Perhaps, the SIP requirements have never been fully met (even though we have to certify that they are, and they are to my knowledge, but...)
Seattle supposedly is working on a "SIP lite"...
Bellevue has different requirements for site plans...but the "Boundary and Topographic Survey" is clearly defined...and that is what is meant by a survey, at least every time I have asked. I don't think that the surveyors are being unethical or anything, they are performing a certain scope. It is a situation caused by a "standard" that requires more than is necessary, which is demonstrated by the fact that they appear to often be ignored by the city. And I don't really blame the city for being reasonable, the people that are working at the retail end typically don't make policy. It just makes it hard to create an estimate that is apples to apples.
https://bellevuewa.gov/sites/default/files/media/pdf_document/sd_2.pdf
A certain city has clearly defined survey parameters for what they call a Boundary and Topographic Survey. It basically doubles the cost...
I contact a prospect's architect, and I send her the publication from the City. I am looking?ÿ to make sure that the scope is adequate to cover her needs before I write the proposal. BTW, this is pretty much all she does...new single family homes and remodels in this certain city.
This is what I get back:
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That??s really odd ?? I wasn??t even aware that is what Bellevue has called out, but I see this on their website now. I just opened more than 5 of our recent projects submitted to Bellevue and none of the surveys have the 25??/100?? shown. They have required us to show utilities, however. Please develop a scope that is typical of other single-family lots.
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Thank you!
(name redacted)
Principal Architect
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So, no one else is following the rules, and the city doesn't care. And the "typical of other single-family lots" leaves it up to me to knowingly provide an inadequate survey (like all the other ones she has). Now, I know we aren't the only people following the rules, but it sure appears that most are not. Would be fine with me, if?ÿ the City held to their requirements.
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Develop a proposal based on their request with a disclaimer that any township reviews which require additional work will be billed hourly at the principal rate.
