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D.C. Municipal Regulations (Last Updated: September 13, 2017) |
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Title 12. CONSTRUCTION CODES SUPPLEMENT OF 2013 |
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SubTilte 12-A. BUILDING CODE SUPPLEMENT OF 2013 |
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Chapter 12-A1. ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT |
Section 12-A109. INSPECTIONS
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Strike Chapter 1 of the International Building Code in its entirety and insert the following in its place to read as follows:
109.1 General. Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the code official and such construction or work shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved. It shall be the duty of the permit holder to cause the work to remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes. Approval as a result of an inspection shall not be construed to be an approval of a violation of the provisions of the Construction Codes or of other laws or regulations of the District of Columbia. Regardless of whether the code official inspects the construction or work, it is the responsibility of the permit holder and the individual or entity doing the work to comply with all applicable provisions of the Construction Codes. The permit holder shall be liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required to allow inspection.
109.1.1 Preliminary Inspection. Before issuing a permit, the code official shall, if deemed necessary, examine or cause to be examined all premises, buildings, and other structures for which a permit application has been filed.
109.2 Required Inspections and Testing. The permit holder shall be responsible for notifying the code official when the stages of construction are reached that require any inspection under Section 109 and for other critical items as directed by the code official. The code official upon notification shall make the inspections specified in this Section 109 and such other inspections as necessary, and shall either approve that portion of the construction or shall notify the permit holder of any violations that shall be corrected. The code official shall not be responsible for conducting inspections unless appropriately notified. It shall be the duty of the person requesting any inspections required by the Construction Codes to provide access to and means for inspection of such work.
109.2.1 Inspection Record Card. Work requiring a permit shall not be commenced until the permit holder or an agent of the permit holder has posted or otherwise made available the inspection record card issued by the code official. The inspection record card shall be maintained available by the permit holder on the job site until final approval has been granted by the code official.
109.3 Types of Inspections. After issuing a building permit, the code official or approved agency shall conduct the types of inspections specified in Section 109 from time to time during and upon completion of the work for which a permit has been issued. A record of all such inspections and of all noted violations of the Construction Codes shall be maintained by the code official.
109.3.1 Building Inspections.
109.3.1.1 Footing Inspection. Footing inspection is required prior to concrete placement, after trenches are excavated, forms are erected and reinforcement is installed. The inspection shall include confirming that the soil classification, soil compaction and soil bearing capacity specified in the approved plans are consistent with the field conditions and available soils testing data. The appropriate erosion and sediment control measures must be in place and functional.
109.3.1.2 As-Built Foundation Survey (Wall Check). Wall check survey is required before wall reaches a height of 1 foot (305 mm) above footer, or, in the case of other vertical construction, when a template or form is located and noted. The D.C. Office of the Surveyor is authorized to require up to three wall checks depending on the design of the structure: below grade at footer, near grade, and final grade. Surveys, wall examinations and reports, and field notes shall comply with 10 DCMR B §§ 2802, 2810-2812. Wall check surveys shall be performed by a D.C. Registered Land Surveyor. Wall reports, including drawings and field notes, shall be filed with the D.C. Office of the Surveyor. Surveying practices should comply with standards set forth in the current “Manual Of Practices For Real Property Surveying In The District Of Columbia.” Authorization to continue construction of any building or other structure beyond construction of the foundation shall not be issued until a wall report has been prepared and submitted to the Department. The wall report shall confirm that the location and elevation of the building or other structure conform to the approved plans and the provisions of the Construction Codes and other applicable District of Columbia regulations.
109.3.1.3 Foundation Inspection. Foundation inspection is required prior to backfill for inspection of footings, sheeting and shoring, waterproofing, insulation, and location of walls and columns with respect to footings, crawl space or basement foundation walls, piles and piers.
109.3.1.4 Concrete Slab or Under-floor Inspection. Concrete slab and under-floor inspections are required after in-slab or under-floor reinforcing steel is in place to verify reinforcement size, spacing, concrete cover, splicing, vapor barrier, mesh and insulation. For slab-on-grade foundations, any required forms shall be in place prior to inspection.
109.3.1.5 Floodplain Certificate. For any project located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, inspection is required upon placement of the lowest floor, including basement, and prior to further vertical construction. The code official shall require submission of a certification of the elevation of the lowest floor, including basement, prepared by a registered professional engineer or land surveyor, as required in Section 1612.5 of the Building Code.
109.3.1.6 Pre-Cladding Inspection. Inspection is required after the roof, wall bracing, windows, doors, flashings and moisture barrier are installed and prior to placement of exterior cladding.
109.3.1.7 Framing Inspection. Inspection is required after wiring, piping, chimneys, duct and vents to be concealed are in place, accessibility provisions are in the rough stage, and all electrical, plumbing and mechanical rough inspections are approved.
109.3.1.8 Energy Efficiency and Insulation Inspections. Inspection of building thermal envelope requirements shall be performed before covering them with any other materials. Inspections to determine compliance with the Energy Conservation Code and the Green Construction Code shall be conducted by each trade inspector.
109.3.1.9 Gypsum Board Inspection. An inspection is required of gypsum board, both interior and exterior, that is part of a fire or smoke-rated assembly, a shear assembly, a shaft or a sound transmission construction after the gypsum board is in place, but before the outer layer of gypsum board joints and fasteners are taped and finished.
109.3.1.10 Accessibility Inspection. An inspection is required of all accessibility features prior to the final inspection.
109.3.1.11 Final Inspection. A final inspection is required after all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fuel gas, elevator and conveying systems, Energy Conservation Code, and Green Construction Code final inspections and special inspections, if applicable, are recorded, and the structure, building or portion thereof is completed in compliance with the Construction Codes.
109.3.2 Electrical Inspections.
109.3.2.1 Underground and Slab Inspection. Inspection is required after trenches or ditches are excavated, forms are erected, conduit or cable are installed, and before any backfill or concrete is put in place.
109.3.2.2 Service Inspection. Inspection of each new and upgraded electrical service is required before the service entrance equipment is authorized to be energized.
109.3.2.3 Rough-in Inspection. Inspection is required after the roof, framing, fire blocking, bracing, and wiring are in place, and prior to the installation of insulation and wall and ceiling membranes.
109.3.2.4 Fire Alarm Systems Rough. Inspection of fixed portions of fire detection and alarm systems, whether to be concealed or not, is required before installation of any concealing materials, for inspection of method of installation, clearances and supports.
109.3.2.5 Fire Alarm Systems Final Inspection. Final inspection is required of permitted work in fire detection and alarm systems, for proper initiation, notification, annunciation and operation. This inspection shall include an acceptance test of the system in accordance with the relevant standard.
109.3.2.6 Final Electrical Inspection. A final electrical inspection is required after the building or other structure is complete, all required electrical outlets, switches and fixtures are in place and properly connected and protected, and the structure, building or portion thereof is ready for occupancy.
109.3.3 Plumbing Inspections.
109.3.3.1 Underground and Slab Inspection. Inspection is required after trenches or ditches are excavated, forms are erected, and piping is installed, and before any backfill or concrete is put in place. Piping to be covered shall be tested for leaks under appropriate hydrostatic pressure. The appropriate erosion and sediment control measures must be in place and functional.
109.3.3.2 Rough-in Inspection. Inspection is required prior to the installation of wall and ceiling membranes, after the roof, framing, fire blocking and bracing are in place, and all water, soil, waste and vent piping is complete. Piping to be covered shall be tested for leaks under appropriate hydrostatic pressure.
109.3.3.3 Fire Service Flush Inspection. Fire service flush inspection is required prior to connection of the service to any portion of the fire pump or sprinkler system, for removal of all debris in the fire service water.
109.3.3.4 Fire Suppression Systems Hydro Inspection. Before installation of any concealing materials, an inspection is required of fixed portions of fire suppression systems piping, whether to be concealed or not, for method of installation, clearances and supports and to test for leaks under appropriate gas, air or hydrostatic pressure.
109.3.3.5 Fire Pump Inspection. Before final inspection of a water fire suppression system, where a new or replacement fire pump assembly is installed, a fire pump inspection is required, for proper installation, initiation, pressure, flow and operation. This inspection shall include an acceptance test of the pump in accordance with the relevant standard.
109.3.3.6 Fire Suppression Systems Final Inspection. Final inspection is required of permitted work in fire suppression systems for proper installation, coverage and operation. This inspection shall include testing of system discharge control devices, as appropriate under the relevant standards.
109.3.3.7 Final Plumbing Inspection. Final plumbing inspection is required after the permitted work is complete, all plumbing fixtures and appliances are in place and properly connected, and the structure, building or portion thereof is ready for occupancy.
109.3.4 Mechanical Inspections.
109.3.4.1 Underground and Slab Inspection. Inspection is required after trenches or ditches are excavated, forms are erected, underground duct and fuel piping is installed, and before any backfill and concrete is put in place.
109.3.4.2 Rough-in Inspection. Inspection is required prior to the installation of wall and ceiling membranes, and after the roof, framing, fire blocking and bracing are in place and all duct and fuel piping to be concealed are complete.
109.3.4.3 Kitchen Hood and Duct Fire Suppression Systems Final Inspection. Final inspection is required of permitted work in fire suppression systems, for proper installation, coverage and operation. This inspection shall include testing of system discharge control devices, as appropriate under the relevant standards.
109.3.4.4 Final Mechanical Inspection. A final mechanical inspection is required after the permitted work is complete, the mechanical system and appliances are in place and properly connected and the structure, building or portion thereof is ready for occupancy.
109.3.5 Fuel Gas Inspections.
109.3.5.1 Rough-in Inspection. Inspection is required after all piping authorized by the permit has been installed and before any such piping has been covered and concealed or any fixtures or appliances have been connected. This inspection shall include a gas pressure test.
109.3.5.2 Final Fuel Gas Inspection. A final inspection is required after the permitted fuel gas work is complete and the fuel gas appliances are in place and properly connected and vented
109.3.6 Elevator and Conveying Systems Inspections. Prior to operation of an elevator or conveying system that has been installed or altered pursuant to a permit, a final inspection and issuance of a certificate of inspection shall be required in accordance with Section 3010.3.
109.3.7 Energy / Green Inspections. Inspections are required at appropriate times during the construction and upon completion of each project as necessary to determine compliance with the Energy Conservation Code, the Green Construction Code or an alternate compliance path selected pursuant to Section 101.4.9.
109.3.8 Other Inspections. In addition to the inspections specified above, the code official is authorized to make, or to require the owner of a building or other structure to have an independent inspection agency perform, other inspections of any construction work. These inspections shall ascertain compliance with the provisions of the Construction Codes, the Zoning Regulations and other laws or regulations that are enforced by the Department.
109.3.9 [Reserved].
109.3.10 [Reserved].
109.3.11 [Reserved].
109.3.12 [Reserved].
109.3.13 Special Inspections. Special inspections shall be made in accordance with Chapter 17 of the Building Code, and the Special Inspections Program Procedural Manual.
109.3.13.1 Authority to Require Special Inspections. The code official is authorized to require the owner to employ special inspectors having adequate qualifications for inspection or supervision of the types of construction indicated in Sections 109.3.13.1.1 through 109.3.13.1.9.
109.3.13.1.1 Reinforced Concrete. Inspection and tests for reinforced concrete when the working stresses are based on a stipulated strength of the concrete.
109.3.13.1.2 Reinforced Masonry. Reinforced masonry construction.
109.3.13.1.3 [Reserved].
109.3.13.1.4 Welding. Structural welding.
109.3.13.1.5 Precast Concrete. Fabrication and installation of precast concrete panels and structural elements and their connections.
109.3.13.1.6 Structural Steel. Structural steel construction.
109.3.13.1.7 Engineered Fill. Method of fill, fill materials and compaction tests.
109.3.13.1.8 Smoke Control Systems. The code official shall require the owner to have the smoke control system inspected and tested as outlined in Section 909.3 of the Building Code.
109.3.13.1.9 Other Construction. Other construction or work requiring special knowledge and experience, involving unusual hazards, or requiring periodic or continuous inspection; including spray-applied fire proofing, fire resistant penetrations and joints, and Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems (EIFS).
109.3.13.2 [Reserved].
109.3.13.3 Fees and Costs. All fees and costs related to the performance of special inspection services shall be borne by the owner.
109.3.13.4 Qualifications of Special Inspectors. The code official shall determine the qualifications of special inspectors, in accordance with Chapter 17 of the Building Code and the Special Inspections Program Procedural Manual.
109.3.14 Final Inspection. Upon completion of work for which a permit was issued, a final inspection approval is required to verify that all required inspections have been performed and approved. No portion of a building or other structure shall be used or occupied until its final inspection has been obtained and, if required, a certificate of occupancy is issued pursuant to Section 110. All violations or infractions of the approved plans and permit shall be noted and the holder of the permit shall be notified of the discrepancies pursuant to procedures set forth in Section 110.2.2.
109.3.15 Certificate of Occupancy Issuance. After the code official inspects the building or other structure pursuant to Section 109.3.14 and finds no violations of the provisions of the Construction Codes or the Zoning Regulations, the code official upon due application shall issue a certificate of occupancy pursuant to Section 110 of the Building Code.
Exceptions:
1.One-family dwelling.
2.Community-Based Residential Facility with six or fewer residents.
109.4Third-Party Inspections of Permitted Work.
109.4.1 Third-Party Inspection. When approved by the Department, a permit holder, at the permit holder’s expense, shall have the option of having a third-party inspection of work subject to a permit issued by the Department conducted by one or more third-party inspection agencies. The third-party inspection agency must be one that has been certified by the Department as a qualified third-party inspection agency pursuant and subject to the provisions of D.C. Official Code § 6-1405 (2012 Repl.), this Section 109.4, and the Third-Party Inspection Procedures Manual (the provisions of which are incorporated herein by reference). Where the Department approves the use of a third party inspection agency, the third-party inspection agency(s) shall provide and perform inspection services of the work for which a permit has been issued by the Department in accordance with D.C. Official Code § 6-1405, this Section 109.4, and the provisions of the Third-Party Inspection Procedures Manual.
Exception: Special inspections shall be governed by Section 109.3.13 and Chapter 17 of the Building Code, and the Special Inspections Program Procedural Manual.
109.4.2 Third Party Inspection Procedures. Where inspections are to be conducted by one or more approved third-party inspection agencies of work subject to permit issued by the Department, the third-party inspection agency(s) must make a determination that the work performed or construction undertaken was completed in accordance with the permit(s) as issued by the Department, including associated construction documents, and in accordance with the requirements of the Construction Codes. Where the third-party inspection agency makes that determination, it shall submit its inspection report in accordance with the provisions of the Department’s Third-Party Inspection Manual to the code official, and request verification by the code official of final inspection. The code official shall review and verify the report within ten business days after acceptance. The code official shall accept all reports submitted by a third-party inspection agency related to work for which a permit has been issued as prima facie evidence that the work inspected meets or exceeds all requirements of the permit, and the construction documents upon which the permit was issued, and the Construction Codes. If the code official is satisfied as to the findings of the report regarding work, the code official shall issue to the permit holder, if requested, a conditional certificate of occupancy or certificate of occupancy, as applicable.
109.5 Approval Required. Work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the code official. The code official shall respond to inspection requests without unreasonable delay. The code official shall approve the work or shall either indicate the portion of the construction that is satisfactory as completed, or shall notify the permit holder or an agent of the permit holder wherein the same fails to comply with the Construction Codes. Any portions that do not comply shall be corrected and such portions shall not be covered or concealed until authorized by the code official.
109.6 Right of Entry. The code official, in the performance of his or her duties, shall have the right to enter any unoccupied building; any building under construction, alteration, or repair; any building being razed or moved; any premises, including any building or other structure, which he or she has reason to believe to be unsafe or a menace to life or limb; or any building, the use of which may require the issuance of a license or a certificate of occupancy. With respect to the inspection of any occupied habitable portion of any building, consent to such inspection shall first be obtained from any person of suitable age and discretion therein, except that if an acute emergency occurs and immediate steps must be taken to protect the public, such consent need not be obtained. When attempting to gain entry for inspection, the code official shall show an official identification issued by the Department.
109.6.1 Refusal of entry. Any person who prevents or refuses to allow the code official to enter a building for inspection in the performance of his duties, is in violation of these regulations and the code official shall have the authority to issue a notice of violation, order or notice of infractions pursuant to Section 113.
109.6.2 Administrative Search Warrant and Injunctive Relief. If the code official is denied entry for an inspection in the performance of his or her duties, the code official is authorized to apply to the D.C. Superior Court for an administrative search warrant and/or injunctive relief.
109.7 Coordination of Inspections. Whenever in the enforcement of the Construction Codes or another code or ordinance, the responsibility of more than one official of the District of Columbia is involved, it shall be the duty of the officials involved to coordinate their inspections and administrative orders as fully as practicable so that the owners and occupants of the structure shall not be subjected to visits by numerous inspectors nor multiple or conflicting orders.
109.8 Inspection of Existing Buildings. Where existing buildings are allegedly occupied without the proper occupancy permit or contain an occupancy alleged to be illegal or unsafe, the code official is authorized to make inspections of the existing buildings before the issuance of occupancy permits.
109.9 Other Inspections. The code official is authorized to make inspections upon referral of a notice of violation received from inspection agencies other than the Department alleging a violation of the Construction Codes; and upon receipt of a complaint by a District resident, Council member, District government employee, or other government agency alleging a violation of the Construction Codes.
109.10 Plant Inspection. When required by the provisions of the Building Code, materials or assemblies shall be inspected at the point of manufacture or fabrication in accordance with Section 1703.7 of the Building Code and the Special Inspections Program Procedural Manual.