Special Inspections/Third Party Agreement

Code Reference: 2018 NC Building Code

SECTION 1705 | Required Special Inspections & Tests

1705.1.2 Specific elements always requiring special inspections

Special inspections in accordance with Sections 1704 and 1705 are required for the following elements only, regardless of the building or structure that they are in:

1. Piles, piers, and special foundations (Sections 1705.7, 1705.8, 1705.9,1810.3.5.2.4, 1810.3.5.2.5)

2. Sprayed fire-resistant materials (Section 1705.14)

3. Mastic and intumescent fire-resistant coatings (Section 1705.15)

4. Smoke control and smoke exhaust systems (Section 1705.18)

5. Retaining walls and retaining systems exceeding five feet (1524 mm) of unbalanced backfill height (Section 1807.2)

NOTE: Special inspections are not required for other elements unless the building or structure is one identified in Section 1705.1.3).

1705.1.3 Structures requiring special inspections

Special inspections in accordance with Sections 1704 and 1705 are required for the building, building components, or other structures according to the following:

1. Buildings or other structures listed in Table 1604.5 in Risk Category II if:

1.1 Building height exceeds 45 feet (13.7 m) or three stories, or; 

1.2 The building is an underground building in accordance with Section 405.1.

SECTION 1705 | Required Special Inspections & Tests

1705.1.2 Specific elements always requiring special inspections
Special inspections in accordance with Sections 1704 and 1705 are required for the following elements only, regardless of the building or structure that they are in:

1. Piles, piers and special foundations (Sections 1705.7, 1705.8, 1705.9,1810.3.5.2.4, 1810.3.5.2.5)
2. Sprayed fire-resistant materials (Section 1705.14)
3. Mastic and intumescent fire-resistant coatings (Section 1705.15)
4. Smoke control and smoke exhaust systems (Section 1705.18)
5. Retaining walls and retaining systems exceeding five feet (1524 mm) of unbalanced backfill height (Section 1807.2)

NOTE: Special inspections are not required for other elements unless the building or structure is one identified in Section 1705.1.3.

1705.1.3 Structures requiring special inspections
Special inspections in accordance with Sections 1704 and 1705 are required for the building, building components, or other structures according to the following:

1. Buildings or other structures listed in Table 1604.5 in Risk Category II if:
   1.1 Building height exceeds 45 feet (13.7 m) or three stories, or;
   1.2 The building is an underground building in accordance with Section 405.1.

The following are required to be included in the project construction documents:

1. Statement of Special Inspections (SSI)
   This form identifies the scope of special inspection requirements specific to a project and identifies the agencies and/or inspectors responsible for providing those services. The prime designer should coordinate with all members of the design team to ensure all required special inspections on the project are identified in the form and incorporated into the construction drawing. Submit this form during plan review.

Code Reference: 2018 NC Administrative Code

107.5 Special Inspections. Special inspections required by the building code or the building inspector shall be performed by a NC registered design professional or an inspector under their responsible charge.

Third Party Agreement

Third party agreements must be approved prior to construction. Click here to download the Third Party Inspections Agreement.