SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

Philadelphia Code tit. 4, pt. B, ch. 17

in effect

Philadelphia Code Subcode B, § 1704 SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS, CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITY AND STRUCTURAL OBSERVATION.

SECTION 1704 SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS, CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITY AND STRUCTURAL OBSERVATION. * * * [Delete Section 1704.6 and replace as follows:] B-1704.6 Structural observations. Where required by the provisions of Section 1704.6.1 or 1704.6.2 the owner or the owner’s authorized agent performing or causing construction or demolition operations shall employ a registered design professional to perform structural observations. A design professional conducting structural observations under Section 1704.6.2 or 1704.6.3 shall also meet the provisions of Section 1704.2.1. Structural observation does not include or waive the responsibility for the inspections in Section 110 or the special inspections in Section 1705 or other sections of this code. Prior to the commencement of observations, the structural observer shall submit to the building official a written statement identifying the frequency and extent of structural observations. At the conclusion of the work included in the permit, the structural observer shall submit to the building official a written statement that the site visits have been made and identify any reported deficiencies that, to the best of the structural observer’s knowledge, have not been resolved. * * * [Add Sections B-1704.6.2 and B-1704.6.3 as follows:] B-1704.6.2 Structural observations of buildings or structures adjoining or adjacent to excavation, demolition or construction activity. Structural observations shall be provided by an approved agency for the proposed work and with respect to any other adjacent buildings and structures, as applicable, where any of the following conditions exist: 1. Excavation work to a depth of more than 5 feet (1524 mm) below adjacent grade within 10 feet (3048 mm) of an adjacent building or structure. Continuous structural observations shall be provided at all times during excavation work. 2. Excavation, new construction or demolition work occurs within 90 feet (27.43 m) of a building or structure designated as historic under Chapter 14-1000 of The Philadelphia Code on the subject property or abutting lot. Periodic structural observations shall be provided in accordance with an approved monitoring plan per Section B-3307.10. 3. Modification to a wall which is used for joint service between two buildings on separate lots, including demolition. Modifications shall include, but are not limited to, exposure of the wall; removal of perpendicular walls, floor diaphragms, or roof diaphragms; or addition of loading to the wall. Periodic structural observation shall be provided in accordance with an approved monitoring plan per Section B-3310 and shall be in addition to special inspections required by other sections of this code. Exceptions: 1. Structural observation shall not be required for demolition performed under contract with the Department and in compliance with current Procurement Department specifications. B-1704.6.3 Structural observations of historic buildings or structures. Structural observations shall be provided by an approved agency for an alteration to the structural system of, or a vertical addition to, an existing building or structure designated as historic under Chapter 14-1000 of The Philadelphia Code. Periodic structural observations shall be provided in accordance with an approved monitoring plan per Section B-3309. Structural observations shall not be required under this Section B-1704.6.3 for either of the following: 1. One- and two-family dwellings. 2. Where no structural support of the existing portions of the building or structure to remain is required for the proposed work as determined by a registered design professional. * * *

Philadelphia Code Subcode B, § 1705 REQUIRED SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

SECTION 1705 REQUIRED SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS * * * B-1705.1 General. * * * B-1705.1.1 Special cases. * * * [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. * * * [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. * * *

Philadelphia Code Subcode B, § 1707 ALTERNATIVE TEST PROCEDURE

SECTION 1707 ALTERNATIVE TEST PROCEDURE [Delete Section 1707.1 and replace as follows:] B-1707.1 General. In the absence of approved rules or other approved standards, the building official shall make, or cause to be made, the necessary tests and investigations; or the building official shall accept duly authenticated reports from approved agencies in respect to the quality and manner of use of new materials or assemblies as provided for in Section A-203 of the Administrative Code. The cost of all tests and other investigations required under the provisions of this code shall be borne by the permit applicant. * * *

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/0-0-0-310289Fetched: 10/27/2026