D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 12, r. 12-A109
Strike Section 110 of the International Building Code in its entirety and insert new Section 109 in the Building Code in its place to read as follows:
General. Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the code official pursuant to the provisions of this section and Section 104.6. It shall be the duty of the permit holder to cause the construction or work to remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved. The permit holder shall be liable for any expenses entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required to allow inspection. 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.
Preliminary Inspection. Before issuing a permit, the code official is authorized to examine or cause to be examined all premises for which a permit application has been filed.
Termination of an Inspection. The code official is authorized to terminate an inspection where interference with an inspection occurs or where the code official determines that the work is not sufficiently accessible and exposed for inspection.
Identification of General Contractor or Construction Manager. No inspection by the code official will be scheduled unless and until the applicant has complied with the requirements of Section 105.3.2(8).
Master Tradesperson to be Onsite During Inspections. The master tradesperson to whom a trade permit is issued, or the District of Columbia licensed representative of the master tradesperson, shall be present after the second consecutive rejection of the inspection for the specific scope of work performed under the trade permit. At the discretion of the inspector, the master tradesperson or his licensed representative shall be present during the next or subsequent inspections. Nothing shall limit the code official's authority to require the master tradesperson or his licensed representative to be present for an inspection.
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. Upon notification, the code official 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. The code official shall respond to inspection requests without unreasonable delay. 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.
Inspection Record. Work requiring a permit shall not be commenced until the permit holder or an agent of the permit holder maintains on the job site an inspection record card or other approved documentation issued by the code official. Such inspection record document shall be made available by the permit holder on the job site until final inspection approval has been granted by the code official. Only an inspector authorized by the Department shall document inspections conducted. Any entry on the inspection record document made by a person other than an authorized inspector shall be grounds for revocation of the permit per Section 111.
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 approve the work or portion thereof that is satisfactory as completed, and, where applicable, shall notify the permit holder or an agent of the permit holder that the work or any portion thereof 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.
Types of Inspections. After issuing a permit, the code official shall conduct the types of inspections specified in Section 109 as deemed necessary by the code official and shall confirm submission of documents required by Sections 109.3 and 109.4, during and upon completion of the work. A record of all such inspections and of all noted violations of the Construction Codes shall be maintained by the code official.
Building Inspections.
Footing and Foundation Inspections. Footing and foundation inspections are required in accordance with Sections 109.3.1.1.1 and 109.3.1.1.2.
Footing Inspections. Footing inspection is required after excavation for footings is complete and any required reinforcing steel is in place. For concrete footings, any required forms shall be in place prior to inspection. Materials for the footing shall be on the jobsite at the time of inspection, except where concrete is ready mixed in accordance with ASTM C94, the concrete need not be on the jobsite.
Foundation Inspections. Foundation inspection is required after approval of footings, for location of walls and columns with respect to footings, piles and piers. For concrete foundations, any required forms, spacers and reinforcement shall be in place prior to inspection. Inspections will include materials, concrete cover, anchoring and dimensions as appropriate.
Energy Footing and Foundation Insulation Inspection. Inspection of installation is required for insulation R-value, location, thickness, depth of burial and protection at footing, foundation, and under floor prior to covering of the materials.
As-Built Foundation Survey (Wall Check). A wall check survey is required before a wall reaches a height of 1 foot (305 mm) above grade, or, in the case of other vertical construction, when a template or form is located and noted. The code official 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-B DCMR §§ 2802, 2810-2812. Wall check surveys shall be performed by a D.C.-Registered Land Surveyor. Wall check 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 "Manual of Practices For Real Property Surveying In The District Of Columbia" published by The District of Columbia Association of Land Surveyors (January 2017). 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.
Backfill Inspection. Backfill inspection is required prior to placement of backfill materials, for inspection of placement and cover of required footing drain tile, wall waterproofing, drainage and insulation. Backfill materials shall be on the jobsite at the time of inspection.
Concrete Slab or Under-floor Inspection. Concrete slab inspections are required after in-slab or under- floor reinforcing steel is in place to verify reinforcement size, spacing, concrete cover, splicing, vapor barrier, and mesh. For slab-on- grade foundations, any required forms shall be in place prior to inspection. Energy footing and foundation insulation inspection, in accordance with Section 109.3.1.1.3, is required prior to concrete slab or under-floor inspection.
Floodplain Elevation Certificate. For any work subject to Appendix G, upon placement of the lowest floor, and prior to proceeding with construction above that floor level, the elevation certificate required by Section 1612.5, shall be submitted to the code official. This certificate shall be reviewed and approved by the Floodplain Administrator before construction above the lowest floor proceeds, and any such construction before such review and approval shall be at the permit holder's risk. Approval by the Floodplain Administrator of the elevation certificate must be received by DCRA prior to the scheduling and performance of any subsequent inspections required by Section 109.
Pre-Cladding Inspections. Inspections in accordance with Sections 109.3.1.6.1 and 109.3.1.6.2 are required, as applicable, prior to placement of exterior cladding.
Exterior Wall Sheathing Inspection. Inspection is required, for sheathing materials and nailing patterns, prior to covering the sheathing with any material, such as exterior insulation, water-resistive barrier, or air barrier.
Water-resistive Barrier Inspection. Inspection is required for water-resistive barrier material and installation, prior to application of exterior insulation, roofing materials or exterior wall cladding, veneer or finishes.
Framing Inspection. Framing inspections are required for interior and exterior walls, floor-ceiling and roof-ceiling assemblies. Inspections shall be performed after the framing and bracing of the respective assemblies has been completed, including but not limited to framing of walls, shaft walls, exit enclosures, elevator hoistways, floor-ceiling assemblies, roof assemblies and roof sheathing. Framing inspections shall be performed before thermal envelope interior insulation is applied. Framing inspections shall not be approved before the rough-in inspections of electrical, plumbing, gasfitting and mechanical work have been approved.
Energy Inspections
Energy Primary Air Barrier Inspection. Inspection of installation is required for the primary air barrier prior to covering of the materials in accordance with the provisions of the Energy Conservation Code.
Energy Insulation Inspection. Inspection of installation is required for the insulation R- value at the building thermal envelope prior to covering of the material. This includes, exterior wall, interior wall, roof. and attic insulation. Fenestration installed in the building thermal envelope shall be inspected for U- factor and SHGC value. Envelope commissioning documentation shall be provided per established guidance upon request of the code official. Compliance with relevant building envelope provisions of the Energy Conservation Code shall be verified.
Inspection of Fire-Resistant Rated Assembly. An inspection is required of fire-resistant rated assemblies, including, but not limited to, those constructed of gypsum board or shaftliner board. This inspection includes assemblies that are part of a fire or smoke-rated wall, a shear wall, a shaft wall or a sound attenuation assembly, and shall be performed after the gypsum board is in place, but before the outer layer of gypsum board joints and fasteners are taped and covered with joint compound. Shaft walls constructed with shaftliner shall be inspected on the shaftliner face from three sides of the shaft, and from the exterior of the shaft on all sides of the shaft.
Accessibility Inspections. Inspections of features affecting accessibility are required at various stages of construction. Building elements such as, but not limited to, required floor clearances, maneuvering clearances, ramp slopes, grab bar wall reinforcements, shall be inspected when construction is ready for framing or rough- in inspections. Features such as, but not limited to, required signage, reach ranges, floor surfaces, thresholds, mounting heights, shall be inspected when construction is ready for final inspections. All accessibility inspections shall be performed prior to the final building inspection.
Final Building Inspection. A final building inspection is required after all other required building inspections are approved, and after any associated final inspections, acceptance testing, submissions or reports specified in Sections 109.3.2. through 109.3.13, as applicable, are approved and recorded, and the work for which a permit was issued has been completed in compliance with the Construction Codes. This inspection will confirm that each relevant system and component has successfully undergone a final acceptance testing or inspection, and that the life safety related items, as installed, perform or operate as intended and the premises are deemed safe to occupy. This inspection will also confirm, among other things, that:
Flood Hazard Documentation. For work subject to Appendix G, a final building inspection shall not be approved unless the permit holder has complied with the requirements of either (a) or (b) as applicable:
Addressing. A final building inspection shall not be approved unless the premises complies with the applicable addressing requirements in Section 118.
Electrical Inspections.
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 placed.
Service Inspection. Inspection of each new or upgraded electrical service is required before the service entrance equipment is authorized to be energized.
Rough-in Inspection. Inspection is required after the framing, fire blocking, and fire stopping are in place, after all circuit wiring, outlet boxes and luminaires are roughed- in, and prior to the installation of insulation and wall and ceiling membranes.
Energy Rough-in Inspection. Inspection is required after all circuit wiring, outlet boxes and luminaires are roughed- in, and prior to the installation of insulation and wall and ceiling membranes. Inspection of installation is required for the wiring of controls and other electrical provisions of the Energy Conservation Code.
Energy Final Inspection. Inspection is required after completion of all the electrical work planned or required on the premises for which a permit was issued. Inspection of installation is required for lighting efficacy, lighting controls, and other electrical provisions of the Energy Conservation Code.
Final Electrical Inspection. A final electrical inspection is required after completion of all the electrical work planned or required on the premises for which a permit was issued, to confirm that all required electrical outlets, switches, luminaires and equipment are in place and properly connected and protected.
Plumbing Inspections.
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 placed. Drainage piping shall be inspected for appropriate size and slope, and all piping to be buried or embedded shall be tested for leaks under appropriate hydrostatic pressure in accordance with Sections 312.2 and 312.5 of the Plumbing Code and corresponding provisions of the Residential Code if applicable. Inspection of water and sewer laterals to the point of connection to the public mains is also required.
Rough-in Inspection. Inspection is required prior to the installation of insulation and wall and ceiling membranes, after the framing, fire blocking and fire stopping are in place, and after water, soil, waste and vent piping is complete. All piping systems, whether to be concealed or not, shall be tested for leaks under appropriate hydrostatic pressure, in accordance with Sections 312.2 and 312.5 of the Plumbing Code and corresponding provisions of the Residential Code if applicable, before installation of any concealing materials.
Energy Rough-in Inspection. Inspection is required after the installation of pipe insulation. Inspection of installation is required for plumbing pipe insulation and other plumbing provisions of the Energy Conservation Code prior to covering of the material or equipment
Water Service Pipe Inspection. Domestic water service pipe installation inspection is required for pipe size, materials, trenching and bedding, from the public water main tap to the water distribution system of the premises, prior to backfilling the trench.
Building sewer pipe inspection. Inspection of installation of sanitary, storm and combined building sewer, as applicable, is required for pipe size, materials, slope, trenching and bedding, from the building drain to the public sewer serving the premises, prior to backfilling the trench.
Water Service Flush Inspection. Domestic water service pipe flush inspection is required prior to connection of the service to the water distribution system of the premises, to witness the removal of debris in the water service line.
Energy Final Inspection. Inspection is required after the work for which a permit was issued has been completed, all plumbing fixtures and equipment are in place and properly connected, and all the plumbing work to be done in the structure, building, or portion thereof is completed. Inspection of installation is required for plumbing controls and other plumbing provisions of the Energy Conservation Code.
Final Plumbing Inspection. Final plumbing inspection is required after the work for which a permit was issued has been completed, all plumbing fixtures and equipment are in place and properly connected, and all the plumbing work to be done in the structure, building or portion thereof is completed.
Mechanical Inspections.
Underground and Slab Inspection. Inspection is required after trenches or ditches are excavated, forms are erected, underground duct or fuel piping is installed, and before any backfill and/or concrete is placed.
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.
Energy Rough-in Inspection. Inspection is required prior to the installation of wall and ceiling membranes, and after all duct to be concealed are complete. Inspection of installation is required for duct insulation, ventilation strategy, and other mechanical provisions of the Energy Conservation Code. The rough- in duct leakage test results shall be provided. Systems commissioning documents shall be provided per established guidance upon request of the code official.
Commercial Kitchen Hood and Duct Inspections. Inspection is required after a commercial kitchen hood and associated exhaust duct have been installed.
Grease Duct Inspection. This inspection shall be performed before concealing any portion of the grease duct, and shall include, but not be limited to, inspection of duct joints and witnessing of a grease duct leakage test in accordance with Section 506.3.2.5 of the Mechanical Code.
Kitchen Exhaust Hood Inspection. This inspection shall be performed after connecting the hood to the grease duct, and shall include, but not be limited to, inspection of the connection between hood and duct, and of any required grease duct enclosure installation, in accordance with Section 506.3.11 of the Mechanical Code. This inspection is in addition to the commercial kitchen exhaust hood testing required by Section 109.3.7.6.
Energy Final Inspection. Inspection is required after the work for which a permit was issued has been completed, the mechanical systems and appliances are in place a nd properly connected. Inspection of installation is required for HVAC system sizing, ventilation strategy controls, and other mechanical provisions of the Energy Conservation Code. If not provided at Energy Rough, 109.3.4.3, the post construction duct leakage test report shall be provided. Systems commissioning documents shall be provided per established guidance upon request of the code official.
Final Mechanical Inspection. A final mechanical inspection is required after the work for which a permit was issued has been completed, the mechanical systems and appliances are in place and properly connected and all work regulated by the Mechanical Code (or corresponding provisions of the Residential Code if applicable) to be done on the premises is completed.
Fuel Gas Inspections.
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 witnessing a test and performing an inspection of the gas piping systems, in accordance with Section 406 of the Fuel Gas Code and corresponding provisions of the Residential Code if applicable.
Final Fuel Gas Inspection. A final inspection is required after all fuel gas work for which a permit was issued has been completed.
Elevators, Escalators and Other Conveying Systems Inspections. Prior to operation of an elevator, escalator or other 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 3009.3.
Fire Protection Systems Inspections
Fire Alarm Systems Rough-in. 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 wiring methods and supports.
Fire Suppression Systems Pressure Testing and Inspection. Before installation of any concealing materials, or painting of any piping or fittings, an inspection is required of all portions of fire suppression systems piping, whether to be concealed or not. This inspection shall include, but not be limited to, the materials installed, the method of installation, clearances and supports, the location of sprinklers or nozzles, and the witnessing of pressure tests with appropriate testing media, to detect leaks. Where water-based suppression systems have to be tested with gas or air, an additional hydrostatic test shall be performed and witnessed in accordance with Section 903.5 of the Building Code and Section 901.5 of the Fire Code, as soon as temperature conditions allow it.
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 piping, to witness the removal of debris in the fire service line.
Fire Pump Inspection. Before final inspection of a water-based fire suppression system, where a new or replacement fire pump assembly is installed, a fire pump inspection is required, for proper installation, initiation and operation, under normal and backup power, to verify that appropriate pressure and flow are achieved. This inspection shall include witnessing an acceptance test of the pump in accordance with the relevant standard.
Fire Suppression Systems Final Inspection. Final inspection is required to verify the installation and coverage, and, where appropriate, proper operation of each fire suppression system. Where appropriate, this inspection shall include witnessing the testing of system discharge control devices under the relevant standard.
Kitchen Hood and Duct Fire Suppression Systems Final Acceptance Testing. Final acceptance testing is required of work for which a permit has been issued to confirm proper installation, coverage and operation of fire suppression systems. This acceptance testing shall include witnessing the testing of system discharge control devices, as appropriate under the relevant standards.
Fire Alarm Systems Final Acceptance Testing. Final acceptance testing is required of any work on a fire detection a nd alarm system for which a permit has been issued to confirm proper initiation, notification, annunciation and operation of the system. This acceptance testing shall include witnessing an acceptance test of the system in accordance with the relevant standard.
Energy Final Inspection. A final energy inspection is required after the work for which a building permit was issued has been completed and all the mechanical, plumbing, electrical and building envelope systems have been installed and programmed, to ascertain compliance of the project with the relevant provisions of the Energy Conservation Code. The building air leakage test results shall be provided to the code official.
Green Building Inspections. Where the Green Construction Code applies, the following green building inspections are required.
Green Demolition Inspection. Inspection is required for material resource conservation, efficiency, and indoor environmental air quality at the time of indoor air quality plan implementation but prior to starting construction activities likely to produce dust or odors. The green demolition inspection is applicable to all projects subject to the Green Construction Code performing demolition.
Green Rough-in Inspection. Inspection is required for site development, material resource conservation, energy conservation, water resource conservation, and indoor environmental quality at the time of first insulation inspection in accordance with 109.3.1.9 and after mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-in inspections. Inspection is required prior to the covering of the materials or equipment. A Green Rough- in inspection is not required if the project is only performing demolition.
Green Final Inspection. Inspection is required for site development, material resource conservation, energy conservation, water resource conservation, and indoor environmental quality prior to the final building inspection in accordance with Section 109.3.1.11. A green final inspection is not required if the project is only performing demolition.
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspections. A boiler or pressure vessel inspection is required prior to operating a new or altered boiler or pressure vessel. This final inspection shall be performed to confirm that the boiler or pressure vessel has been installed or altered in compliance with the Mechanical Code and the conditions of its installation permit. This final inspection a nd issuance of a certificate of inspection are required pursuant to Section 1003.2 of the Mechanical Code.
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.
[Reserved].
Special Inspections. Special inspections shall be made in accordance with Chapter 17 of the Building Code, the Third Party Program Procedure Manual published by the Department, and the Special Inspections Procedural Manual published by the Department.
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 in accordance with Chapter 17 of the Building Code, the Third Party Program Procedure Manual and the Special Inspections Procedural Manual.
Final Report of Special Inspections. In order to obtain a final building inspection and/or Certificate of Occupancy, a final report of Special Inspections must be submitted to the code official after review and approval by the Special Engineer of Record in accordance with the requirements of the Third Party Program Procedure Manual and the Special Inspections Procedural Manual.
Inspection at Point of Manufacture or Fabrication. 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 Sections 1704.2.5 and 1704.2.5.1, and the Special Inspections Procedural Manual.
Certificates Authorizing Use and Occupancy of Premises or Portion Thereof. The code official is authorized to conduct an inspection upon submission of an application for a Certificate required by Section 110, to confirm that work authorized by a permit has been completed in compliance with the Construction Codes, and the proposed use and occupancy or both complies with all applicable provisions of the Construction Codes and Zoning Regulations.
Inspections of Permitted Work by Third Party Agencies.
Authorization to Use a Third-Party Agency. When approved by the Department, a permit holder, at the permit holder's expense, shall have the option of having a Third Party Agency conduct the inspections required by Section 109.3 for work subject to a permit issued by the Department. The Third Party Agency must be pursuant and subject to the provisions of D.C. Official Code § 6-1405 (2018 Repl.), this Section 109.4, and the Third-Party Program Procedure Manual (the provisions of which are incorporated herein by reference). Where the Department approves the use of a Third Party Agency the Third Party Agency 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 Program Procedure Manual.
Special Inspections. Special inspections shall be governed by Section 109.3.13 and Chapter 17 of the Building Code, the Third Party Program Procedure Manual and the Special Inspections Policy Manual.
Procedures for Inspections by Third Party Agencies. Where inspections are to be conducted by one or more approved Third Party Agencies of work subject to any permit issued by the Department, the Third Party Agency shall comply with the provisions of the Third-Party Program Procedure Manual.
Right of Entry. The code official's right of entry shall be governed by Section 104.6.
Coordination of Inspections. Whenever, in the enforcement of the Construction Codes or another law or regulation, 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 owner and occupants of the premises are not subjected to multiple visits by numerous inspectors or multiple or conflicting orders.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 12, r. 12-A109