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NYC special inspections: TR1, agency lookup and NYC Building Code Chapter 17

Direct answer: In New York City, special inspections are performed by special inspectors on behalf of special inspection agencies (SIAs) registered with the Department of Buildings (NYC DOB). The owner retains the agency. The registered design professional identifies the required inspections on DOB forms, the TR1 technical report. For DOB NOW projects the TR1 is completed and certified in DOB NOW: Build. The paper TR1 is used only for legacy BIS projects (NYC DOB).

What counts as a special inspection in NYC?

NYC DOB quotes the Building Code's definition: special inspection is the "inspection of selected materials, equipment, installation, fabrication, erection or placement of components and connections, to ensure compliance with approved construction documents and referenced standards as required by this chapter or elsewhere in this code or its referenced standards" (BC 1702.1) (NYC DOB).

NYC's Chapter 17 goes well beyond the model IBC list. Section 1705 of the 2022 NYC Building Code runs through §1705.39. It adds NYC-specific items such as fuel storage and piping (§1705.22), structural stability (§1705.25), the tenant protection plan (§1705.26), sprinkler (§1705.29) and standpipe (§1705.30) systems, flood zone compliance (§1705.34), nonpotable water (§1705.38), and exhaust and vent systems in plenums (§1705.39) (NYC BC 2022 Ch. 17 via UpCodes).

Who does what (NYC BC §1704.1)

PartyNYC dutySource
OwnerRetains special inspection agencies meeting Admin Code §§28-114.1 and 28-115.1. The special inspector must be acceptable to the RDP of record.NYC BC 2022 §1704.1
RDP of recordIdentifies required special inspections on the construction documents and on DOB formsNYC BC 2022 §1704.1.1.1
Special inspection agencyReports in the form and format supplied by the commissioner. Reports discrepancies and reports hazardous conditions that aren't immediately corrected to the commissioner. Submits the final report. Keeps records for 6 years.NYC BC 2022 §1704.1.1.2
Permit holderNotifies the special inspectors or agencies in writing at least 72 hours before work requiring special inspection starts, and gives them the current approved construction documentsNYC BC 2022 §1704.1.1.3

Agency and inspector requirements

RequirementDetailSource
RegistrationAll agencies performing special inspections must register with DOB (1 RCNY §101-06(c)(1)). Registration runs through DOB NOW: Licensing.NYC DOB
Inspector qualificationsPer 1 RCNY §101-06, Appendix ANYC DOB; 1 RCNY 101-06
AccreditationClass 1 agencies must be accredited by IAS or an equivalent body accrediting to ASTM E329-07NYC DOB, Industry
InsuranceProfessional liability/E&O of at least $500,000 (occurrence based), plus NY workers' compensation. Licensed trades already carry $1,000,000 general liability.NYC DOB, Industry
StructureOne full-time primary Director and up to four alternate full-time DirectorsNYC DOB, Industry
Small projectsAn RDP with relevant experience may perform most special inspections for Group R-3 buildings of three stories or less. Excavation and foundation work needs additional qualifications.NYC DOB, Industry
Registration feesNew: $200 + $30 per endorsement. Renewal: $90 + $30 per endorsement, plus a $50 late fee after expiration.NYC DOB
These are DOB's own fees for agency registration, not SpecProven pricing.

The TR1 form: DOB NOW vs. BIS

SituationWhat to useSource
Job filed in DOB NOW: BuildTR1 is completed, responsibility is taken, and inspections are certified in DOB NOW. Agencies withdraw and applicants supersede responsibility through DOB's Supersede and Withdrawal Guide.NYC DOB
Legacy job filed in BISPaper TR1 form ("only used for BIS projects"). Withdrawal follows OPPN #18/92.NYC DOB; TR1 PDF

What's on the paper TR1 (BIS)

The TR1 PDF states "This form must be typewritten" and is organized as (TR1 form):

SectionContent
1Location information
2Applicant information
3Special inspection items: 3A identification of requirement, 3B identification of responsibilities, 3C certificate of complete inspections/tests, 3D withdraw responsibilities
4Progress inspection items (4A–4D)
5Design applicant's statements and signatures. The PE/RA certifies they "have identified all of the special inspections, progress inspections and tests required" and that the agencies engaged by the owner are acceptable (BC 1704.1).
6Owner's statement and signature
7Inspection applicant's identification of responsibilities
8Inspection applicant's certification of completion

The TR1 is also listed on DOB's forms page. For Miami-Dade, San José, San Francisco and Philadelphia forms, see the special inspection forms guide.

How to add a TR1 special inspection in DOB NOW: Build

From DOB's Technical Reports Step-by-Step Guide (dated April 9, 2019; check for newer guidance) (PDF):

  1. Open the job's Technical Reports (TR1) section and click +Add to add a Special Inspection Category.
  2. Complete the required fields: Requirement (e.g., Heating Systems), Special Inspection Applicant's Email, License Type (e.g., Professional Engineer), and Agency Number. Entering the email notifies the special inspector.
  3. The identified special inspector selects the checkboxes to e-sign "I Take the Responsibility of Identifying Requirement" and "Special Inspection Applicant's Identification of Responsibilities." Name and date auto-populate.
  4. Click Update.
  5. To certify later: edit the category, then select "I Certify Complete Inspections/Tests" and "Special Inspection Applicant's Certification of Full Completion," and click Update. A "Technical Report Saved successfully" message confirms it.

DOB also says agency directors "must use the email address associated with their DOB NOW account" (NYC DOB).

NYC special inspection agency lookup: how to verify an SIA

Option 1: BIS registrant search. DOB's Special Inspection Agency User Guide (updated May 2012) says you can verify a registered SIA in the Buildings Information System by the director's last name or the agency's business name (SIA User Guide):

  1. Open the BIS search for Skilled Trades Licensees / General Contractors / Registrants, also linked from DOB's Check License & Registration Status page.
  2. Choose Special Inspection Agency as the type.
  3. Search by the director's last name or the business name.

Option 2: DOB NOW Public Portal. The DOB NOW Public Portal has a Licensee search that "Includes BIS Records" (seen in a rendered browser session, Oct 30, 2026; the portal returns 403 to scripted requests).

NYC special inspections checklist for GC QC teams

WhenCheckSource
PreconstructionThe TR1 lists every special inspection the RDP identified, and an agency has taken responsibility for each lineNYC BC §1704.1.1.1; DOB
PreconstructionEach SIA's registration is active for the needed endorsementsDOB
72+ hours before workWritten notice to the SIA, plus current approved documentsNYC BC §1704.1.1.3
During workDiscrepancies are resolved and reports are filed in DOB's formatNYC BC §1704.1.1.2
CloseoutEach TR1 line is certified complete in DOB NOW (or BIS) before sign-offDOB NOW guide

FAQ

What are the requirements for special inspections in NYC?

The owner retains a DOB-registered special inspection agency. The RDP identifies the required inspections on the construction documents and DOB forms (TR1). The permit holder gives the agency at least 72 hours' written notice before the work starts. The agency reports in DOB's format, submits a final report, and keeps records for six years (NYC BC 2022 §1704.1; NYC DOB).

What does a special inspector do for a project in NYC?

They inspect the work assigned on the TR1 on behalf of a registered agency. They take responsibility for and certify those inspections in DOB NOW (or on the paper TR1 for BIS jobs), and report discrepancies and hazardous conditions as Chapter 17 requires (NYC DOB; NYC BC 2022 §1704.1.1.2).

What is a special inspection?

In NYC it is the inspection of selected materials, installation, fabrication, erection or placement of components and connections to ensure compliance with approved construction documents and referenced standards (BC 1702.1, quoted by NYC DOB).

Is the TR1 still a paper form?

Only for BIS projects. For DOB NOW projects, responsibility is taken and inspections are certified in DOB NOW (NYC DOB).

How do I look up a special inspection agency in NYC?

Search BIS for Skilled Trades Licensees / General Contractors / Registrants by the director's last name or business name (SIA User Guide), or use the Licensee search on the DOB NOW Public Portal.

Who can do special inspections on a small residential building in NYC?

An RDP with relevant experience may perform most special inspections for Group R-3 buildings of three stories or less. Excavation and foundation work needs additional qualifications (NYC DOB).

Keep every TR1 line tied to its proof

SpecProven drafts your inspection plan from the spec. After the plan is built, it matches incoming inspection reports to the plan lines they prove (how it works). It doesn't file anything in DOB NOW; you still do that in DOB's system. A paid pilot is $2,900 to start and covers four projects, then $500 per project per month after the four included. Pricing.

Sources