Self-Certification
What is it?
Should it be adopted for
Albuquerque?
Self-Certification is...
a program that allows licensed architects and
engineers, registered with the City, to selfcertify that a project complies with all
applicable laws and codes and the project can
be approved without full review by plan
examiners (though some 20% of applications
are randomly selected for audit).
Is it New?
Self-Certification programs have existed in New
York City and Chicago for several years.
48% of new building applications to NY City
Department of Buildings in 2006 were self-certified.
City of Dayton, OH has a pilot program.
AIA Phoenix was recently instrumental in the
adoption of a self-certification program in Phoenix
(modeled after Chicago).
Advantages?
The chief advantage is the time saved in the
permitting process for all projects. Earlier
occupancy, rents, better materials prices.
TI work, in particular, is positively affected.
With a tight budget it may give the City the
opportunity to re-assign personnel from plan check
to other duties.
Architects more directly assume the responsibility
(and liability) they already have.
How Does It Work?
(programs vary by city... following based on Phoenix)
The architect applies to the City to become registered
to self-certify projects.
In addition to general information, and 3 yrs. of
practice, 3-5 projects are listed for which the applicant
was the architect of record.
The architect attends a City-run training program for
applicants. Typical fees run from $1,500-$2,500 for a
16 hr. training program.
Qualified architect submits project (see flow chart).
Sample Flow Chart
What Stays the Same?
Projects are valued as they would be for
standard plan-check. Record Drawings may be
required.
Some additional fees may apply based on
jurisdiction.
Planning and Zoning.
Field inspections are required.
What Projects Qualify?
TI’s for business, mercantile, factory, assembly
& Storage.
New Residential and commercial to 4 stories.
Landscape salvage, inventory and new
landscapes.
Grading/drainage & Parking lots.
What Doesn’t?
Historic preservation
Hillside projects
Institutional projects
Hazardous occupancies
AZ Program Links
What About My E & O?
Preliminary indications from insurance agents
in the Albuquerque area indicate there is no
increase in liability beyond that already
assumed by the design professional.
Should AIA-ABQ Pursue Self
Certification?
Do you think this is a program we should have
in Albuquerque?
How do you feel about self-certification and the
role of architects in the process?
More Information...
http://www.phoenix.gov/development/scp.html
http://arizonaselfcertification.com/
http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/bldgs/p
rovdrs/stand_plan/svcs/the_selfcertificationprogram.html
http://www.cityofchicago.org/content/city/en/dept
s/bldgs/provdrs/stand_plan/svcs/certified_correcti
onsprogram.html
http://archrecord.construction.com/news/daily/arc
hives/071018self.asp