Special inspections are required for commercial construction projects involving structural components. The International Building Code defines special inspections, which have evolved from earlier codes to address construction quality assurance for elements that could cause building collapse if not installed properly. The owner must hire an approved agency to perform special inspections, with the engineer of record permitted to act as the inspector. A schedule of special inspections must be submitted with permit applications, and a final inspection report is needed for occupancy approval. Special inspections ensure code compliance for critical construction aspects affecting life safety.

1. Special Inspections

2. What do
YOU need to
take away
from this?
What code
defines
Special
Inspections?
What is the
History &
evolution of
Special
Inspections?
What
specifically
are Special
Inspections
& which
projects
must have
them?
Who does
them
and
who pays for
them?
What is
the proper
process
for Special
Inspections?
OverviewObjectives

3. • Chapter 17 – 2009 International Building
Code (IBC)
Code that defines
Special Inspections

4. • Special Inspections have been in the code
since BOCA (93*)
o Prior to 2000 and the state adoption of the IBC, most municipalities
did their own plan review and inspections.
• In house inspectors may not have been familiar with, or just may
not have enforced, special inspections.
o Now, many municipalities hire third party organizations to review
plans
• More familiar with requirement and now enforce them.
• Do not want liability.
History and Evolution
of Special Inspections

5. • Per IBC
o “Inspection… of the materials, installation, fabrication, erection or
placement of components and connections requiring special
expertise to ensure compliance with approved construction
documents and referenced standards.”
• Laymen’s terms
o Anything that, if not installed properly, could cause loss of life due to
a building collapse during a weather event (natural disaster) or fire.
Special Inspections are…

6. Structural Inspections
Soils
Concrete and Reinforcing
Steel
Masonry
Timber
Fireproofing
Special Inspections are…

7. • Per IBC 1704.1 – ‘When application is made
for construction as described in this section…’
o EXCEPTIONS:
• ‘….work of a minor nature as defined by the local building
official.’
• ‘….not required for building components unless the design
involves the practice of professional engineering or architecture
as defined by state statutes.’
• ‘….Group U occupancies that are accessory to a residential
occupancy.’
Projects that MUST have
Special Inspections

8. ALL commercial
building projects
with STRUCTURAL
COMPONENTS!
Projects that MUST have
Special Inspections

9. Responsibilities
WHO DOES THEM? WHO PAYS FOR THEM?
• Per IBC 1704.1 – ‘When
application is made for
construction as described
in this section, the owner
or the registered design
professional in responsible
charge acting as the
owner’s agent shall
employ one or more
approved agencies to
perform inspections…’
Owner
Architect
Structural EOR

10. Who PERFORMS
Special Inspections?
• Per IBC 1704.1 – ‘…The registered design
professional in responsible charge and engineers
of record in the design of the project are
permitted to act as the approved agency and
their personnel are permitted to act as the
special inspector for the work designed by them,
provided those personnel meet the qualification
requirements of this section to the satisfaction
of the building official.’

11. Conflict of Interest???
• Is there any conflict of interest with the
design professional acting as the special
inspector?
• No – Who has more of a vested interest
in the building being built properly than
the EOR?

12. Approved Agency
• Per IBC 1705
o INDEPENDENCE – ‘…objective, competent and
independent from the contractor responsible for the work
being inspected.’
o EQUIPMENT – ‘…have adequate equipment to perform
the required tests.’
o PERSONNEL – ‘…shall employ experienced personnel
educated in conducting, supervising and evaluating tests
and/or inspections.’

13. Barry Isett & Associates
is an
APPROVED
Special Inspection agency!

14. So your project needs
Special Inspections,
where do they fit
into the process?

15. TheProcess
Design Team completes Construction Documents and issues
for Permit Drawings
Engineer of Record prepares Schedule of Special Inspections
as part of Permit Set
Owner (or Owner’s Agent) engages an Approved Agency
PRIOR to beginning of construction
Approved Agency submits regular reports to building official
and EOR
At the completion of construction Approved Agency
compiles all reports and submits a final report. A certificate
of occupancy will not be given without the final report being
submitted!!!

16. Summary Review
• Special Inspections are to be
paid by the Owner, or the
registered design professional
acting on the Owner’s behalf.
When preparing budgets for Owners, Special
Inspections can have substantially higher costs
than typical inspections.
• Schedule of Special Inspections
prepared by the Engineer of
Record must be submitted as
part of the building permit
application.
• Final Special Inspection Report
must be submitted prior to a
project being given a Certificate
of Occupancy.
• Special Inspections are required
for all commercial construction
projects* that involve structure
or structural components.
• The engineer of record is
permitted to act as the special
inspector provided they can
provide adequate qualification
to the building official.

17. Barry Isett & Associates
is an
Approved
Special Inspection agency!

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