees are encouraged to bring a copy of the 2024 IRC. 

Class description:

The primary objective of the morning session is to increase the knowledge of Inspectors and Plan reviewers as it relates to growing applications of Hybrid (Zoned) HVAC systems within residential dwellings and other important aspects of the 2018 International Residential Code. The primary objective of the afternoon session is to increase your knowledge as it relates to Residential Plumbing Systems, General Regulations, Inspections, and other important aspects of the Plumbing Code under the 2018 International Residential Code.

Class description:

UL 508A is the UL Standard specifically designed for industrial control panels in ordinary (non-hazardous) locations, operating at 1000 volts or less. This Standard is crucial for ensuring that control panels are safe, reliable, and compliant with regulatory requirements. It covers various aspects, including construction methods, component suitability, spacings, markings, and required documentation. Information gained from attending this class will add another important tool to your Inspection or Design/Installation toolbox. Plus, an added bonus: NEC Article 250; Grounding and Bonding refresher. 

Class description:

The morning portion of this course will provide an overview of engineered wood products and take a deep dive into common wood construction framing/sheathing errors, and how these errors can be avoided. This portion is based on hundreds of job site inspections made by APA staff as well as research done in APA’s lab. Attendee’s will gain an understanding of the material properties of wood, and how moisture affects wood products. They will also learn about the importance of consistency and having a complete gravity and lateral load path. 

The afternoon portion will be all about lateral load paths in wood-frame structures, focusing on the critical importance of tracing wind loads and identifying common framing errors that can compromise structural integrity. It emphasizes the consequences of a incomplete lateral load path and evaluates essential details. Attendees will learn practical techniques for enhancing building strength using wood structural panel sheathing, while also examining various shear wall solutions and their respective pros and cons. Additionally, the session covers lessons learned from natural disasters and insights from APA research on force transfer around openings, ensuring that participants leave with a robust understanding of effective lateral design in wood construction.

Objectives: Upon completion: participants will better be able to:

1.    Understand Engineered Wood Products and their uses.

2.    Understand how the material properties of wood can affect construction to resolve common framing challenges.

3.    Understand how the consistency of design and building practices can impact the quality of wood structures and how to use consistency to improve construction.

4.    Understand the concept of a continuous gravity and lateral load path, and its importance in structural integrity.

5.    Learn how moisture affects wood products and how to prevent some common challenges arising from moisture exposure.

6.    Understand the concept of a complete lateral load path while identifying common framing errors within this path and the consequences of an incomplete path.

7.    Discuss and evaluate code requirements for critical details within the lateral load path.

8.    Understand the differences between brace walls per the IRC and shear walls per the IBC, and an overview of the requirements of each.

9.    Understand the types of shear walls in the NSD and an overview of the pro’s and con’s of each type.

10.    Understand a brief history of APA’s research on force transfer around opening shear walls and the findings and resources that came out of that research.