Every Inspection.
One Compact Catalogue.

1704.26 Aluminum construction. The special inspections for structural aluminum elements of buildings and structures shall be as required by Section 1704.26.1‡.

1704.26.1 Welding operations. All welding operations of aluminum elements shall be subject to special inspection for compliance with this code, AA ASM-35, Parts 1A and 1B of the Aluminum Design Manual, and AWS D1.2.

Exception: Welding operations in connections where the calculated stresses in the welds are less than 50 percent of the basic allowable values.

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1704.4 Concrete construction. The special inspections and verifications for concrete construction shall be as required by this section and Table 1704.4.

Exception: Special inspections shall not be required for the following when specifically exempted on the approved construction documents:

1. Concrete placement of less than 50 cubic yards (38 m3)‡ provided that the concrete is nonstructural and is not subject to the durability requirements of Section 1904. In such case, testing may be waived by the registered design professional who prepared the structural construction documents.
2. Nonstructural concrete slabs supported directly on the ground, including prestressed slabs on grade, where the effective prestress in the concrete is less than 150 psi (1.03 Mpa).
3. Concrete foundation(s) for lightweight fences and recreational equipment.
4. Concrete patios, site furnishings, garden walls, driveways, sidewalks and similar construction.

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3304.4 Protection of sides of excavations.

3304.4.1 Shoring, bracing and sheeting. The sides of all excavations, including related or resulting embankments, that are 5 feet (1524 mm) or greater in depth or height measured from the level of the adjacent ground surface to the deepest point of the excavation shall be protected and maintained by shoring, bracing, sheeting, sheet piling, or by other retaining structures as may be necessary to prevent the sides of the excavation from caving in before permanent supports are provided. Such methods of protection shall be subject to special inspection in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 17.

Alternatively, excavation sides may be sloped not steeper than 45 degrees (0.79 rad)‡ or stepped so that the average slope is not steeper than 45 degrees (0.79 rad)‡ with no step more than 5 feet (1524 mm) high, provided such slope does not endanger any structure, including subsurface structures. Deviation from the foregoing limitations for cut slopes shall be permitted only upon the completion of a soil investigation report acceptable to the commissioner.

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907.19 Inspection, testing and maintenance. The maintenance and testing schedules and procedures for fire alarm and fire detection systems shall be in accordance with the New York City Fire Code.

907.16 Acceptance tests. Upon completion of the installation of the fire alarm system, alarm notification appliances and circuits, alarm-initiating devices and circuits, supervisory-signal initiating devices and circuits, signaling line circuits, and primary and secondary power supplies shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 72.

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109.3.2 lowest floor elevation. In areas of special flood hazzard, upon placement of the lowest floor, including the basement (for flood zone purposes), and prior to further vertical construction, the elevation report required in item 1 of Section G shall be submitted to the department.

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TR-1 Private Onsite Disposal System Inspection

A private (PVT) onsite disposal system is a self-contained sewage treatment and absorption system installed on a property that is not connected — or not yet connected — to the NYC municipal sewer network. While most of New York City’s five boroughs are served by the DEP sewer system, private onsite disposal systems remain in active use on properties in Staten Island, eastern Queens, and areas of Brooklyn where sewer laterals have not been extended, and are also required for certain new construction projects on large or remote lots.

System types covered under this inspection:

• Septic tanks — underground chambers that collect and partially treat sewage before discharging to a soil absorption field
• Cesspools — older pit-based systems that allow liquid waste to seep into the surrounding soil; subject to NYC DEP elimination programs in many areas
• Soil absorption systems (leach fields) — subsurface distribution pipes or chambers that disperse pre-treated effluent into the ground

When a TR-1 Progress Inspection Is Required

A TR-1 PVT onsite disposal system inspection is required by the NYC Department of Buildings when an onsite disposal system is included as part of a new construction or alteration permit. The inspection must be performed before the system is covered or backfilled — once buried, verification of code compliance is no longer possible without excavation.

What EZTR1 Inspects

EZTR1’s certified TR-1 progress inspectors verify the following against the approved DOB construction drawings and NYC Plumbing Code (PC) requirements:

• System location and setback distances — minimum clearances from property lines, foundations, wells, and drainage areas are confirmed on site
• Tank and absorption field sizing — dimensions and capacity match the approved design based on calculated daily sewage flow
• Depth of installation — cover depths comply with the approved drawings and code minimums
• Inlet and outlet pipe connections — proper tee connections, baffle placement, and effluent distribution confirmed before backfill

All inspection findings are documented in the TR-1 progress inspection report filed directly with the NYC Department of Buildings. Inspections are timed to occur at the construction milestone before the system is covered, to avoid costly re-excavation.

Ready to schedule your TR-1 PVT onsite disposal system inspection? Contact EZTR1 to coordinate timing with your plumbing contractor before backfill.

1704.25 Through-penetration firestop systems, concealed draftstop and fireblock systems. All through-penetration firestopping, draftstopping and fireblocking shall be subject to periodic special inspection prior to concealment to determine compliance with the approved construction documents. Listed systems shall be inspected for compliance with their listing.

Exception: Through-penetration firestop systems may be inspected in accordance with ASTM E 2174-04 when authorized by the registered design professional of record and when the contractor applies the procedures established in that standard.

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1704.17 High-pressure-steam piping. High-pressure-steam piping regulated by Section 1210 of the New York City Mechanical Code, shall be subject to special inspection in accordance with this section.

1704.17.1 Welding. The special inspector shall verify the qualifications of the welder and the quality of the welding materials and equipment prior to welding operations. The special inspector shall review the proposed welding procedures for compliance with applicable standards listed in Section 1210.4 of the New York City Mechanical Code.1704.17.2 Welding operations. The special inspector shall perform periodic inspection of the pipe joining and welding operations in accordance with the above. Radiographic testing shall be applied to connections as indicated in Section 1210.4.9 of the New York City Mechanical Code. Unacceptable connections and installations shall be rejected.

1704.17.2 Welding operations. The special inspector shall perform periodic inspection of the pipe joining and welding operations in accordance with the above. Radiographic testing shall be applied to connections as indicated in Section 1210.4.9 of the New York City Mechanical Code. Unacceptable connections and installations shall be rejected.

1704.17.3 Testing of high-pressure-steam piping. Hydrostatic testing shall be performed on the completed installation of new and altered systems in accordance with Section 1210.4.10 of the New York City Mechanical Code.

Exception: Testing requirements shall not apply to alteration or repairs to existing high-pressure-steam piping systems in which the integrity of the piping is not affected. Such alterations shall be visually inspected for compliance with the approved construction documents.

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1704.5 Masonry construction. Masonry construction shall be inspected and evaluated in accordance with the requirements of this section, depending on the structural occupancy category of the building or structure or nature of occupancy, as defined by this code (see Table 1604.5 and Section 1616.2).

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SIGN-ON / Inspect / SIGN-OFF (package

1704.15 Special inspection for mechanical systems. Mechanical systems regulated by Sections 107 and 507 and Chapters 10, 11 and 12 of the New York City Mechanical Code shall be inspected for conformance with the approved construction documents.

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Sign on / Inspect / S-OFF (package) Including preparation of up to 3 Equipment Use Cards

109.2 Preliminary inspection. Refer to Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the Administrative Code.

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TR-1 Private Onsite Disposal System Inspection

A private (PVT) onsite disposal system is a self-contained sewage treatment and absorption system installed on a property that is not connected — or not yet connected — to the NYC municipal sewer network. While most of New York City’s five boroughs are served by the DEP sewer system, private onsite disposal systems remain in active use on properties in Staten Island, eastern Queens, and areas of Brooklyn where sewer laterals have not been extended, and are also required for certain new construction projects on large or remote lots.

System types covered under this inspection:

• Septic tanks — underground chambers that collect and partially treat sewage before discharging to a soil absorption field
• Cesspools — older pit-based systems that allow liquid waste to seep into the surrounding soil; subject to NYC DEP elimination programs in many areas
• Soil absorption systems (leach fields) — subsurface distribution pipes or chambers that disperse pre-treated effluent into the ground

When a TR-1 Progress Inspection Is Required

A TR-1 PVT onsite disposal system inspection is required by the NYC Department of Buildings when an onsite disposal system is included as part of a new construction or alteration permit. The inspection must be performed before the system is covered or backfilled — once buried, verification of code compliance is no longer possible without excavation.

What EZTR1 Inspects

EZTR1’s certified TR-1 progress inspectors verify the following against the approved DOB construction drawings and NYC Plumbing Code (PC) requirements:

• System location and setback distances — minimum clearances from property lines, foundations, wells, and drainage areas are confirmed on site
• Tank and absorption field sizing — dimensions and capacity match the approved design based on calculated daily sewage flow
• Depth of installation — cover depths comply with the approved drawings and code minimums
• Inlet and outlet pipe connections — proper tee connections, baffle placement, and effluent distribution confirmed before backfill

All inspection findings are documented in the TR-1 progress inspection report filed directly with the NYC Department of Buildings. Inspections are timed to occur at the construction milestone before the system is covered, to avoid costly re-excavation.

Ready to schedule your TR-1 PVT onsite disposal system inspection? Contact EZTR1 to coordinate timing with your plumbing contractor before backfill.

1704.20 Site storm drainage disposal and detention facilities. Storm water detention facilities, roof retention facilities and dry-well systems shall be inspected for conformance with the approved construction documents. Minor variations, based on actual site conditions, shall be acceptable at the discretion of the registered design professional of record. Verification shall include:

1. Materials of construction.
2. Bedding of pipe and facilities.
3. Placement and installation of fill materials.
4. Volume of drywell and detention facilities.
5. Installation of volume flow control devices.
6. Workmanship and quality of installation.
7. Overall conformance with the approved construction documents. Hydrostatic testing of the detention system shall be required when the system is designed as watertight.

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1704.20.1 Soil percolation tests. Soil percolation tests shall be performed at the site of a proposed individual on-site private sewage disposal system installation to determine the suitability of the soil and site. Such test shall be performed under the supervision of a special inspector. The results of the percolation tests shall be filed on forms provided by the department, stating the suitability of the site and the capacity of the subsoil for the proposed use. The registered design professional of record for the dry-well system shall be notified immediately if the results of the percolation test demonstrate that the approved system may not function as designed.

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1704.11 Sprayed fire-resistant materials. Special inspections for sprayed fire-resistant materials applied to structural elements and decks shall be in accordance with Sections 1704.11.1 through 1704.11.5. Special inspections shall be based on the fire-resistance design as designated in the approved construction documents.

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1704.3.4 Cold-formed steel construction. Cold-formed steel used structurally shall be subject to the special inspection requirements of Section 1704.3 and Table 1704.3. In addition, the following requirements shall be inspected for compliance by the special inspector:
1. The special inspector shall check for compliance with the requirements of Section 2209.1.3.
2. Temporary bracing, shoring, jacks, etc., shall not be removed until the special inspector determines that they are no longer needed.

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VERIFICATION AND INSPECTION CONTINUOUS PERIODIC REFERENCED
STANDARDa BC REFERENCE

1. Material verification of high-strength bolts, nuts and washers:
a. Identification markings to conform to ASTM standards specified in the approved construction documents.
Applicable ASTM material specifications; AISC 335, Section A3.4; AISC LRFD, Section A3.3 —
b. Manufacturer’s certificate of compliance required.

2. Inspection of high-strength bolting:
a. Bearing-type connections.
Note b AISC LRFD Section M2.5 1704.3.3
b. Slip-critical connections.

3. Material verification of structural steel:
a. Identification markings to conform to ASTM standards specified in the approved construction documents.
— — ASTM A 6 or ASTM A 568 1708.4
b. Manufacturers’ certified mill test reports.

— — ASTM A 6 or ASTM A 568
4. Material verification of weld filler materials:
a. Identification markings to conform to AWS specification in the approved construction documents.
— — AISC, ASD, Section A3.6;
AISC LRFD, Section A3.5 —
b. Manufacturer’s certificate of compliance required.

5. Inspection of welding:
a. Structural steel:
1) Complete and partial penetration groove welds.
AWS D1.1 1704.3.1
2) Multipass fillet welds.
3) Single—pass fillet welds > 5/16″
4) Single-pass fillet welds ≤ 5/16″
5) Floor and roof deck welds.
— X AWS D1.3 —
b. Reinforcing steel:
— — AWS D1.4
ACI 318: 3.5.2 1903.5.2
1) Verification of weldability of reinforcing steel other than ASTM A 706.
2) Reinforcing steel-resisting flexural and axial forces in intermediate and special moment frames, and boundary elements of special reinforced concrete shear walls and shear reinforcement.
3) Shear reinforcement.
Note a —
4) Other reinforcing steel.

6. Inspection of steel frame joint details for compliance with approved constructio

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1704.7.1 Subgrade inspection.Immediately prior to placement of the footings, foundations, fill or other supporting materials the special inspector shall determine that the site has been preparedand isin accordance with the approved geotechnical report

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TR-1 Vertical Masonry Foundation Elements

Vertical masonry foundation elements are a required special inspection category under NYC Building Code Section 1704.9, applying to new construction where concrete masonry units (CMU), brick, or other masonry materials are used in load-bearing foundation walls, basement walls, party walls, or below-grade structural elements. Unlike wood or steel framing inspections, BC 1704.9 masonry inspection is a Chapter 17 special inspection — meaning it must be performed by a registered special inspection agency such as EZTR1, not simply a DOB progress inspector.

Where this inspection applies in NYC construction

Vertical masonry foundation inspections are most commonly required in:

• Brooklyn and Manhattan brownstone and row house construction — where CMU block or structural brick forms the bearing wall system from the foundation up
• Low-rise mixed-use buildings — where CMU foundation walls and party walls are specified in the approved structural drawings
• New high-rise foundation systems — where masonry retaining or foundation walls are used in below-grade construction on constrained urban sites

What EZTR1 Inspects Under BC 1704.9

EZTR1’s certified special inspectors verify masonry construction at each required inspection stage:

• Masonry unit placement — units are set in conformance with the approved drawings for wall thickness, coursing height, and bond pattern
• Mortar joint thickness and consistency — joints are within the specified range and fully bedded
• Grout pour and lift heights — grout is placed in lifts not exceeding code-specified maximums per the approved mix design
• Reinforcing bar placement — vertical and horizontal rebar is positioned, sized, and spaced per the structural drawings before grouting occurs
• Wall height and alignment — walls are plumb and dimensionally compliant with approved documents at each inspection level

Common Deficiencies Found

The most frequent findings in NYC masonry inspections include improper grout consolidation in CMU cores, rebar displaced from specified location before grouting, and mortar joint thickness outside the ⅜”–⅝” range required by BC 2104.

All findings are documented in the TR-1 special inspection report filed directly with the NYC Department of Buildings.

Ready to schedule your BC 1704.9 masonry special inspection? Contact EZTR1 to coordinate with your masonry contractor.

1704.6.1 Fabrication of high-load diaphragms. High-load diaphragms using values from Table 2306.3.2 shall be installed with special inspections as indicated in Section 1704.1. The special inspector shall inspect the wood structural panel sheathing to ascertain whether it is of the grade and thickness shown on the approved construction documents. Additionally, the special inspector must verify the nominal size of framing members at adjoining panel edges, the nail or staple diameter and length, the number of fastener lines and that spacing between fasteners in each line and at edge margins agrees with the approved construction documents.

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