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Special Inspections

Special inspections are ‘inspection of selected materials, equipment, installation, fabrication, erection or placement of components and connections, to ensure compliance with approved construction  documents and referenced standards as required by this chapter or elsewhere in this code or its referenced standards’ (BC 1702.1). Special inspections are performed by Special Inspectors on behalf of registered Special Inspection Agencies (SIAs).

Registration Requirements for Special Inspection Agencies

  • New Registration
  • Registration Renewal – The SIA Renewal process does not allow for changes to the registration. Process changes prior to submitting a renewal application.
  • Registration Changes – Changes include adding, removing and upgrading endorsements; agency info changes; adding, removing, replacing directors; inactivating registrations; etc. Submit change requests prior to submitting a renewal application.
  • Registration Fees
    • New: $200 new registration fee and $30 per each endorsement
    • Renewal: $90 renewal fee and $30 per each endorsement; $50 late fee when renewed after the expiration date
    • Change: $30 per each endorsement (only applicable when adding endorsements to the registration)

Technical Reports (TRs)

  • Responsibility and Certification – Taking responsibility for performing inspections and certifying inspections on Technical Reports (such as TR1s) are performed in DOB NOW.  Review guidance Directors of special inspection agencies must use the email address associated with their DOB NOW account.
  • Withdrawing responsibility – Special inspection agencies can withdraw TR responsibility in DOB NOW by following the Supersede and Withdrawal Guide. 
  • Superseding responsibility – Applicants, owners, filing reps and delegated associates can supersede TR special inspection responsibility in DOB NOW by following the Supersede and Withdrawal Guide.   
  • BIS Requirements – Use TR1 form for taking responsibility for performing inspections and certifying inspections.  Comply with OPPN #18/92 for withdrawing responsibility.  

Inspector and Agency Requirements

  • Inspectors. All special inspectors performing special inspections must be qualified to perform special inspections.  See 1 RCNY 101-06, Appendix A for a list of qualification requirements.   
  • Agency Registration.  All agencies performing special inspections must be registered with the Department.  See 1 RCNY 101-06, Section (c)(1).
  • Agency Accreditation. All agencies performing Class 1 special inspections must be accredited and an accrediting agency.  See 1 RCNY 101-06, Section (c)(5).  Please view the List of Recognized Accrediting Bodies.
  • Agency Insurance. All agencies performing special inspections must obtain insurance. See1 RCNY 101-06, Section (c)(7).  Professional Liability/Errors and Omissions insurance and New York State Workers’ Compensation insurance are required for agencies whose Directors are registered design professionals.

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