Special Inspection Requirements is the City of Dallas checklist on which a project owner marks the types of work that must be checked by a special inspector under Section 305 of Chapter 52 of the Dallas City Code. It is one of the documents that goes with a Dallas permit: it must reach Building Inspection before a building permit is issued for any project that includes one or more of the listed items. On this page you can fill out the form online on FillingPDF and download or print the completed PDF; the original PDF is published by the City of Dallas.
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What is Special Inspection Requirements – Dallas, TX?
Special Inspection Requirements is the City of Dallas checklist that identifies which critical parts of a construction project need a special inspector, and that the owner or the owner's authorized agent completes, signs and returns to Building Inspection before a building permit is issued.
The form explains the term. A special inspection, as used in the code, is a construction quality control measure. It determines that certain critical structural, fire and life safety design features are properly incorporated in the building or structure, and it verifies that material and workmanship comply with the approved construction documents. Section 305 of Chapter 52 of the Dallas City Code, "Administrative Procedures for the Construction Codes," provides for these inspections, which are performed by persons qualified and skilled in the type of work inspected.
The form is a checklist of the types of work requiring special inspections: concrete, reinforcing steel, welding, fireproofing, foundations, masonry, smoke control systems, fire-stopping, EIFS, Energy Code items, storm shelters and other cases described by building officials. The letterhead reads Planning & Development Department, 320 E Jefferson Blvd, Dallas TX 75203. The checklist is not the building permit application itself, and it does not hire the inspector: the owner does that.
Who needs to file Special Inspection Requirements – Dallas, TX?
A Special Inspection Checklist must be completed for every project that includes one or more of the items on the form, and the owner of the project is the main party responsible for it. The checklist must be completed and signed by the owner or the owner's authorized agent.
- Building owners: the form states that the owner is responsible for hiring the special inspectors for the items checked.
- Owner's authorized agent: may complete and sign the checklist for the owner.
- Projects with listed work: any project whose scope includes concrete, welding, foundations, masonry, smoke control, fire-stopping, EIFS, Energy Code items, storm shelters, or any other item on the list, or another special case described by building officials.
The form says nothing about projects with none of the listed items, so the checklist applies to projects whose scope includes at least one of them. Questions about a specific project go to the office named on the letterhead.
When to file Special Inspection Requirements – Dallas, TX
Submit the completed checklist to Building Inspection before the building permit is issued. The form states that it must be completed and returned before a building permit will be issued, and it applies to all projects that include one or more of the listed items.
A later deadline also matters: a Certificate of Occupancy will not be issued until the building inspector has received all final reports of the special inspector(s). Hiring the inspectors early therefore keeps the end of the project from stalling. The form prints no other due date or validity period.
How to fill out Special Inspection Requirements – Dallas, TX
Enter the project address
Write the address of the project at Project Address. The checklist applies to the items in the scope of that project.
Read the scope statement
The form states that the items you check will be included in the scope of the project and must be inspected by a Special Inspector under Section 305 of Chapter 52 of the Dallas City Code. Check all that apply.
Check concrete and foundation work
Mark Concrete, High-strength Bolts installed in concrete, Reinforcing steel and/or prestressing tendons, and Pilings, drilled piers, caissons, footings, and other foundations where they are part of the project.
Check steel, masonry and fill work
Mark Welding, Structural masonry, Reinforced gypsum concrete, Insulating concrete fill, Shotcrete, and Excavation and filling as they apply.
Check fire and life safety items
Mark Spray-applied fireproofing, Smoke Control system and Fire-stopping when the project includes them.
Check envelope, energy and shelter items
Mark EIFS, Energy Code and Storm Shelters where they apply to the project.
Mark other special cases
Check Other special cases as described by building officials only if a building official has described an additional case that applies to your project.
Sign as owner or authorized agent
The checklist must be signed by the owner or the owner's authorized agent before it is returned to Building Inspection.
Review and download the completed PDF
Check that the address, boxes and signature are complete and legible, since staff cannot accept incomplete or illegible documents. Download or print the completed PDF from FillingPDF and return it as described under How to submit.
How to submit Special Inspection Requirements – Dallas, TX
The form names one destination: return the completed, signed checklist to Building Inspection before a building permit will be issued. It prints no online portal, separate mailing address or appointment rule.
- Building Inspection: the letterhead of the form lists the Planning & Development Department, 320 E Jefferson Blvd, Dallas TX 75203, telephone (214) 948-4480. Call that number to confirm how and where the checklist is accepted for your project.
- Condition of acceptance: the form says staff cannot accept incomplete or illegible documents, so make sure every entry is filled in and legible and that the owner or the owner's authorized agent has signed.
FillingPDF lets you fill out and download the PDF; submission follows the City of Dallas channels described above.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting the checklist after the building permit was expected to be issued; it must be returned to Building Inspection before a building permit will be issued.
- Turning in an incomplete or illegible checklist; the form states that staff cannot accept incomplete or illegible documents.
- Leaving the checklist unsigned; it must be signed by the owner or the owner's authorized agent.
- Not checking every type of work in the project scope; the form says to check all that apply, and the items checked must be inspected by a Special Inspector.
- Assuming the City hires the special inspector; the form states that the owner of the project must hire one.
- Leaving the Project Address blank, so the checklist cannot be tied to the project.
- Expecting a Certificate of Occupancy before the special inspectors' final reports have reached the building inspector.
- Overlooking the "Other special cases as described by building officials" box when the project has an inspection that is not one of the listed types.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Dallas Special Inspection Requirements form?
It is a City of Dallas checklist on which the owner or the owner's authorized agent marks the types of work in a project that must be checked by a Special Inspector under Section 305 of Chapter 52 of the Dallas City Code. It is returned to Building Inspection before a building permit is issued.
Do I need a special inspection checklist for my Dallas building permit?
You need it if the project includes one or more of the listed items, such as concrete, welding, foundations, masonry, smoke control, fire-stopping, EIFS, Energy Code items or storm shelters. The form says it is required for all projects that include any of them.
Who hires the special inspector in Dallas?
The building owner. The form states in capital letters that the owner is responsible for hiring special inspectors, and that the owner of the project must hire a Special Inspector for the items checked.
When do I submit the special inspection checklist?
Before the building permit is issued. The form says the checklist must be completed, signed and returned to Building Inspection before a building permit will be issued. It prints no other deadline.
Who can sign the Special Inspection Requirements checklist?
The owner of the project or the owner's authorized agent. The form says the checklist must be completed and signed by one of them before it is returned to Building Inspection.
Does the special inspection affect my Certificate of Occupancy?
Yes. The form says a Certificate of Occupancy will not be issued until the building inspector has received all final reports of the special inspector(s) for the project.
Can I fill out the Special Inspection Requirements form online?
You can fill out the PDF online on FillingPDF and download or print it. FillingPDF is an independent service and does not file the checklist; you deliver it to Building Inspection through the City of Dallas channels.
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