A Licensed Contractor may design and perform the following work without the owner first hiring a Registered Design Professional to prepare and submit construction plans for approval by the Department.
Supported Scaffolds and Outrigger Scaffolds. Supported scaffolds and outrigger scaffolds (thrust out) shall be designed by a registered design professional, per BC 3314.3.1, with the following exceptions:
No hoisting equipment with a manufacturer’s rated capacity greater than 2,000 pounds will be located on the scaffold;
The scaffold will not be loaded, or designed to be loaded, in excess of 75 pounds per square foot;
The scaffold is less than 40 feet (12 192mm) in height;
Side-arm or end-arm scaffold brackets are used exclusively for the support of workers; and
The scaffold is a light duty scaffold, a medium duty scaffold, or a heavy-duty scaffold.
Suspended Scaffolds. Shall be designed by a registered design professional, per BC 3314.3.2, with the following exceptions:
Design is not required for a single tier nonadjustable suspended scaffold whose platform is 40 square feet or less in size.
In lieu of a Registered Design Professional, a two-point, single tier, suspended scaffold may be designed by a licensed Rigger provided the scaffold or scaffold outrigger beam or suspension member support structure is not anchored to the building or structure, other than tiebacks; and
The scaffold will not be loaded or designed to be loaded in excess of 75 pounds per square foot and the scaffold utilizes either c-hooks or the distance from floor or roof on which the support structure is located to the top of the outrigger beam or suspension member support structure is less than 15 feet.
In lieu of a Registered Design Professional or a licensed Rigger, a two-point, single tier, suspended scaffold meeting the requirements of Item 2 of these exceptions that is used exclusively for sign hanging work may be designed by a licensed Sign Hanger.
Licensed Contractors are required to obtain permit for the installation of a scaffold, with the below exceptions per BC 3314.2:
Supported Scaffold. A supported scaffold that is less than 40 feet in height; not an outrigger scaffold; without any hoisting equipment over 2000 pound capacity; and is not designed to be loaded over 75 pounds per square foot, does not need a permit.
Suspended Scaffold. A permit is not required for a two-point suspended scaffold suspended from a parapet using C-hooks; a scaffold installed and used in conjunction with a project that holds a valid permit, where the site is closed to the public and enclosed within a fence in accordance with Section BC 3307; and the installation, use, and removal of the scaffold is confined within the site or over an area protected by sidewalk sheds or roof protection.
*Note: For all scaffold installations, including ones that do not require a permit, their installation, maintenance, and removal shall be under the supervision of a licensed Rigger for suspended scaffolds and competent person designated by the Contractor.*
In lieu of a Registered Design Professional’s seal and stamp on the submission, a Licensed Contractor can use and reference the approved Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA 362-44. SM) standard design of Scaffold on submitted drawings.