Building permit for an IBA install?

[JKWash]

We are removing an old IBA and replacing it with a new one. In general, does this require a building permit?

 

[chaz]

Probably best to check with your local area. I‘d bet you’d end at least electrical. But this will vary on location.

 

[Axxlrod]

When installing new equip, I prefer to ask for forgiveness instead of permission. But that's just me.

 

[GoBuckeyes]

Axxlrod nailed it. Just close the bay and re-load. Keep it low key the best you can. We just reloaded four sites in the last 3 years, total of 7 autos. No permits or inspections which made for a lot less stress.

 

[ShinePro]

When I did my refurb - honestly- I never even thought of this.

 

[AnalyticWash]

Generally no, but it's probably worth a call to your municipality. Like for like equipment its usually not a problem. Make sure if anything is changed you keep it to current code.

There is always the risk of getting red tagged by code enforcement. If this happens you could be down for months while you go back through permitting. Some cities are more strict than others.

 

[I.B. Washincars]

I don’t see how that would be any different than changing a pump in the equipment room. You’re just replacing a car wash part.

 

[eckert16]

Check with the other carwashes in the city... ask them if they needed a permit... a lot of liberal leaning cities will always say YES you need a permit. ... but check around... you are just replacing equipment with like kind and usually that is not a permit issue (unless you need upgraded electrical service and more water flow).

 

[JKWash]

Thanks everyone for the replies. We did start a remove and replace which our regional distributor, who’s been doing this for 30 years in the state, said no permit needed. City inspector showed up and threw a fit and shut us down. He even claimed that installing the tongue and groove plastic wall covering required a permit. Everyone we’ve spoken to in our state since this happened said that the city is wrong about the need for the permit. We’ve applied for one and are hoping it only causes a week delay, but it has the potential to go much longer.
not sure what other options we have at this point but to comply.

 

[Waxman]

Your only option is to comply. You can't fight City Hall

 

[Axxlrod]

Sorry to hear. Not sure where you are, but many cities allow a like-for-like equip exchange without a permit so long as you are not modifying incoming electric/water supply or doing construction.

A permit to add plastic wall paneling is crazy since it is aesthetic. You must be in a city that needs money.

 

[AnalyticWash]

Generally no, but it's probably worth a call to your municipality.

Just going to put this back in here again...

JKWash, hope they push it through fast. I know of a wash that got held up for a little over 18 months because of a lack of permit on a tunnel reload.