OVERVIEW
Under the New NYC Construction Codes, Special Inspections will replace Controlled Inspections for all construction projects filed on or after July 1, 2008. Special Inspections may only be performed by Special Inspectors working for a Buildings Department-approved Special Inspection Agency. Special Inspections are similar in scope to Controlled Inspections, with a number of additions, and they are defined in Chapter 17 of the 2008 Building Code and the Department's  Special Inspections Rule.

DEFINITIONS
Special Inspector. A qualified individual employed by a Special Inspection Agency. Specific qualifications for the education, training and experience for each Special Inspection are set forth in the  Special Inspections Qualifications.

Special Inspection Agency.
An agency employing one or more persons who are Special Inspectors.

IMPORTANT DATES
JULY 1, 2008. Qualification and Attestation Required.
Special Inspectors must meet the qualifications (with a one-year grace period for obtaining required certificates), and the director of the Special Inspection Agency must certify that the individual and agency meet the qualifications prior to performing any Special Inspection. No registration is required at this time. Special Inspection Agency Directors must fill out the “Special Inspection Applicant” section of the new TR1.

Not sure which TR1 to file? View the  service notice (20 kb) for more information.

To improve construction quality and safety, Special Inspections have now replaced Controlled Inspections. Special Inspections are an important verification that work considered critical to life safety and property protection has been or is being conducted according to approved plans and specifications. To learn more, view the  Comparison of 2008 Code Special Inspections to 1968 Code Controlled Inspections (39 kb-pdf) table.

NOTE: While Special Inspections cover a similar scope to Controlled Inspections, the specific inspection triggers and inspection requirements may be different. Please be sure to read the specific requirements in the 2008 Building Code  Chapter 17.

Registration Required.
In 2010, the Department will begin to electronically register Special Inspection Agencies. This includes a certification that the agency meets the requirements of the rule and that the agency is pursuing accreditation.

December 31, 2009.
Certification of Technicians Required.
Special Inspectors must have all required certificates.  View Executive Order.

JULY 1, 2010. Accreditation Required.
Special Inspection Agencies must meet the Special Inspector Agency qualifications under the Special Inspection Rule and be approved by the Department. In addition, Special Inspection Agencies must be accredited by International Accreditation Service, Inc. (IAS) or an equivalent accreditation agency accrediting to ASTM E329-07 international standard.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Insurance Required Beginning July 1, 2008.
A Special Inspection Agency must have the following insurance coverage:

• Professional liability / errors and omissions insurance policy for a minimum of $500,000 (occurrence based), for the term of the registration;
• General liability insurance policy for a minimum of $1,000,000 and
• Insurance required by the provisions of the New York State Workers' Compensation and Disability Law.

Special Inspection Agency Structure Beginning July 1, 2008.
The Special Inspection Agency shall have a full-time director who is a registered design professional, and all Special Inspections shall be performed under his/her direct supervision. Exception: Agencies limited to any one of the following: conducting fuel oil storage and piping inspections (BC1704.16), fire alarm tests, standpipe systems (BC1704.21), sprinkler systems (BC1704.22) or emergency power systems may have a director who satisfies the requirements of Inspection Supervisor for such tests and inspections as set forth in the qualifications.

Small Building Exception.
A registered design professional with relevant experience may perform most Special Inspections in connection with the construction or alteration of Occupancy Group R-3 buildings, three stories or less in height. Additional qualifications are needed to perform Special Inspections in connection with excavation and foundation activities.