At any time when the code official observes
a condition that is determined to require additional inspection or
study by someone with advanced or specialized knowledge, the code official has the authority to order a special inspection
or engineering study be completed by a third party professional, contracted
by the owner, at the owner's expense.
115.1.1 Qualifications. The code official shall
state in the request for study any minimum qualifications that in
the professional opinion of the code official are
required to adequately study or inspect the observed problem.
115.1.2 Report completion. When ordered in accordance with this
Section, a special inspection or engineering report shall be produced
to the Department of Buildings & Code Compliance within 30 calendar
days.
Exception: The code official can
extend this deadline when, in the professional opinion of the code official in conjunction with the engineer of record
or special inspector, that the report cannot be properly produced
within this timeframe due to weather, climate, or study scope and
complexity.
115.1.3 Report content. At a minimum when ordered in accordance with
this Section, the report shall include the description of the problem,
report of the findings, required actions to mitigate the problem,
Pennsylvania seal (for registered design professionals), signature,
date, deadline for completion of work, any intermediate inspections
that are required prior to completion, and any requirements prior
to completion regarding use and occupancy of the structure.
115.1.4 Report completion letter. When the work detailed in the report
is completed, a letter from the special inspector or design professional
shall be produced within 15 calendar days, indicating their acceptance
of the work and any future need for involvement.