Special Inspection Classifications and Their Restrictions

There are three classes of Special Inspection Agencies, which determine what sort of projects the agency can inspect. The classes range from Class 1 to Class 3, and there are also small projects that fall outside of the three classes. While a Class 1 Agency can inspect Class 2 or Class 3 work, the reverse is not true. 

A Class 1 Special Inspection Agency can inspect any project of any size or type, under the inspection types that they have been accredited to perform. Becoming a Class 1 Special Inspection Agency requires accreditation through the International Accreditation Service, Inc. (IAS) or an equivalent accreditation agency accrediting to ASTM E329-07. 

A Class 2 Special Inspection Agency is permitted to inspect any project except for the following:

  • The construction of a new major building;

  • The full demolition of a major building;

  • The alteration of a major building including:

    • The removal of an entire story or more;

    • The partial demolition of twenty thousand (20,000) square feet or more of gross floor area; or

    • The partial demolition of twenty (20) percent or more of the gross floor area.

  • The enlargement of a major building by more than ten thousand (10,000) square feet of gross floor area.

 

A Class 3 Special Inspection Agency can only inspect the construction, demolition, or alteration of a one-, two-, or three-family dwelling; or the alteration of any building, including partial demolition, altering less than ten thousand (10,000) square feet of gross floor area in total.

For small projects that the DOB identifies as the construction or alteration of Occupancy Group R-3 buildings, three stories or less in height, special inspections can be conducted by a registered design professional with relevant experience.

EP Inspections + Commissioning is a Class 1 Special Inspection Agency and is qualified to perform inspections on Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 projects.

Erin Martinez