Special Inspectors and Special Inspection Agencies.
1 RCNY § 101-06
in effect§ 101-06 Special Inspectors and Special Inspection Agencies.
(a) Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the following terms will have the following meanings:
(1) Accreditation. Evaluation of agencies, including testing and calibration laboratories, fabricators and inspection bodies, against internationally acceptable standards to demonstrate their performance capability. Such accreditation is required to be conducted by a nationally recognized accreditation agency accrediting to ISO 17020-12 international standard, the requirements of this section, and approved by the department.
(2) Applicant. An owner, primary director or technical director.
(3) Approved Construction Documents. Any and all documents that set forth the location and entire nature and extent of the proposed work with sufficient clarity and detail to show that the proposed work conforms to the provisions of this code and other applicable laws and rules. Such documents include but are not limited to shop drawings, specifications, manufacturer's instructions and standards that have been accepted by the design professional of record or such other design professional retained by the owner for this purpose.
(4) Approved Inspection Agency. This term has the same definition as established in § 28-101.5 of the Administrative Code.
(5) Certification. Documented acknowledgment by a nationally recognized organization of a technician's competency to perform certain functions.
(6) Commissioner. This term has the same definition as established in § 28-101.5 of the Administrative Code.
(7) Department. This term has the same definition as established in § 28-101.5 of the Administrative Code.
(8) Floor Area, Gross. This term has the same definition as established in section 202 of the Building Code.
(9) Full Demolition. This term has the same definition as established in section 202 of the Building Code (Demolition, Full).
(10) Job. A construction project that is the subject of one (1) or more department-issued permits.
(11) Major Building. This term has the same definition as established in section 202 of the Building Code.
(12) Materials. This term has the same definition as established in § 28-101.5 of the Administrative Code.
(13) New York City Construction Codes. The New York City Plumbing Code, the New York City Building Code, the New York City Mechanical Code, the New York City Fuel Gas Code, the New York City Energy Code, and Title 28, chapters 1 through 5 of the Administrative Code. Any reference to "this code" or "the code" is deemed a reference to the New York City Construction Codes as here defined.
(14) Owner. Any person, agent, firm, partnership, corporation or other legal entity having a legal or equitable interest in or control of the special inspection agency.
(15) Partial Demolition. This term has the same definition as established in section 202 of the Building Code (Demolition, Partial).
(16) Primary Director. An individual possessing one or more of the following licenses: Master Electrician, Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractor, Oil Burning Equipment Installer, Master Plumber, or Registered Design Professional and designated as "Director" in the Department's Special Inspection Agency registration.
(17) Registered Design Professional. A New York State licensed and registered architect (RA) or a New York State licensed and registered professional engineer (PE).
(18) Registered Design Professional of Record. The registered design professional who prepared or supervised the preparation of applicable construction documents filed with the department.
(19) Relevant Experience. Direct participation and practice related to the underlying construction activities that are the subject of the special inspection where such participation has led to accumulation of knowledge and skill required for the proper execution of such inspection.
(20) Special Inspection. Inspection of selected materials, equipment, installation, methods of construction, fabrication, erection or placement of components and connections, to ensure compliance with approved construction documents and referenced standards as required by Chapter 17 of the Building Code or elsewhere in the code or its referenced standards.
(21) Special Inspection Agency. An approved inspection agency employing one (1) or more persons who are special inspectors and that has met all requirements of this section.
(22) Special Inspection Category. The specific type(s) of special inspection(s) that a special inspection agency may perform in accordance with Appendix A of this section.
(23) Special Inspector. An individual employed by a special inspection agency, who has the required qualifications set forth in this section to perform or witness particular special inspections required by the code or by the rules of the department, including but not limited to a qualified registered design professional.
(24) Supervise/Supervision. With respect to a designated primary inspector or inspection supervisor as provided for in Appendix A of this section, oversight and responsible control by such primary inspector or inspection supervisor having the necessary qualifications and relevant experience to perform responsibilities associated with the special inspection. Such supervision will include ensuring training and/or education necessary to qualify the special inspector for his or her duties, including continued training and education necessary to keep pace with developing technology.
Field supervision by the primary inspector or inspection supervisor as required by Appendix A of this section includes responsibility for determining competence of special inspectors for the work they are authorized to inspect and on-site monitoring of the special inspection activities at the job site to ensure that a qualified special inspector is performing his or her duties when work requiring inspection is in progress.
With respect to a primary director or technical director of a special inspection agency, oversight and responsible control by such primary director or technical director who ensures that qualified inspectors are dispatched for special inspections, that such special inspectors properly document their activities, and that reports and logs are prepared in accordance with § 28-114.2 of the Administrative Code. Such supervision includes ensuring training and/or education necessary to qualify the special inspector for his or her duties, including continued training and education necessary to keep pace with developing technology.
(25) Technical Director. An individual possessing one or more of the following licenses: Master Electrician, Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractor, Oil Burning Equipment Installer, Master Plumber, or Registered Design Professional and designated as "Technical Director" in the Department's Special Inspection Agency registration.
(26) Technician. A person employed by the special inspection agency assigned to perform the inspection or testing of construction activities or materials used in construction or both. See ASTM E 329-21.
(27) Work. The construction activity including techniques, tests, materials and equipment that is subject to special inspection.
(b) Duties.
(1) Availability and Compliance. A special inspector or special inspection agency has the responsibilities set forth in Chapter 17 of the New York City Building Code and elsewhere in the codes where special inspections are required. The responsibilities of the special inspector or special inspection agency at a special inspection include those tasks and standards set forth in Chapter 17 of the code, the reference standards and elsewhere in the code, this section or any rule of any agency in connection with the work that is the subject of such special inspection.
(2) Obligation to Avoid Conflict of Interest. A special inspector and/or a special inspection agency must not engage in any activities that may conflict with their objective judgment and integrity, including but not limited to having a financial and/or other interest in the construction, installation, manufacture or maintenance of structures or components that they inspect. It is not, in and of itself, a conflict of interest for a registered design professional of record to perform a special inspection(s) on the project he or she designed.
(3) Approved Construction Documents. The special inspector or special inspection agency must comply with all applicable provisions in section 1704.1.1.2 of the Building Code that relate to approved construction documents.
(4) Documentation. A special inspection agency must maintain records of special inspections on a job-by-job basis for at least six (6) years or for such period as the commissioner determines, and must make such records available to the department upon request. Such records must include field logs, test results, laboratory reports, notes, noted deficiencies and dates of cures of such deficiencies, photographs and such other information as may be appropriate to establish the sufficiency of the special inspection as per Chapter 17 of the Building Code or elsewhere in the New York City Construction Codes or their referenced standards.
(i) The primary inspector or inspection supervisor as provided for in Appendix A of this section must review special inspection progress reports and final reports for conformance with the approved plans, specifications and workmanship provisions of Chapter 17 of the New York City Building Code or elsewhere in the construction codes or their referenced standards. Such primary inspector or inspection supervisor must sign and seal any required statements, applications or reports.
(ii) The primary director or technical director of the special inspection agency must file notice of satisfactory completion of any special inspection with the department within ten (10) days of such completion on the forms and in the manner required by the department.
(5) Obligation to Cooperate with Inquiries. All special inspectors or special inspection agencies must cooperate with any investigation, including any audit investigation, by the department, or other city or law enforcement agency, into the activities at any job site or fabricating / manufacturing facility for which they have been designated a special inspector or special inspection agency and must provide prompt, accurate and complete responses to reasonable inquiries by the department and other appropriate agencies about the conduct of such business.
(6) Limitation of Duties. Activities as a special inspection agency are specifically limited to those special inspections for which the special inspection agency has been registered and for which it has satisfied the requirements set forth in this section and Chapter 17 of the New York City Building Code. No special inspector or special inspection agency may conduct any special inspection that such inspector or inspection agency is not qualified or registered to perform in accordance with the requirements of this section and Chapter 17 of the New York City Building Code. No special inspector or special inspection agency may perform an inspection or test with an expired or lapsed New York State license or department registration.
(7) Obligation to Comply with an Order of the Commissioner. All special inspectors and/or special inspection agencies must comply with an order of the commissioner.
(8) Equipment and Tools. The special inspection agency must possess and maintain tools and equipment required to perform the specific special inspection. Such tools and equipment must be maintained and calibrated periodically in accordance with applicable nationally accepted standards governing that equipment or tool.
(9) Reporting. The special inspection agency must report any discrepancies noted during the inspection to the contractor and when applicable to the superintendent of construction, as well as to the site safety coordinator or site safety manager, for correction. If the discrepancies are not corrected, the discrepancies must be brought to the attention of the owner and the registered design professional of record prior to the completion of that phase of the work. The special inspector/special inspection agency must report conditions noted as hazardous to life, safety or health that are not immediately corrected to the department.
(10) Service of process. All special inspection agencies must have an agent for the acceptance of service or maintain a New York City address. A Post Office box is not acceptable for such purposes. All agencies must comply with the requirements of this paragraph upon registration.
(c) Registration of Special Inspection Agencies.
(1) General. All agencies performing special inspections must be registered with the department as a special inspection agency. Applicants, both at the time of their approval and at the time of all subsequent renewals, are subject to the provisions of Article 401 of Chapter 4 of Title 28 of the Administrative Code.
(2) Form and Manner of Registration. An application for registration must be submitted in a form and manner determined by the commissioner, including electronically, and must provide such information as the commissioner may require. Such registration will be deemed an acknowledgement by the special inspection agency of its obligations hereunder.
(3) Registration of Special Inspection Categories. Agencies must register for each special inspection category that the agency intends to perform.
(4) Registration of Special Inspection Classes. Agencies must register as class 1, class 2, or class 3 special inspection agencies for each special inspection category for which the agency registers.
(i) Class 1. An agency registered as a Class 1 special inspection agency for a special inspection category is permitted to perform the work associated with such special inspection category on any project.
(ii) Class 2. An agency registered as a Class 2 special inspection agency for a special inspection category is permitted to perform the work associated with such special inspection category on any project, except those involving:
(A) The construction of a new major building;
(B) The full demolition of a major building;
(C) The alteration of a major building including:
1. The removal of an entire story or more;
2. The partial demolition of twenty thousand (20,000) square feet or more of gross floor area; or
3. The partial demolition of twenty (20) percent or more of the gross floor area.
(D) The enlargement of a major building by more than ten thousand (10,000) square feet of gross floor area.
(iii) Class 3. An agency registered as a Class 3 special inspection agency for a special inspection category is permitted to perform the work associated with this category on the following projects only:
(A) The construction, demolition, or alteration of a one-, two-, or three-family dwelling; or
(B) The alteration of any building, including partial demolition, of less than ten thousand (10,000) square feet of gross floor area in total. Exception: The special inspection categories of underpinning, mechanical means and methods of demolition, and the protection of the sides of excavations greater than ten (10) feet in depth must be performed only by special inspection agencies registered as either class 1 or class 2 special inspection agencies for such categories.
Exception: The special inspection categories of underpinning, mechanical means and methods of demolition, and the protection of the sides of excavations greater than ten (10) feet in depth must be performed only by special inspection agencies registered as either class 1 or class 2 special inspection agencies for such categories.
(5) Agency Accreditation. For class 1 special inspection agencies only, accreditation is required in order to maintain their class 1 registration status. These agencies must demonstrate accreditation for their intended scope of work by an approved accrediting body accrediting to the standards set forth in this section and ISO 17020-12. Accrediting bodies other than federal agencies must operate in accordance with ISO 17011-04 and must be members of an internationally recognized cooperation of laboratory and inspection accreditation bodies subject to a mutual recognition agreement.
(6) Qualifications. All special inspection agency primary directors and technical directors must ensure that the special inspectors employed by the agency meet the qualification requirements set forth in Appendix A of this section and perform special inspections only within the area of expertise for which such special inspectors are qualified. A Professional Engineer who is listed in Appendix A of this section as requiring qualification in civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, fire protection, geotechnical or such other designation must have had the education, training and experience that has led to an accumulation of knowledge and skill required for the New York State-licensed Professional Engineer to hold himself/herself out as a professional practicing in that field.
(7) Insurance. All special inspection agencies must have a professional liability/errors and omissions insurance policy in the minimum amount of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00), claim-based, for the term of the registration, as well as insurance required by the provisions of the New York State Workers' Compensation and disability benefits laws.
Exception: An agency that is limited to performing:
(i) fuel-oil storage and fuel-oil piping inspections,
(ii) sprinkler system inspections,
(iii) standpipe system inspections,
(iv) emergency and standby power system inspections,
(v) private on-site storm water disposal and detention system installation, or
(vi) individual on-site private sewage disposal system installation special inspections, and whose primary director or technical director is not a registered design professional,
is exempt from obtaining professional liability insurance coverage. This exception applies so long as the primary director or technical director maintains the insurance requirements required for his/her respective license in accordance with Chapter 4 of Title 28 of the Administrative Code.
(8) Agency Structure. A special inspection agency must have one full-time primary director and up to four (4) full-time technical directors who are registered design professionals in charge and all special inspections must be performed under their direct supervision. Neither the primary director nor the technical directors may be retained by any other agency that provides special inspection or testing services, nor may they be an owner of another special inspection or testing agency or be involved in the supervision of such an agency. The primary director and technical directors must possess relevant experience in the inspection and testing industry and hold management positions in the agency. The agency structure must comply with all relevant New York State and Federal laws. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this paragraph, an agency that is limited to performing:
(i) fuel-oil storage and fuel-oil piping inspections,
(ii) sprinkler system inspections,
(iii) standpipe system inspections,
(iv) emergency and standby power system inspections,
(v) private on-site storm water disposal and detention system installation, or
(vi) individual on-site private sewage disposal system installation special inspections
may have a primary director and technical directors who satisfy the requirements of primary inspector or inspection supervisor for such tests and inspections as set forth in Appendix A of this rule.
(9) Audits. The operations of special inspectors and special inspection agencies are subject to audit by the department at any time. Audits may involve the examination of applications for registration as well as the performance and documentation of special inspections. Audits may also be conducted upon receipt of complaints or evidence of falsification, negligence or incompetence.
(10) Registration and Renewal Term. The term of an initial registration is three (3) years, beginning on the primary director's birthday following the date of registration, and may be renewed for additional three (3) year periods after such initial registration in accordance with the provisions of Article 401 of Chapter 4 of Title 28 of the Administrative Code. If, after a period of one year from the date of the expiration of its registration, the special inspection agency has failed to apply for late renewal of its registration, the special inspection agency must register anew, subject to the provisions of this section.
(11) Denial or Renewals. Requests for renewal will be denied where there has been a finding by the commissioner:
(i) that any special inspection or test conducted by the special inspector or special inspection agency has not been performed in accordance with the requirements set forth in the code, applicable reference standards or the rules of the department,
(ii) that there was fraud or misrepresentation on any document or report submitted to the department by the special inspector or special inspection agency,
(iii) that any special inspection has been performed by an inspector who does not possess the proper qualifications, or
(iv) that the owner, primary director or technical director has not demonstrated good moral character.
(12) Registration and Renewal Fees. Fees are set forth in 1 RCNY § 101-03.
(d) Disciplinary Actions.
(1) Suspension or Revocation of Registration. The commissioner may, in accordance with the provisions of Article 401 of Chapter 4 of Title 28 of the Administrative Code and the rules of the department, suspend or revoke a special inspection agency registration, with or without the imposition of penalties, for violation of any provision of the New York City Construction Codes or the rules of the department, or any other applicable laws or rules.
(2) The commissioner may refuse to accept any application or other document submitted, pursuant to or in satisfaction of any requirement of this section or of Chapter 17 of the New York City Building Code or any rule or regulation of any agency that bears the signature of any primary director or technical director who has been found, after an opportunity to be heard, to have knowingly or negligently made a false statement or to have knowingly or negligently falsified or allowed to be falsified any certificate, form, signed statement, application, report or certification of the correction of a violation required under the provisions of this section, the code or any rule or regulation of any agency.
(3) Stop Work and Suspension of Permits. Upon any suspension or revocation of registration, pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of this section, unless replaced by another registered special inspection agency within five (5) business days of such suspension or revocation, all jobs on which the special inspection agency whose registration was suspended or revoked is designated, shall be stopped and the permits shall be suspended until such time as a duly registered special inspection agency is designated to reinspect such tests or such inspections performed by the disciplined special inspection agency, or until such permits expire.
(e) Obligations of Others. Nothing in this section is intended to alter or diminish any obligation otherwise imposed by law, including but not limited to the obligation of an owner, construction manager, general contractor, contractor, materialman, architect, engineer, site safety manager, land surveyor, superintendent of construction or other party involved in a construction project to engage in sound engineering, design, and construction practices, and to act in a reasonable and responsible manner to maintain a safe construction site.
Appendix A
Special Inspection Category 2022 Code Section Qualifications1,2
Primary Inspector or Inspection Supervisor Supplemental Inspector (Alternative 1)- under direct supervision of Inspection Supervisor Supplemental Inspector (Alternative 2)- under direct supervision of Inspection Supervisor
1. General Building Construction
Wall Panels, Curtain Walls, and Veneers BC 1705.20 • RA or PE-Civil or Structural Engineering; and • 1 Year relevant experience • Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering; and • 2 years relevant experience • Technician with 3 years relevant experience
Combustible Exterior Wall Covering BC 1705.16 • PE or RA; and • 1 year relevant experience N/A • Technician with 2 years relevant experience
Chimneys and Vents BC 1705.32 • PE or RA; and • 1 year relevant experience • Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Engineering; and • 2 years relevant experience • Technician with ICC Certification as a Residential or Commercial Mechanical Inspector; and • 5 years relevant experience
Flood Zone Compliance BC 1705.34, BC G107 • PE or RA; and • 1 year relevant experience N/A N/A
Luminous Exit Path Markings BC 1705.35, BC 1025.8 • PE or RA; and • relevant experience N/A • Technician with relevant experience
Tenant Protection Plan Compliance BC 1705.26 • PE or RA; and • relevant experience N/A • Technician with relevant experience
Nonpotable Water Systems BC 1705.38 • PE or RA; and • 1 year relevant experience N/A • ICC Certification as a Commercial or Residential Building Inspector; and 2 years relevant experience
Exhaust and Vent Systems in Plenums and Ducts BC 1705.39 • PE or RA; and • 1 year relevant experience • Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Engineering; and • 2 years relevant experience • Technician with ICC Certification as a Residential or Commercial Mechanical Inspector; and • 5 years relevant experience
Class 3 Special Inspections (Small Projects) • PE or RA; and • relevant experience See Technician requirements for relevant inspection. • See Technician requirements for relevant inspection.
2. Fire Protection Systems & Fire-Resistant Construction
Sprayed Fire-resistant Materials and Mastic and Intumescent Fire-resistant Coatings BC 1705.14 BC 1705.15 • PE or RA; and • 1 year relevant experience • Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Engineering; and (a or b) a. 1 year relevant experience; or b. ICC Certification as a Spray-applied Fireproofing Special Inspector • Technician with ICC Certification as a Spray-applied Fireproofing Special Inspector; and • 3 years relevant experience
Smoke Control Systems BC 1705.18 • PE or RA; and • 1 year relevant experience (mechanical and/or fire protection) • AABC Test and Balance Technician Certification; and • 3 years relevant experience • Technician with NEBB Air Balancer Certification; and • 3 years relevant experience
Sprinkler Systems and Standpipe Systems BC 1705.29, BC 1705.30 • PE - Mechanical Engineering; and • 1 year relevant experience OR • NYC Licensed Class A or Class B Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractor License; and • Independent of installer • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering; and • 3 years relevant experience • Technician with NICET Level II Certification in Fire Protection-Inspection and Testing of Water-based Systems
Fire-resistant Penetrations and Joints BC 1705.17 • PE or RA; and • 1 year relevant experience • Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Engineering; and • 2 years relevant experience • Technician with 3 years relevant experience
Emergency and Standby Power Systems (Generators) BC 1705.36 • PE - Mechanical, Electrical, or Fire Protection; and • 1 year relevant experience OR • Licensed electrician independent of installer; and • 3 years relevant experience • Technician with 5 years relevant experience N/A
Class 3 Special Inspections (Small Projects) • PE or RA; and • relevant experience • See Technician requirements for relevant inspection • See Technician requirements for relevant inspection
3. Plumbing & Mechanical Systems
Mechanical Systems BC 1705.21 • PE or RA; and • 1 year relevant experience; or • ICC Certification as a Residential or Commercial Mechanical Inspector • Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, or Engineering; and • 2 years relevant experience; and • ICC Certification as a Residential or Commercial Mechanical Inspector • Technician with ICC Certification as a Residential or Commercial Mechanical Inspector; and • 3 years relevant experience
Fuel-Oil Storage and Fuel-Oil Piping Systems BC 1705.22 • PE or RA; and • 1 year relevant experience OR • Licensed New York City Class A and B Oil Burner Equipment Installer; and • 1 year experience in the inspection of heating systems, Fuel burning-Fuel storage systems. • Bachelors degree in Architecture, or Mechanical, Marine or Civil Engineering; and • 3 years relevant experience • Technician with ICC Certification as a Residential or Commercial Mechanical Inspector; and • 5 years relevant experience
Private On-Site Storm Drainage Water Disposal Systems, and Detention Facilities, and Individual On-Site Private Sewage Disposal Systems Installation BC 1705.27, BC 1705.28 • PE or RA; and • 1 year relevant experience OR • NYC Licensed Master Plumber; and • 3 years relevant experience • Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Civil or Mechanical Engineering; and • 3 years relevant experience N/A
Heating Systems BC 1705.31 • PE or RA - Civil or Mechanical Engineering; and • 1 year relevant experience • Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, or Civil or Mechanical Engineering; and • 3 years relevant experience; and • ICC Certification as a Residential or Commercial Mechanical Inspector • Technician with ICC Certification as a Residential or Commercial Mechanical Inspector; and • 5 years relevant experience
Class 3 Special Inspections (Small Projects) • PE or RA; and • relevant experience • See Technician requirements for relevant inspection • See Technician requirements for relevant inspection
4. Structural Materials & Construction Operations
Seismic Resistance of Seismic Force-Resisting Systems and Structural Steel Elements Seismic Resistance of Designated Seismic Systems Seismic Resistance of Anchorage for Access Floor Seismic Resistance of Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel Gas and Electrical Components Seismic Resistance of Storage Racks Seismic Resistance of Wood Structures BC 1705.2.4, BC 1705.12.1, BC 1705.12.2, BC 1705.12.3, BC 1705.12.4, BC 1705.5.5 • PE or RA; and • 1 year relevant experience • Bachelor's degree in engineering or architecture; and • 2 years relevant experience • Technician with ICC Certification as a Structural Steel and Bolting Special Inspector; and • 3 years relevant experience
Seismic Resistance of Seismic Isolation Systems BC 1705.12.5 • PE; and • 2 years relevant experience • Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical, Civil, or Structural engineering; and • 5 years relevant experience N/A
Welding: Steel, High pressure Steam Piping, and High temperature Hot Water Piping, High pressure Gas Piping, and Aluminum BC 1705.2.1, BC 1705.23, BC 1705.24, BC 1705.33 • PE or RA; and • AWS Certified Welding Inspector (AWS-CWI); OR • PE or RA; and • ICC Certification as a Structural Welding Inspector (ICC-SWI); and • 1 year relevant experience • AWS Certified Welding Inspector (AWS-CWI) OR • ICC Certification as a Structural Welding Inspector (ICC-SWI) • 3 years relevant experience • AWS Certified Associate Welding Inspector (AWS-CAWI) Note: AWS-CAWI only permitted to inspect when an AWS-CWI or ICC-SWI is on site supervising
Structural Steel - Details BC 1705.2.2 • PE or RA; and • 1 year relevant experience • Bachelor's degree in engineering or architecture; and • 2 years relevant experience • Technician with ICC Certification as a Structural Steel and Bolting Inspector; and • 3 years relevant experience
Structural Steel - High-Strength Bolting Note: Inspection can also be performed by agency approved to inspect welding BC 1705.2.3 • PE-Civil/Structural; and • ICC Certification as a Structural Steel and Bolting Inspector; and • 1 year relevant experience N/A • Technician with ICC Certification as a Structural Steel and Bolting Inspector; and • 3 years relevant experience
Structural Cold-formed Steel BC 1705.2.2, BC 1705.2.6 • PE or RA; and • 1 year relevant experience • Bachelor's degree in engineering or architecture; and • 2 years relevant experience • Technician with ICC Certification as a Structural Steel and Bolting Special Inspector; and • 3 years relevant experience
Open-web steel joists and joist girders BC 1705.2.7 • PE or RA; and • 1 year relevant experience N/A • Technician with ICC Certification as a Structural Steel and Bolting Special Inspector; and • 3 years relevant experience
Concrete - Cast-in-place & Precast Note: Licensed concrete testing lab to perform sampling and testing of cylinders BC 1705.3 • PE or RA; and • 1 year relevant experience • ACI Certification as Concrete Construction Special Inspector (ACI-CCSI) OR • ICC Certification as Concrete Special Inspector (ICC-CSI) • ACI Certification as an Associate Concrete Construction Special Inspector (ACI-ACCSI) Note: ACI-ACCSI only permitted to perform inspection under on-site supervision by PE, RA, ACI-CCSI, or ICC-CSI
Prestressed Concrete BC 1705.3 • PE - Civil/Structural; and • 1 year relevant experience • Bachelor's degree in engineering; and • ICC Certification as Prestressed Concrete Special Inspector; and • 1 year relevant experience • ICC Certification as Prestressed Concrete Special Inspector; and • 3 years relevant experience
Masonry BC 1705.4 • PE or RA; and • 1 year relevant experience • Bachelor's degree in engineering or architecture; and • ICC Certification as a Structural Masonry Special Inspector; and • 1 year relevant experience • ICC Certification as a Structural Masonry Special Inspector; and • 2 years relevant experience
Wood construction- Prefabricated Wood I-Joists, Metal-plate-connected Wood Trusses, and High-load Diaphragms BC 1705.5.3 • PE or RA; and • 1 year relevant experience N/A • ICC Certification as a Commercial or Residential Building Inspector; and • 2 years relevant experience
Type IV Construction BC 1705.5.6 • PE or RA; and • 1 year relevant experience N/A • ICC Certification as a Commercial or Residential Building Inspector; and • 2 years relevant experience
Subsurface Conditions-Subgrade Inspection BC 1705.6 • PE - Geotechnical, Civil, or Structural; and • 1 year relevant experience N/A N/A
Subsurface Conditions-Fill Placement, In-place Density BC 1705.6 • PE - Geotechnical, Civil, or Structural; and • 1 year relevant experience • Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical, Civil, or Structural engineering; and • 1 year relevant experience • Technician with NICET Level I Geotechnical Certification; and • 2 years relevant experience OR • Technician with ICC Certification Soils Special Inspector • 1 year relevant experience
Subsurface Investigations, Borings and Test Pits BC 1705.27.1 • PE - Geotechnical, Civil, or Structural; and • 1 year relevant experience • Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical, Civil, or Structural engineering; and • 1 year relevant experience • Technician with NICET Level II Geotechnical Certification; and • Must take and pass Soils classification sections of NICET certification
Deep Foundations and Helical Piles BC 1705.7, BC 1810, BC 1811, BC 1812 BC 1705.9 • PE - Geotechnical, Civil, or Structural; and • 1 year relevant experience • Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical, Civil, or Structural engineering; and • 3 years relevant experience Note: Supplemental Inspector only permitted to inspect when multiple driving rigs are used on the same site and Primary Inspector is on site supervising • Technician with NICET Level III Geotechnical Certification Note: Supplemental Inspector only permitted to inspect when multiple driving rigs are used on the same site and Primary Inspector is on site supervising
Vertical Masonry Foundations BC 1705.19 • PE - Geotechnical, Civil, or Structural; and • 1 year relevant experience • Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical, Civil or Structural; and • 3 years relevant experience N/A
Prestressed Rock and Soil Anchor Tests BC 1705.8 • PE - Geotechnical, Civil, or Structural; and • 1 year relevant experience • Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical, Civil or Structural; and • 3 years relevant experience N/A
Underpinning and Alternate Methods of Support of Buildings and Adjacent Property BC 1705.25.4, BC 1705.25.8.3, BC 1817 • PE - Geotechnical, Civil, or Structural; and • 1 year relevant experience • Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical, Civil or Structural; and • 3 years relevant experience N/A
Structural - Stability - Alterations to Existing Structures, Construction Operations Influencing Adjacent Structures, Mechanical Means and Methods of Demolition, Other Means of Demolition, and Raising and Moving of a Building BC 1705.25, BC 1705.25.1, BC 1705.25.2, BC 1705.25.5.1, BC 1705.25.5.2 BC 1705.25.6, BC 3304.4 • PE - Civil / Structural; and • 1 year relevant experience • Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering; and • 3 years relevant experience N/A
Excavation – Sheeting, Shoring, and Bracing BC 1705.25.3, BC 3304.4 • PE - Geotechnical, Civil, or Structural; and • 1 year relevant experience • Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical, Civil or Structural; and • 3 years relevant experience • Technician with 5 years relevant experience
Post-installed Anchors BC 1705.37 • PE or RA; and • 1 year relevant experience Anchors in Concrete: • ACI Certification as Concrete Construction Special Inspector (ACI-CCSI) OR • ICC Certification as Concrete Special Inspector (ICC-CSI) Anchors in Concrete: • ACI Certification as an Associate Concrete Construction Special Inspector (ACI-ACCSI) Note: ACI-ACCSI only permitted to perform inspection under on-site supervision by PE, RA, ACI-CCSI, or ICC-CSI
Anchors in Masonry: • Bachelor's degree in engineering or architecture; and • ICC Certification as a Structural Masonry Special Inspector; and • 1 year relevant experience Anchors in Masonry: • ICC Certification as a Structural Masonry Special Inspector; and • 2 years relevant experience
Class 3 Special Inspections (Small Projects) • PE or RA; and • relevant experience • See Technician requirements for relevant inspection • See Technician requirements for relevant inspection
Notes:
1. Abbreviations in the qualifications descriptions:
AABC – Associated Air Balance Council
ACI – American Concrete Institute
AWS – American Welding Society
ICC – International Code Council
NEBB – National Environmental Balancing Bureau
NICET – National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
PE – A New York State Licensed and Registered Professional Engineer
RA – A New York State Licensed and Registered Architect
2. Bachelor's Degrees must be from an accredited institution or equivalent.
(Amended City Record 2/1/2016, eff. 3/2/2016; amended City Record 2/5/2018, eff. 3/7/2018; amended City Record 9/23/2019, eff. 10/23/2019; amended City Record 6/13/2023, eff. 7/13/2023)
Source: City of New York, Charter, Administrative Code and Rules (American Legal Publishing XML export, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/newyorkcity/latest/NYCrules/0-0-0-146464Fetched: 10/24/2026