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Preparing for a Protection Class Evaluation: Building Officials

Prior to your community's evaluation, WSRB will request information about your building department's staffing, code administration, plan review, and inspection activities.


This article explains how to complete the Building Code Questionnaire and what supporting documentation to provide.

In this article, you will explore the following:


What you'll receive

Prior to your Protection Class evaluation, you'll receive an email from WSRB containing:

  • The Building Code Questionnaire (Excel workbook)
  • Instructions for completing and returning the questionnaire
  • Any additional information specific to your community's evaluation

Download and save the questionnaire before you begin.

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Complete the Building Code Questionnaire

The Building Code Questionnaire gathers information used to evaluate how your community administers and enforces building codes. This information helps WSRB determine your community's Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS) classification, which contributes to the overall insurance classification.

The questionnaire is divided into several sections.

Section 1: Administration of Codes

The first section collects general information about your building department, including:

  • Building codes currently enforced
  • Permit activity
  • Department administration
  • General code enforcement information

You'll also be asked to provide a summary of building permits issued during the previous calendar year.

If your department does not maintain a permit summary report, simply complete the table provided within the questionnaire.

Section 2: Plan Review

This section focuses on your department's plan review activities.

Please provide:

  • A summary of plan reviews completed during the previous calendar year

If a summary report is unavailable, complete the table included in the questionnaire.

If your department uses written plan review checklists, include copies of all checklists used during the review process.

Examples may include:

  • Commercial plan review checklists
  • Residential plan review checklists
  • Mechanical, plumbing, electrical, or fire review checklists

Section 3: Field Inspections

This section documents your department's inspection activities.

Please provide:

  • A summary of field inspections conducted during the previous calendar year

If a summary report is unavailable, complete the table included in the questionnaire.

If inspectors use written field inspection checklists to verify code compliance, include copies of all checklists used by your department.

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Complete the additional worksheet tabs

After completing the first page of the questionnaire, review the additional worksheet tabs at the bottom of the Excel workbook.

Glossary

The Glossary tab provides definitions and explanations for terms used throughout the questionnaire.

No information needs to be entered on this tab - it's provided solely as a reference.

Building Official Data Sheet

Complete the Building Official Data Sheet with information about the Building Official responsible for the department.

This worksheet includes information such as:

  • Credentials and certifications
  • Primary responsibilities
  • Workflow
  • Duties and experience

Employee Tabs

Complete one Employee worksheet for each individual who performs building department duties related to inspections or plan review.

Typically, this includes:

  • Building inspectors
  • Plan reviewers

Each employee worksheet requests information about:

  • Experience
  • Certifications
  • Continuing education
  • Work responsibilities

Complete one tab for each applicable employee.

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Submit your completed questionnaire

Once you've completed the questionnaire:

  • Save the workbook in Excel (.xlsx) format.
  • Return the completed Excel file by replying to the original WSRB email.
  • Include any requested supporting documents, such as plan review or inspection checklists.

Important: Please return the questionnaire as an Excel file. Returning the workbook in its original format helps WSRB efficiently review and process the information provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't have permit, plan review, or inspection summary reports?

If summary reports are unavailable, complete the corresponding tables included within the questionnaire.

Do I need to provide every checklist my department uses?

Yes. If your department uses written checklists for plan review or field inspections, please include copies of all checklists used as part of those processes.

Should I convert the questionnaire to PDF before sending it?

No. Please return the completed questionnaire as an Excel (.xlsx) file.

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Need additional assistance?

If you have questions while completing the Building Code Questionnaire or need assistance locating requested information, please contact your WSRB representative or reply directly to the evaluation request email.

We're happy to help.