CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)

When must an owner employ special inspectors?

If the local building department (the enforcing agency) requires a special inspection to verify CALGreen compliance, the property owner or the owner's authorized agent must hire an independent, competent special inspector. The inspector must demonstrate qualifications acceptable to the enforcing agency (CALGreen gives example credentials) and must have no financial interest in the project (see § 702.2) .

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

The owner (or the owner’s agent) must employ one or more special inspectors when the enforcing agency requires them to verify compliance with CALGreen. This is the core rule in § 702.2 of the CALGreen. Special inspectors must demonstrate competence to the enforcing agency, and the code lists sample certifications/education the agency may consider; they must also be independent with no financial interest in the project. § 702.2

If the enforcing agency requires a special inspection, the owner (or the owner's authorized agent) must hire an independent, competent special inspector to substantiate compliance. — plain-English restatement of § 702.2

Requirements in detail

Who must hire?

The owner or a responsible entity acting as the owner’s agent (both are the named hirer in § 702.2) .

When is hiring required?

Only when required by the enforcing agency. CALGreen makes the enforcing agency the trigger; if the enforcing agency does not require special inspection, the code does not impose that hiring duty in § 702.2 .

What qualifications are required?

Special inspectors must demonstrate competence for the particular inspection or task to the satisfaction of the enforcing agency. The code then lists examples of acceptable certifications/education the enforcing agency may consider (not an exclusive list):
- Certification by a national or regional green building program or standard publisher.
- Certification by a statewide energy consulting or verification organization, building performance contractors and home energy auditors.
- Successful completion of a third‑party apprentice training program in the appropriate trade.
- Other programs acceptable to the enforcing agency.
  These qualification criteria are in § 702.2 .

Independence requirement

Special inspectors must be independent entities with no financial interest in the materials or the project they inspect (this is stated as a Note in § 702.2) .

Jurisdictional variation (BSC‑CG alternate text)

Where the BSC‑CG variant applies, the enforcing agency may require that the special inspector have a certification from a recognized state, national or international association, with the area of certification closely related to the inspection work — also in § 702.2 (BSC‑CG text) .

Decision-relevant dimensions (quick reference table)

Decision dimension	Values / threshold	Code Reference
Who must hire	Owner or owner’s agent	§ 702.2
Trigger for hiring	When required by the enforcing agency	§ 702.2
Inspector competence	Must demonstrate competence to the enforcing agency	§ 702.2
Example acceptable credentials	National/regional green program, statewide energy org., third‑party apprentice program, other acceptable programs	§ 702.2
Independence	No financial interest in materials or project	§ 702.2 (Note)
BSC‑CG extra requirement	Certification from recognized association (area related to job)	§ 702.2 (BSC‑CG text)

Exceptions & special cases

CALGreen does not list a universal set of exemptions in § 702.2; the plain rule is conditional: the hiring duty exists only when the enforcing agency requires it. That means local enforcement policy, permit checklists, or project‑specific review typically determine whether a special inspector is required (the code intentionally leaves the decision to the enforcing agency) .
The CALGreen text offers two administrative variants (HCD and BSC‑CG) in § 702.2; local adoption/agency can select the variant that applies and the local agency may require different forms of proof of qualifications (e.g., recognized association certification under BSC‑CG) .
CALGreen references general verification/documentation rules elsewhere (e.g., documentation requirements in § 703.1), so an enforcing agency may require special inspection as the method of verification for a listed compliance pathway .

Common mistakes

Assuming special inspectors are always required: CALGreen requires them only when the enforcing agency requires special inspection — check the permit application checklist or local enforcement guidance rather than assuming a blanket requirement (§ 702.2) .
Hiring a party with a financial stake: special inspectors must be independent and have no financial interest in the project; hiring a contractor‑affiliated inspector violates the Note to § 702.2 .
Confusing "competence" with a single credential: the code requires that the inspector demonstrate competence to the enforcing agency; the listed certifications are examples the agency may consider, not an exhaustive, mandatory checklist (§ 702.2) .
Overlooking local variant language: jurisdictions that adopt the BSC‑CG language may require a different proof of qualification (certification from a recognized association) — confirm which text the local agency enforces (§ 702.2, BSC‑CG) .

Worked example — a concrete scenario

Scenario: A homeowner‑developer (the owner) applies for permits for a multi‑unit remodel. The local building department’s permit checklist states: “Special inspection required for green‑building verification on thermal envelope air‑sealing.” The enforcing agency therefore requires special inspection for that phase.

Applying § 702.2:

Who hires: the owner (or the owner's agent) must contract the special inspector (duty triggered because the enforcing agency required it) § 702.2 .
Qualification check: the enforcing agency asks for documentation that the inspector is certified by a national green building program or has passed a recognized blower‑door testing certification course; the inspector submits a certificate and resume showing relevant field experience — this satisfies the “demonstrate competence” requirement referenced in § 702.2 .
Independence: the owner cannot hire the contractor who will perform the envelope work to serve as the special inspector because § 702.2 requires the inspector be independent and have no financial interest (Note) .
Result: Inspector performs required verifications, documents results, and provides reports to the enforcing agency as the verification method required by the permit (the mechanism to substantiate compliance under § 702.2) .

(You should confirm the local enforcing agency’s checklist to see exactly which inspections they require under the permit — CALGreen leaves the requirement decision to that agency per § 702.2.)

Related provisions

§ 702.1 — Installer training (HVAC installer qualifications) — related because installer qualifications and special inspectors are in the same chapter of CALGreen. § 702.1
§ 703.1 — Documentation used to show compliance; when specific documentation or special inspection is necessary that method will be specified in the appropriate section or application checklist. § 703.1

(If you need how special inspections are handled procedurally — statements, reports, continuous vs. periodic inspection — those procedural details are addressed in the California Building Code (Chapter 17) rather than in CALGreen § 702.2; consult your enforcing agency or CBC Chapter 17 for the procedural prescription.)

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

CALGreen § 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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CALGreen § 703.1 High relevance — show source text

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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CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

CHAPTER 8 – COMPLIANCE FORMS, WORKSHEETS AND REFERENCE MATERIAL

(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

CALGreen § 702.2 High 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:

State certified apprenticeship programs.
Public utility training programs.
Training programs sponsored by trade, labor or statewide energy consulting or verification organizations.
Programs sponsored by manufacturing organizations.
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.

CALGreen § 1701A.4 High relevance — show source text
1701A.4 Special inspections and tests. [DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC] In addition to the project inspector required by the California Adminis- trative Code (CCR, Title 24, Part 1), Section 4-333, the owner shall employ one or more approved agencies to provide special inspections and tests as required by the enforcement agency during construction on the types of work listed under Chapters 14, 15, 17A, 18A, 19A, 20, 21A, 22A, 23, 24 and 25 and the California Existing Building Code and noted in the special inspection, test and observation plan required by the California Administrative Code.

SECTION 1702 A —NEW MATERIALS

1702 A .1 General. New building materials, equipment, appliances, systems or methods of construction not provided for in this code, and any material of questioned suitability proposed for use in the construction of a building or structure, shall be subjected to the tests prescribed in this chapter and in the approved rules to determine character, quality and limitations of use.

SECTION 1703 A —APPROVALS

1703 A .1 Approved agency. An approved agency shall provide all information as necessary for the building official to determine that the agency meets the applicable requirements specified in Sections 1703 A .1.1 through 1703 A .1.3.

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SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

1703 A .1.1 Independence. An approved agency shall be objective, competent and independent from any other entity providing inspection services and contractor (s) responsible for the work being inspected. The agency shall disclose to the building official and the registered design professional in responsible charge possible conflicts of interest so that objectivity can be confirmed.

1703 A .1.2 Equipment. An approved agency shall have adequate equipment to perform required tests. The equipment shall be periodically calibrated.

1703 A .1.3 Personnel. An approved agency shall employ experienced personnel educated in conducting, supervising and evaluating tests and special inspections.

1703 A .2 Written approval. Any material, appliance, equipment, system or method of construction meeting the requirements of this code shall be approved in writing after satisfactory completion of the required tests and submission of required test reports.

1703 A .3 Record of approval. For any material, appliance, equipment, system or method of construction that has been approved, a record of such approval, including the conditions and limitations of the approval, shall be kept on file in the building official’s office and shall be available for public review at appropriate times.

1703 A .4 Performance. Specific information consisting of test reports conducted by an approved agency in accordance with the appropriate referenced standards, or other such information as necessary, shall be provided for the building official to determine that the product, material or assembly meets the applicable code requirements.
CALGreen § 1.10.1. High relevance — show source text
[OSHPD 1] – For applications listed in Section 1.10.1.

[OSHPD 4] – For applications listed in Section 1.10.4.

1701A.1.3 Reference to other chapters.

1701A.1.3.1 [DSA-SS/CC] Where reference within this chapter is made to sections in Chapters 16A, 19A, 21A, 22A and 23, the provi- sions in Chapters 16, 19, 21, 22 and 23, respectively, shall apply instead as defined in Section 1.9.2.2. Referenced sections may not directly correlate, but the corresponding DSA-SS/CC sections to such references still apply.

1701A.3 Special inspections and tests. [OSHPD 1 & 4] In addition to the inspector(s) of record required by the California Administrative Code (CCR, Title 24, Part 1), Section 7-144, the owner shall employ one or more approved agencies to provide special inspections and tests during construction on the types of work listed under Chapters 14, 15, 17A, 18A, 19A, 20, 21A, 22A, 23, 24 and 25, and noted in the Test, Inspection and Observation (TIO) program required by Sections 7-141, 7-145 and 7-149, of the California Administrative Code. Test, Inspection and Observation (TIO) program shall satisfy requirements of Section 1704A.

1701A.4 Special inspections and tests. [DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC] In addition to the project inspector required by the California Adminis- trative Code (CCR, Title 24, Part 1), Section 4-333, the owner shall employ one or more approved agencies to provide special inspections and tests as required by the enforcement agency during construction on the types of work listed under Chapters 14, 15, 17A, 18A, 19A, 20, 21A, 22A, 23, 24 and 25 and the California Existing Building Code and noted in the special inspection, test and observation plan required by the California Administrative Code.

SECTION 1702 A —NEW MATERIALS

1702 A .1 General. New building materials, equipment, appliances, systems or methods of construction not provided for in this code, and any material of questioned suitability proposed for use in the construction of a building or structure, shall be subjected to the tests prescribed in this chapter and in the approved rules to determine character, quality and limitations of use.

SECTION 1703 A —APPROVALS

1703 A .1 Approved agency. An approved agency shall provide all information as necessary for the building official to determine that the agency meets the applicable requirements specified in Sections 1703 A .1.1 through 1703 A .1.3.

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CALGreen § 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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SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS
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.
CALGreen § 1703.6.2 High relevance — show source text
1703.6.2 Test and inspection records. Copies of necessary test and special inspection records shall be filed with the building official.

SECTION 1704—SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS, CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITY AND STRUCTURAL OBSERVATION

1704.1 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.

1704.2 Special inspections and tests. Where application is made to the building official for construction as specified in Section 105, or 1.8.4, as applicable, the owner or the owner’s authorized agent, other than the contractor, shall employ one or more approved agencies to provide special inspections and tests during construction on the types of work specified in Section 1705 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 1R, 2 & 5] In addition, the approved agencies shall provide special inspections and tests during construction on the types of work listed under Chapters 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25, and noted in the Test, Inspection and Observation (TIO) program as required by the Office.

The special inspectors shall act under the direction of the architect or structural engineer or both, and be responsible to the Owner. Where California Administrative Code Section 7-115 (a) 2 permits construction documents to be prepared under the responsible charge of a mechanical, electrical or civil engineer, special inspectors shall be permitted to work under the direction of an engineer in the appro- priate 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. 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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SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS
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.
CALGreen § 506.1 High relevance — show source text
ENERGY STAR fans ducted to terminate outside the building.
2. Fans must be controlled by a humidity control (separate or built-
in); OR functioning as a component of a whole-house ventilation
system.
3. Humidity controls with manual or automatic means of
adjustment, capable of adjustment between a relative humidity
range of≤ 50 percent to a maximum of 80 percent.||||
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| |A4.506.1 Reserved.||||||| |A4.506.2 [HR] Provide filters on return air openings rated MERV 8 or
higher during construction when it is necessary to use HVAC
equipment.||||||| |A4.506.3 Direct-vent appliances shall be used when equipment is
located in conditioned space; or the equipment must be installed in
an isolated mechanical room.||||||| |Environmental Comfort||||||| |4.507.2 Duct systems are sized, designed and equipment is selected
using the following methods:
1. Establish heat loss and heat gain values according to ANSI/ACCA 2
Manual J-2016 or equivalent.
2. Size duct systems according to ANSI/ACCA 1 Manual D-2016
or equivalent.
3. Select heating and cooling equipment according to ANSI/ACCA 3
Manual S-2014 or equivalent.||||||| |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||
|
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| |Item 2||
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| |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.
CALGreen § 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.
CALGreen § 1701A.1.1 High relevance — show source text
1701A.1.1 Application. The scope of application of Chapter 17A is as follows: 1. Structures regulated by the Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety, which include those applications listed in Sections 1.9.2.1 (DSA-SS) and 1.9.2.2 (DSA-SS/CC). These applications include public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges and state-owned or state-leased essential services buildings. 2. Structures regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD), which include those applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 and 1.10.4. These applications include hospitals and correctional treatment centers.

1701A.1.2 Amendments in this chapter. DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC, OSHPD adopt this chapter and all amendments.

Exceptions: Amendments adopted by only one agency appear in this chapter preceded with the appropriate acronym of the adopting agency, as follows: 1. Division of the State Architect - Structural Safety:

[DSA-SS] For applications listed in Section 1.9.2.1.

[DSA-SS/CC] For applications listed in Section 1.9.2.2. 2. Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development:

[OSHPD 1] – For applications listed in Section 1.10.1.

[OSHPD 4] – For applications listed in Section 1.10.4.

1701A.1.3 Reference to other chapters.

1701A.1.3.1 [DSA-SS/CC] Where reference within this chapter is made to sections in Chapters 16A, 19A, 21A, 22A and 23, the provi- sions in Chapters 16, 19, 21, 22 and 23, respectively, shall apply instead as defined in Section 1.9.2.2. Referenced sections may not directly correlate, but the corresponding DSA-SS/CC sections to such references still apply.

1701A.3 Special inspections and tests. [OSHPD 1 & 4] In addition to the inspector(s) of record required by the California Administrative Code (CCR, Title 24, Part 1), Section 7-144, the owner shall employ one or more approved agencies to provide special inspections and tests during construction on the types of work listed under Chapters 14, 15, 17A, 18A, 19A, 20, 21A, 22A, 23, 24 and 25, and noted in the Test, Inspection and Observation (TIO) program required by Sections 7-141, 7-145 and 7-149, of the California Administrative Code. Test, Inspection and Observation (TIO) program shall satisfy requirements of Section 1704A.
CALGreen § 1703.5.3 Medium relevance — show source text
1703.5.3 Label information. The label shall contain the manufacturer’s identification, model number, serial number or definitive information describing the performance characteristics of the product, material or assembly and the approved agency’s identification.

1703.5.4 Method of labeling. Information required to be permanently identified on the product, material or assembly shall be acid etched, sand blasted, ceramic fired, laser etched, embossed or of a type that, once applied, cannot be removed without being destroyed.

1703.6 Evaluation and follow-up inspection services. Where structural components or other items regulated by this code are not visible for inspection after completion of a prefabricated assembly, the owner or the owner’s authorized agent shall submit a report of each prefabricated assembly. The report shall indicate the complete details of the assembly, including a description of the assembly and its components, the basis upon which the assembly is being evaluated, test results and similar information and other data as necessary for the building official to determine conformance to this code. Such a report shall be approved by the building official.

1703.6.1 Follow-up inspection. The owner or the owner’s authorized agent shall provide for special inspections of fabricated items in accordance with Section 1704.2.5.

1703.6.2 Test and inspection records. Copies of necessary test and special inspection records shall be filed with the building official.

SECTION 1704—SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS, CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITY AND STRUCTURAL OBSERVATION

1704.1 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.

1704.2 Special inspections and tests. Where application is made to the building official for construction as specified in Section 105, or 1.8.4, as applicable, the owner or the owner’s authorized agent, other than the contractor, shall employ one or more approved agencies to provide special inspections and tests during construction on the types of work specified in Section 1705 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 1R, 2 & 5] In addition, the approved agencies shall provide special inspections and tests during construction on the types of work listed under Chapters 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25, and noted in the Test, Inspection and Observation (TIO) program as required by the Office.

The special inspectors shall act under the direction of the architect or structural engineer or both, and be responsible to the Owner. Where California Administrative Code Section 7-115 (a) 2 permits construction documents to be prepared under the responsible charge of a mechanical, electrical or civil engineer, special inspectors shall be permitted to work under the direction of an engineer in the appro- priate branch as permitted therein.
CALGreen § 1704.2.2 Medium 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.

Frequently asked questions

Who decides whether a special inspector is required?

The enforcing agency decides; CALGreen requires the owner to hire special inspectors only when the enforcing agency requires them (per § 702.2) .

Can the contractor act as the special inspector?

No. Special inspectors must be independent entities with no financial interest in the project (Note to § 702.2) .

What credentials will the enforcing agency accept?

CALGreen says inspectors must demonstrate competence to the enforcing agency and lists sample acceptable credentials (national/regional green program certification, statewide energy organization certification, third‑party apprentice completion, or other acceptable programs) — the local agency decides what it will accept (§ 702.2) .

Does CALGreen tell me the inspection frequency (continuous vs. periodic)?

No — § 702.2 sets the hiring/qualification rule. Frequency, report timing, and procedural specifics are typically determined by the enforcing agency or are set out in building‑code special inspection procedures (see related building code provisions) .

If my jurisdiction adopted the BSC‑CG text, does that change qualifications?

Yes. The BSC‑CG variant in § 702.2 adds that the special inspector shall have certification from a recognized state, national or international association, as determined by the local agency — check which variant your local agency enforces .

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Are special inspectors required to be independent and free of financial interest?

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Special inspector qualifications and independence

California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)