CBC · California Building Code

When are special inspections and testing required for concrete work?

The CBC §1901.6 requires that special inspections and tests for concrete follow the detailed rules in Chapter 17A (and Section 1910A). In practice, that means submitting a Statement of Special Inspections with your permit, having approved special‑inspection agencies perform pre‑placement checks, continuous inspection for operations like shotcrete and post‑tensioning, and strength testing per the referenced standards; small on‑grade patios/driveways are typically excepted.

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Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

The California Building Code states that special inspections and tests for concrete elements and concreting operations are required whenever Chapter 17A (Special Inspections and Tests) or Section 1910A (concrete testing provisions) specify them; § 1901.6 delegates the requirement to those provisions. In short: follow the special‑inspection rules in Chapter 17A (and the concrete testing directions referenced there and in Chapter 19) — the building official may also require inspections for unusual or alternative concrete work. § 1901.6 makes the linkage to Chapter 17A and Section 1910A as the controlling locations for concrete special inspection requirements .

Requirements in detail

Scope and controlling text

  • The trigger statement for concrete is § 1901.6: “Special inspections and tests of concrete elements of buildings and structures and concreting operations shall be as required by Chapter 17A and Section 1910A.” Use Chapter 17A as the primary checklist for which concrete activities need inspection or testing .
  • Chapter 17A (and its Section 1705A) contains the concrete‑specific list and exceptions; the statement of special inspections and required reports are in Chapter 17/1704A (administration and submittal rules) .

Who must provide the inspections and what documents are required

  • The owner/applicant must include a Statement of Special Inspections with the permit application as required by § 1704.2/1704.3; the statement identifies the materials, the required inspections/tests and whether they are continuous or periodic .
  • Approved agencies (special inspection firms) must document inspector qualifications and submit inspection/test reports to the building official and the registered design professional per § 1704.2 and § 1704.2.4 .

Which concrete operations typically require special inspection or testing

The code lists specific concrete items and operations that require special inspection or testing in Section 1705/1705A (concrete construction subsections and tables). Examples include (but are not limited to): prestressed/post‑tensioned members, shotcrete, post‑installed anchors in concrete, strength testing, pre‑placement reinforcement/form inspections, continuous inspection of certain operations, and special testing for composite/embedded systems — see the concrete subsection(s) in Chapter 17A/1705A for the full list and tables .

Decision‑relevant dimensions and values (quick reference)

Work / condition When inspection or testing is required Typical inspection frequency or character Code reference
All concrete special‑inspection triggers (general rule) When Chapter 17A / § 1705A lists the item Continuous or periodic as indicated in the Statement of Special Inspections and in the applicable table § 1901.6; § 1705A.3
Pre‑placement of forms & reinforcement Before concrete is allowed to be placed Pre‑placement inspection required (must be inspected/cleared prior to placing) § 1705.3.5
Prestressed / post‑tensioned members Special inspection during tensioning and verified reporting required Continuous observation during prestressing operations; verified reports of operations required § 1705.3 (prestressing subsections)
Shotcrete placement All shotcrete work Continuous inspection during placing; preconstruction mockup/testing required for some projects § 1705.3.9; § 1705A.3.9.2 (preconstruction tests)
Post‑installed anchors in concrete When anchors are post‑installed (not cast‑in) Testing and special inspection per the applicable table and § 1901.3 references § 1705.3.8; Table 1705.3 and § 1901.3
Strength testing of concrete Required where § 1705.3.2 or project documents call for strength verification Periodic sampling/testing per ACI 318/project specs (see § 1903.1 for referenced test standards) § 1705.3.2; § 1903.1
Small, on‑grade nonstructural concrete (patios, driveways, sidewalks) Generally excepted No special inspections required unless the building official requires otherwise Exception in § 1705A.3 (patios, driveways, sidewalks on grade)
Fabricated structural items at a shop Special inspections during fabrication unless the fabricator is approved to do so without special inspections Fabricator approval process and certification required; otherwise shop inspections required § 1704.2.5 / 1704.2.5.1

Notes on the table: the code text specifies which items are continuous vs. periodic and references tables in Chapter 17A (e.g., Table 1705A.3 or Table 1705.3). Consult those tables and the Statement of Special Inspections for exact scope and frequency for a given project .

Exceptions & special cases

  • Minor construction and other work the building official determines does not require special inspection are exempt; the building official has discretion to waive or modify requirements (§ 1704.2 exceptions) .
  • Group U accessory occupancies to a residential occupancy are generally not required to have special inspections unless the building official requires them (§ 1704.2 exceptions) .
  • Concrete patios, driveways and sidewalks on grade are explicitly excepted from special inspection in the concrete subsection of Chapter 17A (§ 1705A.3 exception) .
  • Projects under special state jurisdictions (DSA, OSHPD, HCD, etc.) may have amended or additional requirements and limitations (several Chapter 17A and Chapter 19A provisions include agency‑specific notes) — always check the applicable agency amendments (§ 1701A and related) .

Common mistakes

  • Treating § 1901.6 as optional: § 1901.6 does not itself list each item but mandates following Chapter 17A/1705A and Section 1910A — failing to consult Chapter 17A means missing required inspections .
  • Not submitting a Statement of Special Inspections with the permit: the statement is required where § 1705/1705A items apply; omission delays permit issuance (§ 1704.2.3/§ 1704.3) .
  • Beginning concrete placement before pre‑placement inspections are complete: § 1705.3.5 requires pre‑placement inspection for forms and reinforcement; concrete must remain accessible until inspection is complete (§ 1704.2.2) .
  • Assuming testing details (sample size, ages, test methods) are listed in the CBC rather than in the referenced standards: the CBC delegates many testing specifics to ACI 318 and related referenced standards (§ 1903.1) — do not invent sampling/testing intervals without checking ACI 318 and project specs .

Worked example — parking garage with post‑tensioned slabs (illustrative)

Scenario: A 4‑story cast‑in‑place parking structure with post‑tensioned concrete slabs and cast‑in place beam‑column framing.

Code steps and actions:

  1. Permit submittal: include a Statement of Special Inspections identifying concrete items requiring special inspection (post‑tensioning, preplacement check of forms/rebar, strength testing, any post‑installed anchors). This is required by § 1704.3 and § 1704.2.3 .
  2. Preplacement: before placing any concrete for the slab you must have preplacement inspection of forms and reinforcement in the area (per § 1705.3.5); the special inspector signs off before placement begins .
  3. Post‑tensioning operations: provide continuous special inspection during all on‑site tensioning operations; the special inspector and approved agency must prepare verified reports including tendon IDs, jacking forces, and age/strength of concrete at release — the code requires these verified reports for prestressed members (see prestressing subsections in § 1705) .
  4. Strength testing: concrete strength verification must be performed per the requirements in Chapter 17A and in the referenced standards (ACI 318) — for the purpose of this example you might plan to take test specimens at casting and test for acceptance at the design age specified by the project (the CBC defers the test methods and acceptance criteria to ACI 318; see § 1903.1 and § 1705.3.2) .

Illustrative numbers (example only — follow ACI/project specs for contractually required sampling):

  • Suppose project mixes are placed in 10 separate pours for a slab. Example sampling plan (illustrative): take 2–4 cylinders per pour to be cured and tested per project/ACI directions (the CBC does not specify exact counts; it requires testing “as required” and refers to ACI 318 for test procedures) — the CBC points you to ACI 318 and the 17A inspection tables for the required frequency and acceptance criteria, so use those sources to set exact numbers and ages .
  • During post‑tensioning, the verified report must include tendon identification and jacking forces and the concrete age/strength at release as required in the prestressing reporting language in Chapter 17/1705 special‑inspection provisions .

If you need exact sampling counts, cylinder ages, or acceptance values for pay/acceptance, consult ACI 318 and the project specifications referenced by the CBC; the CBC requires the testing but defers test methods and specific sampling schedules to the referenced standards (§ 1903.1) .

Related provisions

  • § 1704.2 — Access, approved agencies, and exceptions for special inspections and tests (statement, reports)
  • § 1704.3 — Statement of Special Inspections: contents and submittal requirements
  • § 1705 / § 1705A.3 — Required special inspections and tests; concrete construction special‑inspection tables and exceptions (patios/driveways)
  • § 1705.3.5 — Concrete pre‑placement inspection requirement
  • § 1705.3.8 — Special inspections/tests for post‑installed anchors in concrete (see Table 1705.3 and § 1901.3)
  • § 1705.3.9 — Shotcrete continuous inspection requirement
  • § 1903.1 — Testing standards: materials and testing to comply with standards listed in ACI 318 (CBC defers test methods to those standards)
  • § 1901.5 — Construction document requirements for concrete (specified compressive strengths, reinforcement, prestressing info, etc.)

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

  • CBC § 312.1. High relevance — show source text

    Exceptions:

    1. Special inspections and tests are not required for construction of a minor nature or as warranted by conditions in the jurisdiction as approved by the building official.
    2. Unless otherwise required by the building official, special inspections and tests are not required for Group U occupancies that are accessory to a residential occupancy including, but not limited to, those listed in Section 312.1.
    3. Special inspections and tests are not required for portions of structures designed and constructed in accordance with the cold-formed steel light-frame construction provisions of Section 2206.1.2 or the conventional light-frame construction provisions of Section 2308. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Not permitted by OSHPD.

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    1. The contractor is permitted to employ the approved agencies where the contractor is also the owner. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Not permitted by OSHPD. 5. [HCD 1] The provisions of Health and Safety Code Division 13, Part 6 and the California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 3, commencing with Section 3000, shall apply to the construction and inspection of factory-built housing as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 19971.

    1704.2.1 Special inspector qualifications. Prior to the start of the construction, the approved agencies shall provide written documentation to the building official demonstrating the competence and relevant experience or training of the special inspectors who will perform the special inspections and tests during construction. Experience or training shall be considered to be relevant where the documented experience or training is related in complexity to the same type of special inspection or testing activities for projects of similar complexity and material qualities. These qualifications are in addition to qualifications specified in other sections of this code.

    The registered design professional in responsible charge and engineers of record involved in the design of the project are permitted to act as an approved agency and their personnel are permitted to act as special inspectors for the work designed by them, provided they qualify as special inspectors.

    1704.2.2 Access for special inspection. The construction or work for which special inspection or testing is required shall remain accessible and exposed for special inspection or testing purposes until completion of the required special inspections or tests.

    1704.2.3 Statement of special inspections. The applicant shall submit a statement of special inspections in accordance with Section 107.1 as a condition for permit issuance. This statement shall be in accordance with Section 1704.3.

    Exception: A statement of special inspections is not required for portions of structures designed and constructed in accordance with the cold-formed steel light-frame construction provisions of Section 2206.1.2 or the conventional light-frame construction provisions of Section 2308. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Not permitted by OSHPD.

    1704.2.4 Report requirement. Approved agencies shall keep records of special inspections and tests. The approved agency shall submit reports of special inspections and tests to the building official and to the registered design professional in responsible charge at frequencies required by the approved construction documents or building official. All reports shall describe the nature and extent of inspections and tests, the location where the inspections and tests were performed, and indicate that work inspected or tested was or was not completed in conformance to approved construction documents.

  • CBC § 1705.3.5 High relevance — show source text

    The approved agency shall make a verified_ report identifying the members by mark and shall include such pertinent data as lot numbers of tendons used, tendon jack- ing forces, age and strength of concrete at time of tendon release and such other information that may be required. 3. The special inspector of prestressed members post-tensioned at the site shall check the condition of the prestressing tendons, anchorage assemblies and concrete in the area of the anchorage, the tensioning equipment and the tensioning procedure and prepare daily written reports. The approved agency shall make a verified report of the prestressing opera- tion identifying the members or tendons by mark and including such pertinent data as the initial cable slack, net elongation of tendons, jacking force developed and such other information as may be required. 4. The verified reports of construction shall show that of the special inspector’s own personal knowledge, the work covered by the report has been performed and materials used and installed in every material respect in compliance with the duly approved construction documents for plant fabrication inspection. The verified report shall be accompanied by test reports required for materials used. For site post-tensioning special inspections, the verified report shall be accompanied by copies of calibration charts, certified by an approved testing laboratory, showing the relationship between gage readings and force applied by the jacks used in the prestressing procedure

    1705.3.5 Concrete pre-placement inspection. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Concrete shall not be placed until the forms and reinforcement have been inspected, all preparations for the placement have been completed, and the preparations have been checked by the Inspector of Record.

    1705.3.6 Placing record. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] A record shall be kept on the site of the time and date of placing the concrete in each portion of the structure. Such record shall be kept until the completion of the structure and shall be open to the inspection of the enforcement agency.

    1705.3.7 Composite construction cores. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Composite construction cores shall be taken and tested in accordance with Section 1910A.4.

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    1705.3.8 Special Inspections and tests for post-installed anchors in concrete. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Special inspections and tests for post-installed anchors in concrete shall be in accordance with Table 1705.3 and Section 1901.3.

    1705.3.9 Shotcrete. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] All shotcrete work shall be continuously inspected during placing by an approved agency. The shotcrete special inspector shall check the materials, placing equipment, details of construction and construction procedure. The approved agency shall furnish a verified report that of his or her own personal knowledge the work covered by the report has been performed and materials have been used and installed in every material respect in compliance with the duly approved construction documents.

  • CBC § 1704.5 High relevance — show source text

    At completion of fabrication, the approved fabricator shall submit a certificate of compliance to the owner or the owner’s authorized agent for submittal to the building official as specified in Section 1704.5 stating that the work was performed in accordance with the approved construction documents.

    1704.3 Statement of special inspections. Where special inspections or tests are required by Section 1705, the registered design professional in responsible charge shall prepare a statement of special inspections in accordance with Section 1704.3.1 for submittal by the applicant in accordance with Section 1704.2.3.

    Exception: The statement of special inspections is permitted to be prepared by a qualified person approved by the building official for construction not designed by a registered design professional.

    1704.3.1 Content of statement of special inspections. The statement of special inspections shall identify the following:

    1. The materials, systems, components and work required to have special inspections or tests by the building official or by the registered design professional responsible for each portion of the work.

    2. The type and extent of each special inspection.

    3. The type and extent of each test.

    4. Additional requirements for special inspections or tests for seismic or wind resistance as specified in Sections 1705.12, 1705.13 and 1705.14.

    5. For each type of special inspection, identification as to whether it will be continuous special inspection, periodic special inspection or performed in accordance with the notation used in the referenced standard where the inspections are defined.

    6. Deferred submittal items that require a supplemental statement of special inspections.

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    1704.3.2 Seismic requirements in the statement of special inspections. Where Section 1705.13 or 1705.14 specifies special inspections or tests for seismic resistance, the statement of special inspections shall identify the designated seismic systems and seismic force-resisting systems that are subject to the special inspections or tests. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Where Section 1705.13 or 1705.14 specifies special inspections or tests for seismic resistance, the statement of special inspections shall identify the equip- ment/components that require special seismic certification and seismic force-resisting systems that are subject to the special inspection or tests.

    1704.3.3 Wind requirements in the statement of special inspections. Where Section 1705.12 specifies special inspection for wind resistance, the statement of special inspections shall identify the main windforce-resisting systems and wind-resisting components that are subject to special inspections.

    1704.4 Contractor responsibility. Each contractor responsible for the construction of a main wind- or seismic force-resisting system, designated seismic system or a wind- or seismic force-resisting component listed in the statement of special inspections shall submit a written statement of responsibility to the building official and the owner or the owner’s authorized agent prior to the commencement of work on the system or component. The contractor’s statement of responsibility shall contain acknowledgement of awareness of the special requirements contained in the statement of special inspections.

  • CBC § 3.1 High relevance — show source text

    [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] The exception is not permitted by DSA.

    1704 A .3.1 Content of statement of special inspections. The statement of special inspections shall identify the following:

    1. The materials, systems, components and work required to have special inspections or tests by the building official or by the registered design professional responsible for each portion of the work.

    2. The type and extent of each special inspection.

    3. The type and extent of each test.

    4. Additional requirements for special inspections or tests for seismic or wind resistance as specified in Sections 1705 A .12, 1705 A .13 and 1705 A .14.

    5. For each type of special inspection, identification as to whether it will be continuous special inspection, periodic special inspection or performed in accordance with the notation used in the referenced standard where the inspections are defined.

    6. Deferred submittal items that require a supplemental statement of special inspections.

    1704 A .3.2 Seismic requirements in the statement of special inspections. Where Section 1705 A .13 or 1705 A .14 specifies special inspections or tests for seismic resistance, the statement of special inspections shall identify the equipment/components that require special seismic certification and seismic force-resisting systems that are subject to the special inspections or tests.

    1704 A .3.3 Wind requirements in the statement of special inspections. Where Section 1705 A .12 specifies special inspection for wind resistance, the statement of special inspections shall identify the main windforce-resisting systems and wind-resisting components that are subject to special inspections.

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    SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

    1704 A .4 Contractor responsibility. Each contractor responsible for the construction of a main wind- or seismic force-resisting system, installation of equipment/components requiring special seismic certification or a wind- or seismic force-resisting component listed in the statement of special inspections shall submit a written statement of responsibility to the building official and the owner or the owner’s authorized agent prior to the commencement of work on the system or component. The contractor’s statement of responsibility shall contain acknowledgement of awareness of the special requirements contained in the statement of special inspections. [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] The contractor’s statement is required only when specified on the approved construction documents.

    1704 A .5 Submittals to the building official. In addition to the submittal of reports of special inspections and tests in accordance with Section 1704 A .2.4, reports and certificates shall be submitted by the owner or the owner’s authorized agent to the building official for each of the following:

    1. Reserved.

    2. Reserved.

    3. Certificates of compliance for equipment/components requiring special seismic certification in accordance with Section 1705 A .14.3.

    4. Reports of preconstruction tests for shotcrete in accordance with ACI 318 and Section 1705A.3.9.2.

    5. Certificates of compliance for open web steel joists and joist girders in accordance with Section 2207 A. 5.

  • CBC § 1704.2.2 High relevance — show source text

    The registered design professional in responsible charge and engineers of record involved in the design of the project are permitted to act as an approved agency and their personnel are permitted to act as special inspectors for the work designed by them, provided they qualify as special inspectors.

    1704.2.2 Access for special inspection. The construction or work for which special inspection or testing is required shall remain accessible and exposed for special inspection or testing purposes until completion of the required special inspections or tests.

    1704.2.3 Statement of special inspections. The applicant shall submit a statement of special inspections in accordance with Section 107.1 as a condition for permit issuance. This statement shall be in accordance with Section 1704.3.

    Exception: A statement of special inspections is not required for portions of structures designed and constructed in accordance with the cold-formed steel light-frame construction provisions of Section 2206.1.2 or the conventional light-frame construction provisions of Section 2308. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Not permitted by OSHPD.

    1704.2.4 Report requirement. Approved agencies shall keep records of special inspections and tests. The approved agency shall submit reports of special inspections and tests to the building official and to the registered design professional in responsible charge at frequencies required by the approved construction documents or building official. All reports shall describe the nature and extent of inspections and tests, the location where the inspections and tests were performed, and indicate that work inspected or tested was or was not completed in conformance to approved construction documents. Discrepancies shall be brought to the immediate attention of the contractor for correction. If they are not corrected, the discrepancies shall be brought to the attention of the building official and to the registered design professional in responsible charge prior to the completion of that phase of the work. A final report documenting required special inspections and tests, and correction of any discrepancies noted in the inspections or tests, shall be submitted at a point in time agreed upon prior to the start of work by the owner or the owner’s authorized agent to the building official. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Report requirement shall be per 1704A.2.4.

    1704.2.5 Special inspection of fabricated items. Where fabrication of structural, load-bearing or lateral load-resisting members or assemblies is being conducted on the premises of a fabricator’s shop, special inspections of the fabricated items shall be performed during fabrication, except where the fabricator has been approved to perform work without special inspections in accordance with Section 1704.2.5.1.

    1704.2.5.1 Fabricator approval. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Not permitted by OSHPD. Special inspections during fabrication are not required where the work is done on the premises of a fabricator approved to perform such work without special inspection. Approval shall be based on review of the fabricator’s written fabrication procedures and quality control manuals that provide a basis for control of materials and workmanship, with periodic auditing of fabrication and quality control practices by an approved agency or the building official. At completion of fabrication, the approved fabricator shall submit a certificate of compliance to the owner or the owner’s authorized agent for submittal to the building official as specified in Section 1704.5 stating that the work was performed in accordance with the approved construction documents.

  • CBC § 2.1 High relevance — show source text

    1704 A .2.1 Special inspector qualifications. Prior to the start of the construction, the approved agencies shall provide written documentation to the building official demonstrating the competence and relevant experience or training of the special inspectors who will perform the special inspections and tests during construction. Experience or training shall be considered to be relevant where the documented experience or training is related in complexity to the same type of special inspection or testing activities for projects of similar complexity and material qualities. These qualifications are in addition to qualifications specified in other sections of this code.

    The registered design professional in responsible charge and engineers of record involved in the design of the project are permitted to act as an approved agency and their personnel are permitted to act as special inspectors for the work designed by them, provided they qualify as special inspectors.

    1704 A .2.2 Access for special inspection. The construction or work for which special inspection or testing is required shall remain accessible and exposed for special inspection or testing purposes until completion of the required special inspections or tests.

    1704 A .2.3 Statement of special inspections. The applicant shall submit a statement of special inspections prepared by the regis- tered design professional in general responsible charge in accordance with Section 107.1 as a condition for construction documents review . This statement shall be in accordance with Section 1704 A .3.

    [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] Reference to Section 107.1 shall be to the California Administrative Code instead.

    1704 A .2.4 Report requirement. The inspector(s) of record and approved agencies shall keep records of special inspections and tests. The inspector of record and approved agency shall submit reports of special inspections and tests to the building official and to the registered design professional in responsible charge at frequencies required by the approved construction documents or building official as required by the California Administrative Code . All reports shall describe the nature and extent of inspections and tests, the location where the inspections and tests were performed, and indicate that work inspected or tested was or was not completed in conformance to approved construction documents . Discrepancies shall be brought to the immediate attention of the contractor for correction. If they are not corrected, the discrepancies shall be brought to the attention of the building official and to the registered design professional in responsible charge prior to the completion of that phase of the work. A final report documenting required special inspections and tests, and correction of any discrepancies noted in the inspections or tests, shall be submitted at a point in time agreed upon prior to the start of work by the owner or the owner’s authorized agent to the building official.

    1704 A .2.5 Special inspection of fabricated items. Where fabrication of structural, load-bearing or lateral load-resisting members or assemblies is being conducted on the premises of a fabricator’s shop, special inspections of the fabricated items shall be performed during fabrication.

    1704 A .2.5.1 Fabricator approval. Not permitted by DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC or OSHPD.

    1704 A .3 Statement of special inspections. Where special inspections or tests are required by Section 1705 A, the registered design professional in responsible charge shall prepare a statement of special inspections in accordance with Section 1704 A .3.1 for submittal by the applicant in accordance with Section 1704 A .2.3.

  • CBC § 19A-3 High relevance — show source text

    1901 A .6 Special inspections and tests. S pecial inspections and tests of concrete elements of buildings and structures and concreting operations shall be as required by Chapter 17A and Section 1910A.

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    CONCRETE

    1901 A .7 Tolerances for structural concrete. Where not indicated in construction documents, structural tolerances for concrete structural elements shall be in accordance with this section.

    1901 A .7.1 Cast-in-place concrete tolerances. Structural tolerances for cast-in-place concrete structural elements shall be in accordance with ACI 117.

    Exceptions:

    1. Group R-3 detached one- or two-family dwellings are not required to comply with this section.
    2. Shotcrete is not required to comply with this section. [DSA-SS] Tolerances for shotcrete construction shall be defined by the construction documents.

    1901 A .7.2 Precast concrete tolerances. Structural tolerances for precast concrete structural elements shall be in accordance with ACI ITG-7.

    Exception: Group R-3 detached one- or two-family dwellings are not required to comply with this section.

    SECTION 1902 A —COORDINATION OF TERMINOLOGY

    1902 A .1 General. Coordination of terminology used in ACI 318 and ASCE 7 shall be in accordance with Section 1902 A .1.1.

    1902 A .1.1 Design displacement. Design displacement shall be the Design Earthquake Displacement, δ DE, defined in ASCE 7 Section 12.8.6.3. For diaphragms that can be idealized as rigid in accordance with ASCE 7 Section 12.3.1.2, δ di, displacement due to diaphragm deformation corresponding to the design earthquake, is permitted to be taken as zero.

    SECTION 1903 A —SPECIFICATIONS FOR TESTS AND MATERIALS

    1903 A .1 General. Materials used to produce concrete, concrete itself and testing thereof shall comply with the applicable standards listed in ACI 318.

    1903 A .2 Glass fiber-reinforced concrete. Glass fiber-reinforced concrete (GFRC) and the materials used in such concrete shall be in accordance with the PCI 128.

    1903 A .3 Flat wall insulating concrete form (ICF) systems. Insulating concrete form material used for forming flat concrete walls shall conform to ASTM E2634. [OSHPD 1 & 4] Not permitted by OSHPD. [DSA-SS] ICF systems shall be considered alternative systems. Concrete constructed using ICF systems and attachments to ICF shall be designed for loads in accordance with this code and shall comply with manufacturer’s instructions and industry standards determined applicable by the enforcement agency. Calculations and drawings shall be submitted to the enforcement agency for review and approval prior to construction.

    1903A.4 Steel fiber reinforcement – Not permitted.

  • CBC § 1705.14.3. High relevance — show source text
    1. Certificates of compliance for designated seismic systems in accordance with Section 1705.14.3.
    2. Reports of preconstruction tests for shotcrete in accordance with ACI 318.
    3. Certificates of compliance for open web steel joists and joist girders in accordance with Section 2207.5.
    4. Reports of material properties verifying compliance with the requirements of AWS D1.4 for weldability as specified in Section 26.6.4 of ACI 318 for reinforcing bars in concrete complying with a standard other than ASTM A706 that are to be welded.
    5. Reports of mill tests in accordance with Section 20.2.2.5 of ACI 318 for reinforcing bars complying with ASTM A615 and used to resist earthquake-induced flexural or axial forces in the special moment frames, special structural walls or coupling beams connecting special structural walls of seismic force-resisting systems in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category B, C, D, E or F.

    1704.6 Structural observations. Where required by the provisions of Section 1704.6.1, the owner or the owner’s authorized agent shall employ a registered design professional to perform structural observations. The structural observer shall visually observe representative locations of structural systems, details and load paths for general conformance to the approved construction documents. 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.

    1704.6.1 Structural observations for structures. Structural observations shall be provided for those structures where one or more of the following conditions exist:

    1. The structure is classified as Risk Category III or IV.
    2. The structure is a high-rise building.
    3. The structure is assigned to Seismic Design Category E, and is greater than two stories above grade plane.
    4. Such observation is required by the registered design professional responsible for the structural design.
    5. Such observation is specifically required by the building official.

    SECTION 1705—REQUIRED SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

    1705.1 General. Special inspections and tests of elements and nonstructural components of buildings and structures shall meet the applicable requirements of this section.

    1705.1.1 Special cases. Special inspections and tests shall be required for proposed work that is, in the opinion of the building official, unusual in its nature, such as, but not limited to, the following examples:

    1. Construction materials and systems that are alternatives to materials and systems prescribed by this code.
    2. Unusual design applications of materials described in this code.
    3. Materials and systems required to be installed in accordance with additional manufacturer’s instructions that prescribe requirements not contained in this code or in standards referenced by this code.

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    SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

    1705.2 Steel construction. The special inspections and nondestructive testing of steel construction in buildings, structures and portions thereof shall be in accordance with this section.

  • CBC § 109.3 High relevance — show source text

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    ADMINISTRATION

    [A] 109.3 Required inspections. The code official, on notification, shall make the inspections set forth in Sections 109.3.1 through 109.3.11.

    [A] 109.3.1 Footing or foundation inspection. Footing and foundation inspections shall be made after excavations for footings are complete and any required reinforcing steel is in place. For concrete foundations, any required forms shall be in place prior to inspection. Materials for the foundation shall be on the job, except where concrete is ready-mixed in accordance with ASTM C94, the concrete need not be on the job.

    [A] 109.3.2 Concrete slab or under-floor inspection. Concrete slab and under-floor inspections shall be made after in-slab or under-floor reinforcing steel and building service equipment, conduit, piping accessories and other ancillary equipment items are in place but before any concrete is placed or floor sheathing installed, including the subfloor.

    [A] 109.3.3 Lowest floor elevation. For additions and substantial improvements to existing buildings in flood hazard areas, on placement of the lowest floor, including basement, and prior to further vertical construction, the elevation documentation required in the California Building Code, or the California Residential Code, as applicable, shall be submitted to the code official.

    [A] 109.3.4 Frame inspection. Framing inspections shall be made after the roof deck or sheathing, framing, fire blocking and bracing are in place and pipes, chimneys and vents to be concealed are complete and the rough electrical, plumbing, heating wires, pipes and ducts are approved.

    109.3.4.1 Moisture content verification. [HCD] Moisture content of framing members shall be verified in accordance with the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen), Chapter 4, Division 4.5.

    [A] 109.3.5 Lath or gypsum panel product inspection. Lath and gypsum panel inspections shall be made after lathing and gypsum panel products, interior and exterior, are in place but before any plastering is applied or before gypsum panel product joints and fasteners are taped and finished.

    Exception: Gypsum panels that are not part of a fire-resistance-rated assembly or a shear assembly.

    [A] 109.3.6 Weather-exposed balcony and walking surface waterproofing. Where the scope of work involves balconies or other elevated walking surfaces that have weather-exposed surfaces and the structural framing is protected by an impervious moisture barrier, all elements of the impervious moisture barrier system shall not be concealed until inspected and approved.

    Exception: [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] Where special inspections are provided in accordance with Section 1705A.1.1, Item 3 or Section 1705.1.1, Item 3, as applicable, of the California Building Code .

    109.3.6.1 Weather-exposed balcony and walking surface (exterior elevated element) inspections for multifamily buildings with three or more dwelling units. [HCD 1 & HCD 2] Weather-exposed balconies and walking surfaces extending beyond the exterior walls of a building, more than 6 feet (1828.8 mm) above ground level, and that rely on wood or wood-based products for _structural support or stability shall be inspected.

  • CBC § 1603.1 High relevance — show source text

    Construction documents 1603.1,

    1901.5 Durability 1904 Footings 1809, 1906 Foundation walls 1807.1.5, 1808.8 Materials 1705.3.2, 1901, 1903 Plain, structural 1906 Reinforced gypsum concrete 2514 Rodentproofing Appendix F Roof tile 1504.3, 1507.3, 1513 Shotcrete 1908 Slabs-on-ground 1907 Special inspections 1705.3, Table 1705.3 Specifications 1903 Strength testing 1705.3.2 Structural concrete with GFRP

    reinforcement 1901.2.1 Wood support 2304.13 Concrete Masonry Calculated fire resistance 722.3

    Construction 2104

    Design 2101.2, 2108, 2109 Materials 2103.1 Surface bonding 2103.2.2, 2109.2 Wood support 2304.13 Concrete Roof Tile 1504.3, 1507.3, 1513 Wind Resistance 1504.3, 1609.6.3.1 Condominium (see Apartment Houses) Conduit, Penetration Protection 713.3,

    1023.5 Conflicts in Code 102, 104.2.4.1 Congregate Living Facilities 310.2, 310.3, 310.4

    Construction (See Safeguards During Construction) Construction Documents 107, 1603 Alarms and detection 907.1.1

    Balconies 107.2.5

    Concrete construction 1901.5 Design load-bearing capacity 1803.6 Exterior walls 107.2.4

    Fire protection 107.2.2 Fire-resistant joint systems 715 Flood 107.2.6.1, 1603.1.7 Floor live load 1603.1.1

    Geotechnical 1603.1.6 Means of egress 107.2.3

    INDEX-4 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    INDEX

    Parking structures 402.4.1.3, 402.4.2.3 Perimeter line 402.1.1 Play structures 402.6.3, 424 Separation 402.4.2 Signs 402.6.4 Smoke control 402.7.2 Sprinkler protection 402.5 Standby power 402.7.3 Standpipe system 402.7.1, 905.3.3 Travel distance 402.8.5, 1006.2.1, 1006.3, 1017.2 Covered Walkway (see Pedestrian Walkway) 3104, 3306.7 Crawl Space

    Access 1209.1

    Drainage 1805.1.2 Unusable space fire protection 711.2.6 Ventilation 1202.4 Cripple Wall 2308.10.6, 2308.10.8.3, 2308.2.7, 2308.9.6 Cross-Laminated Timber 602.4, 602.4.4.2,

    2303.1.4

  • CBC § 2205.1 High relevance — show source text

    Cold-Formed Steel 2204

    Cold-formed Stainless Steel 2205.1 Cutting and notching 2206.3 Light-frame construction 2206 Special inspection 1705.12.2, 1705.13.3, 1705.2.3, 1705.2.7 Combustible Dusts 307.4, 414.5.1, 426.1 Combustible Liquids 307.1, 307.4, 307.5, 414.2.5, 414.5.3, 415.9.2, 415.10.1, 418.6

    Combustible Material

    Concealed spaces 413.2, 718.5 Exterior side of exterior wall 1405 High-pile stock or rack storage 413.1, 910.2.2 Type I and Type II 603, 805 Combustible Projections 705.2, 705.2.3.1 Combustible Storage 413, 910.2.2 Common Path of Egress Travel 1006.2.1 Compartmentation Ambulatory care facilities 422.2, 422.3 Group I-2 407.5, 407.6 Group I-3 408.6 Laboratory suites 428.3 Underground buildings 405.4, 405.5.2 Compressed Gas 307.2, 415.11.8 Concealed Spaces 413.2, 718 Concrete Chapters 19 and 19A Anchorage 1901.3 Calculated fire resistance 722.2

    Cellular 721.2

    Construction documents 1603.1,

    1901.5 Durability 1904 Footings 1809, 1906 Foundation walls 1807.1.5, 1808.8 Materials 1705.3.2, 1901, 1903 Plain, structural 1906 Reinforced gypsum concrete 2514 Rodentproofing Appendix F Roof tile 1504.3, 1507.3, 1513 Shotcrete 1908 Slabs-on-ground 1907 Special inspections 1705.3, Table 1705.3 Specifications 1903 Strength testing 1705.3.2 Structural concrete with GFRP

    reinforcement 1901.2.1 Wood support 2304.13 Concrete Masonry Calculated fire resistance 722.3

    Construction 2104

    Design 2101.2, 2108, 2109 Materials 2103.1 Surface bonding 2103.2.2, 2109.2 Wood support 2304.13 Concrete Roof Tile 1504.3, 1507.3, 1513 Wind Resistance 1504.3, 1609.6.3.1 Condominium (see Apartment Houses) Conduit, Penetration Protection 713.3,

    1023.5 Conflicts in Code 102, 104.2.4.1 Congregate Living Facilities 310.2, 310.3, 310.4

    Construction (See Safeguards During Construction) Construction Documents 107, 1603 Alarms and detection 907.1.1

    Balconies 107.2.5

  • CBC § 2.5 High relevance — show source text

    All reports shall describe the nature and extent of inspections and tests, the location where the inspections and tests were performed, and indicate that work inspected or tested was or was not completed in conformance to approved construction documents . Discrepancies shall be brought to the immediate attention of the contractor for correction. If they are not corrected, the discrepancies shall be brought to the attention of the building official and to the registered design professional in responsible charge prior to the completion of that phase of the work. A final report documenting required special inspections and tests, and correction of any discrepancies noted in the inspections or tests, shall be submitted at a point in time agreed upon prior to the start of work by the owner or the owner’s authorized agent to the building official.

    1704 A .2.5 Special inspection of fabricated items. Where fabrication of structural, load-bearing or lateral load-resisting members or assemblies is being conducted on the premises of a fabricator’s shop, special inspections of the fabricated items shall be performed during fabrication.

    1704 A .2.5.1 Fabricator approval. Not permitted by DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC or OSHPD.

    1704 A .3 Statement of special inspections. Where special inspections or tests are required by Section 1705 A, the registered design professional in responsible charge shall prepare a statement of special inspections in accordance with Section 1704 A .3.1 for submittal by the applicant in accordance with Section 1704 A .2.3.

    Exception: The statement of special inspections is permitted to be prepared by a qualified person approved by the building official for construction not designed by a registered design professional.

    [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] The exception is not permitted by DSA.

    1704 A .3.1 Content of statement of special inspections. The statement of special inspections shall identify the following:

    1. The materials, systems, components and work required to have special inspections or tests by the building official or by the registered design professional responsible for each portion of the work.

    2. The type and extent of each special inspection.

    3. The type and extent of each test.

    4. Additional requirements for special inspections or tests for seismic or wind resistance as specified in Sections 1705 A .12, 1705 A .13 and 1705 A .14.

    5. For each type of special inspection, identification as to whether it will be continuous special inspection, periodic special inspection or performed in accordance with the notation used in the referenced standard where the inspections are defined.

    6. Deferred submittal items that require a supplemental statement of special inspections.

    1704 A .3.2 Seismic requirements in the statement of special inspections. Where Section 1705 A .13 or 1705 A .14 specifies special inspections or tests for seismic resistance, the statement of special inspections shall identify the equipment/components that require special seismic certification and seismic force-resisting systems that are subject to the special inspections or tests.

    1704 A .3.3 Wind requirements in the statement of special inspections. Where Section 1705 A .12 specifies special inspection for wind resistance, the statement of special inspections shall identify the main windforce-resisting systems and wind-resisting components that are subject to special inspections.

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 17A-5

Frequently asked questions

Who decides whether a concrete operation needs special inspection?

The code requires special inspections where Chapter 17A/§ 1705A identifies them; the building official also has discretion to require inspections for unusual or alternative concrete work (see § 1705.1.1 and § 1704.2 exceptions) .

Are sidewalks, driveways and patios always exempt?

Concrete patios, driveways and sidewalks on grade are explicitly excepted from special inspection in § 1705A.3, unless the building official requires otherwise .

Must I include a Statement of Special Inspections with the permit?

Yes — when special inspections or tests are required by Chapter 17A/§ 1705A the registered design professional must prepare and submit a Statement of Special Inspections with the permit application (§ 1704.3) .

Does the CBC prescribe sampling counts and test ages for concrete cylinders?

No — the CBC requires strength testing but references ACI 318 and other standards for test methods, sampling and acceptance criteria (see § 1903.1 and § 1705.3.2). Follow ACI 318 and project specifications for the exact numbers .

What goes into the verified report for post‑tensioning?

The special inspector/approved agency must provide a verified report identifying tendons by mark and include data such as tendon jack forces, age and strength of concrete at time of tendon release and related information as required in the prestressing provisions in the special‑inspection section (§ 1705 prestressing subsections) .

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