huangyhg

ibc '06: when are special inspections required?
the best i can tell from section 1704.1, special inspections are always required except:
1. when the bldg official says it's not required
2. when no professional engineers or architects were involved in the bldg design
3. the occupancy is r-3 or u as defined by the ibc
my particular situation is that i am working on an landscape renovation where some minor structural strengthening is necessary.
i asked the bldg official if we need an si, and he just pointed me to chp 17 of the ibc.
any ideas on if i need an si?
thanks!
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if you are going to create any structural drawings, i think you have already answered your own question. you should go ahead and require the special inspections. like you, i would be tempted to let it slide. is your strengthening on a retaining wall? maybe you can take one of the exceptions listed in 1704.4.
i see si as added insurance for everyone involved. if the bo wouldn't tell you it's not required, then that's likely the answer. would he give a more specific answer if you asked him if he needs a letter at the end of the project? if he doesn't need a letter or report of si, then it's safe to say that he's not requiring them. personally, i'd have them done then your covered later on if someone asks for them.
it seems the ibc is written with less and less exceptions. the seem to categorize the si into full-time and periodic.
1704.1 general. where application is made for construction as described in this section, the owner or the registered design professional in responsible charge acting as the owner's agent shall employ one or more special inspectors to provide inspections during construction on the types of work listed under section 1704. the special inspector shall be a qualified person who shall demonstrate competence, to the satisfaction of the building official, for inspection of the particular type of construction or operation requiring special inspection. these inspections are in addition to the inspections specified in section 109.
exceptions:
1. special inspections are not required for work of a minor nature or as warranted by conditions in the jurisdiction as approved by the building official.
2. special inspections are not required for building components unless the design involves the practice of professional engineering or architecture as defined by applicable state statutes and regulations governing the professional registration and certification of engineers or architects.
3. deleted. (in ohio)
1705.1 general. where special inspection or testing is required by section 1704 , 1707 or 1708, the registered design professional in responsible charge shall prepare a statement of special inspections in accordance with section 1705 for submittal by the permit applicant (see section 1704.1.1 ).
1705.2 content of statement of special inspections. the statement of special inspections shall identify the following:
1. the materials, systems, components and work required to have special inspection or testing by the building official or by the registered design professional responsible for each portion of the work.
2. the type and extent of each special inspection.
3. the type and extent of each test.
4. additional requirements for special inspection or testing for seismic or wind resistance as specified in section 1705.3 , 1705.4 , 1707 or 1708 .
5. for each type of special inspection, identification as to whether it will be continuous special inspection or periodic special inspection.
the way i interpret this, unless specifically required by code, i allow the design professional to determine, based on the designer's intent and judgement, to tell me what special inspections will be required, and by whom it will be performed. it would be difficult for me to determine in a phone conversation if a special inspection will be required unless i had some drawings in front of me to better under the scope.

don phillips
the local building official told me they look to the eor for recommendations on what falls within the special inspection requirements of chapter 17. i was told that if chapter 17 is not explicit, use my judgement.

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