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Registrant Project Requirements:
Shoring, Excavation, Underpinning of Foundations, and Installation of Ground Structures, including Retaining Walls, Flagpoles, Signs and Other Structures: Work & Inspections
Special Inspections
As per Chapter 17 of the Building Code, projects 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 super-intendment 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:
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Structural Steel |
May include steel welding, High Strength Bolting and Steel Details (BC 1704.3) |
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Concrete – |
Required unless you comply with the exceptions listed in BC 1704.4 |
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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. |
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Excavations – Sheeting, Shoring and Bracing |
Methods employed to protect the sides of excavations shall be subject to Special Inspections in accordance with Sections BC 1704.20.6 through BC 1704.20.10. |
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Fire-resistant Rated Construction and Joists, and Associated Penetrations |
Special Inspections for penetrations of fire-resistant elements and assemblies, and related firestops in accordance with BC sections 1704.27.1 and 1704.27.2. Progress inspection for fire resistance rated construction per BC 110.3.4. |
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Masonry |
Load bearing masonry, glass unit masonry and masonry veneer shall be inspected and verified in accordance with the requirements of Sections BC 1704.5.1 through 1704.5.3, depending on the structural occupancy category of the building or structure. |
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Footings, Foundation and helical piles |
An inspection after excavations for footings is complete and any required reinforcing steel and required forms are in place per BC 110.3.1. |
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Subgrade Conditions |
Existing subsurface conditions such as soil, compaction, borings, test pits, water table, etc. in order to better evaluate the supporting structure’s footing and foundation needs as per BC 1704.7. |
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Deep Foundation Elements |
Are subject to Special Inspections in accordance with section BC 1704.8. |
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Post Installed Anchors |
Installation of post-installed mechanical anchors, adhesive anchors, and screw anchors shall comply with BC Table 1704.32, Section BC 1704.32 and Buildings Bulletin (BB) 2014-018 and BB 2014-019. |
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Preliminary |
Before approving construction documents, the commissioner is authorized to examine or cause to be examined structures or premises for which an application has been filed per AC 28-116.2.1. |
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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. |
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Energy Code Compliance Inspections |
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Required Inspections
During the renovation work, DOB inspections may be 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:
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Preliminary Inspection
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Footing and Foundation Inspection
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Final Inspection
Permit holders, Contractors and property Owners are responsible for scheduling and completing all required inspections. Prior to scheduling such an inspection, Contractors must:
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Confirm that all construction work completed matches the approved drawings.
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The Registered Design Professional, Special Inspector and permit holder shall confirm that the completed work matches the approved drawings
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Throughout the project, periodically check that no safety hazards exist on the property
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Confirm that work complies with the Building Code, Zoning Resolution, and other requirements
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Confirm that all NYC Energy Conservation Code requirements are met
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Schedule and complete all Special and Progress Inspections performed by SIAs.
Contractor Self-Certification of Inspections
No self-certification is allowed by a contractor.
Other Regulations
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Submission of Special Inspections can be done online by Special Inspection Agency.
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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.
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If the Applicant of Record, or his/her designated SIA, 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.
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DOB or the Applicant of Record, or his/her designated SIA, shall complete the final sign-off inspection to close the project.
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If the completed project has changes that are not minor, an ‘As-Built’ submission is required 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.