PE of MEP (Firm or Freelancers) vs City, County & Owner

By Saroj K. Joshi, PE., PhD

This is an everyday challenge in the MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) profession. 

Clients always come first; however, their needs must be met while fully complying with applicable codes and regulations. Code compliance is an integral part of every project there are no exemptions or shortcuts.

Misunderstandings, mistakes, and friction often occur among project stakeholders of MEP consultants, city or county authorities, contractors, clients, and sometimes even within MEP teams themselves due to policies and internal pressures.

This reality applies not only to engineers working within consulting firms, but also to independent Professional Engineers and freelancers who face similar challenges while coordinating with owners, contractors, utilities, and authorities having jurisdiction.

The key question is:
Where do these issues arise, and what should be the role of Professional Engineers in navigating such complex situations?

From my experience as Principal Engineer of ProEngineering, President of S&P EE Consulting Inc., and former Senior Electrical Engineer with the Department of Defense, I believe the following principles, strategies, and professional ethics are essential.

Understanding the Shared Purpose

Although we work in different roles and professions, we ultimately share a common purpose:

• To support ourselves and our families while striving for a better future.
• To contribute to our communities and the state, directly or indirectly.
• Clients, contractors, cities, and counties all operate based on their responsibilities and interests.
•  MEP professionals whether working in firms or independently play a critical role in balancing these interests.

Because of this, MEP professionals must remain independent, unbiased, and ethical, ensuring fairness among all parties while meeting regulatory requirements and project goals. This includes respecting city and county codes, addressing AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) concerns, and maintaining professional integrity across all disciplines.

Case Study: Electrical Project with Code Compliance Issues

Let’s consider a typical scenario:

1. The City / County / AHJ / Fire Marshal requires strict code compliance.
2. The client wants the project completed at the lowest cost and quickly permitted, often unaware of regulatory complexities.
3.  The contractor pushes to make the project work “by any means necessary.”
4. Communicate clearly with all stakeholders while doing your best to remain flexible always working within applicable codes and regulations.

This situation places the Professional Engineer (PE) in a difficult position, whether working as:

• An employee in an MEP consulting firm, or
• An independent consultant / freelancer providing engineering services.

This reality is not hidden. It is an open secret within the industry.

The Ethical Responsibility of the Professional Engineer

Professional Engineers will face such situations many times during their careers. The correct path should always be guided by engineering ethics, public safety, and code compliance.

Step 1: Deep Technical Analysis

The first and most important step is to:

• Perform a detailed engineering analysis.
• Study all applicable codes thoroughly.
• Identify a solution that satisfies regulatory requirements without violating any codes.

If a compliant solution is found, the issue is resolved properly and professionally.

Step 2: When Conflicts Arise Between Authorities and Project Stakeholders

Sometimes situations arise where:

• The city or AHJ insists on strict interpretation of codes.
• The utility company may be willing to allow exceptions.
• The client and contractor align with the utility to push the project forward.

In such cases, the Professional Engineer must make a crucial decision.

The correct course is to stand with the applicable codes, life-safety requirements, and the authority having jurisdiction.

At this stage:

• Life safety must come first.
• Property protection must come first.
• Ethical engineering judgment must take priority over project pressure.

This may mean:

• Disagreeing with the client.
• Resisting internal firm pressure.
•  Accepting potential professional risk.

But it is the right thing to do.

The Role of Professional Integrity

MEP engineers carry a major responsibility because our work directly affects:

• Public safety
• Fire protection
• Electrical safety
• Structural and building performance

A Professional Engineer’s duty is not only to their employer or client but to the public.

This principle is at the core of engineering licensure.

Final Thoughts

For more than two decades, I have followed this approach in my professional practice. My advice to fellow Professional Engineers is simple:

Always protect life and property first.
Codes and ethics must come before project pressure, politics, or job security.

This responsibility applies to all Professional Engineers whether working in MEP firms, consulting companies, or as independent freelancers across all engineering disciplines.

That is the true responsibility of a Professional Engineer.