Michael R.

Building Code Consultant & CBO | IBC/CBC Plans Examiner | Expert Testimony ​Principal Building Code & Permitting Consultant with over 20 years of experience as a Certified Building Official (CBO), municipal plans examiner, and development services advisor across California and West Coast jurisdictions. ​I partner with architectural firms, structural engineering practices, commercial developers, and property owners to navigate complex model building codes, resolve agency plan check corrections, and establish defensible code compliance strategies. ​Core Practice Areas ​Plan Review & Technical Code Audits: Independent reviews of architectural, structural, fire-life safety, and MEP plan sets against Model Codes (IBC, IRC, CBC/Title 24, CFC) prior to or during agency submission. ​Plan Check Correction Resolution: Analysis of municipal correction letters ("redlines"), technical coordination, and drafting formal response narratives to resolve reviewer impasses. ​Alternate Means & Methods (AMMR): Authoring technical code justifications, equivalence requests, and appeals for non-standard, historical, or complex structural/architectural designs. ​Accessibility Compliance: Title 24 (Chapter 11B) and ADA accessibility code evaluations for commercial, healthcare, multi-family, and public accommodation projects. ​Litigation Support & Expert Witness Services ​For law firms, insurance carriers, and property owners facing formal code disputes or claims: ​Forensic Code Analysis: Retrospective code compliance evaluations for construction defect litigation, post-disaster liability, and catastrophic loss claims. ​Expert Testimony & Appeals: Deposition, trial, and administrative hearing testimony on model building codes, municipal permitting standards, and building official interpretation standards. ​Board of Appeals Representation: Technical report generation and representation before Municipal Boards of Appeals, Planning Commissions, and city councils. ​Qualifications & Frameworks ​Certifications: Certified Building Official (CBO) & 11 active/historical ICC Certifications (Building Plans Examiner B3, Commercial/Residential Inspection, MEP). ​Code Standards: IBC, IRC, CBC (California Title 24), CFC, ADA / CASp Standards, NFPA. ​Jurisdictional Leadership: Former Director of Development Recovery Services and contract Building Official across Northern California and West Coast municipalities. ​Engagement Options ​Available for fixed-scope plan reviews, agency response narratives, technical code opinion letters, or hourly consultation on active project disputes and litigation.