Statements of Special Inspections

[Yankee Chronicler]

I do most of the commercial (non-IRC) plan reviews for our department. We have a tremendous problem with statements of special inspections. Even though the SSI is required under sections 107.1 and 1704.2.3 of the IBC (2021), I'd estimate that at least 60% of the time we don't receive one with the application and the construction drawings. When we do finally receive the SSI, it's more often than not unsigned by the owner (and not infrequently also not signed by the design professional), doesn't cover the scope of trades on the project (or they use the CASE Form 101 template and leave ALL the special inspections tasks filled in, even when they don't apply), don't indicate which tasks are to be continuous inspection and which are to be periodic, and (if they do accidentally indicate continuous/period) don't state what the frequency is for periodic special inspections.

We currently have a project that the developer is itching to get started. Their sitework contractor has had machines sitting on the site for at least a month, and the plans were approved a couple of weeks ago, but we can't issue a permit because the SSI is a hot steamin' mess.

Are we just uniquely blessed/cursed? Do other jurisdictions have similar problems getting acceptable statements of special inspections?

And on that note: What percentage of SSIs do you see coming in on the CASE Form 101, vs what percentage of SSIs do you see on some other form/format?

 

[TheCommish]

Why is it that BO have knowledge of all the submittal requirements and the credentialed professional have the dear in the headlights look.

Thanks for the link to the form

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

Why is it that BO have knowledge of all the submittal requirements and the credentialed professional have the dear in the headlights look.

Thanks for the link to the form

Why is it that the CASE Form 101 includes two pages of instructions (which they submit with their SSI), yet from they way they fill out the form it's obvious they don't bother to read the instructions?

 

[TheCommish]

We provide many pages of written instruction for various stages of projects. You are correct they don't read, so when I point out the instructions the disagreement ends, the dumb looks and back peddling begins.

 

[EugeneNinniePEAIA]

I do most of the commercial (non-IRC) plan reviews for our department. We have a tremendous problem with statements of special inspections. Even though the SSI is required under sections 107.1 and 1704.2.3 of the IBC (2021), I'd estimate that at least 60% of the time we don't receive one with the application and the construction drawings. When we do finally receive the SSI, it's more often than not unsigned by the owner (and not infrequently also not signed by the design professional), doesn't cover the scope of trades on the project (or they use the CASE Form 101 template and leave ALL the special inspections tasks filled in, even when they don't apply), don't indicate which tasks are to be continuous inspection and which are to be periodic, and (if they do accidentally indicate continuous/period) don't state what the frequency is for periodic special inspections.

We currently have a project that the developer is itching to get started. Their sitework contractor has had machines sitting on the site for at least a month, and the plans were approved a couple of weeks ago, but we can't issue a permit because the SSI is a hot steamin' mess.

Are we just uniquely blessed/cursed? Do other jurisdictions have similar problems getting acceptable statements of special inspections?

And on that note: What percentage of SSIs do you see coming in on the CASE Form 101, vs what percentage of SSIs do you see on some other form/format?

Thats because most design professionals are LAZY and do not READ!....They throw it on the plans without any regard for what it means, the implications and what is actually needed and most important WHY. Then when they find out they are the main cause of delay, they start their spin doctor BS like our career politicians, which sends up a red flag in my book and tells me volumes about the integrity and aptitude of these so called professionals.