Common Code Violations

The Inspectional Services Division of the City of Tampa provides this brochure as a listing of some of the more common code violations of the various construction codes that our inspection staff typically find in the field. The list is intended to be a useful guideline to help our customers avoid the most common mistakes and errors made during the construction process, thus avoiding costly errors and delays. If you would like more information, please contact the Inspectional Services Division at 813/274-3100.

• Site Inspection Violations
• Building Inspection Violations
• Electrical Inspection Violations
• Mechanical Inspection Violations
• Plumbing Inspection Violations

Site Inspection Violations

1. Permitted plans not on site and grading and landscaping not correct. Code requires that current plans be on the job site at all times and that any changes to the plans receive prior approval.
2. No permit or permit board on site. Code requires that a permit board and all permits be located on the job site throughout the job.
3. Site cleared prior to inspection. Code requires that a request for a site clearing be applied for and a site inspection conducted prior to the commencement of any clearing on site.
4. Final inspections not called for on pool and driveway permits. Code requires that all permits receive a final inspection.
5. Trees removed without a permit. Code requires a permit for the removal of any protected tree over five (5) inches diameter at breast height (d.b.h.).
6. Sites filled without permits. Code requires that any grading or filling of a site be permitted.
7. Tree and silt barrier violations. Code requires that all tree barricades and silt barriers remain in place and functional until the completion of the job.
8. Driveway aprons not formed or located correctly. Driveways can only be located in certain areas, and any relocation from the approved plans may result in a code violation.
9. Contractor obtains site permit and pulls off job because site work was not his contract. Code requires that whoever is issued a permit is responsible for the completion of the work unless permits are cancelled and reissued.

Building Inspection Violations

1. Work deviated from approved plans. The Code requires that the construction work be accomplished in accordance with all approved plans and all applicable codes.
2. No access to inspection site. The Code requires that the overall jobsite and/or area of the inspection be unlocked and accessible as well as adequate means of access be provided, i.e., second story tie beams, roofs, etc.
3. Work not ready for inspection. The Code requires a permit holder make sure that the work is ready for inspection before requesting the inspection. The purpose of this inspection is to verify code compliance, not to provide a punch list of corrections.
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5. Insulation certificate not posted at final inspection. On a residential dwelling project, the Code requires a certificate of insulation be posted in a conspicuous location (attic) by the installer indicating the amount and R-value on the insulation installed.
6. Fence or screen enclosure not installed around swimming pool or spa. The Code requires every swimming pool or spa to be protected by a minimum 4 ft. height fence or screen enclosure with self latching gates or doors.
7. Plans missing from job and no truss engineering provided to the inspector. The Code requires that the complete set of approved plans be provided at the site and the engineered truss drawings must be provided to the inspector prior to the framing inspection.
8. Placement of footing steel too close to the ground. The Code requires at least three inches of clearance from the ground to the steel.
9. Inadequate footing depth. The Code requires that footings extend at least 12 inches below finish grade.
10. Improper clearing of clean-outs in masonry walls. At the tie beam inspection, a clean-out hole which is completely free of dirt and debris must be provided at the bottom of the wall to inspect steel.
11. Wind uplift connectors not specified on plans and/or improperly sized. The Code requires a hurricane connector schedule on the plans and that they be sized properly to resist uplift loads.
12. Non-continuous wind anchorage. The Code requires that a continuously connected and properly sized series of connectors be provided from the foundation to the roof of all buildings to provide an adequate load path.
13. Improper placement of floor or roof trusses. The Code requires that joists and trusses bear on walls within five inches of studs spaced 24 inches on center.
14. Excessive cutting, notching, and bored holes. In bearing walls, bored hole diameters must not exceed 40 percent of the stud width, and notching must not exceed 25 percent of its width.
15. Lack of fireblocking or firestopping. The Code requires fireblocking to cut off vertical and horizontal concealed openings. In addition, fire rated walls are required to be identified with signage that requires the protection of openings and penetrations (firestopping).
16. Non-approved glass in hazardous locations. The Code requires the use of tempered or laminated safety glazing in all doors, next to doors, within a tub or shower enclosure, and other potentially hazardous locations.
17. Lack of smoke detectors. The Code requires an approved smoke detector inside each sleeping room, outside of sleeping rooms in vicinity of hallway or corridor and on each level of a dwelling unit.
18. Improperly sized stair treads and risers. For residential dwellings, the Code limits risers to 73_4inch maximum and treads must be a minimum of 9 inches in length plus one inch of nosing. For commercial buildings, the Code limits risers to a 7 inch maximum and treads must be a minimum of 11 inches.
19. Omission of roof cement in valleys and along rakes of new asphalt shingle roofs. The Code requires this to resist water intrusion and to provide wind uplift protection.
20. Improper placement of roofing felt at eave drip. Roofing felt must lap over horizontal eave drip to prevent water intrusion.

Electrical Inspection Violations

1. Pool lights improperly bonded or covered prior to inspection. NEC Article 680-22 (a) 2 and City Of Tampa Chapter 5-182 (q) requires pool light fixtures and forming shells be bonded. Chapter 5-182 (h)(1) states that work shall not be covered prior to inspection.
2. Pools improperly bonded to number 8 copper bonding loop. NEC Article 680-22 (a) 2 and COT Chapter 5-182 (q) require pool light fixtures and forming shells to be bonded.
3. Grounding conductors improperly installed to grounding electrodes and metallic water pipe. City Of Tampa Chapter 5-182 (g) states that an unbroken #4 copper wire shall connect ground rods and bond water system in a continuous unbroken run from meter base to rods to water.
4. Service bonding screws missing or improperly installed in panels. NEC Article 250-79 states that a green screw shall be used and visible.
5. Improper working clearances around equipment and panels. NEC Article 110-16 (a) states that equipment likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing or maintenance while energized shall have the proper clearance.
6. Circuits not identified in panels on panel schedule. NEC Article 110-22 requires any branch circuit or disconnect to be marked to indicate its purpose.
7. Cooking units (stove, oven) and dryer required to have insulated neutral but, bare wire is being used instead. NEC Article 250-60 (c) states that the neutral conductor to the range or dryer shall be insulated unless originating from a main service panel.
8. Metal boxes improperly bonded to box clamps instead of individual bonding screws. NEC Article 250-114 (a) requires listed grounding screw or device be used for no other purpose.
9. NMC cable (romex) not protected with standoffs from furring strip. NEC Article 300-4 (d) requires cables and raceways be maintained 11_4 inch from framing member where nails will not penetrate them.
10. Sub panel neutral not isolated from panel box (floated). NEC Article 250-61 (b) states that the neutral conductor can not be used for grounding non-current carrying parts of equipment on the load side of the service disconnecting means.
11. Insufficient number of receptacles on kitchen counter tops, peninsulas and islands. NEC Article 210-52 (c) requires number and spacing of receptacle outlets on kitchen counter tops, peninsulas and islands.
12. Receptacles improperly spaced in residences. NEC Article 210-52 requires proper spacing of receptacle outlets.
13. Lightning arrestors either not installed or improperly installed. City Of Tampa Chapter 5-182 (d) requires lightning arrestors to be installed on all service entrances. TECO requires them to be installed on the meter socket on the load side.
14. Improper size breakers being used on A/C condenser units not fused per name plate. NEC Article 440-6 (a) requires that the rated overcurrent device stated on the nameplate of the equipment shall be used.
15. Nail plates missing where needed to protect against physical damage of NM cables and other raceways. NEC Article 300-4 (b) 2 requires nail plates where nails are likely to penetrate wiring.
16. Open wire connections or improper connections of wires. NEC Article 300-15 (a) requires a box or fitting to be installed at each conductor splice point.
17. Improper or no connections of bonding wires to boxes or equipment. NEC Article 250-114 (a) requires that the bonding conductor be connected to the equipment or box by a grounding screw that shall be used for no other purpose.
18. Ground fault protection missing in bathrooms, garages, kitchens and outside receptacles. NEC Article 210-8 stipulates where GFCI outlets are to be installed.
19. Other trades supporting their materials and equipment off electrical equipment and supports. NEC Article 300-11 (b) states raceways shall not be used as a means of support for other cables or raceways.
20. Improper type of boxes being used to support ceiling fans. NEC Article 370-27 (c) states that outlet boxes shall not be used as a sole support of a ceiling fan unless a U.L. approved fan box is used.

Mechanical Inspection Violations

1. Dryer exhaust too long or too many elbows. The Code allows for 25 feet maximum duct length. Subtract 5 feet for every 90 degree elbow.
2. Dryer exhaust run using wrong material. Code requires smooth wall galvanized metal, not PVC or flexible aluminum.
3. Commercial hood or grease duct too close to combustibles. Code requires 18 inches of clearance to combustibles or protect the combustible material with a material with a 1 hour fire resistant rating.
4. Commercial grease duct does not have enough slope. The Code requires a 1 inch per 1 foot slope toward either the hood or an approved residue trap.
5. Commercial grease duct does not have enough cleanouts. The Code requires a cleanout for each change of direction.
6. New construction or remodeling where the air handling equipment is located in the attic must be contained in an insulated mechanical room. The Energy Code requires all air handlers located in attics to be in mechanical closets insulated to R-19.
7. On gas fired equipment, the gas flue must be tied into the equipment for a final inspection. The Mechanical and Gas Code require all gas fired appliances to be vented to the outside.
8. Gas fired equipment located in confined spaces require 2 combustion air ducts for fresh air to be installed at the time of rough-in. This includes equipment located in closets as well as attic mechanical rooms.
9. Combustion air ducts going to attic mechanical rooms must be insulated.
10. Missing smoke dampers and smoke detectors in exit access corridors, when corridor is used for return air. The Code forbids using corridors for return or exhaust air purposes unless smoke dampers and smoke detectors are installed in the corridor.
11. Angles missing on fire dampers. The Code requires all fire dampers to have retaining angles on all four sides.
12. Small boilers are mistakenly being installed as water heaters. Any water heater that exceeds any one of the following is considered a boiler; 120 gallons, 200,000 B.T.U.lbs, or 210 degrees Fahrenheit water temperature.
13. A floor drain is not allowed in a mechanical room when the room is being used as a plenum. The Code prohibits floor drains in plenums.
14. Distance from outside make-up air to bathroom exhaust or hood exhaust is insufficient. Minimum Code requirement is 10 foot separation between any exhaust and fresh air intake.
15. 3 story single family residences are required to have the structural components protected with a 1 hour fire rating. This includes rated floor/ceiling assemblies that require ceiling fire dampers in most a/c grille penetrations.
16. Improper support of duct work. The duct must be supported by a saddle of metal two inches wide or an approved fabric.
17. Use of non-approved duct work. The Energy Code requires new construction and additions to use duct material with an R-6 insulation value.
18. Improper termination of condensate drain lines. The Code requires that the condensate lines terminate outside the building above the finish grade, and they must be trapped.
19. Improper installation of auxiliary air conditioning drain pans. Almost all air handlers are required to have auxiliary drain pans with an overflow drain or float switch to prevent water-damage to the building.
20. Improper placement of condensing units. The Code does not allow the placement of condensing units in residential setback areas, and adequate air space must be provided around the unit.
21. Improperly installed bathroom exhaust vents and ducts. The Code requires that bathrooms have an outside window or a vented exhaust duct to the outside (not into the attic).

Plumbing Inspection Violations

1. The "job not ready" inspection comment could mean that the inspection was called for, but the Plumber was not able to complete the work for some reason. In this case, please call the Plumbing Bureau immediately so that we can radio the Inspector for cancellation.
2. Remodeling and fixture replacement projects are the jobs that typically receive an "unable to enter" inspection comment. When we have these situations it is best to call the Bureau the day before and ask that the area Inspector call you the next morning before he starts on his route, so that you can give him the proper information.
3. It is always best to test your domestic water piping at 125 p.s.i.g. and your drain, waste and vent piping with a 10 foot head of water with the low end of the system plugged. Standard test cannot always be achieved. When this happens, please communicate with the Bureau so other methods can be explored.
4. Properly venting a plumbing system can become complicated. Basically the vents in a system are for the air intake when water is flowing, and the prevention of p-trap siphoning. Good venting can only be achieved through proper use of fittings.
5. Straps, hangers, and supports of piping can become tedious. All horizontal plastic piping must be supported at no more than 4 ft. intervals. For vertical plastic piping 11/2 inches and smaller, once again the support must be no more that 4 ft. intervals. It is different for each material. Know your maximums.
6. Whenever possible and time permits, check your plumbing system for leaks before calling for an inspection. If a leak occurs after the inspection has been scheduled, telephone the Bureau for cancellation of inspection.
7. Water heater inspections receive many disapprovals. The 1994 Standard Plumbing Code devotes an entire chapter to water heaters. When water heaters are replaced modifications are sometimes necessary to bring the new water heater into compliance.
8. If a plumbing contractor is hired to do a portion of the work, the person completing or doing the additional work should have an additional, or separate permit.
9. Pressure tests are different in many situations. Natural gas lines are 20 lbs. on a 30 lb. gauge, the Swimming Pool Code requires a 35 lb. test on pool piping, due to leakage of o-rings, 25 lbs. on a low increment gauge is acceptable.
10. House pressure is sometimes acceptable on minor construction projects. Never assume that line pressure is acceptable without discussing the project with the Plumbing Inspector.
11. Always be sure that the plumbing work has an approval before construction continues beyond that point. Check your inspection schedule sheet carefully. Sometimes the Inspector will leave comments about the inspection on that sheet.