Special Inspection Agencies

Special Inspections are required by Chapter 17 of the NYC Building code. They are specific activities and oversight processes performed by a 3rd Party Special Inspection Agency (SIA) to ensure a contractor has constructed specific portions of the approved set of drawings, to what was designed by the applicant of record. Special Inspectors directly observe the construction process periodically and verify the compliance of materials and construction methods submitted by the contractor. The inspector’s periodic observations and submittal review is documented within one or more Inspection Compliance Reports which ultimately serves as the official legal record of sign off.

Special Inspectors typically provide the contractors with an outline of inspections and associated milestones of the construction project. The milestones help to indicate the point at which each inspection should take place. The outline may also include specific documents to be provided to the SIA for review prior to their inspections. Required documents may include: approved construction documents, shop drawings and as-builts.  These documents serve as a source of verification that what was specified and approved by the registered professional was installed in the field. Receiving these documents early on in the construction process will provide sufficient time for the special inspector to request clarifications or additional information to help ensure the inspection process runs smoothly and without delays.

The contractor should actively engage the SIA and provide updates of the construction progress and work with the special inspector to schedule the inspections in a timely fashion. Installation of items such as sprinkler piping, mechanical equipment, ductwork, firestopping, and other items that are intended to be concealed, should be completely visible during each associated inspection. Coordination between the contractor and the special inspector are critical. Better coordination will aid in early identification of issues which will help keep the project timeline on track and mitigate erroneous costs.

The SIA is tasked to visually verify that the as-built site conditions align with what is represented on the construction documents. Upon completion of the project; and once all outstanding issues and comments have been addressed; the SIA and expeditor will coordinate the creation and completion of the sign off forms. This will signify that the finished project is code compliant and meets all the requisite criteria for special inspections.

For more information, see the helpful links below.

 
Dominick
DOB NOW: Build

As of July 1st, 2019, the following work types were transitioned to be filed through the DOB’s new self-service online tool, DOB NOW: Build.  

  • Mechanical Systems (MS)

    • Replaces the current Mechanical (MH) work type and includes Heating Systems, Ventilation Systems, Air Conditioning Systems, Refrigeration Systems, Cooling Towers, Associated Ducts & Piping, and Generators.

  • Structural (ST)

    • Includes Concrete, Aluminum, Masonry, Steel, Wood, Sign Structure, Temporary Structural Bracing, Raising and Moving of Building, and Partial Demolition

  • Plumbing (PL)/Sprinkler (SP)/Standpipe (SD)

    • These work types have previously been filed either through the Building Information System (BIS) or DOB NOW. However, beginning July 1, 2019, these work types shall be solely filed in DOB NOW: Build. Additionally, the current DOB NOW screens are being updated with enhanced Scope of Work options and an improved design for a better user experience.

  • Special and Progress Inspections

    • Statement of responsibility applications will no longer be accepted through borough offices beginning July 1, 2019. Applicants will now have to declare their responsibilities on DOB NOW: Build and upload their DPL-1 forms in their respective inspection categories. The implementation of the DOB NOW system increases the bandwidth in which applications can be filed, streamlining the permit process.

Filings for these work types will no longer be accepted at the borough offices or through HUB eFiling.  Only work types that are not available in DOB NOW, can be submitted in this fashion.  

Applications submitted before July 1, 2019 will continue to be handled in the Building Information System (BIS). This includes any Prior to Approval Action, Post Approval Amendment (PAA), Superseding, Reinstatement, and Withdrawal. 

For more information, see the helpful links below. 

 
DominickDOB Now, DOB, Mechanical Systems