Changes to Chapter 17 in the NYC Building Code

Going into effect on November 7, 2022, there will be several changes to Chapter 17 in the NYC Building Code. Some of these changes include new section numbers for existing inspections, new inspection types, and additional parameters to inspection types that were already included in the 2014 Code. The Chapter name will be changed from “Structural Tests and Special Inspections” to “Special Inspections and Tests”. The section number in Chapter 17 regarding special inspections will also be changed from section 1704 to 1705. This changes all references to the code on the Technical Reports.

The major changes between the 2014 and 2022 Building Code Chapter 17 are listed below:

  • The Special Inspection Agency must ensure that only qualified inspectors are conducting inspections, and if asked for it, the special inspector’s and agency’s qualifications, certifications, and other documents demonstrating compliance with department rules and regulations must be provided.

  • There are new sections for the special inspection of Structural Seismic Resistance (1705.2.4 - 1705.2.5.2) which must align with AISC 341 requirements.

  • In the Cold Formed Steel Construction inspection table (1705.2.6) there are two additional sections for required pre-installation documents, and lateral force-resisting systems which require periodic inspections.

  • There is a new table which lists out the requirements for periodic and continuous inspections of Open-Web Steel Joists and Joist Girders (1705.2.7).

  • The tables for Masonry Construction special inspections have been reformatted and renamed, and are to be used based on the Risk Category of the masonry work. Now they are called the Level B Required Special Inspections and Tests of Masonry Construction (1705.4.1) and the Level C Required Special Inspections and Tests of Masonry Construction (1705.4.3).

  • There is a new table (1705.5.6) and special inspection requirements for Type IV construction utilizing cross-laminated timber or structural composite lumber.

  •   The Subsurface Conditions section is now organized in a table (1705.6) that includes all the inspection types and if they are periodic of continuous. This is also true for Deep Foundation Elements, which now includes multiple tables (1705.7 – 1707.7.3) detailing periodic and continuous inspections.

  • There is also a new table for Prestressed Rock and Soil Anchors (1705.8.1) which explains the steps of inspection and shows the required frequency of inspection.

  • Combustible Exterior Wall Coverings (1705.16), Special Inspection for Nonpotable Water Systems (1705.38), and Special Inspection for Exhaust and Vent Systems in Plenums and Ducts (1705.39) are a new inspection types that have been added to the 2022 Building Code.

  • Buildings Bulletin 2015-027 had already clarified that adhesive anchors require continuous inspection, but now it has been codified in the post-installed anchors inspections table (1705.37).

Erin Martinez