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Registrant Project Requirements:
Multiple Dwelling Units (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 for a permit, the Applicant of Record is required to identify all required Special and Progress Inspections per 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 for correction to the super-intendent 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: See BB: 2014-017 for a more comprehensive Table.

Structural Steel

May include steel welding, High Strength Bolting, Cold Formed Steel, and Steel Details (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 1913.5 and BC 1913.10.

Concrete – Precast & 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 sections 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 Section BC 1704.6.1

Wood – Installation of Metal-Plate-Connected Trusses

Metal-plate-connected wood trusses shall be subject to special inspection in accordance with Section BC 1704.6.2.1 and BC 1704.6.2.2

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).

Subgrade Inspection, Subsurface Conditions, Borings and Test Pits

Are Subject To Special Inspections In Accordance With Section BC1704.7

Deep Foundation Elements

Are subject to Special Inspections in accordance with Section BC 1704.8.

Helical Piles

Are subject to Special Inspections in accordance with Section BC 1704.8.5.

Vertical Masonry Foundation Elements

Are subject to Special Inspections in accordance with Section BC 1704.9

Wall Panels, Curtain Walls and Veneers

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 Section BC 1704.5 (BC 1704.10)

Sprayed Fire-Resistant Materials

Special Inspections for sprayed fire-resistant materials applied to floor, roof and wall assemblies and structural members shall be in accordance with  Sections BC 1704.11.1 through BC 1704.11.7

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 Section BC 1704.13

Alternative Materials

Alternative materials shall be in accordance with BC 1704.14

Smoke Control Systems

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

Mechanical Systems

Mechanical systems requiring a certificate of compliance in accordance with AC 28-116.4.1 of the Administrative Code shall be inspected for conformance with the approved construction documents as per BC 1704.16. See Mechanical System Guidelines.

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 Section 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.

Structural Stability – Existing Buildings

Alteration of existing structural systems or elements, such as columns, girders, beams, bearing walls, etc. where the stability or integrity of a structural system is to be temporarily diminished, in accordance with Sections BC 1704.20.6 through BC 1704.20.10

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. 

Underpinning

Underpinning of structures shall be subject to special inspections in accordance with Sections BC 1704.20.6 through BC 1704.20.10.

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 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

Soil percolation tests shall be performed in accordance with BC 1704.21.1.2.

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

Soil percolation tests shall be performed in accordance with BC 1704.21.2.

Individual On-site Private Sewage Disposal System Installation

Individual on-site private sewage disposal systems shall be inspected in accordance with the rules of the department per BC 1704.22.

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

Soil percolation tests shall be performed in accordance with BC 1704.22.

Sprinkler Systems

Sprinkler systems shall be inspected in accordance with BC 903 and BC 1704.23. See Sprinkler project guideline.

Standpipe Systems

Per NYC 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

New heating systems shall be tested in accordance with BC 1704.25. See Mechanical project guideline.

Chimneys

Chimneys shall be subject to a special inspection in accordance with BC 1704.26.

Fire-resistant Penetration and Joists

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

Flood Zone Compliance

Special Inspection for flood zone compliance shall be as required by BC Appendix G and BC 1704.29.  Also BC 1704.5 if raising or moving a building for flood zone compliance and BC 110.3.2 to record lowest floor elevation.

Luminous Egress Path Markings

The installation of photo-luminescent egress path markings shall be subject to special inspection in accordance with BC 1704.30. The special inspector shall verify that approved photo-luminescent egress path markings were provided and installed in accordance with department 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. See Emergency Power Systems (Generators)

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.

Structural Wood Frame

Inspections shall be performed for wood structural framing to determine compliance with the approved construction documents as per BC 110.3.3.

Fire-Resistance Rated Construction

Fire-resistance-rated partitions, floors, ceilings, shafts, and shutters as per BC 110.3.4.

Energy Code Compliance Inspections

Inspections shall be performed to determine compliance with the approved construction documents and 1 RCNY 5000-01.

Aluminum Welding

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

Post-Installed Anchors

The installation of post-installed mechanical anchors, adhesive anchors, and screw anchors shall comply with Table BC 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, BC Chapter 16 and/or 1968 RS 9-6.

Concrete Design Mix

Concrete mix designs shall be in accordance with BC 1905.3 and BC 1913.5 (former TR 3 form).

Concrete Sampling and Testing

Preliminary inspections shall be in accordance with AC 28-116.2.1 and BC 110.2.

Preliminary

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 the department per BC 110.3.2.

Lowest Floor Elevation

There shall be a final inspection of all permitted work. Final inspections shall comply with AC 28-116.2.4

Final Inspection

There shall be a final inspection of all permitted work.  Final inspections shall comply with AC 28-116.2.4

Energy Code Compliance Inspections

Required Inspections

During alteration work, 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:

  • Boiler Inspection – Fuel Storage Boilers

  • Construction Inspection – Final 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 most current approved drawings, and that such drawings are on site

  • Periodically check that no safety hazards exist on the active construction project.

  • Confirm that work complies with Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Fuel Gas Codes and other requirements.

  • Confirm that Energy Code requirements are met.

Required Commissioning Testing

During the course of completing mechanical system work, Contractors should check the following to ensure regulatory and Code compliance with NYC Energy Conservation Code: Commissioning is required on newly installed systems with a cumulative input heating capacity >600,000 BTU/h and/or cooling capacity > 480,000 Btu/h.

  • Commissioning preliminary report:  Must be submitted to DOB prior to mechanical sign-off.

  • Commissioning final report: Must be submitted to the Department 18 months after certificate of completion, as required by NYCECC Section C408.

Contractor Self-Certification of Inspections

Contractors have the option to either require a DOB Inspection or submit a self-certification of the completed work, if applicable. 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 and Boiler - work progress and final inspection

  • Waste and Water Systems - work progress and final inspection

  • Sprinkler Work - work progress and final inspection

  • Standpipe Work - work progress and final inspection

DOB Inspection Units conduct a random audit of all self-certified notices to ensure compliance of inspected work with Code and regulations.

With respect to Contractor self-certification of inspections for plumbing systems, please note that no such inspections are allowed for gas systems, fire pumps, or pressure testing of piping. See the Guidelines of those systems for more information.

Other Regulations

  • 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.

  • The results of Special Inspection may be submitted online by a Special Inspection Agency.

  • 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.

  • The applicant must submit revised “As-Built” drawings, indicating all changes, 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

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