Exemptions from Special Inspection for Minor Work

Purpose

The purpose of this Technical Bulletin is to clarify when work is of a minor nature so as not to warrant periodic or continuous special inspection. Refer to Technical Bulletin (TB) BLDG-17-4 for the construction of elements and components where structural welding is required for a list of work where welding can be considered minor in nature. 

Section 1704.2, exception 1, and exception 2, as applicable, of the California Building Code (CBC) authorizes the Building Official to exempt from Special Inspection construction items determined to be of a minor nature.

Special Inspections required by the Engineer of Record and exempt by this TB will not be enforced by DSD review and inspection staff.

Below are examples of construction considered for which special inspections are not required: 

1. Residential projects within the scope of the California Residential Code that are not more than two stories in height and constructed with wood light-frame construction unless there is a special site-specific condition that requires a special inspection. 
   1. Periodic Special Inspection for seismic force-resisting systems of structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F in wood construction is not required.
   2. The installation of premanufactured wood or steel braced wall panels, unless Special Inspection is required for the installation of their foundation anchorage.
2. Master plan and custom swimming pools, including slides, serving residential projects within the scope of the California Residential Code.
   1. Concrete swimming pools that have a depth that does not exceed 6 feet in height, special inspection for shotcrete is not required, and test panels are not required in accordance with Section 1705.3. For other information regarding private swimming pools, spas and hot tubs, refer to Information Bulletin 712.
3. Retaining walls and foundation walls.
   1. Cantilevered concrete masonry retaining walls designed, constructed and complying with the limitations of Information Bulletin 221.
   2. Free‑standing, cantilevered concrete masonry retaining walls founded on native, undisturbed soil, accessory to a residential building subject to the California Residential Code, that retain no more than 6 feet of backfill height and do not support any surcharge.
   3. Tiered, free‑standing cantilevered concrete masonry retaining walls with tiers spaced at least one wall height apart, where no individual tier retains more than 3 feet of soil.
   4. Masonry or concrete foundation walls constructed in accordance with the prescriptive standards in CRC Chapter 4 or CBC Section 1807.1 when the foundation wall is not constructed with embedded cast-in anchors that require special inspection due to design forces.
   5. Masonry or concrete foundation walls constructed in accordance with the prescriptive standards in CRC Chapter 4 or CBC Section 1807.1 that are not subjected to in plane compression loads that require reinforced masonry or concrete special inspection due to design forces.
4. Concrete Masonry Fence constructed in accordance Information Bulletin 222.
5. Deep foundations for ground supported light standards and flag poles that are less than 30 feet in height.
6. Anchorage for mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) equipment.
   1. Anchorage for MEP equipment installed on a pad‑on‑grade outside the building footprint, with an operating weight under 2,500 pounds, a maximum height of 8 feet, a center of gravity no higher than 4 feet, and secured to concrete slabs or pads.
   2. Anchors into concrete pads for equipment resisting primarily shear forces.