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Skilled Trades Project Requirements:
Mechanical Work & Inspections
Special and Progress Inspections
Mechanical system work may require, per Building Code Ch. 17, certain Special and Progress Inspections, and other construction requirements to be performed during, and at the end of construction, as per the table below. The Registered Design Professional is responsible for indicating which Special Inspections are required at application intake. The owner must engage a Special Inspection Agencies, as required by AC Section 28-115, for such Special and Progress Inspections
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SPECIAL/PROGRESS INSPECTION |
DESCRIPTION OF CODE REQUIREMENTS |
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Final Inspection |
There shall be a final inspection of all permitted work. Final inspections shall comply with AC 28-116.2.4. |
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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. |
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Heating Systems |
New and altered heating systems shall be tested in accordance with NYC MC 1011, and satisfactory operation within the existing system verified, as per NYC BC 1704.25 |
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Chimney |
New and existing chimneys inspected for proper clearance and isolation from adjacent combustible construction in accordance with NYC MC 810 and NYC FGC 503.5.6, as per NYC BC 1704.26 |
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Smoke Control Systems |
Smoke control systems shall be tested by a special inspector in accordance with Sections BC 1704.15.1 and 909. |
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Structural Steel (welding, high strength bolting and details) |
Provide special inspections with respect to any equipment that is mounted or hung from steel that is integral to the building, and/or mounted to rooftop dunnage, as per BC 1704.3. |
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Concrete – Cast-in-Place |
Provide special inspection only if concrete is integral to mounting of equipment and is also relevant to the building’s structural system, as per BC 1704.4. Concrete Design Mix and Concrete Sampling and Testing may not be required if requirements in BC 1704.4.2 are satisfied. |
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Structural Stability – Existing Buildings |
Mechanical work that may affect existing structural system, such as beams, bearing walls, floor system, roof system, etc. shall be inspected in accordance with BC 1704.20.6 to 1704.20.10. |
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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 Section 28-113.2.2 of the Administrative Code and BB 2014-018, BB 2014-019. |
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Seismic isolation system |
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. |
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Fire Resistance rated construction |
As per BC 110.3.4, Fire-resistance-rated construction shall be inspected to determine compliance with the approved construction documents, including inspection of the following work:
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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. For example, this may be required if hangers are attached to steel components, which could adversely impact steel’s spray-on fire proofing. |
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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 . |
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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. |
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Flood Zone Compliance |
Special inspection for flood zone compliance shall be as required by BC Appendix G105.3. |
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NYC Energy Code: Progress Inspections, as required by BC 109.3.5 and NYCECC |
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Required Mechanical System Inspections
DOB inspections are typically performed only upon final completion of the mechanical system work. Based on the repair project’s scope of work, the following mechanical system inspections may be required:
- Final Inspection
- Prior to sign-off. The DOB Inspector shall check that the Equipment Certificates of Compliance have been submitted and match the installed equipment model number, capacities, etc.
- Verification of SIA Final Inspection. DOB shall check that the SIA, or applicant of record with equivalent SIA credentials, has submitted the final inspection report (TR1). Such final inspection report (TR1) by SIA shall verify that the mechanical system installation is complete in accordance with the approved drawings and in compliance with all Code and Zoning requirements as outlined in AC 28-116.2.4.2.
- Letter of Completion. After successful final inspection, a Letter of Completion may be issued.
Mechanical Work and Inspections
During the course of completing Mechanical System Work, Contractors should check the following to ensure regulatory and Code-compliance with NYC Mechanical and Building Code:
- BC Chapter 7 – Fire Resistance rated Materials, e.g. penetrations of piping and ductwork
- BC Chapter 9 – Fire Protection Systems, e.g. interconnection with fire alarm or smoke control systems
- BC 1613 – Earthquake Loading
- Mechanical Code (MC) in its entirety
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 >600kBTU/h and/or cooling capacity > 480kBtu/h.
- Commissioning preliminary report must be submitted to the Department prior to sign-off
- Commissioning final report must be submitted to the department 18 months after Certificate of Completion, as required by ECC section C408.
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.