As per Chapter 17 of the Building Code, renovation projects for deck and/or porch 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 typically 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 to the superintendent of construction, as well as to the site safety coordinator or site safety manager, for correction, 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, a renovation project may be required to comply with the following Special and Progress Inspection requirements:
Subgrade Conditions |
Existing subsurface conditions such as soil, compaction, borings, test pits, etc. in order to better evaluate the supporting structure’s footing and foundation needs as per BC 1704.7. |
Structural Stability – Existing Buildings |
Any modification of existing structural systems or elements, such as columns, girders, beams, bearing walls, etc. where the stability or integrity of the structural system is impacted, in accordance with sections BC 1704.20.6 through BC 1704.20.10. |
Fire-resistant Penetration |
Special Inspections for penetrations of fire-resistant elements and assemblies, and related firestops in accordance with sections BC 1704.27.1 and BC 1704.27.2. |
Footings and Foundation |
An inspection after excavations for footings is complete and any required reinforcing steel and required forms are in place per BC 110.3.1. |
Post Installed Anchors |
Installation of post-installed mechanical anchors, adhesive anchors, and screw anchors shall comply with BC Table 1704.32, BC 1704.32 and Buildings Bulletin (BB) 2014-018 and 019. |
Structural Wood Frame |
Structural wood framing shall be in accordance with BC 110.3.3. |
Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) |
Required for all EIFS applications installed more than 15 feet (4572 mm) above adjacent finished grades and alterations to existing EIFS installations more than 15 feet (4572 mm) above adjacent finished grades in accordance with BC 1704.13. |
Final Inspection |
A final inspection is required prior to the issuance of a letter of completion, per AC 28-116.2.4.2 and BC 110.5. |
Flood Zone Compliance |
Special Inspection for flood zone compliance shall be as required by BC Appendix G and BC 1704.29. |
Energy Code Compliance Inspections |
Penetrations through thermal envelope: must be sealed to minimize air leakage, and prevent thermal bridging, as per NYCECC R402.4 and C402.5. |
For completion of work involving deck and/or porch, DOB inspections are required at various stages of completion, as well as for final completion. Based on the scope of work, the following inspections from different DOB Inspection Units may be required:
Contractors and property Owners should make sure to schedule and complete all of the required DOB inspections. Prior to scheduling an inspection, Contractors must:
A contractor cannot self-certify any inspections required for the installation of a deck or porch.
An online tool for scheduling appointments for required DOB inspections must be used. DOB NOW provides robust online accounts, making it easier to submit applications, make payments, schedule appointments, check the status of an application or inspection, pull permits, and make renewals.