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Washington DC, Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) Third Party Plan Reviews and Inspections

Client

As building department to the nation’s capitol, The Washington DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) Building Land and Regulation Administration (BLRA) processes the applications and permits of thousands of businesses, corporations, and individuals who are seeking to do business with the Federal Government, serve the millions of tourists flocking in from all over the world, in addition to serving the resident community.

Challenge

Every year, DCRA/BLRA received more permit applications, and it became increasingly difficult to process the applications and provide the staff necessary to review plans. DCRA/BLRA was experiencing growing pains, and had to find a way to meet the expectations of a growing community. Toward that end, they created a Third Party Plan Review Program, allowing outside agencies to work for DCRA/BLRA and provide plan review services.

IBTS stepped in shortly after the program’s inception. The challenge IBTS faced was that many of DC's buildings were substantially old. Different building codes were in force when those buildings were approved and built. IBTS had to devise methods for reviewing those plans in such a way as to make the structures safe and meet today’s building code requirements.

IBTS Solutions

  • IBTS worked with clients and staff to devise a system that is efficient, cohesive, and within the framework of DCRA/BLRA requirements.
  • IBTS gathered a highly capable and certified plan review and inspection team knowledgeable in renovating older buildings.
  • IBTS reviews plans as thoroughly and completely as possible to save DCRA/BLRA time.
  • As representatives of DCRA/BLRA, IBTS keeps clients informed of all DCRA/BLRA requirements and processes every step of the way.

Benefits

  • IBTS reduced the burdens of a growing building department by providing a thorough review of plans prior to their arrival at DCRA/BLRA.
  • DCRA/BLRA benefited from a team of certified and professional plan review experts knowledgeable of DC building structural issues and DCRA/BLRA building code requirements.
  • IBTS worked quickly and cohesively with clients, staff, and DCRA/BLRA to move the permit application processes saving DCRA/BLRA time and money.

Testimonials

"IBTS has been extremely helpful in working issues through the DC City agencies, and through their tireless efforts have brought to resolution a number of issues that have resulted in several thousands of dollars in savings for the (City Vista) project."

- Chad Harmon, Lowe Enterprises