Building Code Services

LaBella relies on systems developed over time and the latest technology to provide the most efficient service to our clients. Our team utilizes well-established document control and tracking standards and can integrate them into municipal software. We understand how critical it is, especially in the COVID-19 landscape, to accept reviews in digital format. Internally, our team utilizes a cloud-based program for document storage, transfer, and plan reviews. This program allows clients to have access to our work throughout the review process and dramatically reduces project turnaround by eliminating the delay of standard document transfer. It also enables us to use the most qualified team of individuals for each project regardless of which office they are located in.

Healthcare facilities are unique. They are not only heavily regulated by building and fire codes during construction, but also face continued compliance requirements from these codes, CMS regulations, and hundreds of applicable National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards throughout their operation. The volume, complexity, and frequency of updates to these codes and standards has made it difficult for healthcare facilities to remain compliant.

LaBella provides code consulting services to healthcare facilities for new construction and ongoing compliance. While we pride ourselves on our ability to listen and solve problems, which allows us to provide support in a wide variety of ways.

The following are some of the more common services we provide:

• Pre-joint survey facility assessments
• Deficiency resolution
• Emergency preparedness plans
• Fire evacuation plans
• Risk assessments
• Barrier management plans
• Code education and training
• Health and safety training
• Annual compliance monitoring
• Condition assessments and capital asset management

By fully engaging in the municipal permitting and construction process, LaBella provides seamless support to municipal staff navigating the demands of sustained development and large-scale, technically complex projects. We are equipped to manage large, complex projects, such as new healthcare facilities and manufacturing plants, requiring review, permitting, and inspections for Certificate of Occupancy issuance.

Our dedicated team of code compliance professionals offers comprehensive plan review, inspection, and code consultation services, including temporary staffing, digital collaboration, and document control for building permit and Certificate of Occupancy issuance. In addition to standard code services, LaBella helps municipalities adopt and enforce stretch energy codes, guiding them toward compliance while advancing energy efficiency and sustainability.

We leverage experience across multiple jurisdictions to optimize building department operations and drive efficiency. Through long-term partnerships with municipal clients, we support daily plan review and inspection needs while also assisting with process optimization, policy and procedure development, legislative drafting, and fee structure updates.

Our team includes:

• Licensed Professional Engineers (PE)
• Licensed Architects (AIA)
• LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED AP)
• NYS Certified Code Enforcement Officials (NYS CEO)
• ICC Certified Building Officials,Fire Marshals, and Permit Technicians
• Staff with experience as Municipal Building Officials

Our services include:

• Plan review and cloud-based collaboration
• Inspection services, including special inspections review and oversight
• Delegated design and deferred submittal reviews
• Code analysis, interpretation, and stretch energy code support
• Alternative means and methods review and guidance
• State variance application support
• Local standards review
• Policies, procedures, and department efficiency consulting

LaBella leverages our extensive knowledge of codes with our diverse experience in design and construction to ensure our clients realize their goals of a safe, compliant building. We understand the municipal permitting process. Combined with our technical expertise, LaBella helps owners, developers, and design professionals navigate the permitting process without undue costs.

Our services include:

• Building and fire code evaluation & design guidance
• Alternate means and methods and appeals
• Jurisdictional negotiations
• Basis of design analysis
• ADA/accessibility investigations
• Hazardous Materials Inventory Statements (HMIS)
• Hazardous Materials Management Plans (HMMP)
• Hazardous waste management plans
• Electric safety and arc flash compliance
• Electric safety training
• Fire and life safety assessments
• Fire inspection and evacuation planning
• Construction fire safety plan review and preparation
• Emergency preparedness plan review and training

Modern homes and buildings incorporate the latest building codes and are designed to minimize the possibility and effects of fire and other risks. The provisions of these codes, known as Residential Code, apply to buildings and structures that meet certain criteria and are undergoing construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, removal, or demolition.

Meeting Residential Code
Meeting Residential Code is up to the building owner, developer, contractor, or design consultant. As Building Code Consultants, LaBella can ensure construction documents satisfy the requirements of the code with sufficient clarity to show, in detail, that the proposed work will conform to the provisions of the applicable codes, laws, ordinances, and regulations. We can also advise on what additional submittal documents are required to define the scope of the proposed work and provide information or documentation that the authority having jurisdiction may request in order to determine whether the proposed work conforms with the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, and other relevant codes and regulations.

Enforcing Residential Code
Enforcing and upholding Residential Code is up to the municipal building departments. If working with the municipality rather than the building owner, developer, contractor, or design consultant, LaBella can support in the building permit application review process. Particularly for a community experiencing rapid growth and, therefore, a high volume of applications, LaBella can provide temporary staff support, digital plan review, and inspection services. Our International Code Council (ICC) Certified Permit Technician performs document control and works closely with jurisdictions to facilitate the document turnover necessary to support building permit and Certificate of Occupancy issuance.