1707.1 Special inspections for seismic resistance. Special inspections itemized in Sections 1707.2 through 1707.10, unless exempted by the exceptions of Section 1704.1, are required for the following:

1. The seismic-force-resisting systems in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F, as determined in Section 1613.

2. Designated seismic systems in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.

3. Architectural, mechanical and electrical components in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F that are required in Sections 1707.7 and 1707.8.

1707.2 Structural steel. Continuous special inspection is required for structural welding in accordance with AISC 341. Exceptions:

1. Single-pass fillet welds not exceeding ⁵/₁₆ inch (7.9 mm) in size.

2. Floor and roof deck welding.

1707.3 Structural wood. Continuous special inspection is required during field gluing operations of elements of the seismic- force-resisting system. Periodic special inspection is required for nailing, bolting, anchoring and other fastening of components within the seismic-force-resisting system, including wood shear walls, wood diaphragms, drag struts, braces, shear panels and hold-downs.

Exception: Special inspection is not required for wood shear walls, shear panels and diaphragms, including nailing, bolting, anchoring and other fastening to other components of the seismic-force-resisting system, where the fastener spacing of the sheathing is more than 4 inches (102 mm) on center (o.c.).

1707.4 Cold-formed steel framing. Periodic special inspections is required during welding operations of elements of the seismic-force-resisting system. Periodic special inspection is required for screw attachment, bolting, anchoring and other fastening of components within the seismic-force-resisting system, including struts, braces, and hold-downs.

1707.5 Pier foundations. Special inspection is required for pier foundations for buildings assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F in accordance with Section 1613. Periodic special inspection is required during placement of reinforcement and continuous special inspection is required during placement of the concrete.

1707.6 Storage racks and access floors. Periodic special inspection is required during the anchorage of access floors and storage racks 8 feet (2438 mm) or greater in height in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.

1707.7 Architectural components. Periodic special inspection is required during the erection and fastening of exterior cladding, interior and exterior nonbearing walls and interior and exterior veneer in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.

Exceptions:

1. Special inspection is not required for architectural components in structures 30 feet (9144 mm) or less in height.

2. Special inspection is not required for cladding and veneer weighing 5 psf (24.5 N/m2) or less.

3. Special inspection is not required for interior nonbearing walls weighing 15 psf (73.5 N/m²) or less.

1707.8 Mechanical and electrical components. Special inspection for mechanical and electrical equipment shall be as follows:

1. Periodic special inspection is required during the anchorage of electrical equipment for emergency or standby power systems in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F;

2. Periodic special inspection is required during the installation of anchorage of other electrical equipment in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category E or F;

3. Periodic special inspection is required during installation of piping systems intended to carry flammable, combustible or highly toxic contents and their associated mechanical units in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F;

4. Periodic special inspection is required during the installation of HVAC ductwork that will contain hazardous materials in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F; and

5. Periodic special inspection is required during the installation of vibration isolation systems in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F where the construction documents require a nominal clearance of 0.25 inches (6.4 mm) or less between the equipment support frame and restraint.

1707.9 Designated seismic system verifications. The special inspector shall examine designated seismic systems requiring seismic qualification in accordance with Section 1708.5 and verify that the label, anchorage or mounting conforms to the certificate of compliance.

1707.10 Seismic isolation system. Periodic special inspection is required during the fabrication and installation of isolator units and energy dissipation devices that are part of the seismic isolation system.