Section 1707: Alternative Test Procedure
2018 Philadelphia Building Code (Chapter 17: Special Inspections and Tests)
1707.1 General
In the absence of approved rules or other approved standards, the building official shall make, or cause to be made, the necessary tests and investigations; or the building official shall accept duly authenticated reports from approved agencies in respect to the quality and manner of use of new materials or assemblies as provided for in Section A-203.0 of the Administrative Code. The cost of all tests and other investigations required under the provisions of this code shall be borne by the permit applicant.
💡 Special Inspector's Commentary
Building codes often lag behind construction technology. When developers want to use an innovative system or a new material that doesn't have an established standard in the 2018 IBC, Section 1707 provides the legal pathway forward.
However, the code explicitly states that the financial burden of these investigations falls entirely on the permit applicant. To prevent costly project delays, it is critical to partner with a licensed Philadelphia Structural Engineer and Approved Agency (Agency #058351). Viking Engineers can coordinate these alternative testing procedures and produce the "duly authenticated reports" that the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) requires for final approval.