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Registrant Project Requirements: New Greenhouse Installation:
Work & Inspections

As per Chapter 17 of the Building Code, greenhouse 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 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.

Based on the scope of work, a greenhouse project may be required to comply with the following Special and Progress Inspection requirements:

Structural Steel

May include Steel Welding, 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).

Concrete - Precast

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 BC 1704.5.1 through 1704.5.3, depending on the structural occupancy category of the building or structure.

Subgrade Inspection

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.

Subsurface investigations, borings and test pits

Are subject to Special Inspections in accordance with BC 1704.7.4

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 BC 1704.13.

Mechanical Systems

Are subject to Special Inspections in accordance with BC 1704.16

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 BC 1704.20.6 through 1704.20.10.

Excavations – Sheeting, Shoring and Bracing & underpinning

Methods employed to protect the sides of excavations shall be subject to Special Inspections in accordance with BC 1704.20.6 through 1704.20.10.

Soil Percolation Test – Private On-Site Storm Water Drainage Disposal Systems

Soil percolation tests shall be performed in accordance with BC 1704.21.1.2

Private On-Site Storm Water Drainage Disposal System Installation

Soil percolation tests shall be performed in accordance with BC 1704.21.2

Fire-resistant Penetration and Joists

Special Inspections for penetrations of fire-resistant elements and assemblies, and related firestops in accordance with BC 1704.27.1 and 1704.27.2. Progress inspection for fire resistance rated construction per BC 110.3.4.

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 to record lowest floor elevation.

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

Fire-Resistance Rated Construction

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

Energy Code Compliance Inspections
  • Penetrations through thermal envelope: must be sealed to minimize air leakage as per NYCECC R402.4 and C402.5.
  • Electrical Energy [metering] Consumption:  The presence and operation of individual meters or other means of monitoring individual tenant spaces and apartments shall be verified by visual inspection per 1 RCNY 5000-01(h)1 & 2 – IC1, IIC1, and NYCECC C405.6.

Required Department Inspections

During the greenhouse work, DOB inspections are required at various stages of completion, including final completion. Based on the scope of work, the following inspections from different DOB Inspection Units may be required:

  1. Construction 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)

  2. Electrical Inspection

  3. Fuel Gas Inspections - including gas piping roughing

  4. Plumbing Inspection – Plumbing, Sprinkler and Standpipe work
    1. Final Inspection
    2. Phased construction, as required for partial occupancy (TCO)
    3. Pressure Testing of Piping

  5. Sprinkler and Standpipe Inspection –– Work Progress and Final Inspection

Contractors and property Owners should 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 approved drawings

  • Throughout the project, periodically check that no safety hazards exist on the property

  • Confirm that work complies with the Construction Codes, Zoning Resolution, and other requirements

  • Confirm that all Energy Code requirements are met

  • Schedule and complete all Special and Progress Inspections performed by SIAs

Self-Certification of Inspections

Plumbing Contractors (except for gas work) have the option to either require a DOB inspection or submit a self-certification of the completed work.

See the following Guidelines for more information:

  • Plumbing* - Work Progress and Final Inspection

  • Sprinkler work, if required - Work Progress and Final Inspection

DOB inspection units conduct random audits of all such 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..

Other Regulations

  • Submission of Special Inspections can be done online by the Special Inspection Agency.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • DOB or the applicant shall complete the final sign-off inspection to close the project.

  • If the completed project has changes that are not minor, an “As-Built” submission shall be allowed. The applicant must submit revised “As-Built” drawings prior to project sign-off

Inspection Requests

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.

Additional Requirements for Registrant

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