Statement of special inspections
A statement prepared by the registered design professional in responsible charge under IBC Section 1704.3, which the applicant submits as a condition of permit issuance.
Plan check correction · Structural
Plan check correction: special inspections and structural observation
Reviewers issue this comment when the structural sheets do not list which work needs special inspection, or when the list does not match the materials in the design.
The comment asks for the special inspections the project needs, listed on the drawings or in a statement of special inspections: concrete, reinforcing, structural steel welding and bolting, masonry, soils, and other work the code names, plus structural observation where required. Clear it by adding the statement, matching every listed item to the materials and systems actually on the structural sheets.
Read the comment
What the plans examiner is asking for
Each inspection item
Materials and systems requiring special inspection or testing under IBC Section 1705, such as concrete, steel, masonry, wood shear walls, and soils.
Structural observation
Whether structural observation is required under IBC Section 1704.6 and who performs it.
Seismic and wind items
Designated seismic systems and wind-resisting elements that need inspection where the design criteria trigger them.
Published correction lists
How city lists word this correction
Published lists ask for a statement of special inspections, a special inspection schedule, or structural observation notes. Paraphrased from each department’s own published list; the lists do not rank items by how often they are issued.
| City | What the published list asks for | Code cited | Where it appears |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | State required continuous or periodic special inspection, and require structural observation for items such as shear walls over 300 plf, hold-down anchors or diaphragms. | Sec 1704; Sec 1709 | Counter Plan Check Correction Sheet (2026 Code Ref.), Part III, L. Structural item 13 and M. Add Structural Notes item 2 |
| Los Angeles | Require structural observation by a licensed architect or civil/structural engineer for wall anchorage, anchor connectors and continuity ties, and put the completed observation form on the plans. | LABC Section 1704 | Adaptive Reuse Plan Check Correction Sheets (2026 LABC), Part II, page 3 of 6, item 8 (structural observation) |
| San Francisco | The architect or engineer of record prepares a special inspection and structural observation program, approved by the building official before permit issuance. | SFBC 106A.3.5; 106A.3.3 item 14; 1704; 1709 | SFBC Sections 106A.3.3 (item 14) and 106A.3.5 |
| San Diego | Structural sheets must include a statement of special inspections listing work that needs special inspection and testing, with related notes. | CBC Chapter 17 | Project Submittal Manual Section 2, checklist item 6.1.5; Technical Bulletin BLDG-17-2 |
| San Jose | The statement of special inspections on the plans must list every material, system and work item requiring inspection, the type and extent of each, and continuous or periodic frequency. | CBC 2022 §1704.3; §§1705.12–1705.14 (as cited) | BDN 11 Special Inspection Plan Checks (Feb. 1, 2023), Required Special Inspection Information on Plan – Typical Comments |
| San Jose | Before permit issuance, submit the Special Inspection and Testing Form signed by all parties, using an agency from the City-approved list, plus the contractor's statement of responsibility. | CBC 2022 §1704.4 (as cited) | BDN 11 Special Inspection Plan Checks, Special Inspection Form – Typical Comments |
| San Jose | Plans must outline a schedule of structural observation stages; the Building Official may require observation for complex or unusual framing, separate from special and City inspections. | CBC 2022 §1704.6.1, §1705, §110 (as cited) | BDN 05 Structural Observation (Feb. 1, 2023), Findings |
| Seattle | Where Chapter 17 special inspections apply, the registered design professional prepares a statement of special inspections, and the applicant submits it as a condition of permit issuance. | 2021 SBC 1704.2.3; 1704.3; 1704.3.1 | 2021 Seattle Building Code Chapter 17, Sections 1704.2.3 and 1704.3 |
| New York City | Structural drawings must identify special inspections, list all progress inspections, and include TR-2 and TR-3 waiver statements where they apply. | — | Plan Examination Guidelines – Section 2.5 Structural Drawings (General; Notes) |
Sources reviewed September 12, 2026. Code sections are as cited on each list and follow that city’s adopted code. Confirm the current list and edition with the department.
Revise the set
What changes on the drawings, and what else to re-check
The inspection list follows the structure, so it has to be updated whenever materials change.
| Change | Sheets to revise | Also re-check |
|---|---|---|
| Statement added | Structural general notes; special inspection schedule | Specification section for testing and inspection, owner’s agreement with the inspection agency |
| Materials changed | Structural plans and details | Special inspection schedule rows, delegated design submittals |
| Structural observation required | Structural general notes | Seismic design category and risk category on the design criteria |
| Soils inspection added | Foundation plan; general notes | Geotechnical report recommendations, grading plans on civil sheets |
Close the comment
A response the reviewer can verify
An illustrative example written for this guide, not a real project or a city’s wording. Name the sheet, the detail, and the change, so the recheck does not start with a search.
Comment
Provide a statement of special inspections on the structural drawings, including structural observation if required.
Response
Revised as requested. Statement of special inspections added to S0.02, listing concrete, reinforcing steel, post-installed anchors, structural steel bolting and welding, and soils. Structural observation is required for this building and is noted on S0.02, to be performed by a registered design professional engaged by the owner.
Before you submit
Catch it before the plans examiner does
List from the structure
Build the schedule from the materials and connections on the structural sheets, not from a template.
Check the triggers
Compare the design criteria, such as seismic design category and risk category, with the structural observation requirement.
Carry into specs
Match the testing and inspection specification section to the schedule on the drawings.
Groundbook compares the drawings, schedules, and specifications with the code and local references you upload, and links each potential issue to the sheets and sections behind it. Your team verifies each finding; the jurisdiction makes every approval decision. See the pre-permit review and drawing-to-code review.
Questions, answered
Special inspection: questions
Who prepares the statement of special inspections?
The registered design professional in responsible charge prepares it, often the structural engineer of record. The applicant submits it as a condition of permit issuance under IBC Section 1704.2.3.
What is the difference between special inspection and structural observation?
Special inspection checks that specific work follows the approved documents and standards. Structural observation is a visual check of the structural system for general conformance with the approved documents, by a registered design professional the owner engages.
Is special inspection required for small projects?
Some work is exempt under the adopted code, and building officials can waive certain inspections for minor work. List the basis on the drawings when claiming an exemption.
Keep going
Related corrections and city guides
Deferred submittals
The systems designed later by others, such as fire sprinklers or trusses, listed on the cover sheet with the approval they need.
Read this correctionSheet coordination
Detail references that resolve, and plans, sections, schedules, and consultant sheets that describe the same condition the same way.
Read this correctionCode analysis
Occupancy, construction type, allowable area, occupant load, and sprinkler basis stated on the cover sheet and consistent with the plans.
Read this correctionLos Angeles plan check
How LADBS reviews a permit set and what its published lists ask for.
Open the city guideSan Francisco plan check
How DBI reviews a permit set and what its published lists ask for.
Open the city guideSan Diego plan check
How DSD reviews a permit set and what its published lists ask for.
Open the city guideRespond to plan check comments
Response letter format, six response types, and a free response log.
Read the guideFind the corrections before the plans examiner does
Upload the drawing set with the code and local references that govern it. Groundbook links each potential issue to its sources for your team to verify.