[politelemon]

The design drawings being referenced. Are they public documents, or I suppose I'm asking, how did those engineers get a hold of it? Can I, a public person get it?

This isn't something I've thought about until now, are all buildings' drawings available at some... Central authority, an archive?

[josh3736]

The answer is "it depends" on the particular city, county, and/or state.

Florida is a little unusual in that state law makes a very wide range of information public and easy to get. In this case, the town has actually posted all the relevant documents on their website (https://www.townofsurfsidefl.gov/departments-services/town-c...), so you can just click that link to get the plans.

Other places have varying levels of access to building documents. In SF, for example, DBI maintains plans and other documents, but state law prohibits reproduction without the property owner's consent. A member of the public can, however, make an appointment to view the plans in the DBI office. (https://sfdbi.org/DOP)

But generally, yes, all buildings' plans are maintained by (usually) the county-level office that issues permits.

[politelemon]

Thanks so much. That was useful to learn.

[Someone]

In theory, it seems you can. https://www.buildingrecords.us/blog/how-to-find-blueprints-o...:

“Once the blueprints have been filed by the contractor with the municipality building department, these building plans are public records and technically attainable by anyone wanting to view them.”

That page links to https://www.buildingrecords.us/construction-data/building-pl...

[brudgers]

In Florida, with very limited exceptions, documents related to building permits are public records. Florida has a very aggressive “sunshine law.” Almost all public records fall under it and nearly any time two or more elected officials meet requires public notice and public access (again with limited exceptions).

[gumby]

In the USA most approved plans are public documents, and approval requires code compliance.

Some buildings, like banks or certain public buildings (jails?) don't have publicly available plans.

Some buildings' usage (such as chemical storage or compressed gasses) will require additional detail.

[l1tany11]

Typically approved, permitted plans are public record on file at the local authority (city or county usually). If you have an address you can request access to the plans.

[jeffbee]

I can't find them now because the Google search results for the topic are too noisy but I remember immediately after the condo collapse I downloaded the detailed plans of the building from the city's website. These are not the original drawings, but those submitted for the structural work that was to happen.

https://www.townofsurfsidefl.gov/docs/default-source/default...

[lbotos]

At least for NYC, it's not easy to get, but in theory NYC has records of all buildings and renovations (that were legally done) as they have to sign off on the drawings to issue permits.

I wish it was public, but I haven't be able to find drawings but you can find permit info.

[ggcdn]

In this case the city proactively made all its files available for the building.

In general, that doesn’t happen (perhaps in Florida it does, I have no experience there). But most cities will only release their record drawings if you have permission of the owner.