Which policy is best when reviewing a request for work in a building?

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The main idea is that accurate, detailed information about the space is essential to judge safety and code compliance when work is requested. Asking for a drawing is the best step because a drawing provides the exact layout, dimensions, door locations, egress routes, occupancy changes, and how proposed alterations interact with fire protection and life-safety systems. With that reference, you can assess potential hazards, identify conflicts, and determine what kind of review or permits will be needed. A drawing also helps you communicate clearly with other stakeholders and base any plans review on solid, measurable information.

Involving the Fire Chief can be important for overall coordination, but it doesn’t substitute for the technical details a drawing offers. Relying on a plans review is essential for bigger projects, yet you can’t perform a meaningful plans review without an accurate drawing to work from. Requiring a permit for all self-help work is too broad and impractical in many situations; not every change necessitates a permit, and that blanket approach can slow legitimate or minor alterations that still affect safety.