Chapter 2: Definitions

2018 Philadelphia Building Code Definitions Pertaining to Structural Engineering & Inspections

Understanding the precise legal definitions within the Philadelphia Building Code is critical for seamless project approval. Below is a curated glossary of the most important terms regarding construction materials, structural engineering, and third-party oversight provided by approved Special Inspection agencies.

APPROVED

Acceptable to the building official.

APPROVED AGENCY

An established and recognized agency that is regularly engaged in conducting tests, furnishing inspection services or furnishing product certification where such agency has been approved by the building official (e.g., Viking Engineers Agency #058351).

BUILDING OFFICIAL

The officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of this code, or a duly authorized representative. In Philadelphia, this is typically represented by the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I).

REGISTERED DESIGN PROFESSIONAL

An individual who is registered or licensed to practice their respective design profession as defined by the statutory requirements of the professional registration laws of the state or jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed.

REGISTERED DESIGN PROFESSIONAL IN RESPONSIBLE CHARGE

A registered design professional engaged by the owner or the owner’s authorized agent to review and coordinate certain aspects of the project, as determined by the building official, for compatibility with the design of the building or structure, including submittal documents prepared by others, deferred submittal documents and phased submittal documents.

SPECIAL INSPECTION

Inspection of construction requiring the expertise of an approved special inspector in order to ensure compliance with this code and the approved construction documents.

Continuous special inspection: Special inspection by the special inspector who is present continuously when and where the work to be inspected is being performed.

Periodic special inspection: Special inspection by the special inspector who is intermittently present where the work to be inspected has been or is being performed.

SPECIAL INSPECTOR

A qualified person employed or retained by an approved agency and approved by the building official as having the competence necessary to inspect a particular type of construction requiring special inspection.

STRUCTURAL OBSERVATION

The visual observation of the structural system by a registered design professional for general conformance to the approved construction documents. Structural observation does not include or waive the responsibility for the inspection required by Section 110, 1705 or other sections of this code.