1
TO: Development Services Customers
SUBJECT: INFORMATION BULLETIN 132
Program Policies, Procedures & Guidelines, Lists, Notice Forms, and Report
Forms for Special Inspections
DATE: May 25, 2007
Revised January 2012/August 1, 2014/May 1, 2015/March 27, 2017/July
2017/November 2019/June 2020/January 2021/December 2021/May 2023
CREATED BY: Field Services Division
Purpose:
As a customer service initiative, the Development Services Department (DSD) created this revised bulletin to
update Information Bulletin 132. Information Bulletin 132 was created to provide a more user-friendly tool that
DSD customers can use when researching the policies, procedures, guidelines, lists, notice forms and report forms
required for the Special Inspections program found in Section 1704 and amended Section 1704.2 of the 2021
International Building Code. See Information Bulletin 185 Smoke Control System Submittal Requirements for
smoke control analysis report and testing requirements.
All forms required by the Special Inspections program are attached to this bulletin and are available online.
Scope:
Please review the program, and its policies and procedures information sheets outlined below in
Sections A through F:
Section A) Owner – Definition and Responsibilities
Section B) Responsibilities of the Registered Design Professional in Responsible Charge
Section C) Responsibilities of the Special Inspector
Section D) Responsibilities of the General Contractor
Section E) Lists, Notice Forms, and Report Forms for Special Inspections
Section F) Special Inspection Audit
Should you have any questions on this process regarding Special Inspections, please contact the
Building Inspections Supervisor at (210) 207-2750 or the Development Services Manager at (210) 207-8314.
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Attachments below:
Special Inspections Program Policies, Procedures & Guidelines
Determination of Required Special Inspections
Report of Required Special Inspections
Notice of Non-compliance
Final Report of Required Special Inspections
Special Inspector Application Form
Special Inspector Qualification Reference Letter
Special Inspection Status Log
Summary:
This Information Bulletin is for information purposes only.
Prepared by: Roland Resendez, Building Inspection Chief
Reviewed by: Ramiro Carrillo, Development Services Department Manager
Authorized by: Amin Tohmaz, PE, Deputy Development Services Department Director
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Special Inspections Program Policies, Procedures & Guidelines
IBC2021 Section 1704 Special Inspections
Information Bulletin 132 Revised 05/01/2023
Index:
A.
Owner- responsibilities.
B.
Registered Design Professional in Responsible Charge (RDPiRC) - definition and responsibilities.
C.
Special Inspector - definition and responsibilities.
D.
General Contractor - definition and responsibilities.
E.
Lists, Notice Forms, and Report Forms for Special Inspections
a)
List of Required Special Inspections
b)
Notice of Non-Compliance (NNC)
c)
Report of Required Special Inspections
d)
Final Report of Special Inspections
F.
Special Inspection Audit
A)
Responsibilities of the Owner:
Special Inspections are the responsibility of the Owner.
The Owner is responsible for employing or contracting the RDPiRC.
The Owner is responsible for immediately contacting the building official, in writing, when there is a change of the
RDPiRC.
The Owner is responsible for the special inspection fees/costs. These fees/costs are not included in any permit
or plan review fees.
B)
Definition and Responsibilities of the Registered Design Professional in Responsible Charge (RDPiRC):
The RDPiRC is an individual who is a licensed design professional in the State of Texas, implements the special
inspections program and is responsible for the Determination of Required Special Inspections, Section 1704.2 of
the International Building Code.
The RDPiRC contracted with or employed by the owner. The RDPiRC and the special inspectors and testing
technicians may not be in the employ of the general contractor, subcontractors, or material suppliers. In the case
of an owner/contractor, the building official shall specify who employs the RDPiRC and special inspectors.
The RDPiRC, as the owner’s agent, may employ or contract with the special inspectors.
The RDPiRC shall assign only qualified special inspectors approved by the Building Official.
The RDPiRC is responsible for providing the general contractor with a list of all required Special Inspections and
the associated special inspectors prior to construction.
The RDPiRC shall submit associated special inspector field reports to the building official with a copy to the
special inspector, owner and general contractor indicating compliance for any NNC items reported and advising
the building official to allow work to continue.
RDPiRC is responsible to prepare, sign and seal the Final Report of Required Special Inspections after the
general contractor completes their work according to the approved construction documents. The RDPiRC shall
prepare the Final Report of Required Special Inspections using the form approved by the building official
(attached).
The employment of the RDPiRC does not relieve the building official of his responsibility for such inspection
acceptance or for the other periodic and called for inspections as required by the current building code.
If at any point during construction, the design professional is no longer employed as the RDPiRC of the project,
written notification must be immediately submitted to the building official.
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Special Inspections Program Policies, Procedures & Guidelines
IBC2021 Section 1704 Special Inspections
Information Bulletin 132 Revised 05/01/2023
C)
Definition and Responsibilities of the Special Inspectors:
Each special inspector must be qualified in the area of expertise of special inspection required as well as being
registered with the City of San Antonio. (See the Qualification form attached).
Each special inspector is contracted or employed by the RDPiRC or owner.
Each special inspector must understand the information provided and evaluate if that information is sufficient to
perform the inspection successfully. Each special inspector must make that decision and if some of the required
information is not understandable or available, they must obtain the necessary information, in an approved
form, through the appropriate channels. Each special inspector is responsible to review the plans thoroughly
and sufficiently ahead of construction to establish if he can inspect those items entrusted to them. All errors
and/or omissions in the approved plans that create any form of doubt or ambiguity for the special inspector shall
be resolved through the proper channels. The special inspector shall indicate in their reports that the
information furnished was sufficiently clear and understandable for them to inspect properly.
Each special inspector is responsible for verification that those items detailed in the permitted plans and
specifications are built into the project.
Special inspectors shall prepare, sign, and submit to the RDPiRC an inspection report for any time spent at a
project site. Submit the reports within a reasonable time of the inspection. Include in the report any supporting
documentation.
The special inspector shall bring non-complying items to the immediate attention of the general contractor and
the RDPiRC. If correcting the non-complying items is not in a timely manner or is ignored, the special inspector
is to prepare, sign and submit a Notice of Non-Compliance (NNC) to the RDPiRC with a copy directly to the
building official, the general contractor, and owner. In receiving the NNC, the building official may suspend all
future work in the areas of such non-compliance until the non-compliant items are corrected and the RDPiRC
issues a field report to the building official with a copy to the special inspector, owner, and general contractor
indicating compliance. The special inspector shall prepare the NNC using the NNC form approved by the
building official (attached).
Each special inspector is responsible to prepare, sign, and submit to the RDPiRC his Report of Required Special
Inspections. This report shall be prepared on the Report of Required Special Inspections form approved by the
building official (form attached).
Each Special Inspector is responsible for any changes to their registration records.
Each Special Inspector is responsible for updating their certifications with the Development Services
Department.
Each Special Inspector shall be responsible for renewing their ID# annually.
Fabricating facilities/shops are required to register their company as a fabricating special inspector. These
registrations require annual renewal and yearly audit documentation from an approved agency.
D)
Responsibilities of the General Contractor:
The general contractor is responsible for coordinating all testing and inspections and notifying the RDPiRC and the
special inspector of work ready for inspection.
The general contractor must provide access to and means for safe and proper inspection of such work.
Inspections may be denied if safe access is not provided at the job site.
The general contractor shall keep a special inspections logbook readily available for both the special inspectors
and the city building inspector. The special inspections logbook shall include a copy of the following: 1)
Determination Letter of Required Special Inspections 2) The special inspections log & sign in sheet 3) A copy of
all special inspection reports from the special inspector 4) Any changes that may apply to special inspections on
the project.
The general contractor shall not employ the special inspector.
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Special Inspections Program Policies, Procedures & Guidelines
IBC2021 Section 1704 Special Inspections
Information Bulletin 132 Revised 05/01/2023
E)
Lists, Notice Forms, and Report Forms for Special Inspections
List of Required Special Inspections:
o
A complete itemized list according to IBC 2021 Section 1705 submitted by the RDPiRC as part of the
permit documents.
o
List the RDPiRC name and contact information.
o
If the RDPiRC determines that, as per Section 1704.2 of the 2021 IBC no special inspections
are applicable to the project, the determination letter must be signed and sealed only.
o
The RDPiRC shall furnish the required qualifications of the special inspector and the frequency of
each special inspection upon request.
o
Refer to IBC 2021 Section 1705 for special instructions/tables.
o
Note any special instructions for performance.
o
Sample list attached.
Structural Observation Report:
o
IB132 and section 1704 requires Structural Observation Inspections for the items specified in Section
1704.6 Structural Observation includes, but is not limited to, visual observation of the Structural system
for conformance with the approved plans and specifications, at significant construction stages and at
t h e completion of the Structural system, and submission of appropriate observation reports to the
City of San Antonio Building Official.
o
The Structural Observer(s) must be the registered design professional in the State of Texas
responsible for the Structural design, or another registered design professional in t h e
S t a t e o f T e x a s designated by the registered design professional responsible for the
Structural design, to perform the Structural observation.
o
The registered design professional responsible for the Structural Observation shall complete
a signed written report after each site visit requiring Structural Observation. The Structural
Observer(s) shall ensure that all reports are posted with the permit at the job site and are
available to the City of San Antonio Building Official. All deviations from the approved plans or
specifications shall be brought to the immediate attention of the contractor for correction and, if
uncorrected, to the responsible registered design professional and to the City of San Antonio
Building Official.
o
The Structural Observer shall submit a final signed report to the registered design
professional and to the City of San Antonio Building Official providing final test results and
stating whether the items requiring Structural observation were, to the best of the
observer’s knowledge, in compliance with the approved plans, specifications and applicable
workmanship provisions of the code. Final inspections approval and/or issuance of the
Certificate of Occupancy will not occur until all Structural Observation reports have been
received and accepted by the City of San Antonio Building Official.
o
Sample Structural Observation Report is attached.
Notice of Non-Compliance:
o
Only submit as required by the building code as described under the responsibilities of the special
inspector.
o
Sample NNC attached
Report of Required Special Inspections:
o
Report prepared, signed, and submitted by each special inspector to the RDPiRC for the RDPiRC
to prepare the Final Report of Required inspections.
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Special Inspections Program Policies, Procedures & Guidelines
IBC2021 Section 1704 Special Inspections
Information Bulletin 132 Revised 05/01/2023
o
Submitting this report indicates that inspections and tests performed, either periodically or continuously,
represent all the work for the item inspected.
o
Copy to the general contractor.
Final Report of Required Special Inspections:
o
Report prepared, signed, and sealed by the RDPiRC to the owner for the owner or owner’s
representatives to submit to the building official – sample attached
o
Submitted upon completion of all special inspections and resolution of all NNC items.
o
Copy to the general contractor and all special inspectors listed in the report.
o
This report is required to be submitted prior to the issuance of a C of O and Temporary C of O
o
A technical review of the final report to ensure special inspectors are registered for the special
inspections will be completed by Development Services Department Building Official or Designee.
F)
Special Inspection Audit
The Development Services Department building inspectors will conduct a randomly generated audit of special
inspections and will be conducted at the time of the special inspection at the project site. The total number of
audits performed each month need not exceed 10.
A minimum of two audits are to be performed for each project randomly selected. All High-rise projects are to
have a minimum of two audits. A final report of the special inspections review will serve as the second audit for
the randomly generated projects.
General supervision of the audit function is assigned to the Commercial Inspections Supervisor. Auditors may be
of any classification of employees assigned to Development Services – Field Services Inspectors. Audits are to
be assigned by the Development Services staff.
The Development Services Department building inspectors will generate the Special Inspection Review
applicable to each special inspection identified in the approved plans and documents by the RDPiRC for
compliance with the Special Inspections Program.
A logbook of all the identified special inspections must be located on the job site and presented to the building
inspector for review when requested.
SIR’s are to be scheduled by the inspectors only and are not to be confused with an inspection request.
Failure of the general contractor to provide a log sheet on the job site will result in an immediate issuance of a
STOP WORK order by the building inspector.
Refer to E), Structural Observation Report for Structural Observation Report to be included in the SIR logbook at
the job site.
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[Date]
Registered Design Professional in Responsible Charge Letterhead
Revised 05/01/2023
[Owner]
[Owner Address 1]
[Owner Address 2]
[City, State, Zip]
Determination of Required Special Inspections Section 1704
Project: [Project Name]
[Permit # (If known)]
[Project Address]
San Antonio, Texas
Section 1704 of the International Building Code, as amended by the City of San Antonio, has been
reviewed. The following is a list of the required special inspections applicable to this project:
2021
IBC
Section
Type
of
Special
Inspections
and
Extent
Applicable
Non
-
Applicable
Continuous
or Periodic
1705.1.1
Special Cases
1705.2
Steel construction
1705.3
Concrete construction
1705.4
Masonry construction
1705.5
Wood construction
1705.6
Soils
1705.7
Driven deep foundations
1705.8
Cast-in-place deep foundations
1705.9
Helical pile foundations
1705.10
Structural integrity of deep foundation
elements
1705.1
1
Fabricated items
1705.1
2
Special Inspections for wind
resistance
1705.1
3
Special Inspections for seismic resistance
1705.1
4
Testing for seismic resistance
1705.1
5
Sprayed
fire
-
resistant
materials
1705.1
6
Mastic
and
intumescent
fire
-
resistant
coatings
1705.1
7
Exterior
insulation
and
finish
systems
(EIFS)
1705.1
8
Fire
-
resistant
penetrations
and
joints
1705.1
9
Testing
for
smoke
control
(see
IB185)
1705.20
Sealing of mass timber
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Determination of Required Special Inspections Page 2 of 2
[Project Name, Address]
1706
Design
Strengths
of
Materials
1707 Alternative Test Procedures
1708
In
-
Situ
Load
Tests
1709
Preconstruction
Load
Tests
At the completion of construction, a final report written by the Registered Design Professional in
Responsible Charge that documents all the special inspections required will be submitted to the
building official, via the Owner. It is our understanding that a Certificate of Occupancy will not
be issued by the City of San Antonio until this final report is received, indicating that there are
no remaining deficiencies.
A copy of the determination letter is to be supplied to all special inspectors performing special
inspections for this permit.
Respectfully,
[RDPiRC Firm Name]
[Signature of RDPiRC]
[Name of Registered Design Professional in Responsible Charge]
Cc: General Contractor
[RDPiRC Seal]
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Registered Design Professional in Responsible Charge Letterhead
Revised 05/01/2023
[Date]
[Owner]
[Owner address 1]
[Owner address 2]
[City, State, Zip]
Report of Required Special Inspections
Project: [Project Name]
[Project Address]
San Antonio, Texas
The appropriate design professionals prepared and submitted a list of required inspections (as
required by the International Building Code Section 1704.2 as amended by the City of San
Antonio) on the permit set of drawings submitted for a building permit for this project.
City of San Antonio Permit Number [AP# ]
As your special inspector for the specific required inspections listed below for this project during
construction, to the best of my information, knowledge and belief, the listed required inspections
and tests for this project have been performed and all discovered discrepancies have been
resolved.
Inspections and tests either performed periodically or continuously, represent all the work
for the item inspected.
Respectfully,
[Inspector Firm Name]
[Signature of Inspector]
[Name of Inspector]
Cc: General Contractor
[
Special Inspectors Seal]
(
If applicable)
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Inspections Required Special Inspector/SI#/Firm Name
Section 1705.1.1 Special Cases:
Section 1705.2 Steel Construction:
Section 1705.3 Concrete Construction:
Section 1705.4 Masonry Construction:
Section 1705.5 Wood Construction:
Section 1705.6 Soils:
Section 1705.7 Driven Deep Foundations:
Section 1705.8 Cast-in-place Deep Foundations:
Section 1705.9 Helical Pile Foundations:
Section 1705.10 Structural integrity of deep foundation elements: _____________________________
Section 1705.11 Fabricated items:
Section 1705.12 S.I. for Wind Resistance:
Section 1705.13 S.I. for Seismic Resistance:
Section 1705.14 Testing for Seismic Resistance:
Section 1705.15 Sprayed Fire-Resistant Materials:
Section 1705.16 Mastic & Intumescent Fire-Resistant Coatings:
Section 1705.17 Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS):
Section 1705.18 Fire Resistant Penetrations and Joints:
Section 1705.19 Special Inspection for Smoke Control (see IB 185):
Section 1705.20 Sealing of mass timber: __________________________________________________
Section 1706 Design Strengths of Materials:
Section 1707 Alternative Test Procedures:
Section 1708 In-Situ Load Tests:
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Section 1709 Preconstruction Load Test: ______________________________________________
NOTES:
List includes only the inspections performed by this inspector. Other inspectors for the
other required inspections listed on the permitted construction documents will submit other
statements.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
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Special Inspector Letterhead
Revised 05/01/2023
[Date]
[Owner]
[Owner address 1]
[Owner address 2]
[City, State, Zip]
NOTICE OF NON-COMPLIANCE
Project: [Project Name]
[Project Address]
San Antonio, Texas
City of San Antonio Permit Number [AP# ]
According to Section 1704.2.4 of the 2021 International Building Code, “Discrepancies shall be
brought to the attention of the building official and to the registered design professional in
responsible charge”.
As a special inspector for the specific required special inspections for this project during
construction. The special inspections performed indicate that the construction of the [Specify
construction] does not comply with the requirements of the construction documents.
DO NOT COVER OR CONCEAL ANY WORK IN AREAS OF NON-COMPLIANCE
UNTIL CORRECTING THE NON-COMPLIANT WORK AND RECEIVING A FIELD
REPORT INDICATING THE WORK IS CORRECTED.
Attached are test / inspection reports describing the non-compliant construction.
Respectfully,
[Special Inspector Firm Name]
[Signature of Inspector]
[Name of Inspector]
Cc: Registered Design Professional in Responsible Charge
City Building Official
General Contractor
[
Special Inspectors Seal]
(If applicable)
13
[Date]
Registered Design Professional in Responsible Charge Letterhead
Revised 05/01/2023
[Owner]
[Owner address 1]
[Owner address 2]
[City, State, Zip]
Final Report of Required Special Inspections
Project: [Project Name]
[Project Address]
San Antonio, Texas
The appropriate design professionals prepared and submitted a list of required inspections (as required by
the International Building Code Section 1704.2) on the permit set of drawings submitted for a building
permit for this project.
City of San Antonio Permit Number [AP# ]
As your registered design professional in responsible charge for all required inspections for this project during
construction; to the best of my information, knowledge and belief, the listed required inspections and test for
this project have been performed and all discovered discrepancies have been resolved.
Inspections and tests either performed periodically or continuously, represent all the work for the item
inspected.
Respectfully,
[RDPiRC Firm Name]
[Signature of Inspector]
[Name of Inspector]
Cc: General Contractor
[RDPiRC Seal]
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The following is a complete list of all the required inspections listed on the permitted construction documents
along with the names of the inspectors, City of San Antonio special inspector registration number, and
company name that inspected this project:
Inspections Required
Related Special Inspections Special Inspector/SI#/Firm
Geotechnical / Structural related Inspections
Section 1705.1.1 Special Cases:
Section 1705.2 Steel Construction:
Section 1705.3 Concrete Construction:
Section 1705.4 Masonry Construction:
Section 1705.5 Wood Construction:
Section 1705.6 Soils:
Section 1705.7 Driven Deep Foundations:
Section 1705.8 Cast-in-place Deep Foundations:
Section 1705.9 Helical Pile Foundations:
Section 1705.10 Structural integrity of deep foundation elements: ____________________________________________
Section 1705.11 Fabricated items:
Section 1705.12 S.I. for Wind Resistance:
Section 1705.13 S.I. for Seismic Resistance:
Section 1705.14 Testing for Seismic Resistance:
Architectural Related Inspections
Section 1705.15 Sprayed Fire-Resistant Materials:
Section 1705.16
Mastic & Intumescent Fire-Resistant Coatings:
Section 1705.17
Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS):
Section 1705.18
Fire Resistant Penetrations and Joints:
Mechanical Related Inspections
Section 1705.19
S.I. for Smoke Control (see IB 185):
Section 1705.20 Sealing of Mass Timber: _______________________________________________________________
Tests
Section 1706 Design Strengths of Materials:
Section 1707 Alternative Test Procedures:
Section 1708 In-Situ Load Tests:
Section 1709 Preconstruction Load Tests:
15
NOTES:
List includes only the inspections performed by this inspector. Other inspectors for the other required
inspections listed on the permitted construction documents will submit other statements.
Inspectors for inspections not required for this project are to be listed as “not required”. Inspections not
required remain on the list in order to inform the building official that this project does not require the
specific inspection.
Special inspections listed on the final report of special inspections must match the determination of
required special inspections letter on file for the permit. To remove or modify special inspections a revised
determination letter must be submitted to plan review.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
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Structural Observation Report
A structural observation must now visually observe the construction of structural systems for general design
conformance for all building assigned to Risk Category III or IV. The following are general requirements and
instructions for processing the Structural Observation Program form and general information for persons
responsible for the special inspections.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
The Structural Observer(s) must be the registered design professional responsible for the Structural
design or another registered design professional designated by the registered design professional
responsible for the Structural design, to perform the Structural observation.
Structural observations for structures (1704.6.1) – Structural observations shall be provided for those
structures where one or more of the following conditions exist:
The structure is classified as Risk Category III or IV.
The structure is a high-rise building.
The structure is assigned to Seismic Design Category E and is greater than two stories above the grade
plane.
Such observation is required by the registered design professional responsible for structural design.
Such observation is specifically required by the building official.
INSTRUCTIONS
REGISTERED DESIGN PROFESSIONAL: Complete all information requested on this form. Indicate the
ITEMS requiring Structural Observation. Seal, sign, and date the form. Submit to the city with the permit
application whenever the code requires Structural observations. This form may be reproduced in the
construction plans in lieu of submitting separate sheets.
PLAN REVIEWER: Review the Structural Observation Report form for accuracy and ensure that it identifies all
work requiring Structural Observation. Complete any missing information (i.e., project and/or permit
numbers) if known and indicate on the permit(s) "Structural Observation Required". The Structural
Observation form shall be processed before permit issuance.
CITY BUILDING OFFICIAL OR DESIGNEE: Review the Structural Observations Program form for the name
of the registered design professional responsible for the Structural Observation Program. Address any
Structural Observation concerns of the Building Official or Designee. Attend any necessary job conference
related to Structural Observation procedures. Review all required Structural Observation and final reports.
STRUCTURAL OBSERVATION: The registered design professional responsible for the Structural
Observation shall complete a signed written report after each site visit requiring Structural Observation. The
Structural Observer(s) shall ensure that all reports are posted with the permit at the job site and are
available to the City of San Antonio Inspector for review. All deviations from the approved plans or
specifications shall be brought to the immediate attention of the contractor for correction and, if uncorrected, to
the responsible registered design professional and to the City of San Antonio Building Official or Designee.
The Structural Observer shall submit a final signed report to the registered design professional and to the
City of San Antonio Building Official or Designee providing final test results and stating whether the items
requiring Structural observation were, to the best of the observer’s knowledge, in compliance with the
approved plans, specifications and applicable workmanship provisions of the code. Final inspections approval
and/or issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy will not occur until all Structural Observation reports have been
received and accepted by the City of San Antonio Structural Inspector.
17
STRUCTURAL OBSERVATION REPORT
POST AT JOB SITE WITH PERMIT
(General Requirements and Instructions on the backside of form)
TO BE COMPLETED BY REGISTERED DESIGN PROFESSIONAL
Project Name:
Project
Address:
Project
Owner/Owner’s
Agent
Name:
Mailing
Address:
Phone
No.
Registered
Design
Professional
of
Record
Name:
Mailing
Address:
Phone
No.
Firm
Name:
Email
Address:
Fax
No.
[Seal]
As the Registered Design Professional, I hereby affirm that I am familiar with the design of this
project and have been designated by the Owner/Owner(s) Agent as the registered design
professional responsible for conducting the Structural Observation Program required by the City
of San Antonio IB132 and 1704. I have determined that the items checked below require
Structural Observation. I understand and agree to inform the project owner, the contractor(s), and
the City of San Antonio Building Official about all Structural Observation requirements.
Signature:
Date:
ITEMS
R
EQUIRING
S
TRUCTURAL
O
BSERVATION
YES
NO
YES
NO
Structure classified as Risk Category III or IV
Refer to Table 1604.5
Structure is a high-rise building
Structure is > 75 ft above grade plane
Structure assigned to Seismic Design Category E and
is greater than two stories above grade plane
Structure > three stories above grade plane
Elevated post-tensioned concrete structures
Required by RDPiRC for the structural design
Structural prefab deferred units & connections
Required by the Building Official
(Attach Supplement if Necessary)
Certificate of Compliance:
[Seal]
I certify to the best of my knowledge the Structural Requirements of the City of San Antonio
construction Code and approved plans and specifications have been complied with insofar as the
portion of the work requiring Structural observation is concerned, except for those deviations that
have been previously reported. A guarantee that the contractor has constructed the building in full
accord with the plans and specifications is neither intended nor implied.
Signature: Date:
18
Attention ALL Special Inspector
CITY OF SAN ANTONIO
Development Services
New Qualification Requirements for all
Special Inspectors in the City of San Antonio
All Special Inspectors are required to be approved by the Building Official for the City of San Antonio.
Experience and/or Certifications such as the following (ICC, IAS, AWS, AISC, ASCE, ANSI, AWC, AISI,
AWCI or any other nationally recognized certification institutions approved by the building official: reference
page 19) shall be submitted to the Department. (See application)
Registered Design Professionals, Principal Engineers and Architects in the State of Texas are exempt from
submitting qualification requirements. Registered Design Professionals, Principal Engineers and Architects
acting as the Special Inspector will be required to provide their license number or SI ID# on the Special
Inspection Log Sheet.
Applications are available:
o
On the web: http//sanantonio.gov/dsd
o
In person: 1901 S. Alamo St. San Antonio, Texas 78204
19
City of San Antonio
Development Services Department
Special Inspector Qualification Reference Letter
I am familiar with the International Building Code and the City of San Antonio Special Inspection Program. As
a registered engineer/architect, it is my professional opinion that
(Insert Inspector’s Name) meets the training, experience, and competency requirements of these documents
and is qualified to act as a special inspector in accordance with 2021 IBC 1704.2.1 for each of the disciplines
checked off from the list below:
Structural Mechanical
Special cases 1705.1.1 Testing for smoke control (see IB 185) 1705.19
Steel construction 1705.2
Concrete construction 1705.3
Masonry construction 1705.4 Tests
Sealing of mass timber 1705.20 Design strengths of materials 1706
Alternative test procedures 1707
In-situ load tests 1708
Geotechnical Pre-construction load tests 1709
Soils 1705.6
Driven deep foundations 1705.7
Cast-in-place deep foundations 1705.8
Helical pile foundations 1705.9
Structural integrity of deep foundation
elements 1705.10
Architectural
Fabricated Items 1705.11
Special inspections for wind resistance 1705.12
Special inspections for seismic resistance 1705.13
Testing for seismic resistance 1705.14
Spray fire-resistant materials 1705.15
Mastic & intumescent fire-resistant coatings 1705.16
Exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) 1705.17
Fire-resistant penetrations & joints 1705.18
Note: * This form must be attached to the Special Inspector Application.
Respectfully,
[Engineer/Architect Name]
[Company address 1]
[Company address 2]
[City, State, Zip]
***This Page valid for permits acquired prior to 4-1-2021***
[Design Professional Seal]
20
Special Inspector Application
New Renewal Update Change of Employer
Company Name:
Applicant Name or Fabricator Company Name:
Mailing Address: City: State:
Zip Code: E-Mail:
Applicant Telephone: Company Number:
All submittals must include a completed application, resume providing minimum experience requirements, copies of
required certifications (or reference letter if applicable). Special inspection requirements are outlined in the City of
San Antonio Development Services Department in IB-132.
Fees
Every new and renewal application must include a $0.00 registration fee, valid for one (1) year. (This fee will be waived at this time
until department deems necessary).
Minimum Experience Requirements
Applicants shall comply with one of the following education and experience requirements:
Professional Engineer, Architect, or Registered Design Professional and a minimum three (3) months of relevant
work experience; or
Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering, Architecture, or Physical Science and a minimum of six (6) months
of relevant work experience, or Engineer-in-training, or
Two (2) years of verified college or technical school and a minimum of two years of verified relevant work
experience, or Engineer-in-training, or
High school or equivalent graduate and a minimum of two (2) years of verified relevant work experience; or
A minimum of three (3) years of verified relevant work experience.
A resume that describes your relevant experience and training for each special inspection discipline included in
your application.
A copy of the required third-party certification for each discipline included in your application.
For first-time applicants, only, a reference letter sealed by a Texas Registered
Professional Engineer or Architect may be submitted in lieu of the required certification. Approval by this method is firm-
specific and is non-transferable between companies.
This will only be valid for permits acquired prior to 4/1/2021, after which the required certifications must be obtained. ***All
permits issued on or before 3/31/21 may be inspected by special inspectors already approved with a design professional
seal through the completion of the project. ***
A sample reference letter is located on page 16.
City of San Antonio Development Service Department Special Inspector Application – Page 2 of 3
21
SUBMISSION OF SPECIAL INSPECTOR APPLICATION
Submission of an electronic copy of the Special Inspector Application. This electronic application in pdf format is uploaded to the
licensed professional online account. https://aca.sanantonio.gov/CitizenAccess/Default.aspx
or drop off in person to the first-floor reception desk, or mail to:
City of San Antonio Development Services Department
Special Inspections Program
C/o Chief Building Inspector
1901 S. Alamo St.
P.O. Box 839966
San Antonio, TX. 78283-3966
Printed Name Date
Signature Date
For more information or for a copy of this publication in an alternate format, please contact the
Building Inspections Supervisor at (210) 207-2750
City of San Antonio Development Service Department Special Inspector Application – Page 2 of 3
[Design Professional Seal]
22
Required Certifications for Special Inspector – Check each box that you are applying for:
Discipline
(Code Section)
Required Inspections Required Certifications
Structural (1705.1.1) Special Cases, Wall panels, curtain walls and
veneers
ICC Commercial Building Inspector or ICC Certified Building
Inspector
Structural
(1705.2)
Steel High-strength Bolting
Steel Welding
ICC
Structural
Steel
and
Bolting
SI
AWS, CWI or ICC Structural Steel & Welding Special Inspector
Structural
(1705.3)
Reinforced
Concrete
ICC
Reinforced
Concrete
SI
or
ACI
Concrete
Constr
uction
SI
Structural
(1705.3)
Prestressed
/
Precast
Concrete
Construction
ICC Reinforced Concrete SI or ACI Concrete SI and ICC
Prestressed SI or PTI Level 1&2 Unbonded PT Inspector
Structural
(1705.3)
Post-installed structural anchors in
concrete
ICC Reinforced Concrete SI or ACI Concrete SI or Manufacturers
approved installer
Structural
(1705.4)
Masonry
construction
including
veneer
ACI Masonry Field
Testing Tech
nician and
ICC
Structural Masonry
SI
Structural
(1705.5)
Wood
Construction
ICC Commercial Building Inspector or ICC Certified Building
Inspector
Geotechnical
(1705.6)
(1705.7) (1705.8)
(1705.9)
Soils, foundations: Driven deep, Cast-in-place
deep, Helical piles
ICC Soils SI or NICET II (geotechnical or construction, or
construction material testing soils)
Geotechnical (1705.10)
Structural integrity of deep foundation
elements
Architectural
(1705.1
1
)
Fabricated
Items
ICC Commercial Building Inspector or ICC Certified Building
Inspector
Architectural
(1705.1
2
)
S.I.
for
Wind
Resistance
ICC Commercial Building Inspector or ICC Certified Building
Inspector
Architectural
(1705.1
3
)
S.I. for Seismic
Resistance
ICC Commercial Building Inspector or ICC Certified Building
Inspector
Architectural
(1705.1
4
)
Testing
for
Seismic
Resistance
ICC Commercial Building Inspector or ICC Certified Building
Inspector
Architectural (1705.15) Spray fire-resistant materials ICC Spray-applied Fireproofing SI or ICC Fire Inspector
Architectural (1705.16) Mastic and intumescent fire-resistant coatings ICC Spray-applied Fireproofing SI or ICC Fire Inspector
Architectural
(1705.1
7
)
Exterior
insulation
and
finish
system
(EIFS)
AWCI
EIFS
Inspector
Architectural
(1705.1
8
)
Fire
-
resistant
Penetrations
and
Joints
UL
or
FM
firestop
examination,
IFC
Special
Inspector
Mechanical (1705.19)
Smoke control
Nationally Recognized Certification in air balance, smoke control,
life safety or mechanical inspections. Recognized organizations
include ICC, IAPMO, AABC, NEBB, TABB, NFPA, OSHA, IFC and
CSP. Other organizations will be considered.
Structural (1705.20)
Sealing of
M
ass
T
imber
ICC Tall Mass Timber SI
Structural
(1706)
Design
Strengths
of
Materials
ICC Commercial Building Inspector or ICC Certified Building
Inspector
Architectural/ Structural
(1707)
Alternative Test Procedure ICC Commercial Building Inspector or ICC Certified Building
Inspector
Structural (1708) In-situ Load Tests Engineer
Structural
(1709)
Preconstruction
Load
Tests
Engineer
Created: July,2019 Revised: 05/01/2023
City of San Antonio Development Service Department Special Inspector Application – Page 3 of 3
23
Special Inspections Type Key
Type
Description
of
Discipline
Structural
STR-1 Special cases, wall panels, curtain walls and veneers
STR
-
2
Steel
Construction
(Includes
STR
-
3
&
STR
-
4)
STR
-
3
Steel
welding
STR
-
4
Cold
formed
steel
trusses
spanning
60’
or
greater
STR
-
5
Reinforced
concrete
STR
-
6
Pre
-
stressed/Precast
Concrete
Construction
STR
-
7
Post
-
installed
structural
anchors
in
concrete
STR
-
8
Masonry
construction
including
veneer
STR
-
9
Wood
construction
Geotechnical
GEO-1
Soils, driven deep foundations, cast-in-place deep foundations,
helical piles foundations
Architectural
ARC-1 Mastic and intumescent fire-resistant coating
ARC
-
2
Exterior
insulation
and
finish
system
(EIFS)
ARC
-
3
Fire
-
resistant
penetrations
and
joints
ARC
-
4
Special
Inspection
for
Wind
Resistance
ARC
-
5
Testing
for
Seismic
Resistance
ARC
-
6
Spray
Fire
-
Resistant Materials
ARC
-
7
Design
Strength
of
Materials
ARC
-
8
Alternative
Test
Procedures
ARC
-
9
In
-
Situ
Load
Tests
ARC
-
10
Preconstruction
Load
Tests
ARC
-
11
Fabricated
Items
ARC
-
12
Special
Inspections
for
Seismic
Resistance
Mechanical
MEC
-
1
Smoke
control
Project Name: Permit#:
Registered Design Professional in Responsible Charge (RDPiRC):
Attach a copy of the Determination letter of Special Inspections to this log sheet.
SPECIAL INSPECTIONS STATUS LOG
Date
Required item
Inspected or Tested
Area / Location
Special Inspector
name and ID#
Pass/ Fail/
Pending
Remarks/ Further action required
1705.1.1 Special Cases / 1705.2 Steel Construction / 1705.3 Concrete Construction / 1705.4 Masonry Construction / 1705.5 Wood Construction / 1705.6 Soils / 1705.7 Driven Deep
Foundations / 1705.8 Cast-in-Place Deep Foundations / 1705.9 Helical Pile Foundations / 1705.10 Structural integrity of deep foundations / 1705.11 Fabricated Items / 1705.12 Special
Inspections for Wind / 1705.13 Special Inspections for Seismic Resistance / 1705.15 Sprayed Fire-Resistant Materials / 1705.16 Mastic and Intumescent Fire-Resistant Coatings /
1705.17 Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) / 1705.18 Fire-Resistant Penetrations and Joints / 1705.19 Testing for Smoke Control (See IB 185) / 1705.20 Sealing of mass
timber / 1706 Design Strengths of Materials / 1707 Alternative Test Procedures / 1708 In-Situ Load Tests / 1709 Preconstruction Load Tests
24
