CBC · California Building Code

Who prepares and submits the statement of special inspections?

For most projects the registered design professional in responsible charge prepares the statement of special inspections, and the applicant (owner or owner’s authorized agent) must submit it with the permit application; the statement must include the items listed in § 1704.3.1 and meet the timing and exception rules in §§ 1704.2.3 and 1704.3.

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Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

The statement of special inspections must be prepared by the registered design professional in responsible charge and submitted with the permit application by the applicant (owner or owner’s authorized agent) as a condition for permit issuance (§ 1704.3; § 1704.2.3). The statement must contain the content elements listed in § 1704.3.1 (materials/systems requiring special inspection, types/extent of inspections and tests, whether inspections are continuous or periodic, and supplemental items for deferred submittals).

Requirements in detail

Who prepares it

  • Primary rule: The registered design professional in responsible charge prepares the statement of special inspections (§ 1704.3).
  • Exception: For work not designed by a registered design professional, the statement may be prepared by a qualified person approved by the building official (§ 1704.3, Exception).

Who submits it and when

  • The applicant (generally the owner or owner’s authorized agent) must submit the statement as a condition for permit issuance in accordance with § 107.1 (CBC § 1704.2.3). In short: RDP prepares; applicant submits with permit application.

What the statement must contain

Summarized from § 1704.3.1 — the statement must identify:

  1. Materials, systems, components and portions of work requiring special inspections or tests and who is responsible.
  2. The type and extent of each special inspection.
  3. The type and extent of each test.
  4. Additional special inspection/test requirements for seismic or wind resistance (where applicable) as specified in §§ 1705.12, 1705.13 and 1705.14.
  5. For each special inspection, whether it will be continuous, periodic, or per the referenced standard’s notation.
  6. Deferred submittal items that will require supplemental statements.

Decision-relevant dimensions (at-a-glance)

Decision dimension Typical value(s) Who/what decides Code Reference
Preparer Registered design professional in responsible charge (RDP) Project design team / RDP § 1704.3
Alternate preparer (exception) Qualified person approved by building official Building official approval § 1704.3 (Exception)
Submitter Applicant (owner or owner’s authorized agent) Applicant at permit application § 1704.2.3
Timing As condition for permit issuance (with construction documents) Permit submittal stage § 1704.2.3
Required content Materials/systems, inspection/test type & extent, continuous/periodic designation, seismic/wind items, deferred items RDP per checklist § 1704.3.1
Deferred submittals Require supplemental statement RDP / applicant when deferred items are submitted § 1704.3.1(6)

Exceptions & special cases

  • Construction not designed by a registered design professional: the building official may allow a qualified person (approved by the building official) to prepare the statement instead of an RDP (§ 1704.3, Exception).
  • Certain light-frame work: a statement of special inspections is not required for portions of structures designed and constructed under the cold-formed steel light-frame provisions of § 2206.1.2 or the conventional light-frame provisions of § 2308 (see § 1704.2.3, exceptions). Note: some state agencies (DSA, OSHPD) may not permit that exception.
  • Seismic and wind specifics: where §§ 1705.12, 1705.13 or 1705.14 require special inspections for wind or seismic resistance, the statement must specifically identify the applicable force-resisting systems, components or equipment subject to those inspections (§ 1704.3.2 and § 1704.3.3).

Common mistakes

  • Submitting the statement after permit issuance (too late): § 1704.2.3 requires it as a condition for permit issuance, so it must accompany the permit submittal.
  • Preparing the statement by someone other than the RDP without building-official approval (or using an unapproved “qualified person”): this violates § 1704.3 unless the building official approves.
  • Omitting mandatory content: common omissions include failing to specify continuous vs. periodic inspections, not listing deferred submittals, or not identifying seismic/wind systems when required — all elements required by § 1704.3.1.
  • Treating the statement as a formality: the statement drives who must perform inspections, when, and the contractor’s obligations (contractors responsible for listed systems must submit statements of responsibility per § 1704.4). Overlooking that linkage is a frequent compliance gap.

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: A project is an 8‑story concrete office building in Seismic Design Category D where structural concrete, reinforcing steel placement, welding in steel connections and certain nonstructural seismic components require special inspections.

Step-by-step application:

  1. The registered design professional in responsible charge prepares the statement of special inspections listing: cast‑in‑place concrete (continuous inspection of formwork and consolidation where required), reinforcing steel placement (periodic or continuous as required), welding/nondestructive testing for steel connectors (type/extent), and the designated seismic force‑resisting systems that require inspection (§ 1704.3.1).
  2. The applicant (owner or owner’s authorized agent) submits that statement with the permit application as a condition for permit issuance (§ 1704.2.3). If the RDP identifies deferred submittals (e.g., shop drawings for certain connections), those are noted and will require supplemental statements when submitted (§ 1704.3.1(6)).
  3. The building official reviews the statement and may require clarification or additional detail (e.g., specifying which items are continuous vs periodic). If the building official approves an alternative preparer (not applicable here), that would be documented (§ 1704.3 Exception).
  4. Before beginning work on main seismic systems, the responsible contractor submits a written statement of responsibility acknowledging the special inspection requirements listed in the statement (§ 1704.4). Special inspectors/approved agencies then perform inspections and submit reports per the approved frequencies (§ 1704.2.4).

Example numbers (for clarity):

  • Submission timing: statement is part of permit packet — do not wait until after permit issuance (§ 1704.2.3).
  • Content count: expect to list at minimum the six items called out in § 1704.3.1.

Related provisions

  • § 1704.2.3 — Statement must be submitted by the applicant as a condition for permit issuance.
  • § 1704.3 — States that the RDP in responsible charge shall prepare the statement; includes the exception for a qualified person approved by the building official.
  • § 1704.3.1 — Lists the required content elements of the statement.
  • § 1704.3.2 / § 1704.3.3 — Seismic and wind identification requirements for the statement (identify designated systems/components).
  • § 1704.2.4 — Reporting requirements for approved agencies and special inspectors (reports during construction and final report).
  • § 1704.4 — Contractor’s written statement of responsibility for work listed in the statement of special inspections.
  • § 1705 (esp. §§ 1705.12, 1705.13, 1705.14) — The specific special inspections/tests required for wind and seismic resistance that must be reflected in the statement.

Code references

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

  • 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 § 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.

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  • CBC § 2.4 High relevance — show source text

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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.

    6. 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.

    7. 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 D, E or F.

    1704 A .6 Structural observations. The owner 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 A 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.

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

    SECTION 1705 A —REQUIRED SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

  • 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 § 1704A.2.4. High relevance — show source text

    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.

    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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  • 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 § 7-115 High 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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    SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

    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 § 17-5 High relevance — show source text

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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.

    1704.5 Submittals to the building official. In addition to the submittal of reports of special inspections and tests in accordance with Section 1704.2.4, 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. Certificates of compliance for the fabrication of structural, load-bearing or lateral load-resisting members or assemblies on the premises of an approved fabricator in accordance with Section 1704.2.5.1.

    2. Certificates of compliance for the seismic qualification of nonstructural components, supports and attachments in accordance with Section 1705.14.2.

    3. Certificates of compliance for designated seismic systems in accordance with Section 1705.14.3.

    4. Reports of preconstruction tests for shotcrete in accordance with ACI 318.

    5. Certificates of compliance for open web steel joists and joist girders in accordance with Section 2207.5.

    6. 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.

    7. 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.

  • CBC § 17-4 High relevance — show source text

    1704 Special Inspections and Tests, Contractor Responsibility and Structural Observation. . . . . 17-4

    1705 Required Special Inspections and Tests . . . . . . . . . 17-6

    1706 Design Strengths of Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-19

    1707 Alternative Test Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-19

    1708 In-Situ Load Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-19

    1709 Preconstruction Load Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-20

    1710 Off-Site Construction [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] . . . . . . . . . . 17-21

    CHAPTER 17A SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS. . . . . . .17A-1

    1701A General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17A-3

    1702A New Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17A-3

    1703A Approvals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17A-3

    1704A Special Inspections and Tests, Contractor Responsibility and Structural Observation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17A-4

    1705A Required Special Inspections and Tests . . . . . . . . . .17A-6

    1706A Design Strengths of Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17A-22

    1707A Alternative Test Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17A-22

    1708A In-Situ Load Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17A-22

    1709A Preconstruction Load Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17A-22

    1710A Off-Site Construction [OSHPD 1 & 4] . . . . . . . . . . . . .17A-23

    CHAPTER 18 SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1

    1801 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-3

    1802 Design Basis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-3

    1803 Geotechnical Investigations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-3

  • CBC § 1305.2.3.3 High relevance — show source text

    2, 1305.2.3.3, 1305.2.4.1, 1305.2.5, 1305.2.5.1, 1305.2.6, 1305.2.7.1, 1305.2.8, 1305.2.9, 1305.2.9.1, 1305.2.10, 1305.2.10.1, 1305.2.11, 1305.2.11.1, 1305.2.12.1, 1305.2.13, Table 1305.2.15, 1305.2.15.1, 1305.2.16.1, 1305.2.17, 1305.2.17.1, 1305.2.18, 1305.2.18.1, 1305.2.19, Table 1305.2.19, 1305.2.20, 1305.2.20.1, 1307.1.1, 1401.2, 1402.1, 1402.2, 1402.2.1, 1402.3, 1402.4, 1402.5, 1402.6, 1501.5, 1504.1.1, 1504.1.4.1, 1504.1.7, 1509.1, 1509.3, 1510.1

    CEC — 25 : California Energy Code

    302.2, 702.7, 708.1, 809.1, 907.1, 1104.1

    CFC—25: California Fire Code

    101.2.2, 101.4.2, 301.3.1, 302.2, 307.1, 308.1, 802.2.1, 802.2.3, 803.2.3, 803.4.1.1, 803.4.1.2, 803.4.1.3, 803.4.1.4, 803.4.1.5, 803.4.1.6, Table 804.5.1.1(1), 904.1.5, 1011.6.1.1, 1303.1.2, 1305.2.8.1, 1305.2.14, 1305.2.14.1, 1401.2, 1501.1, 1501.5, 1502.1, 1502.1.1, 1502.2, 1502.3, 1504.1, 1507.1, 1507.2

    CMC—25: California Mechanical Code

    302.2, 702.7, 807.1, 902.1.1, 1008.1, 1305.2.7.1, 1305.2.8, 1305.2.8.1

    CPC—25: California Plumbing Code

    302.2, 408.1, 702.7, 1009.1, 1009.2, 1009.3, 1009.5, 1302.1.6, 1503.1

  • CBC § 1705A.8 High relevance — show source text
    TABLE 1705A.8—REQUIRED SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS OF CAST-IN-PLACE DEEP FOUNDATION ELEMENTS Col2 Col3
    TYPE CONTINUOUS
    SPECIAL INSPECTION    		 PERIODIC
    SPECIAL INSPECTION
    1. Inspect drilling operations and maintain complete and accurate records for each element. X —
    2. Verify placement locations and plumbness, confirm element diameters, bell diameters (if
    applicable), lengths, embedment into bedrock (if applicable) and adequate end-bearing
    strata capacity. Record concrete or grout volumes.    		 X —
    3. For concrete elements, perform tests and additional special inspections in accordance
    with Section 1705_A_.3.    		 In accordance with Section 1705_A_.3 In accordance with Section 1705_A_.3

    �

    �

    �

    �

    1705A.8.1 Micropile tests. Micropile preproduction and production load tests shall be in accordance with Section 1810A.3.10.4.

    1705 A .9 Helical pile foundations. Continuous special inspections shall be performed during installation of helical pile foundations. The information recorded shall include installation equipment used, pile dimensions, tip elevations, final depth, final installation torque and other pertinent installation data as required by the registered design professional in responsible charge. The approved geotechnical report and the construction documents prepared by the registered design professional shall be used to determine compliance.

    1705A.9.1 Helical pile tests. Helical pile preproduction and production load tests shall be in accordance with Section 1810A.3.1.5.1.

    1705 A .10 Structural integrity of deep foundation elements. Whenever there is a reasonable doubt as to the structural integrity of a deep foundation element, an engineering assessment shall be required. The engineering assessment shall include tests for defects performed in accordance with ASTM D4945, ASTM D5882, ASTM D6760 or ASTM D7949, or other approved method.

    1705 A .11 Fabricated items. Special inspections of fabricated items shall be performed in accordance with Section 1704 A .2.5.

    1705 A .12 Special inspections for wind resistance. Special inspections for wind resistance specified in Sections 1705 A .12.1 through 1705 A .12.3, unless exempted by the exceptions to Section 1704 A .2, are required for buildings and structures constructed in the following areas:

    1. In wind Exposure Category B, where basic wind speed, V, is 150 mph (67 m/sec) or greater.
    2. In wind Exposure Category C or D, where basic wind speed, V, is 140 mph (62.6 m/sec) or greater.

    1705 A .12.1 Structural wood. Continuous special inspection is required during field gluing operations of elements of the main windforce-resisting system. Periodic special inspection is required for nailing, bolting, anchoring and other fastening of elements of the main windforce-resisting system, including wood shear walls, wood diaphragms, drag struts, braces and hold-downs.

  • CBC § 906.3 High relevance — show source text

    2, 906.3, 906.6, 1001.2, 1001.3, 1002.1, 1002.2, 1002.3, 1002.4, 1004.1, 1006.1, 1006.2, 1006.3, 1006.4, 1010.1, 1011.1, 1011.2.1, 1011.2.2, 1011.3, 1011.5.1, 1011.5.2, 1011.5.3, 1011.5.6, 1011.6.1, 1011.6.1.1, 1011.6.3, 1011.7.1, 1011.7.2, 1011.7.3, 1011.8.1, 1011.8.2, 1011.8.3, 1101.2, 1101.3, 1101.5, 1101.7, 1102.1, 1102.2, 1102.3, 1103.1, 1103.2, 1103.3, 1201.4, 1202.2, 1203.12, 1204.2, 1204.9, 1206.1, 1302.1.2, 1302.1.3, 1302.1.4, 1303.1.3, 1304.1.1, 1305.2.1, 1305.2.1.1, 1305.2.2, 1305.2.2.1, 1305.2.3.2, 1305.2.3.3, 1305.2.4.1, 1305.2.5, 1305.2.5.1, 1305.2.6, 1305.2.7.1, 1305.2.8, 1305.2.9, 1305.2.9.1, 1305.2.10, 1305.2.10.1, 1305.2.11, 1305.2.11.1, 1305.2.12.1, 1305.2.13, Table 1305.2.15, 1305.2.15.1, 1305.2.16.1, 1305.2.17, 1305.2.17.1, 1305.2.18, 1305.2.18.1, 1305.2.19, Table 1305.2.19, 1305.2.20, 1305.2.20.1, 1307.1.1, 1401.2, 1402.1, 1402.2, 1402.2.1, 1402.3, 1402.4, 1402.5, 1402.6, 1501.5, 1504.1.1, 1504.1.4.1, 1504.1.7, 1509.1, 1509.3, 1510.1

    CEC — 25 : California Energy Code

    302.2, 702.7, 708.1, 809.1, 907.1, 1104.1

Frequently asked questions

Who must sign the statement of special inspections?

The code requires preparation by the registered design professional in responsible charge; the RDP’s identification/authority is the basis for the statement. If a different qualified person prepares it under the building official’s approval, that approval must be documented (§ 1704.3).

Can the contractor submit the statement with the permit application?

Yes — the applicant (which can be the owner’s authorized agent or contractor acting as applicant) must submit the statement with the permit application; however, the statement itself must be prepared by the RDP unless the building official approves another qualified person (§ 1704.2.3; § 1704.3).

Is a statement always required?

No. The statement is not required for portions of structures complying with certain light‑frame provisions (cold‑formed steel light‑frame in § 2206.1.2 or conventional light‑frame in § 2308), subject to local or state agency limitations (§ 1704.2.3).

What if the RDP identifies deferred submittals later?

Deferred submittal items that affect special inspections must be accompanied by supplemental statements of special inspections when those deferred items are submitted (§ 1704.3.1(6)).

Who enforces that required inspections are performed?

The building official enforces the special inspection program and receives reports from approved agencies and special inspectors; contractors for listed systems must also submit statements of responsibility acknowledging the inspection requirements (§ 1704.2.4; § 1704.4).

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