Laserfiche WebLink
CITY of <br />.CRYSTAL <br />COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HOUSING DIVISION <br />4141 Douglas Drive North Phone (763) 531-1000 <br />Crystal, MN 55422 Fax (763) 531-1188 <br />Deaf and hard of hearing callers should dial 711 <br />COMMON PROBLEMS FOUND DURING INSPECTIONS <br />Although most buildings have some code violations and/or maintenance problems, the great majority of problems <br />are minor and require little in the way of correction. Listed below are a few of the most common problems found <br />during an inspection of a property. Use the list as a guide to correct items before the inspection, but be aware that <br />work must be performed by licensed contractors under permit, where appropriate. If you have a question as to what <br />work requires a permit, contact the Building Department as 531-1000. <br />SMOKE DETECTORS/CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS <br />Missing, disabled or improperly installed smoke detectors are the number one problem noted on most compliance <br />orders. A monthly inspection of all smoke detectors by the owner or manager is strongly recommended. <br />• Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 to 15 years <br />• Smoke alarms shall be in each bedroom, hallway leading to bedrooms and one per level. <br />• All existing single-family homes must be equipped with an approved carbon monoxide alarm by August 1, <br />2008. <br />• All multi-family or apartment dwelling units must be equipped with an approved carbon monoxide alarm <br />by August 1, 2009. <br />FURNACES AND FLUES <br />Openings in the furnace, venting, and chimney which allow exhaust gases to escape into the household <br />environment are very serious. Exhaust leaks are difficult to detect and often go unnoticed until harm is done to the <br />occupants. A visual inspection of the equipment is conducted by the inspector. The inspector may require a <br />licensed contractor to certify the equipment. <br />The furnace inspection completed by the licensed contractor shall consist of: <br />• inspection of the heat exchanger for signs of rust-through <br />• inspection of the venting and chimney/flue for proper connections, slope and signs ofrust-through <br />• inspection of gas line and gas shut-off valve <br />• inspection of wiring <br />• inspection of proper clearance to combustibles <br />• inspection of filter <br />• tested for carbon monoxide <br />• outside combustion air (OAC) <br />- Do you have it? Is it adequate? <br />