Deputy and Special Inspections
What are Special Inspections?
Special Inspectors also known as Deputy Inspectors are licensed professionals responsible for observing and reporting critical elements of construction.
A certified Special Inspector is a requirement of both the International Building Code (IBC) as well as the California Building Code (CBC) that varies based on the type of inspection and scope of work being performed. A statement of special inspections is prepared by the design professional in charge and details the work that will require special inspections.
Categories of Special (Deputy) Inspections
The categories of required Special (Deputy) Inspections are listed below and can be found in section 1705 of the IBC:
- Steel Construction
- Concrete Construction
- Masonry Construction
- Wood Construction
- Soils Construction
- Driven Deep Foundations
- Cast-in-place Deep Foundations
Each special inspection category is subdivided into two groups
Continuous Special Inspection
Special Inspector must be present when and where the work is being performed at all times. An example of continuous inspection would be monitoring and inspecting the placement of concrete and shotcrete for proper applications, operations and to ensure material meets the specified slump, air content and temperature requirements.
Periodic Special Inspection
Special Inspector must be intermittently present when and where the work is being performed or has been performed. There are many applications where the finish product is exposed and must be inspected prior to being covered which would not require continuous inspections. An example of periodic inspection would be inspecting the reinforcement bar including prestressing tendons and placement.
For more information on required special and deputy inspection please refer to the 2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE (IBC) – CHAPTER 17 (iccsafe.org).
More About The Inspections
Active Engineering Services provides special and deputy inspection services with our deep roster of multi-certified inspectors which allows us to reduce the number of inspectors as well as reduce cost while ensuring your project meets the requirements of the IBC and CBC.