SECTION 1704 SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS, CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITY AND STRUCTURAL OBSERVATION. 313
Delete Section 1704.6 and replace as follows:
B-1704.6 Structural observations. Where required by the provisions of Section 1704.6.1, 1704.6.2, 1704.6.3 or B-1704.6.4, the owner or the owner's authorized agent performing or causing construction or demolition operations shall employ a registered design professional to perform structural observations. A design professional conducting structural observations under Section 1704.6.4 or 1704.6.5 shall also meet the provisions of Section 1704.2.1. Structural observation does not include or waive the responsibility for the inspections in Section 110 or the special inspections in Section 1705 or other sections of this code.
Prior to the commencement of observations, the structural observer shall submit to the building official a written statement identifying the frequency and extent of structural observations.
At the conclusion of the work included in the permit, the structural observer shall submit to the building official a written statement that the site visits have been made and identify any reported deficiencies that, to the best of the structural observer's knowledge, have not been resolved.
Add Sections B-1704.6.4 and B-1704.6.5 as follows:
B-1704.6.4 Structural observations of buildings or structures adjoining or adjacent to excavation, demolition or construction activity. 314 Structural observations shall be provided by an approved agency for the proposed work and with respect to any other adjacent buildings and structures, as applicable, where any of the following conditions exist:
1. Excavation work to a depth of more than 5 feet (1524 mm) below adjacent grade within 10 feet (3048 mm) of an adjacent building or structure. Continuous structural observations shall be provided at all times during excavation work.
2. Excavation, new construction or demolition work occurs within 90 feet (27.43 m) of a building or structure designated as historic under Chapter 14-1000 of The Philadelphia Code on the subject property or abutting lot. Periodic structural observations shall be provided in accordance with an approved monitoring plan per Section B-3310.
3. Modification to a wall which is used for joint service between two buildings on separate lots, including demolition. Modifications shall include, but are not limited to, exposure of the wall; removal of perpendicular walls, floor diaphragms, or roof diaphragms; or addition of loading to the wall. Periodic structural observation shall be provided in accordance with an approved monitoring plan per Section B-3310 and shall be in addition to special inspections required by other sections of this code.
Exceptions:
1. Structural observation shall not be required for demolition performed under contract with the Department and in compliance with current Procurement Department specifications.
B-1704.6.5 Structural observations of historic buildings or structures. Structural observations shall be provided by an approved agency for an alteration to the structural system of, or a vertical addition to, an existing building or structure designated as historic under Chapter 14-1000 of The Philadelphia Code. Periodic structural observations shall be provided in accordance with an approved monitoring plan per Section B-3309. Structural observations shall not be required under this Section B-1704.6.5 for either of the following:
1. One- and two-family dwellings.
2. Where no structural support of the existing portions of the building or structure to remain is required for the proposed work as determined by a registered design professional.
Notes
| 313 | Added, Bill No. 210389 (approved July 15, 2021), effective January 1, 2023. |
| 314 |