Buildings311Search all NYC.gov websites
Skilled Trades Project Requirements:
Signs Work & Inspections
Special and Progress Inspections
As per Chapter 17 of the Building Code, sign 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 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). |
|
Concrete – |
Required where the total concrete placement on a given project is more than 50 cubic yards or other conditions (BC 1704.4). |
|
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). |
|
Sprayed fire-resistant materials |
Special Inspections for sprayed fire-resistant materials applied to roof and wall assemblies, and to structural members, shall be in accordance with Sections 1704.11.1 through 1704.11.7. |
|
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 Sections 1704.20.6 through 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 1704.20.6 through 1704.20.10. |
|
Fire-resistant-rated construction and joists, and associated penetrations |
Special Inspections for penetrations of fire-resistant elements and assemblies, and related firestops in accordance with BC sections 1704.27.1 and 1704.27.2. Progress inspection for fire resistance rated construction per BC 110.3.4. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
Subgrade Conditions |
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. |
|
Post Installed Anchors |
Installation of post-installed mechanical anchors, adhesive anchors, and screw anchors shall comply with BC Table 1704.32, BC section 1704.32 and Buildings Bulletin (BB) 2014-018 and BB 2014-019. |
|
Fire-Resistance Rated Construction |
Fire-resistance-rated partitions, walls, floors, ceilings, shafts, and shutters as per BC 110.3.4. |
|
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. |
|
Energy Code Compliance Inspections |
|
Required Inspections
During the sign 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
- Sign Electrical Inspection – As required, an electrical tag shall be attached in the field or shop after an 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
- Periodically check that no safety hazards exist on the active construction project
- Confirm that work complies with the Building Code, 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
No self-certification is allowed by a Contractor
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 of Record, or his/her designated SIA, 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-of-record, or his/her designated SIA, shall complete the final sign-off inspection to close the project.
- If the completed project has changes that are not significant 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.