Who must the special inspector demonstrate competence to?

The special inspector must demonstrate competence to the building official. This requirement is in place to ensure that the inspector is qualified and capable of performing duties related to the special inspection process, which often involves verifying that certain aspects of construction comply with applicable codes, standards, and project specifications.

The building official is responsible for enforcing building codes and regulations, and they rely on the special inspector's qualifications to ensure that inspections are thorough and credible. This relationship is critical because the building official must have confidence in the inspector's ability to identify and report any issues that could affect the safety and compliance of the construction project.

While other stakeholders, such as the design professional, architect, and owner, may also have an interest in the qualifications of the special inspector, the primary responsibility for oversight and compliance lies with the building official. This creates a clear line of accountability and helps maintain the integrity of the inspection process throughout the duration of the construction.