CBC · California Building Code

What are special inspector qualifications, access and reporting requirements?

Special inspectors must be proven competent in writing to the building official before construction starts; work requiring special inspection must stay exposed until inspected; approved agencies must keep records and send inspection reports (including conformance statements and escalations for unresolved discrepancies) to the building official and the registered design professional in responsible charge as required by the construction documents or the building official, per **§ 1704.2.1**, **§ 1704.2.2**, and **§ 1704.2.4** file.

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Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

Special inspection personnel must be demonstrated competent before work begins: the approved agency must provide written documentation of each special inspector’s competence and relevant experience or training to the building official, and designers/engineers may act as approved agencies or special inspectors if they qualify as special inspectors (see § 1704.2.1). Work requiring special inspection must remain accessible and exposed until the required inspections or tests are completed (see § 1704.2.2). Approved agencies must keep records and submit reports of special inspections and tests to the building official and the registered design professional in responsible charge at the frequencies required by the approved construction documents or by the building official; reports must describe the nature, extent and location of the inspections/tests and state whether the work conforms to the approved documents (see § 1704.2.4) .

Requirements in detail

1) Qualifications (who, when, what)

  • What must be submitted: written documentation demonstrating competence and relevant experience or training for the special inspectors who will perform special inspections and tests. This documentation must be provided prior to the start of construction. See § 1704.2.1 .
  • What “relevant” means: the experience or training is relevant when it is related in complexity to the same type of inspection/testing for projects of similar complexity and material qualities (per § 1704.2.1) .
  • Designer/engineer exception: the registered design professional in responsible charge and engineers of record may act as the approved agency or as special inspectors for work they designed, provided they meet the qualification requirement in § 1704.2.1 .
  • These qualification rules are in addition to any qualifications that may be required elsewhere in the code (cross‑references appear throughout Chapter 17A/1705 where discipline‑specific qualifications are specified) .

2) Access for inspection (what the inspector must be allowed to see)

  • The code requires that work for which special inspection/testing is required remain accessible and exposed until the required special inspections or tests are completed. It is the project team’s responsibility to sequence and protect work so inspections can occur before concealment or final finishes (§ 1704.2.2) .

3) Recordkeeping and reporting (what to record, where and when to send it)

  • Records: approved agencies shall keep records of special inspections and tests (§ 1704.2.4) .
  • Distribution and frequency: the approved agency shall submit reports to the building official and the registered design professional in responsible charge at frequencies required by the approved construction documents or by the building official (§ 1704.2.4) .
  • Required report contents: all reports must describe the nature and extent of inspections and tests, the location where they were performed, and indicate whether the work inspected or tested was or was not in conformance with the approved construction documents (§ 1704.2.4) .
  • Discrepancy handling: discrepancies must be brought immediately to the contractor’s attention for correction; if not corrected they must be brought to the building official and to the registered design professional in responsible charge prior to completion of that phase of work (§ 1704.2.4) .
  • Final report: a final report documenting required special inspections and tests and correction of any noted discrepancies must be submitted to the building official at a time agreed upon before work starts by the owner or owner’s authorized agent (§ 1704.2.4) .

Decision-relevant dimensions (table)

Decision dimension Expected value / action Code reference
When to submit qualifications Prior to start of construction: approved agency provides written documentation of competence and relevant experience/training § 1704.2.1
Who may submit qualifications / act as inspector Approved agencies; registered design professional or engineer of record may act if they qualify § 1704.2.1
Work access requirement Work must remain accessible and exposed until required inspections/tests complete § 1704.2.2
Recordkeeping Approved agency shall keep records of special inspections and tests § 1704.2.4
Report recipients & frequency Reports to building official and registered design professional; frequency per construction documents or building official § 1704.2.4
Report contents Nature & extent of inspections/tests, location, and conformance statement; note and escalate discrepancies § 1704.2.4
Final report timing Final report submitted to building official at time agreed before start of work by owner/owner’s agent § 1704.2.4

Exceptions & special cases

  • The core statements in this article are limited to the content of § 1704.2.1, § 1704.2.2 and § 1704.2.4. Other parts of Section 1704 and Section 1705 provide exceptions, scope limits and discipline‑specific rules (for example exceptions that exempt certain minor work or some Group U accessory uses from special inspection), which are addressed elsewhere in Section 1704/1705. Those exception texts were present elsewhere in the Chapter and should be consulted where applicable (see the exceptions to Section 1704.2 and the discipline tables in Section 1705) .
  • The registered design professional or engineer of record is explicitly permitted to act as an approved agency or special inspector for work they designed, but only if they “qualify as special inspectors” under § 1704.2.1; this is a limited, conditional allowance — it does not automatically replace the written documentation and competence requirement in § 1704.2.1 .
  • Where other CBC sections (for example Section 1705 and the A‑tables) specify continuous vs. periodic inspection or specific inspector certifications, those discipline‑specific qualifications and inspection frequencies apply in addition to the general rules summarized here (see Table 1705A.* and related sections) file.

Common mistakes

  • Submitting incomplete or untimely qualification documentation: not providing the required written documentation to the building official before construction starts (noncompliance with § 1704.2.1) .
  • Concealing work before inspection: allowing the contractor to cover or conceal work that requires special inspection before the inspector has completed required checks (violation of § 1704.2.2) .
  • Incomplete reports: reports that fail to state the nature/extent/location of inspections or fail to state whether work conforms to the approved documents (omitting the minimum contents required by § 1704.2.4) .
  • Not escalating unresolved discrepancies: failing to notify the building official and the registered design professional when the contractor does not correct a discrepancy prior to completion of that phase (required by § 1704.2.4) .
  • Assuming fixed report frequency: the report frequency is what the approved construction documents or the building official require — it is not a one‑size‑fits‑all CBC number; confirm the frequency in the project’s statement of special inspections and construction documents (see § 1704.2.4) .

Worked example — concrete placement scenario

Scenario facts agreed in the construction documents before work starts:

  • Owner hires Approved Agency A and includes special inspection for cast‑in‑place concrete.
  • Approved Agency A provides written documentation of two special inspectors’ relevant experience to the building official before pouring begins (meets § 1704.2.1) .
  • The construction documents require the special inspector to submit weekly inspection reports and an immediate report for nonconforming items (this frequency is shown in the project documents and therefore governs reporting under § 1704.2.4) .

Example application:

  1. Qualification step: Approved Agency A delivers written CVs/training records for Inspector 1 and Inspector 2 to the building official 10 days before the first pour (satisfies § 1704.2.1) .
  2. Access step: Inspector 1 is present for formwork inspection and confirms reinforcement and embedments are accessible and correct. The contractor temporarily leaves formwork open until inspection is complete per § 1704.2.2; the inspector documents the check (meets § 1704.2.2) .
  3. Reporting during construction: over three weekly reports the inspector records five separate concrete placements, the locations, the nature of each inspection (slump, reinforcement, embedment verification) and states whether each placement conformed to the approved documents. Two placements had cover/spacing discrepancies. The inspector immediately notifies the contractor to correct; when no correction occurs before the end of that phase, the inspector escalates the issue to the building official and the registered design professional as required by § 1704.2.4 .
  4. Final report: after corrective work is verified, Approved Agency A submits a final consolidated report documenting all required inspections, tests, and corrections at the contractually agreed milestone to the building official (satisfies the final‑report requirement in § 1704.2.4) .

Note: the weekly frequency in this example is a project decision captured in the construction documents and is not a default set by the three sections summarized here; § 1704.2.4 ties frequency to the approved construction documents or the building official’s direction .

Related provisions

  • § 1704.2.3 — Statement of special inspections (statement required as a condition for permit issuance) .
  • § 1704.3 / § 1704.3.1 — Content requirements for the statement of special inspections (identifies types, extent, and whether continuous or periodic) .
  • § 1704.4 — Contractor responsibility and written statement acknowledging awareness of special inspection requirements where applicable .
  • Section 1705 and accompanying discipline tables (e.g., Tables 1705A.*) — identify which work requires special inspections, plus continuous vs. periodic definitions and discipline‑specific inspector qualifications (see the required special inspections in Section 1705) file.
  • § 1703.6 / 1703.6.1 — Follow‑up inspection and records for prefabricated assemblies that are not visible after erection (related record‑submission and fabricated‑items rules) .

Code references

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

  • 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 § 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 § 7-1 High relevance — show source text

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    7 INSTALLER AND SPECIAL INSPECTOR QUALIFICATIONS

    SECTION 701—GENERAL (RESERVED)

    SECTION 702—QUALIFICATIONS

    702.1 Installer training. HVAC system installers shall be trained and certified in the proper installation of HVAC systems including ducts and equipment by a nationally or regionally recognized training or certification program. Uncertified persons may perform HVAC installations when under the direct supervision and responsibility of a person trained and certified to install HVAC systems or contractor licensed to install HVAC systems. Examples of acceptable HVAC training and certification programs include but are not limited to the following:

    1. State certified apprenticeship programs.
    2. Public utility training programs.
    3. Training programs sponsored by trade, labor or statewide energy consulting or verification organizations.
    4. Programs sponsored by manufacturing organizations.
    5. Other programs acceptable to the enforcing agency.

    702.2 Special inspection.

    [HCD] When required by the enforcing agency, the owner or the responsible entity acting as the owner’s agent shall employ one or more special inspectors to provide inspection or other duties necessary to substantiate compliance with this code. Special inspectors shall demonstrate competence to the satisfaction of the enforcing agency for the particular type of inspection or task to be performed. In addition to other certifications or qualifications acceptable to the enforcing agency, the following certifications or education may be considered by the enforcing agency when evaluating the qualifications of a special inspector:

    1. Certification by a national or regional green building program or standard publisher.
    2. Certification by a statewide energy consulting or verification organization, building performance contractors and home energy auditors.
    3. Successful completion of a third party apprentice training program in the appropriate trade.
    4. Other programs acceptable to the enforcing agency.

    Note: Special inspectors shall be independent entities with no financial interest in the materials or the project they are inspecting for compliance with this code.

    [BSC-CG] When required by the enforcing agency, the owner or the responsible entity acting as the owner’s agent shall employ one or more special inspectors to provide inspection or other duties necessary to substantiate compliance with this code. Special inspectors shall demonstrate competence to the satisfaction of the enforcing agency for the particular type of inspection or task to be performed. In addition, the special inspector shall have a certification from a recognized state, national or international association, as determined by the local agency. The area of certification shall be closely related to the primary job function, as determined by the local agency.

    Note: Special inspectors shall be independent entities with no financial interest in the materials or the project they are inspecting for compliance with this code.

    SECTION 703—VERIFICATIONS

    703.1 Documentation. Documentation used to show compliance with this code shall include but is not limited to, construction documents, plans, specifications, builder or installer certification, inspection reports or other methods acceptable to the enforcing agency which demonstrate substantial conformance. When specific documentation or special inspection is necessary to verify compliance, that method of compliance will be specified in the appropriate section or identified in the application checklist.

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  • CBC § 7-115 Medium relevance — show source text

    1704 A .1 General. Special inspections and tests, statements of special inspections, responsibilities of contractors, submittals to the building official and structural observations shall meet the applicable requirements of this section.

    1704 A .2 Special inspections and tests. Where application is made to the building official for construction as specified in Section 105 the owner shall employ one or more approved agencies to provide special inspections and tests during construction on the types of work specified in Section 1705 A and identify the approved agencies to the building official. These special inspections and tests are in addition to the inspections by the building official that are identified in Section 110.

    [OSHPD 1 & 4] The inspectors shall act under the direction of the architect or structural engineer or both, and be responsible to the Owner. Where the California Administrative Code (CAC) Section 7-115 (a) 2 permits construction documents to be prepared under the

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    responsible charge of a mechanical, electrical or civil engineer, inspectors shall be permitted to work under the direction of engineer in appropriate branch as permitted therein.

    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. [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] Reference to Section 105 and Section 110 shall be to the California Administrative Code instead.

    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.

  • CBC § 2.5 Medium 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.

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  • CBC § 3.1 Medium 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 § 25.4 Medium relevance — show source text

    Installation of all adhesive anchors in horizontal and upwardly inclined positions shall be performed by an ACI/CRSI Certified Adhesive Anchor Installer, except where the factored_
    design tension on the anchors is less than 100 pounds and those anchors are clearly noted on the approved construction documents or where the anchors are shear dowels across
    cold joints in slabs on grade where the slab is not part of the lateral force-resisting system.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
    a. Where applicable, see Section 1705_A_.13.
    b. Specific requirements for special inspection shall be included in the research report for the anchor issued by an approved source in accordance with 26.13 in ACI 318, or other
    qualification procedures. Where specific requirements are not provided, special inspection requirements shall be specified by the registered design professional and shall be
    approved by the building official prior to the commencement of the work.
    c. Installation of all adhesive anchors in horizontal and upwardly inclined positions shall be performed by an ACI/CRSI Certified Adhesive Anchor Installer, except where the factored
    design tension on the anchors is less than 100 pounds and those anchors are clearly noted on the approved construction documents or where the anchors are shear dowels across
    cold joints in slabs on grade where the slab is not part of the lateral force-resisting system.|

    1705 A .3.1 Welding of reinforcing bars. Special inspections of welding and qualifications of special inspectors for reinforcing bars shall be in accordance with Section 1705A.2.7, the requirements of AWS D1.4 for special inspection and of AWS D1.4 for special inspector qualification.

    1705 A .3.2 Material tests. In the absence of sufficient data or documentation providing evidence of conformance to quality standards for materials in Chapters 19, 20 and 26 of ACI 318, as modified by Chapter 19A, the building official shall require testing of materials in accordance with the appropriate standards and criteria for the material in Chapters 19, 20 and 26 of ACI 318 as modi- fied by Chapter 19A. Cementitious materials shall be in accordance with 1910A.1 ([DSA-SS/CC] 1909.2.3). Tests of reinforcing bars shall be in accordance with Section 1910A.2 ( [DSA-SS/CC] 1909.2.4).

    1705A.3.3 Batch plant inspection. Except as provided under this section, the quality and quantity of materials used in transit-mixed concrete and in batched aggregates shall be continuously inspected by an approved agency at the location where materials are measured.

    [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] The minimum requirements for a qualified batch plant inspector shall be possession of either: 1. Both of the following: a. A valid certification from ACI as a Concrete Field or Lab Testing Technician.

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    b. Approved agency documented training records of batch plant inspection and California Administrative Code requirements. 2. A valid California Civil Engineering license.

    _**1705A.3.3.1 Waiver of continuous batch plant inspection.

  • CBC § 702.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

    CHAPTER 7 – INSTALLER AND SPECIAL INSPECTOR QUALIFICATIONS

    (Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

    Adopting agency BSC BSC-
    CG    		 SFM HCD Col6 Col7 DSA Col9 OSHPD Col11 Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC
    Adopting agency BSC BSC-
    CG    		 SFM 1 2 1/AC AC SS 1 1R 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
    Adopt entire CA chapter X
    Adopt entire chapter as
    amended (amended
    sections listed below)
    Adopt only those sections
    that are listed below    		 X
    Chapter/Section
    702.2 X
    703.1 X

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    7 INSTALLER AND SPECIAL INSPECTOR QUALIFICATIONS

    SECTION 701—GENERAL (RESERVED)

    SECTION 702—QUALIFICATIONS

    702.1 Installer training. HVAC system installers shall be trained and certified in the proper installation of HVAC systems including ducts and equipment by a nationally or regionally recognized training or certification program. Uncertified persons may perform HVAC installations when under the direct supervision and responsibility of a person trained and certified to install HVAC systems or contractor licensed to install HVAC systems. Examples of acceptable HVAC training and certification programs include but are not limited to the following:

    1. State certified apprenticeship programs.
    2. Public utility training programs.
    3. Training programs sponsored by trade, labor or statewide energy consulting or verification organizations.
    4. Programs sponsored by manufacturing organizations.
    5. Other programs acceptable to the enforcing agency.

    702.2 Special inspection.

    [HCD] When required by the enforcing agency, the owner or the responsible entity acting as the owner’s agent shall employ one or more special inspectors to provide inspection or other duties necessary to substantiate compliance with this code. Special inspectors shall demonstrate competence to the satisfaction of the enforcing agency for the particular type of inspection or task to be performed. In addition to other certifications or qualifications acceptable to the enforcing agency, the following certifications or education may be considered by the enforcing agency when evaluating the qualifications of a special inspector: 1.

  • CMC § A101 Medium relevance — show source text

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE APPENDIX A-1

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

    A EMPLOYEE QUALIFICATIONS

    The provisions contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless specifically adopted by a state agency or referenced in the adopting ordinance.

    User notes:

    About this appendix: Appendix A provides optional criteria for the qualifications for jurisdictions to consider when hiring personnel to enforce the building code. Criteria for the building official, plan reviewers and inspectors are provided.

    ICC code development note: Code change proposals to this appendix will be considered by the Administrative Code Development Committee during the

    2025 (Group B) Code Development Cycle.

    SECTION A101—BUILDING OFFICIAL QUALIFICATIONS

    [A] A101.1 Building official. The building official shall have not fewer than 10 years’ experience or equivalent as an architect, engineer, inspector, contractor or superintendent of construction, or any combination of these, 5 years of which shall have been supervisory experience. The building official should be certified as a building official through a recognized certification program. The building official shall be appointed or hired by the applicable governing authority.

    [A] A101.2 Chief inspector. The building official can designate supervisors to administer the provisions of this code and the Califor- nia Mechanical Code, California Plumbing Code and International Fuel Gas Code. Each supervisor shall have not fewer than 10 years experience or equivalent as an architect, engineer, inspector, contractor or superintendent of construction, or any combination of these, 5 years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. They shall be certified through a recognized certification program for the appropriate trade.

    [A] A101.3 Inspector and plans examiner. The building official shall appoint or hire such number of officers, inspectors, assistants and other employees as shall be authorized by the jurisdiction. A person who has fewer than 5 years of experience as a contractor, engineer, architect, or as a superintendent, foreman or competent mechanic in charge of construction shall not be appointed or hired as inspector of construction or plans examiner. The inspector or plans examiner shall be certified through a recognized certification program for the appropriate trade.

    [A] A101.4 Termination of employment. Employees in the position of building official, chief inspector or inspector shall not be removed from office except for cause after full opportunity has been given to be heard on specific charges before such applicable governing authority.

    SECTION A102—REFERENCED STANDARDS

    [A] A102.1 General. See Table A102.1 for standards that are referenced in various sections of this appendix. Standards are listed by the standard identification with the effective date, standard title, and the section or sections of this appendix that reference the standard.

    TABLE A102.1—REFERENCED STANDARDS Col2 Col3
    STANDARD ACRONYM STANDARD NAME SECTIONS HEREIN REFERENCED
    CBC_—25_ California Building Code A101.2
    CMC_—25_ California Mechanical Code A101.2
    CPC_—25_ California Plumbing Code A101.2
    IFGC—24 International Fuel Gas Code A101.2

    APPENDIX A-2 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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

  • CBC § 4.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    1705 A .4.1 Glass unit masonry and masonry veneer in Risk Category II, III or IV. Special inspections and tests for glass unit masonry or masonry veneer designed in accordance with Section 2110 A or Chapter 14, respectively, where they are part of a structure classified as Risk Category II, III or IV shall be performed in accordance with TMS 602 Tables 3 and 4, Level 2.

    1705A.4.1.1 TMS 602 Section 1.6 Quality Assurance. Replace footnote (d) in TMS 602 Table 4 as follows:

    (d) Periodic special inspection is required for all veneer.

    1705 A .4.2 Vertical masonry foundation elements. Special inspections and tests of vertical masonry foundation elements shall be performed in accordance with Section 1705 A .4.

    1705 A .5 Wood construction. Special inspections of prefabricated wood structural elements and assemblies shall be in accordance with Section 1704 A .2.5 except as modified in this section . Special inspections of site-built assemblies shall be in accordance with this section.

    1705 A .5.1 High-load diaphragms. High-load diaphragms designed in accordance with Section 2306.2 or 2307.1 shall be installed with special inspections as indicated in Section 1704 A .2. The special inspector shall inspect the wood structural panel sheathing to ascertain whether it is of the grade and thickness shown on the approved construction documents. Additionally, the special inspector must verify the nominal size of framing members at adjoining panel edges, the nail or staple diameter and length, the number of fastener lines and that the spacing between fasteners in each line and at edge margins agrees with the approved construction documents.

    1705 A .5.2 Metal-plate-connected wood trusses spanning 60 feet or greater. Where a truss clear span is 60 feet (18 288 mm) or greater, the special inspector shall verify that the temporary installation restraint/bracing and the permanent individual truss member restraint/bracing are installed in accordance with the approved truss submittal package.

    1705 A .5.3 Mass timber construction. Special inspections of mass timber elements in Types IV-A, IV-B and IV-C construction shall be in accordance with Table 1705 A .5.3.

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 17A-13

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

    SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

    TABLE 1705A.5.3—REQUIRED SPECIAL INSPECTIONS OF MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION Col2 Col3 Col4
    TYPE TYPE CONTINUOUS
    SPECIAL
    INSPECTION    		 PERIODIC
    SPECIAL
    INSPECTION
    1. Inspection of anchorage and connections of mass timber construction to timber deep foundation
    systems.    		 — X
    2. Inspect erection of mass timber construction. — X
    3. Inspection of connections where installation methods are required to meet design loads.
    _3.1.
  • CBC § 1704.5 Medium 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.

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 17-5

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

    SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

    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 § 509.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    ||||||| |Outdoor Air Quality
    Reserved||||||| |Innovative Concepts and Local Environmental Conditions|Innovative Concepts and Local Environmental Conditions|Innovative Concepts and Local Environmental Conditions|Innovative Concepts and Local Environmental Conditions|Innovative Concepts and Local Environmental Conditions|Innovative Concepts and Local Environmental Conditions|Innovative Concepts and Local Environmental Conditions| |A4.509.1 Items in this section are necessary to address innovative
    concepts or local environmental conditions.||||||| |Item 1||
    |
    |
    |
    |
    | |Item 2||
    |
    |
    |
    |
    | |Item 3||||||| |Installer and Special Inspector Qualifications||||||| |Qualifications|Qualifications|Qualifications|Qualifications|Qualifications|Qualifications|Qualifications| |702.1 HVAC system installers are trained and certified in the proper
    installation of HVAC systems.||||||| |702.2 Special inspectors employed by the owner or owner's agent
    must be qualified and able to demonstrate competence in the
    discipline they are inspecting to the enforcing agency.||||||| |Verifications||||||| |703.1Verification of compliance with this code may include
    construction documents, plans, specifications builder or installer
    certification, inspection reports or other methods acceptable to the
    enforcing agency which show substantial conformance.||||||| |1. Green building measures listed in this table may be mandatory if adopted by a city, county, or city and county as specified in Section 101.7.
    2. Required prerequisite for this Tier.
    3. These measures are currently required elsewhere in statute or in regulation.|1. Green building measures listed in this table may be mandatory if adopted by a city, county, or city and county as specified in Section 101.7.
    2. Required prerequisite for this Tier.
    3. These measures are currently required elsewhere in statute or in regulation.|1. Green building measures listed in this table may be mandatory if adopted by a city, county, or city and county as specified in Section 101.7.
    2. Required prerequisite for this Tier.
    3. These measures are currently required elsewhere in statute or in regulation.|1. Green building measures listed in this table may be mandatory if adopted by a city, county, or city and county as specified in Section 101.7.
    2. Required prerequisite for this Tier.
    3. These measures are currently required elsewhere in statute or in regulation.|1. Green building measures listed in this table may be mandatory if adopted by a city, county, or city and county as specified in Section 101.7.
    2. Required prerequisite for this Tier.
    3. These measures are currently required elsewhere in statute or in regulation.|1.

Frequently asked questions

Who must provide the special inspector qualifications documentation and when?

The approved agency must provide written documentation demonstrating the competence and relevant experience or training of the special inspectors to the building official prior to the start of construction, per § 1704.2.1 .

Can the project’s structural engineer act as the special inspector?

Yes — the registered design professional in responsible charge and engineers of record may act as the approved agency or as special inspectors for the work they designed, provided they meet the special inspector qualification requirements in § 1704.2.1 .

What must be included in each special inspection report?

Reports must describe the nature and extent of inspections and tests, the location where they were performed, and indicate whether the work inspected or tested was in conformance with the approved construction documents; discrepancies must be noted and escalated if not corrected, per § 1704.2.4 .

When can work be covered or concealed?

Work that requires special inspection must remain accessible and exposed until the required inspections or tests are completed; covering the work before inspection would violate § 1704.2.2 .

Who receives the special inspection reports?

The approved agency submits reports to the building official and to the registered design professional in responsible charge at the frequencies required by the approved construction documents or the building official, per § 1704.2.4 .

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What contractor statements of responsibility are required?

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Process — Statement of Special Inspections, Reports & Responsibilities

California Building Code