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).

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.

EPIC’s Role

As the special inspections agency, it is EPIC’s responsibility to inspect work during and after construction, according to DOB approved drawings. Since we are not in control of the construction process, it is important for EPIC to work in concert with the owner and contractor to ensure a smooth process, and avoid any sign-off delays.

Owner Responsibilities

Since the owner holds the contracts of EPIC and of the contractor, they have a birds-eye view of the overall project. Once we are signed on to a project, we are proactive in reaching out to the owner to get periodic updates on the status of hiring a construction team. We rely on these updates in order to know when to schedule inspections with the contractor.

Once a General Contractor (GC) is hired, the Owner can pass the baton. We can then coordinate directly with the GC, without necessarily involving the Owner.

Contractor Responsibilities

Constant communication between the contractor and EPIC is critical to a successful and smooth project. Once the Owner provides us with the contractor’s information, we immediately reach out to introduce ourselves, explain our role in the project, and describe our requirements and expectations as the project moves forward. We send out custom-tailored checklists for every project, which detail the specific inspection requirements for each inspection required under the scope of work. This starts all members of the project team off on the same page and with a common understanding of the next steps.

We also coordinate with the contractor to attend pre-construction meetings, which add another layer of understanding between EPIC and the contractor.

As the project progresses, we will frequently reach out to the contractor to get updates on the progress of construction. Its important that the contractor is responsive to our requests for updates, so we can be sure to schedule inspections at the correct time during construction.

Contact us to find out more about how EPIC will be a valuable asset to your next project.

EPIC and EP Engineering

EP Inspections & Commissioning, EPIC, is an independent special inspections agency, created by the founders of EP Engineering. While each firm is an individual entity, both operate out of the same office. Each firm adheres to their respective professional responsibilities, while benefiting from shared information that is impossible to obtain in standalone inspections firms.

The Value of Collaboration

Traditionally, special inspections agencies typically inspect job sites based upon the DOB approved drawings for each trade. Often, there is minimal or no contact between special inspectors and engineers prior to inspection. This leaves opportunities for nuances of the project, such as upcoming PAAs, to be missed by the special inspector, resulting in confusion and delays.

At EPIC, the inspector and engineer both operate under one roof; all of our employees know each other. And Inspection Supervisors and engineering Project Managers are aware of each other’s projects. This gives EPIC the unique ability to self-resolve many non-conforming items during inspections. All of this makes for a seamless experience for our clients.

Ethical Practices

As licensed professionals, the leadership and employees at EPIC adhere to a strict code of ethics. This includes holding engineers responsible for upholding the code, especially when those engineers are in-house. Using a system of checks and balances, EPIC is able to elevate the engineering services of EP Engineering. In turn, EPIC is able to deliver inspection reports that are clear and concise. Ultimately, it is the goal of the project team to deliver a fully signed-off space to our clients.

Contact us to find out more about how EPIC will be a valuable asset to your next project.