Virginia Law

A. Change Section 1703.1 of the IBC to read:

1703.1 Approved agency. An approved agency responsible for laboratory testing, special inspections, or both must comply with the qualification, certification and experience requirements of ASTM E329 or the alternatives listed in this section.

B. Change Section 1703.1.1 of the IBC to read:

1703.1.1 Independence. An approved agency shall be objective and competent. The agency shall also disclose possible conflicts of interest so that objectivity can be confirmed. The special inspector and the special inspector's agents shall be independent from the person or contractor responsible for the physical construction of the project requiring special inspections.

C. Change Section 1703.1.3 of the IBC to read:

1703.1.3 Personnel. An approved agency shall employ experienced personnel educated in conducting, supervising, and evaluating tests, inspections, or both. Upon request by the building official, documentation shall be provided demonstrating the applicable agency's accreditation as noted in ASTM E329 and individuals' resumes indicating pertinent training, certifications, and other qualifications for special inspection personnel associated with the proposed construction requiring special inspections. The building official may prescribe the manner of qualification documentation and frequency of updating information regarding agency or individual inspector approval.

Firms providing special inspection services or individual inspectors seeking approval of alternative certifications, qualifications, or both listed in ASTM E329 may submit documentation demonstrating equivalency. This documentation may include evidence of meeting other recognized standards or alternative certifications to demonstrate that the minimum qualifications, certification, and experience intended by ASTM E329 have been met. The building official may, if satisfied that equivalency has been demonstrated, approve the credentials of the firm or individual.

D. Change Section 1704.2 of the IBC to read:

1704.2 Special inspections. Where application is made for construction as described in this section, the owner shall employ one or more special inspectors to provide inspections and tests during construction on the types of work listed under Section 1705. All individuals or agents performing special inspection functions shall operate under the direct supervision of a registered design professional (RDP) in responsible charge of special inspection activities, also known as the "special inspector." The special inspector shall ensure that the individuals under the special inspector's charge are performing only those special inspections or laboratory testing that are consistent with the individual's knowledge, training, and certification for the specified inspection or laboratory testing.

Exceptions:

1. The building official shall be permitted to waive special inspections and tests.

2. Special inspections and tests are not required for:

2.1. One story buildings under 20 feet (6096 mm) in height that do not exceed 5,000 square feet ( 465 m²) in building area; or

2.2. Alterations to Group U structures that do not increase loads in accordance with Sections 603.7.3 and 603.7.4 of the VEBC.

3. Unless otherwise required by the building official, special inspections and tests are not required for occupancies in Group R-3, R-4, or R-5 and occupancies in Group U that are accessory to a residential occupancy including those listed in Section 312.1.

4. Special inspections and tests are not required for portions of structures designed and constructed in accordance with the cold-formed steel light-frame construction provisions of Section 2211.1.2 or the conventional light-frame construction provisions of Section 2308.

5. The contractor is permitted to employ the approved agencies where the contractor is also the owner.

E. Change Section 1704.2.3 of the IBC to read:

1704.2.3 Statement of special inspections. The permit applicant shall submit a statement of special inspections prepared by the RDP in responsible charge in accordance with Section 111.1. This statement shall be in accordance with Section 1704.3.

Exception:

The statement of special inspections is permitted to be prepared by a qualified person approved by the building official for construction not designed by a registered design professional.

F. Change category "14" of Table 1705.3 of the IBC to read:

G. Delete Sections 1705.18, 1705.18.1, and 1705.18.2 of the IBC.