Renovation work may require, per Chapter 17 of the Building Code, Special and Progress Inspections to be performed during and at the end of construction, as per the table below. Prior to approval, the Applicant of Record is required to identify all required Special and Progress Inspections (BC 1704.1). The Owner must typically engage a registered Special Inspection Agency (SIA) who will take responsibility for the Special and Progress Inspections before issuance of a DOB permit. Applicants of Record may perform these inspections if they are also registered as an SIA.
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 and Steel Details (BC 1704.3). |
Post Installed Anchors |
Special inspection per BC 1704.32 (BB# 2014-018, 2014-019). Post-installed anchors. The installation of post-installed mechanical anchors, adhesive anchors, and screw anchors shall comply with Table 1704.32. The special inspection shall include the verification of compliance with approved construction documents and standards established by the commissioner pursuant to Section 28-113.2.2 of the Administrative Code. |
Fire Resistant Penetration and Joints |
Special inspections for through-penetrations, membrane penetration firestops, fire-resistant joint systems, and perimeter fire barrier systems that are tested and listed in accordance with Sections 713.4.1.1.2, 713.4.1.2, 714.3 and 714.4 shall comply with Sections 1704.27.1 and 1704.27.2. |
Masonry |
Load bearing masonry, glass unit masonry and masonry veneer shall be inspected and verified in accordance with the requirements of Sections 1704.5.1 through 1704.5.3, depending on the structural occupancy category of the building or structure. |
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 1704.5 (BC 1704.10). |
Energy Code Compliance Inspections |
BC 110.3.5. Penetrations through thermal envelope: must be sealed to minimize air leakage, and prevent thermal bridging, as per NYCECC R402.4.1. |
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 §101-10. This includes assessment of the existing construction after the installation of all of the subject equipment. |
During the renovation 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:
Contractors and property Owners should make sure to schedule and complete all of the required DOB inspections. Prior to scheduling an inspection, Contractors must:
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 the Department, and follow-up with the submission of results for self-certified inspections.
DOB inspection unit conducts a random audit of all self-certified notices to ensure compliance of inspected work with Code and regulations.
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.