How well do you know your building official(s)?

Hello Reader,

Building officials aren’t just gatekeepers; they are our collaborators in creating safe, functional, and beautiful spaces.

The better we know them, the smoother the path from concept to permit, and beyond.

Jack Butler, Chairman of AIBD's Building Codes and Standards Committee, recently shared an insightful experience with the A-Team.

While working on a small project as a homeowner builder, Jack encountered a visit from the building inspector. The project was nearly red-tagged due to the absence of clips at the plywood joints. However, Jack tactfully pointed out that the rafters were spaced 16 inches on center, and clips are only required when rafters are spaced at 24 inches or more.

Curious, the inspector joined Jack in reviewing the building code. Upon further research, the inspector admitted it was the first time they had come across rafters spaced at 16 inches and acknowledged the difference in requirements. Impressed by Jack's knowledge of the building codes, they encouraged him to pursue licensure as a building contractor.

Taking the advice to heart, Jack applied for licensure. The building official not only signed off on his state application, verifying Jack’s expertise, but also attended the celebration when Jack successfully passed the test.

What’s your strategy when you disagree with an interpretation?

Have you ever invited a building official to a pre-submittal meeting?

What’s one thing you wish building officials understood about our role as building designers?

Let's talk about that, and more, at the next Coffee With Bernie.

September 10, 2025
10:00 am ET / 9:00 am CT
AIBD.org/webinars

Attendance is free for AIBD members. Look for the discount code in your Membership-Account or contact the A-Team at info@AIBD.org or 1-800-366-2423.

Explore the importance of knowing and collaborating with your local building official, share best practices, and discover strategies that enhance project outcomes through improved communication and trust.

Coffee with Bernie is a monthly show for AEC professionals and their teams. It's a fun, informal roundtable or virtual gallery (literally) of colleagues open for discussion on industry-related topics.

Oh! Remember to bring your most unique coffee cup or drinking glass.

See you next Friday, 10:00 am ET, at AIBD.org/webinars

The A-Team

Important Reminders

AIBD Exclusive Chief Architect training - Check it out at AIBD.org/courses.
Has something inspired you lately? Be the author of our next Midweek Vibe. Submit at AIBD.org/submit.
Register for the next live Residential Design Webinar at AIBD.org/webinars. Use the same link to schedule a presentation.
Log in to your account at AIBD.org/Membership-Account for exclusive links, discount codes, document libraries, webinars, and more.
Volunteer to serve on a committee. They can always use some new ideas.
All the above and more can be found weekly on AIBD.org/MondayMinute.
Having issues or need direction, visit AIBD.org/support. The A-Team is there to help.

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One more thing—we want to lead with transparency. AI was most likely used to complete this post in one way or another. Don't blame the technology if you find a mistake; in most cases, our emails are written by humans and AI-supported. Now and then, they are AI-generated and human-edited. Both humans and AI still make mistakes.

American Institute of Building Design (AIBD)

How well do you know your building official(s)?

Important Reminders

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"What the heck is a scuttle hole?" asks AIBD Communications Director Garrett Mickley

AIBD VP Shares Vision in TV Interview [Monday Minute]