REQUIRED SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS
Philadelphia Code Subcode B, § 1705
in effectSECTION 1705 REQUIRED SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS
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B-1705.1 General.
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B-1705.1.1 Special cases.
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[Add Sections B-1705.1.1.1 and B-1705.1.1.2 as follows:]
B-1705.1.1.1 Identified special cases. Special inspections and tests shall be required for the proposed work identified in Sections B-1705.1.1.1.1 and B-1705.1.1.1.2.
B-1705.1.1.1.1 Underpinning. Underpinning of structures shall be subject to special inspections in accordance with the applicable provisions of Section 1705. In addition to the special inspection for structural stability, any new foundation elements installed as part of underpinning operations shall be subject to special inspection as a permanent installation in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 17, including, but not limited to, special inspection for concrete, welding, and pile driving.
B-1705.1.1.1.1.1 Inspection program. Prior to commencement of work, the special inspector shall review the contractor’s proposed sequence of operations and determine the areas of work that require design. Inspections of this work shall be continuous during the operations, and shall be conducted by a geotechnical, civil, or structural professional engineer licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
B-1705.1.1.1.2 Demolition. The following demolition operations shall be subject to special inspections in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 17:
1. Complete demolition of a building in excess of three (3) stories or any structure in excess of 40 feet (12 192 mm) in height. These inspections shall be performed on a continuous basis until the structure is demolished to a height of 25 feet (7620 mm).
2. Where the use of mechanical demolition is recommended in writing by a licensed structural engineer, pursuant to Section B-3303.9. These inspections shall be performed on a continuous basis until the structure is demolished to a height of 15 feet (4572 mm).
3. Where mechanical demolition equipment, other than handheld devices, is to be used in the full or partial demolition of a building from within the building and with the mechanical equipment being supported by the building, or is to be used within the building to remove debris or move material. These inspections shall be performed on a continuous basis until the structure is demolished to a height of 15 feet (4572 mm).
Exception: Demolition performed under contract with the Department and in compliance with current Procurement Department Specifications.
B-1705.1.1.1.2.1 Inspection program. Prior to commencement of work, the special inspector shall review the permit documents, including the site safety demolition plan (also known as an engineering study), and become familiar with the reported demolition methods and details of any potential structural hazards to the project and adjoining properties.
B-1705.1.1.2 Records of special inspections for special cases. In addition to other reporting requirements established by this Chapter, a special inspection logbook shall be maintained at the special inspector’s office and shall contain the following information:
1. Project identification, permit number and address.
2. Date and time of each inspection.
3. Names of personnel who performed each inspection.
4. Dates of off-site meetings, names of the participants and a summary of the conversations.
5. Any significant observations or instructions given related to any of the following:
(a) Deviations from the design documents;
(b) Anticipated field conditions;
(c) Proper execution of the work;
(d) Safe jobsite conditions; and
(e) Precautions taken to maintain safe conditions, if work is stopped for any reason.
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[Add Section B-1705.21 as follows:]
B-1705.21 Testing for Air Leakage.
B-1705.21.1 Building Envelope Air Leakage Testing. Building envelope air leakage testing shall be performed in accordance with Sections C402.5 and R402.4 of the Energy Conservation Code, as applicable. Testing shall be conducted after all penetrations of the building envelope have been sealed. Testing shall verify compliance with the maximum allowable air-leakage rate and shall be conducted in accordance with ASTM E779, ASTM E1827, or ANSI/RESNET/ICC 380. ASTM E3158, or an equivalent method approved by the code official, may also be used for buildings subject to the commercial provisions of the Energy Conservation Code. A written report of the test results, including the measured air-leakage rate and testing conditions, shall be submitted to the building official prior to final inspection.
B-1705.21.2 Duct Leakage Testing. Duct leakage testing shall be performed in accordance with Section R403.3 of the Energy Conservation Code, as applicable to residential or multifamily portions of the building, to verify compliance with the maximum allowable leakage rates. Testing shall be performed at either rough-in or post-construction in accordance with ANSI/RESNET/ICC 380 or ASTM E1554. A written report of the duct leakage test results shall be submitted to the building official prior to final inspection.
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Source: City of Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Code and Home Rule Charter (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/philadelphia/latest/philadelphia_pa/0-0-0-310867Fetched: 10/27/2026