... That mere local BOs can't enforce it?
I tried to submit plans for a minor addition and they are demanding virtually every page be signed and sealed by an engineer.

I understand your frustration Greg. It seems to me that this is another example of C.A.Y. policy making. Many building departments don't even do a plan review using the codes nor perform inspections based on the codes. They simply have an engineer sign and seal the construction documents, so the plans examiner can approve it without a look and the inspectors simply follow the drawing and specs.

It protects the building department from liability and allows the plans examiners and inpsectors to not have to think for themselves.

This is a result of lack of proper training and education in general.


On the other hand, the building department does owe the public a duty. And that duty requires them to ensure everything that is built meets the minimum code criteria and is properly documented. While it is likely the engineer you hire will make little to no changes to your plans, the extra set of eyes looking at your design gives the building department more assurance and confidence in the design. It also gives the owner/builder someone to contact when a repair or alteration that is needed beyond the scope of the code offerings.

The thing that bothered me the most was the engineer is also just reading off a chart. When he was sizing the footers and beams he dug around his desk and pulled out a paper for each that said what they expected to see. When I asked how they figured all that he laughed and said the regular 8x16 poured tie beam with 4 #5s was stronger than any load you could ever have but every few months they stuff another piece of steel in it or upsize the ones there.
He had a plan for the beam over a 16" garage door with 4 #7s and 2 #5s. He said you could land airplanes on that but it was what was on his cheat sheet.
The engineers don't actually engineer and the plan reviewers don't actually review plans. It appears the whole system is broken.