| Carmel.
Carmel Valley.
Pebble Beach.
17-Mile Drive.
All have something in common. They are in Monterey County, where some of the country’s most exclusive and spacious homes exist. No big news there. Most of you knew that. What you probably don’t know is that most of those new developments are reviewed for compliance with the building codes, as part of getting a building permit, right from Fresno, CA.
Naffa International, Inc., is a Fresno-based engineering firm that specializes in providing consulting services throughout California to building, fire and engineering departments. The company’s building code experience, use of technology and the internet allows accessibility nationally and throughout the state.
According to Imad Naffa, President and CEO, who is a Civil Engineer, Building Code Consultant and Software Developer, the company also develops building code software. CodeBuddy® building code software is used by designers, builders, plan checkers and inspectors nationwide. This award-wining software was developed by Naffa and is continually upgraded to meet the latest codes. The company also has a myriad of offerings on the internet, which includes a 3000-plus member building code discussions group, numerous resources and tools dealing with the building codes, design and the permitting process.
Currently the company services 30 cities and counties in California with around 50 being targeted by the end of 2002.
Naffa International provides consulting work for the Monterey County Coastal Office, located in Marina, California. The company also provides technical training and support to the personnel in the Planning and Building Inspection Department of the County. Latest internet and technology tools are used to communicate with the County and their clients. Online databases allow for tracking of projects by the County and their applicants.
Expensive real estate and out-of-range housing costs are some of the reasons the County is not able to retain qualified employees in-house. That is one of the reasons the County contracted with Naffa along with two other firms to shoulder the building activity load.
Today, the County remains very active in construction volume with many large homes in the range of 20,000 plus sq. feet. "These projects are in a different world than a typical residential that you may encounter in the Valley", says Naffa. The homes are typically very large and complex in their framing and design. Many design elements are not encountered elsewhere, such as very large basements used for entertainment, home gyms and theaters, pools, staff quarters and the like. It’s not unusual to see basements that are over 5,000 sq. feet in area. Many of the homes are presented with Guest Homes that are on the property. Even those structures are fairly large and opulent, many well over 3,000 sq. in area.
The framing in those projects is complex and involves steel moment frames, braced frames, extensive concrete work and retaining walls. The design teams for the projects are usually from the Monterey Peninsula and many are from the Bay Area. Due to the complexity and size of the design, many prestigious and well-known design companies are involved in the design.
For the County’s Coastal Office, Naffa provides the plan review services and liaison work throughout the process until the project clears the plan check and documents are approved. At that point, the County will process for building permits. Turn around times for plan checks and approvals are of the essence and the latest technologies are used to keep up with this fast pace.
For more information about Naffa International and their services, visit their web site at http://www.naffainc.com.
This eUpdate posting by: Steve Joyce
|
V 1.0
