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Registrant Project Requirements:
Storefront: Work & Inspections

Special Inspections

As per Chapter 17 of the Building Code, renovation 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, 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. 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:

Structural Steel

May include steel welding, High Strength Bolting, Cold Formed Steel and Steel Details (BC 1704.3).

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 off 40 feet. Special Inspection of masonry veneer on such structures shall be in accordance with Section BC 1704.5 (BC 1704.10).

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.

Fire-resistant Penetration and Joists

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

Aluminum Welding

The special inspections for structural aluminum elements of buildings and structures shall be as required by BC 1704.26.1.

Fire-Resistance Rated Construction

Determine compliance with the approved construction documents, including inspection of the following work:
1. Fire-resistance-rated partitions, floors, ceilings, shafts per BC 110.3.4; and
2. Fire shutters.

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

Energy Code Compliance Inspections

  • Fenestrations areas (IA5), (IIA5)

  • Fenestration u-factor and product rating (IA3), (IIA3)

  • Fenestration air leakage (IA4), (IIA4)

  • Insulation placement and R-value (IA2), (IIA2)

  • Air sealing and insulation (visual) (IA6), (IIA6)

  • Air sealing and insulation (testing) (IA7), (IIA7)

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, Directive 14 of 1975 (D14), and 1 RCNY 101-1.

Required Inspections

During the storefront 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:

  • Construction Inspection – Final Inspection

  • Electrical Inspection, if applicable

  • Signs, if applicable

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

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

  • Confirm that work complies with Code and other requirements

  • Confirm that all Energy Code requirements are met.

Certification of Final Inspections

Applicants - Registered Design Professionals, have the option to either require a DOB Inspection or submit a certification of the completed work, if applicable. Applicants opting to certify must submit a notice of intent to certify, with the dates of these certified inspections to the Department, and follow-up with the submission of results for final inspection.

The DOB inspection unit conducts a random audit of all self-certified notices to ensure compliance of inspected work with code and regulations.

Other Regulations

  • Submission of Special Inspections can be done online by 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 online.

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

  • If the completed project has changes that are not minor or substantive, 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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