Print

Registrant Project Requirements:
1- and 2-Family Mixed Use (Alterations) Work & Inspections

Special Inspections

As per Chapter 17 of the Building Code, alteration work may require certain Special and Progress Inspections to be performed during and at the end of construction as outlined in the table below. Prior to Approval, the Applicant of Record is required to identify all required Special and Progress Inspections (BC 1704.1).  Prior to DOB permit issuance, the owner must engage a registered Special Inspection Agency (SIA) who will take responsibility for the Special and Progress Inspections.  The Applicant of Record may perform these inspections if they are also an SIA. Inspection discrepancies and hazardous conditions shall be reported for correction to the superintendent of construction, as well as to the site safety coordinator or site safety manager, per BB 2016-006 and 1 RCNY 101-06. Per BC 1704.1.2, the contractor cannot hire the special inspector.

Based on the scope of work, an alteration project may be required to comply with the following Special and Progress Inspection requirements:

Structural Steel

May include steel welding, High Strength Bolting, Cold Formed Steel and Steel Details, including seismic isolation (BC 1704.3).

Concrete – Cast-In-Place

Required where the total concrete placement on a given project is more than 50 cubic yards or other conditions (BC 1704.4). Also see BC 1905.6 and BC 1905.3, and BC 113.5 and BC 1913.10.

Concrete – Precast

Are subject to Special Inspections in accordance with BC 1704.4.

Concrete - Prestressed

Are subject to Special Inspections in accordance with BC 1704.4.

Masonry

Load bearing masonry, glass unit masonry and masonry veneer shall be inspected and verified in accordance with the requirements of BC 1704.5.1 through BC 1704.5.3, depending on the structural occupancy category of the building or structure.

Wood – Installation of High-Load Diaphragms

High-load diaphragms shall be installed with special inspections as indicated in BC 1704.6.1. Limited to 5 story construction.

Wood – Installation of Metal-Plate-Connected Trusses

Metal-plate-connected wood trusses shall be subject to special inspection in accordance with BC 1704.6.2.1 and BC 1704.6.2.2. Limited to 5 story construction.

Wood – Installation of Prefabricated I-Joists

Are subject to Special Inspections in accordance with  BC 1704.2 and the requirements of BC 2303.1.2 (BC 1704.6.3). Limited to 5 story construction.

Subgrade inspection, subsurface conditions, borings and test pits

Subject to Special Inspections in accordance with BC 1704.7.

Deep Foundation Elements

Are subject to Special Inspections in accordance with BC 1704.8.

Helical Piles

Are subject to Special Inspections in accordance with BC 1704.8.5.

Vertical Masonry Foundation Elements

Subject to Special Inspections in accordance with BC 1704.9.

Wall Panels, Curtain Walls and Veneers

Per BC 1704.10, special inspection is required for exterior architectural wall panels and the anchoring of veneers designed for installation on buildings above a height of 40 feet. Special inspection of masonry veneer on such structures shall be in accordance with BC 1704.5.

Sprayed fire-resistant materials

Subject to Special Inspections in accordance with BC 1704.11.

Mastic and Intumescent Fire – resistant Coatings

Special inspections for mastic and intumescent fire-resistant coatings applied to structural elements and decks shall be in accordance with AWCI 12-B. Special inspections shall be based on the fire-resistance design as designated in the approved construction documents as per BC 1704.12.

Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)

All EIFS applications installed more than 15 feet above adjacent finished grades and alterations to existing EIFS installations more than 15 feet above adjacent finished grades shall be in accordance with BC 1704.13.

Alternative Materials

Subject to Special Inspections in accordance with BC 1704.14.

Smoke Control Systems

Smoke control systems shall be tested by a special inspector in accordance with BC 1704.15.1 and BC 909.

Mechanical Systems

Mechanical systems requiring a certificate of compliance in accordance with AC 28-116.4 shall be inspected for conformance with the approved construction documents as per BC 1704.16.

Fuel Oil Storage and Fuel – Oil Piping Systems

Fuel-oil storage equipment, including tanks, pumps, valves, transfer, return, fill and vent piping, hangers and bracing, fill and vent terminals, and related systems regulated by MC 1308 of the New York City Mechanical Code. See BC 1704.17 for additional information.

High - Pressure Steam Piping (Welding)

High-pressure-steam piping and high temperature hot water piping shall be subject to a special inspection in accordance with BC 1704.18.

High Temperature Hot Water Piping (Welding)

High-pressure-steam piping and high temperature hot water piping shall be subject to a special inspection. See BC 1704.18 for additional information.

High – Pressure Fuel – Gas Piping (Welding)

Per FGC 403.1.1, all welded gas distribution piping is subject to a special inspection. See BC 1704.19 for additional information.

Excavations– Sheeting, Shoring, Bracing, & underpinning

Methods  employed to protect the sides of excavations, or to protect adjacent underpinned structures, shall be subject to Special Inspections in accordance with BC 1704.20.2 through 1704.20.10 and BC 1814.

Mechanical Demolition

Where mechanical demolition equipment, other than handheld devices, is to be used in the full or partial demolition of a building from within the building, or is to be used within the building to remove debris or move material, such demolition operation shall be in accordance with BC 1704.20.4.

Soil Percolation Test – Private On-site Storm Water Drainage Disposal Systems and Detention Facilities

Subject to Special Inspections in accordance with BC 1704.21.1.2.

Private On-site Storm Water Drainage Disposal Systems and Detention Facilities Installation

Subject to Special Inspections in accordance with BC 1704.21.2.

Individual On-site Private Sewage Disposal System Installation

Subject to Special Inspections in accordance with BC 1704.22.

Soil Percolation Test – Individual On-site Private Sewage Disposal Systems

Subject to Special Inspections in accordance with BC 1704.22.

Sprinkler Systems

Subject to Special Inspections in accordance with BC 903 and BC 1704.23. See Sprinkler Project Guideline.

Standpipe Systems

Per BC 1704.24, Standpipe systems Special Inspections are required to verify installation of materials, fitting hangers’ assemblies and signage, are per approved documents.

In addition, Special Inspection must ensure that painting of system complies with BC 905.11 and BC 905.11.5. This portion of the inspection may be conducted periodically at incremental stages matching the progress of the work.

Special inspector shall witness all required tests, both Hydrostatic* and flow tests and ensure submission of Form FP 84 to FDNY.

See Standpipe Project Guideline.

Heating Systems

Subject to Special Inspections in accordance with BC 1704.25. See Mechanical Project Guideline.

Chimneys

Subject to Special Inspections in accordance with BC 1704.26.

Fire-resistant Penetration and Joists

Special Inspections for penetration of fire-resistant elements and assemblies; and related firestops in accordance with BC 1704.27.1 and BC 1704.27.2.

Aluminum Welding

The Special Inspections for structural aluminum elements of buildings and structures shall be as required by BC 1704.28.1.

Flood Zone Compliance

Special Inspection for flood zone compliance shall be as required by BC Appendix G and BC 1704.29, as well as BC 1704.5.

Luminous Egress Path Markings

The installation of photoluminescent egress path markings shall be subject to special inspection in accordance with BC 1704.30. The special inspector shall verify that approved photoluminescent egress path markings were provided and installed in accordance with DOB rules and regulations, the approved construction documents, and manufacturer’s instructions.

Emergency and Standby Power Systems (Generators)

Emergency and standby power systems shall be installed in accordance with the New York City Electrical Code,  NFPA 110 and NFPA 111 and BC 2702.

Post-installed anchors

The installation of post-installed mechanical anchors, adhesive anchors, and screw anchors shall comply with BC Table 1704.32. The special inspection shall include the verification of compliance with approved construction documents and standards established by the commissioner pursuant to AC 28-113.2.2 and BB 2014-018, BB 2014-019.

Seismic Isolation Systems

There shall be periodic special inspection during the fabrication and installation of isolator units and energy dissipation devices, if used as part of the seismic isolation system as per BC 1707.8.

Concrete Design Mix

Subject to Special Inspections in accordance with BC 1905.3 and BC 1913.5 (former TR 3 form).

Concrete Sampling and Testing

Concrete sampling and testing shall be in accordance with BC 1905.6 and BC 1913.1.10 (former TR 2 form).

Preliminary

Subject to Special Inspections in accordance with AC 28-116.2.1 and BC 110.2.

Footings and Foundation

Footing and foundation progress inspections shall be made after excavations for footings are complete and any required reinforcing steel and required forms are in place as per BC 110.3.1.

Lowest Floor Elevation

In areas of special flood hazard, upon placement of the lowest floor, including the basement (for flood zone purposes), and prior to further vertical construction, the elevation inspection report required in Item 1 of Section BC G105.3 of Appendix G shall be submitted to DOB per BC 110.3.2.

Structural Wood Frame

Subject to Special Inspections in accordance with BC 110.3.3.

Fire-Resistance Rated Construction

Subject to Special Inspections in accordance with BC 110.3.4.

Energy Code Compliance Inspections

Progress Inspections per NYCECC:

  • Protection of exposed foundation insulation
  • Insulation placement and R values
  • Fenestration u-factor and product rating
  • Fenestration air leakage
  • Fenestration areas
  • Air sealing and insulation - visual
  • Air sealing and insulation -testing
  • Vestibules
  • Fireplaces
  • Shutoff dampers
  • HVAC and service water heat equipment
  • HVAC and service water heat g system controls
  • HVAC insulation and sealing
  • Duct leakage testing
  • Electrical energy consumption
  • Interior lighting power
  • Exterior lighting power
  • Lighting Controls
  • Electrical Motors
  • Maintenance information
  • Permanent certificate
  • In Solar Ready Requirements

Required Inspections

In accordance with AC 28-116.2 and BC 110.1, DOB requires inspections at various stages of completion during alteration work, as well as at final completion. Based on the scope of work, the following inspections from different DOB Inspection Units may be required:

  • Boiler Inspection – Fuel Storage Boilers

  • Construction Inspection –

    1. Final Inspection
      1. Completion of Work
      2. Conformance to Code and Approved Drawings

    2. Phased construction, as required for partial occupancy (TCO)

      1. Work Site Safety
      2. Fire Protection
      3. Tenant Protection Plan (TPP)

    3. Work Progress (as required by DOB)

  • Cranes and Derricks Inspections

  • Electrical Inspection

  • Elevator Inspection

  • Fuel Gas Inspections - including gas piping rough-in

  • Oil Burning Equipment

  • Plumbing Inspection – Plumbing, Sprinkler and Standpipe work

    1. Final Inspection
    2. Phased construction, as required for partial occupancy (TCO) 
    3. Pressure Testing of Piping

  • Sprinkler and Standpipe Inspection –– Work Progress and Final Inspection

Contractors and property owner shall make sure to schedule and complete all of the required DOB Inspections. Prior to scheduling an inspection, contractors must:

  • Confirm that all construction work completed matches the approved drawings
  • Periodically check that no safety hazards exist on the active construction project
  • Confirm that work complies with code and other requirements
  • Confirm that all energy code requirements are met.

Contractor Self-Certification of Inspections

Plumbing, sprinkler, gas, and/or standpipe contractors have the option to either require a DOB Inspection or submit a self-certification of the completed work. Such contractors opting to self-certify must submit a notice of intent to self-certify, with the dates of these self-certified inspections to DOB, and follow-up with the submission of results for self-certified inspections. The following inspections may be self-certified:

  • Plumbing - Work Progress and Final Inspection
  • Gas systems - Work Progress and Final Inspection
  • Sprinkler work, if tapped off of domestic  line, as allowed by AC 28-401.3 – Work Progress and Final Inspection

DOB inspection units conduct random audits of all such self-certified notices to ensure compliance of inspected work with code and regulations.

Other Regulations

  • Submission of Special Inspections can be done online by Special Inspection Agency.
  • DOB inspections may be required during various project stages. Such inspection requests may be made online, and any objections raised may be resolved on-line.
  • If the applicant elected to self-certify the required DOB inspections, an online notice of intent to self-certify must have been submitted at the project start. Such self-certified inspections may be audited; audit results will be provided to applicant and must be resolved prior to final sign-off.
  • Depending on the above, DOB or the applicant shall complete the final sign-off inspection to close the project.
  • If the completed project has changes that are not minor, an “As-Built” submission shall be allowed. The applicant must submit revised “As-Built” drawings prior to project sign-off.

Inspection Requests

An online tool for scheduling appointments for required DOB inspections must be used.  This system, DOB NOW: Inspections provides the ability to request and cancel appointments online, as well as view inspection results and documentation.

Additional Requirements for Registrant

Helpful Links