Who performs jurisdictional inspections?

Jurisdictional inspections are primarily the responsibility of building inspectors. These inspectors work for local governmental agencies and ensure that construction projects comply with the adopted codes, regulations, and zoning laws. Their role is to protect public safety, health, and welfare, making certain that the construction meets all necessary standards before proceeding.

Building inspectors are trained to review plans and conduct on-site inspections at various stages of construction, including foundation, framing, and final occupancy. They focus on verifying that the work aligns with the approved plans and applicable codes, making them the key authority when it comes to jurisdictional inspections.

In contrast, special inspectors typically focus on specific aspects of construction that require specialized knowledge, such as concrete pouring or welding, rather than overall compliance with building codes. Registered Design Professionals (RDPs) and structural engineers may play critical roles in the design and analysis of structures, but they do not conduct jurisdictional inspections as defined by code enforcement. Their work may complement the building inspector's process but does not replace the necessity for the official jurisdictional inspections that building inspectors provide.