District of Columbia

THIRD PARTY PROGRAM

Procedure Manual 2018

Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs ǀ 1100 4th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 ǀ 202.442.4400 ǀ dcra.dc.gov
Third Party Program Procedural Manual

Table of Contents
I. INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW 4

II. APPROVAL OF THIRD PARTY PLAN REVIEW AGENCIES 5

Application Process for New Agencies 5
Recertification for Previously Approved Third Party Agencies 6
Duty to Update Applications and Approvals 7
Quality Assurance Plan 8
Conflicts of Interest 8
Insurance Coverage 9

III. QUALIFICATIONS OF THIRD PARTY PLAN REVIEW AND INSPECTION AGENCIES 10

Commercial Building 10
Residential Building 11
Mechanical and Fuel Gas 12
Electrical 12
Plumbing 13
Fire Protection 14
Residential Energy 15
Commercial Energy 16
Green Code 17
Elevators (New Construction Only) 19
Special Inspections 20

IV. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIRD PARTY AGENCIES 23

Notice of Intent to Use a Third Party Agency 23
Duties of the Registered Professional-in-Charge 24
Training 24
Plan Review Reports 24
Inspection Reports 26
Project Documents 28
On-Site Records 28
Internal Quality Assurance 28

V. DCRA OVERSIGHT PROTOCOL FOR THIRD PARTY AGENCIES 29

VI. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF DCRA THIRD PARTY PROGRAM 30

VII. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PROJECT OWNER 31

Execution of Notice of Intent (NOI) 31
Conflict of Interest Between Inspections and Plan Review Agencies 31
Scheduling Inspections and Request for Inspections 31

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Payments to Third Party Agencies 32

VIII. THIRD PARTY PROGRAM DISCIPLINARY PROCESS 32

Disciplinary Violations 32
Discipline Procedures 34

IX. APPENDICES
APPENDIX A Definitions 36
APPENDIX B Third Party Program Application 40
APPENDIX C1 Third Party Plan Review Notification of Intent Form 44
APPENDIX C2 Third Party Inspections Notification of Intent Form 47
APPENDIX D Third Party Plan Review Approval Certificate and Report 49
APPENDIX E Third Party Plan Review Code Deficiency Report 51
APPENDIX F Third Party Inspection Non-Compliance Report 53
APPENDIX G1 Third Party Inspection Completion Certification 55
APPENDIX G2 Third Party Inspection Certificate of Occupancy Certification 57
APPENDIX H Third Party Special Inspection Notification of Intent Form 59
APPENDIX I Third Party Inspection Elevator Annual Inspections 62
APPENDIX J Third Party Elevator Annual Inspection Completion Certification 65

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I. INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

The Government of the District of Columbia, through its Department of Consumer and
Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), is responsible for the plan review, inspection and approval of all
construction projects in the District of Columbia. Pursuant to provisions of the HomeStart
Regulatory Improvement Amendment Act of 2002, codified as Title 6, section 1405.03 of the
District of Columbia Code, and District of Columbia Municipal Regulations Title (DCMR) 12-A,
nongovernmental persons or entities, are authorized to perform inspections and plan reviews
and to certify that such work complies with the District of Columbia (DC) Construction Codes,
under certain conditions.

The Third Party Program is administered by DCRA’s Third Party Program under delegated
authority from the Code Official. This Manual revises and replaces all previous editions and sets
forth the minimum qualifications, administrative guidelines and procedures established and
implemented by DCRA for Third Party Agencies to ensure that all inspections or reviews
conducted by Third Party Agencies are at the highest professional level, and to ensure a process
for verification and auditing of the Third Party Agencies. The Manual also establishes an
application process for Third Party Agency certification.

The rules establishing the minimum requirements for Third Party Agencies, Professionals-In-
Charge, Third Party Inspectors and Third Party Reviewers are set forth in DCMR 12-A. In order
to clarify the requirements and procedures for DCRA’s Third Party Program, and to provide
DCRA with the flexibility to update these requirements as necessary, DCRA hereby adopts this
Third Party Program Procedure Manual, as authorized by DCMR 12-A. Pursuant to DCMR 12-A,
applicants seeking to qualify as and be certified as Third Party Agencies must comply with the
qualification requirements and procedures set forth in the most current edition of the Third
Party Program Procedure Manual. See DCMR 12-A.

A Third Party Agency approved to conduct Third Party plan review and/or inspections may be a
corporate entity or partnership or sole proprietor licensed to do business in the District of
Columbia. An Agency must employ or subcontract with one (1) or more qualified Professionals-
In-Charge, Third Party Plan Reviewers and/or Inspectors in each required discipline as approved
by DCRA based on the scope of work of the project.

An approved Third Party Agency, with the required qualifications as outlined in Table 3.1 and in
good standing, may be authorized to conduct plan review and/or inspections of projects
located in the District of Columbia for compliance with the DC Construction Codes, including its
referenced standards (with the exception of projects outside the scope of the Third Party
Program).

Approval by DCRA to participate in the Third Party Program shall only constitute authorization
to engage in the specific activities allowed by law or regulation, or by the terms of this Manual,

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and all other activities are outside the scope of DCRA’s Third Party Program. Activities excluded
from the Third Party Program include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Plan reviews or inspections of work that is outside the jurisdictional authority of DCRA,
including but not limited to work requiring the review and/or approval of:

a. District Department of Energy and Environment

b. DC Health
c. Historic Preservation Review Board
d. U.S. Commission of Fine Arts
e. DC Water
f. Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
g. District Department of Transportation
h. Properties located within a flood plain as determined by FEMA (Without written
approval from DCRA)

2. Authorization or approval of any modification of any provision of the DC Construction

Codes
3. Authorization or approval of alternative materials, design and methods of construction
and equipment not specified in the DC Construction Codes
4. Approval of installations in vaults and other projections into public space, without
written approval by the District Department of Transportation
5. Approval of site development work where jurisdictional authority is outside of the scope
of DCRA
6. Approval of work subject to review and approval by the Historic Preservation Review
Board of the Office of Planning
7. Zoning compliance
8. Plan review or inspection of work on a development site that is completely or partially
within a flood hazard area as determined by the District Department of Energy and
Environment
9. Determination of the applicability of the Green Construction Code and Green Building
Act Requirements

II. APPROVAL OF THIRD PARTY PLAN REVIEW AND INSPECTION AGENCIES

A. Application Process for New Agencies

For new agencies applying to be part of the Third Party Program, applications will only be
considered from January 1st to March 1st of each calendar year. Applications will be reviewed
by DCRA and applicants will be notified of their status within 30 days of receipt of a complete
application. See Appendix B for instructions.

By undertaking a Third Party Inspection and/or Plan Review, the Third Party Agency
acknowledges that it is in compliance with all the conditions of the applicable District laws and
this Manual.

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An applicant must provide and/or state the following in support of the application:
1. A detailed statement of the Third Party Agency’s qualifications pursuant to this Manual
and the HomeStart Act, including the qualifications of all Professional(s)-In-Charge,
Inspectors, and/or Plan Reviewers.
2. The application for Third Party Agencies must include a list of the Professional(s)-In-
Charge, inspectors and/or plan reviewers affiliated with the Third Party Agency, who will
certify, supervise and/or perform Third Party Inspections and/or Plan Review.
3. A quality assurance plan that complies with Section II.D. of this Manual, that describes
the method or plan that the Third Party Agency uses to maintain the quality of all plan
review and inspection services it provides.
4. A notarized sworn affidavit, signed by an authorized representative of the Third Party
Agency, attesting that the Third Party Agency, its Professional(s)-In-Charge and/or
Inspectors/Plan Reviewers will remain independent of conflicts of interest in accordance
with the HomeStart Act.
5. Proof of errors and omissions insurance coverage as required by the District of
Columbia.
6. Proof of licensure, professional degree, registration and certification of Professionals-In-
Charge Inspector and/or Plan Reviewers are required by the District of Columbia, the
Occupational and Professional Licensing Administration (OPLA), an accredited University
or College, the International Code Council (ICC), National Association of Elevator Safety
Authorities (NAESA), or the Steel Tank Institute. Proof of this licensure, degree,
registration and/or certification will be a condition prior to approval as a Third Party
Agency.
7. Proof of at least one Professional-in-Charge qualified in each discipline in which the
Inspection Agency proposes to perform inspections and shall employ a sufficient
number of qualified Inspectors and/or Plan Reviewers experienced in the inspection or
plan review discipline.
8. Proof of a current General Business License.
9. The Third Party Agency certifies that it or its agents have been found not to have
committed any ethics violations.
10. Each person performing inspections and/or plan review must be currently certified by
the ICC in the discipline for which they are performing analysis or inspection.

When an application is approved by DCRA, the Third Party Agency will be issued an Approval
Letter and identification number as evidence that the Third Party Agency has been certified to
participate in the Third Party Program. The Third Party Agency has an obligation to update
DCRA in writing if any material information previously submitted to DCRA in its application has
changed.

B. Recertification for Previously Approved Third Party Agencies

A person or entity who received prior approval from DCRA as a Third Party Agency who is in
good standing as of the date of this Manual will be required to submit a re-certification every
two (2) years, demonstrating that the Third Party Agency complies with the terms and

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conditions set forth in the current edition of the Manual, the DC Construction Codes, and the
HomeStart Act.

Recertification applications are to be submitted to DCRA on the even number years (i.e., 2018,
2020, etc.). The recertification of Third Party Agencies will be submitted by using the
Application Recertification Schedule below, which is alphabetically structured. The first letter of
Agency name determines what month the Recertification Application must be received.

Application Recertification Schedule

Agency Name Application Due (Month)
A-C January
D-G February
H-M March
N-Z April

DCRA in its sole discretion may provide conditional approval to the Third Party Agency to
conduct inspections and/or plan review for up to six (6) months. Conditional approvals are only
valid for up to six (6) months and may not be extended. If the required documentation is
submitted in a timely manner, then an approval letter will be issued. If such documentation
outlined above is not submitted within the timeframe specified by the code official, the
conditional approval shall be automatically revoked or suspended for the Agency, its Inspectors
and/or Plan Reviewers. Conditional approvals will not be provided for the requirements of a
Registered Professional-in-Charge.

C. Duty to Update Applications and Approvals

If there is a change in professional staff, an applicant for certification or an approved Third
Party Agency is required to notify the DCRA Third Party Manager in the following timeline:

1. Within five business days of the removal, addition, or change of a Registered

Professional-in-Charge
2. Within five business days of the removal, addition, or change of an Inspector or Plan
Reviewer

If a Registered Professional-in-Charge, Inspector, and/or Plan Reviewer is added to a Third Party

Agency, the qualifications of the added individual(s) must be provided to DCRA for review and
approval before he/she can begin any work under the Third Party Program. If DCRA approves
the individual(s), the Third Party Agency’s authorization can be modified to add the new
Professional-in-Charge, Inspector, and/or Plan Reviewer.

Failure to update information, including, but not limited to personnel changes, shall be subject
to disciplinary action depending on the severity of the action as outlined in Section VIII.

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D. Quality Assurance Plan

The Third Party Agency shall create, implement and maintain a quality assurance plan that
includes the method that the Third Party Agency uses to maintain the quality of all plan review
and inspection services it provides. The quality assurance plan must be submitted as part of the
application for a new Agency as well as recertification of an existing Agency.

The quality assurance plan will be reviewed by DCRA. A Quality Assurance (QA) Plan will not be
approved by DCRA unless it includes at a minimum the following elements or an equally
effective QA plan:

 Establishment, dissemination, and maintenance of written QA checklist(s) setting forth

the various steps that employees or contractors of the Third Party Agency are required
to follow in performing plan reviews and/or inspections.

 Establishment of a QA review process by the Third Party Agency in which a

Professional(s)-In-Charge of the Agency’s plan reviewers and/or inspectors (i) conducts
QA reviews based on the QA checklists for each employee or contractor performing plan
reviews or inspections, at least once per calendar quarter; (ii) reports the results of the
reviews in a written form which includes information on the date of the review, the
person reviewed, code violations missed, any life safety errors identified during the
review and any actions taken or recommended to improve the quality of the employee
or contractor work.

 Provision of an annual summary report to the DCRA Third Party Program Manager by
September 30th of each year, describing the number of reviews conducted for each
employee or contractor and the results of any oversight of those reviews.

 Retention of records relating to QA reviews by the Third Party Agency for a minimum 3-
year period.

E. Conflicts of Interest
Each Third Party Agency, Professional-in-Charge, Inspector, and Plan Reviewer shall at all times
remain in compliance with the independence and conflict of interest provisions set forth in the
HomeStart Regulatory Improvement Amendment Act of 2002, codified as Title 6, section
1403.01 et seq. of the District of Columbia Code. Each Third Party Agency, Professional-in-
Charge, Inspector and Plan Reviewer is solely responsible for maintaining compliance with the
conflict of interest provisions set forth in this Manual.

Third Party Agencies shall remain free of conflicts of interests on projects in which it is
conducting Third Party Inspections or Plan Reviews. In order to ensure that actual or apparent
conflicts of interests do not exist, the Owner of the Project (see Appendix A) must contract with
the Third Party Plan Review Agency and/or Third Party Inspection Agency. The following
circumstances and/or activities of a Third Party Agency constitute a conflict of interest that

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disqualifies the Third Party Agency from performing any inspection/plan review on a specific
project1.

1. The Third Party Agency is owned or controlled by any entity associated with the
Project.
2. The Project Architect(s), Engineer(s) or other design professional(s) of record, or
their firms have an ownership interest in the Project or the Third Party Agency.
3. The code or zoning consultant or other specialty consultants or advisors are
associated with the design of the Project or their firms.
4. The General Contractor of the Project or any of its Subcontractors maintains a
financial or economic interest in or serving (with or without compensation) as an
officer or director in the Third Party Agency.
5. Any person or entity performing functions of Project Management, Construction
Management, Value Engineering or Quality Control of the Project maintains a
financial or economic interest in or serving (with or without compensation) as an
officer or director in the Third Party Agency.
6. Any person or entity associated with the financing of the Project maintains a
financial or economic interest in or serving (with or without compensation) as an
officer or director in the Third Party Agency.
7. Any person or entity associated with the Third Party Agency who performs legal
counsel to the owner of the Project.
8. Any person or entity associated with the Third Party Agency, who performs
functions of permit expediting or acting as Owner’s agent, or any other party or
entity associated with advocating for the Owner’s interest in the Project.
9. The Third Party Agency has provided advisory, consulting services, and/or design
services related to the Project.
10. The Third Party Professional-in-Charge is subject to all conflicts requirements of
the Third Party Agency in which there is a business or family relationship.
11. The Third Party Agency is conducting Plan Review and an Inspection for the same
project.
12. Any other circumstances or activities not listed above that the Third Party
Manager may reasonably prove, to constitute an actual, potential or apparent
conflict of interest based on consideration of specific circumstances.

F. Insurance Coverage
The Third Party Agency shall obtain and maintain a Minimum Errors and Omissions Coverage
for each occurrence in the amount of $1,000,000 with the District of Columbia named as
additional insured. This requirement is not to be interpreted to mean that Errors and Omissions
are required for each project. Professionals-In-Charge, Inspectors, and Reviewers who are

1
This list includes examples of conflicts of interests; however, it is not exhaustive. DCRA reserves its right to
investigate any allegation of an actual, potential or apparent conflict of interest of a Third Party Agency. DCRA shall
issue discipline for any actual, potential or apparent conflict of interest.

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principals of the Third Party Agency or who are employed by, or under contract with the Third
Party Agency, shall be covered by the Third Party Agency’s insurance. The insurance shall be
cancelable only after 30 days’ notice to the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, by
certified mail with return receipt, addressed to the following address or such other address as
the Third Party Manager may advise:

Third Party Program Manager

Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
1100 4th Street, SW, Fourth Floor
Washington, DC 20024

Any cancellation of the required insurance shall result in removal of Third Party Approvals
effective on the date of the insurance cancellation. If the Third Party Agency changes insurance
providers, within 15 calendar days, the Third Party Agency must submit updated insurance
coverage to DCRA. Failure to do so shall result in the Agency’s removal from the Program.

III. QUALIFICATIONS OF THIRD PARTY PLAN REVIEW AND INSPECTION AGENCIES

In order to obtain DCRA approval, the Third Party Agency must identify the Licensed
Professional-in-Charge(s), Plan Reviewer(s) and/or Certified Inspector(s), who meet the
qualifications for each discipline as set forth below in Table 3.1.

Once approved, the Professional(s)-In-Charge, Plan Reviewer(s) and Inspector(s) are authorized
to conduct certain plan reviews and inspections as specified in Table 3.1.

Professionals-In-Charge, Plan Reviewers, and Inspectors, are required to maintain and renew
required licenses, certifications and/or registrations in accordance with applicable protocols
from the issuing authority. It is the responsibility of each Third Party Agency to ensure that their
staff is proficient, certified and competent in the application of the DC Construction Codes for
their respective disciplines.

TABLE 3.1
Mandatory Minimum Qualifications and Authorized Work
Commercial Building2
Position Minimum Qualifications Authorized Work

Building  Current registration in the District of Columbia Oversee the work of the
Professional-in- as a Professional Engineer, Architect or current Building Plan Reviewer
Charge ICC Certification of Master Code Professional. and Building Inspector.
 At least four (4) years of experience in the field

2
“Building” refers to projects governed by the DC Building Code.

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of engineering or construction project design

or construction management.
 Meet the qualifications for a certified building
inspector and/or certified reviewer as defined
in this Manual.
Building Plan  Current ICC Certification as a (B3) Building Authorized to sign off
Reviewer Plans Examiner, and (21) Accessibility on the “building review”
Inspector/Plans Examiner. and “structural review”
 At least three (3) years of experience in for commercial and
building plan review in a jurisdiction using any
residential plans
of the ICC codes.
designed to the IRC or
IBC.

Building  Current ICC Certification as a (B2) Building Authorized to approve

Inspector Inspector, and (21) Accessibility the following
Inspector/Plans Examiner inspections: Commercial
 At least three (3) years of experience in code and residential buildings
compliance building inspection in a jurisdiction
using any of the ICC codes.
Residential Building3
Position Minimum Qualifications Authority

Residential Only  Current registration in the District of Columbia Oversee the work of the
Professional-in- as a Professional Engineer or Architect or Residential Plan
Charge current ICC Certified Master Code Reviewer and
Professional. Residential Inspector
 At least three (3) years of experience in the
field of building design and/or construction,
civil or structural engineering or construction
project design and/or construction
management, in a supervisory capacity.
 Meet the certification requirement for an (R5)
ICC Combination Residential Inspector/Plan
Reviewers.
Residential Only  Current ICC Certification as an (R3) Authorized to sign off
Plan Reviewer Residential Plan Reviewer. on “building review”
 At least three (3) years of experience in code and “structural review”
compliance building inspection in a jurisdiction of one (1) and two (2)
using any of the ICC codes.

3
“Residential” refers to projects governed by the DC Residential Code.

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family dwellings built

under the IRC.

Residential Only  Current ICC Certification as an (R5) Residential Authorized to approve

Inspector Combination Inspector. the following
 At least three (3) years of experience in code inspections: One (1) and
compliance building inspection in a jurisdiction Two (2) Family
using any of the ICC codes.
Dwellings built under
the IRC.

Mechanical and Fuel Gas

Position Minimum Qualifications Authority

Mechanical  Current registration in the District of Columbia Oversee the work of the
Professional-in- as a Professional Engineer, Architect, or Mechanical Plan
Charge current ICC Certification of Master Code Reviewer and
Professional. Mechanical Inspector
 At least four (4) years of experience in the field
of mechanical design, mechanical engineering,
or mechanical project design, including their
administrative provisions.
 Meet the qualifications for a mechanical
inspector and/or reviewer as defined in this
Manual.
Mechanical Plan  Current ICC Certification as an (M3) Authorized to sign off
Reviewer Mechanical Plans Examiner. on commercial or
 At least three (3) years of experience in code residential mechanical
compliance inspection of mechanical systems plans.
in a jurisdiction using any of the ICC codes.
Mechanical  Current ICC Certification as an (M1 or M2) Authorized to approve
Inspector Mechanical Inspector. the following
 At least three (3) years of experience in code inspections: Residential
compliance inspection of mechanical systems or Commercial
in a jurisdiction using any of the ICC codes.
Mechanical Inspector
dependent on
Certification.

Electrical
Position Minimum Qualifications Authority

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Electrical  Current registration in the District of Columbia Oversee the work of the
Professional-in- as a Professional Engineer, Architect or current Electrical Plan Reviewer
Charge ICC Certification of Master Code Professional. and Electrical Inspector.
 At least four (4) years of experience in the field
of electrical systems design and layout,
including their administrative provisions.
 Meet the qualifications for an electrical
inspector and/or reviewer as defined in this
Manual.
Electrical Plan  Current ICC Certification as an (E3) Electrical Authorized to sign off
Reviewer Plans Examiner. on commercial or
 At least six (6) years of experience in code residential electrical
compliance plan review of electrical systems in plans.
a jurisdiction using any of the National Electric
Code or ICC codes.
Electrical  Current ICC Certification as an (E1 or E2) Authorized to approve
Inspector Electrical Inspector. the following
 At least three (3) years of experience in code inspections: commercial
compliance inspection of electrical systems in or residential electrical
a jurisdiction using any of the ICC codes.
dependent on
certification.

Plumbing
Position Minimum Qualifications Authority

Plumbing  Current registration in the District of Columbia Oversee the work of the
Professional-in- as a Professional Engineer, Architect or current Plumbing Plan Reviewer
Charge ICC Certification of Master Code Professional. and Plumbing Inspector
 At least four (4) years of experience in the field
of mechanical engineering or
mechanical/plumbing systems design and
layout in a supervisory position, including their
administrative provisions.
 Meet the qualifications for a plumbing
inspector and/or reviewer as defined in this
Manual.
Plumbing Plan  Current ICC Certification as a (P3) Plumbing Authorized to sign off
Reviewer Plans Examiner, and (21) Accessibility on residential or
Inspector/Plans Examiner. commercial plumbing
 At least three (3) years of experience in plans.
plumbing plan review in a jurisdiction using

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any of the ICC codes.

Plumbing  Current ICC Certification as a (P1 or P2) Authorized to approve
Inspector Plumbing Inspector, and (21) Accessibility the following
Inspector/Plans Examiner. inspections: Commercial
 At least three (3) years of experience in code or residential plumbing
compliance inspection of plumbing systems in
dependent on
a jurisdiction using any of the ICC codes.
certifications.

Fire Protection
Position Minimum Qualifications Authority

Fire Protection  Current registration in the District of Columbia Oversee the work of the
Professional-in- as a Professional Engineer, Architect or ICC Fire Protection Plan
Charge (FM) Certified Fire Marshall. Reviewer and Fire
 At least five (5) years of experience in the Protection Inspector
sections of the DC Construction Codes
pertinent to Fire Protection & Life Safety
systems, including its administration
provisions.
 Current ICC certification as a (66) Fire
Inspector I and (67) Fire Inspector II.
 At least three (3) years of experience in code
compliance inspection of Fire Protection
systems in a jurisdiction using any of the ICC
codes.
Fire Protection  Current ICC Certification as a (F3) Fire Plans Authorized to sign off
Plan Reviewer Examiner. on Residential or
 At least six (6) years of experience in code commercial fire plans.
compliance plan review of Fire Protection &
Life Safety Systems in a jurisdiction using any
of the ICC codes.
Fire Protection  Current ICC certification as a (66) Fire Authorized to approve
Inspector Inspector I and (67) Fire Inspector II. the following
 At least three (3) years of experience in code inspections: residential
compliance inspection of Fire Protection or commercial fire
systems in a jurisdiction using any of the ICC
inspections.
codes.

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Residential Energy
Position Minimum Qualifications Authority

Residential  Meet one of the following: Oversee the Residential

Energy a. Current license in the District of Energy Plan Reviewer
Professional-in- Columbia as either a (1) and Residential Energy
Charge Professional Engineer or Architect, Inspector
and have three (3) years of relevant
experience.
b. Current ICC Certification of Master
Code Professional and have three
(3) years of relevant experience.
c. Five (5) years of relevant
experience.
 Current ICC certification as a (79)
Residential Energy Inspector/ Plans
Examiner.
 At least five (5) years of experience in the
construction or building field working with
energy-related systems (e.g. mechanical
systems, lighting, energy modeling,
building envelope, renewable energy).
 Review Profession-in-Charge (PIC) must
attend the Residential Energy Review
DCRA RR13 training. Inspection PICs must
attend the Residential Energy Inspection
DCRA RE13 training.
 Additional DCRA Green Building Division
administered trainings may be required.
Residential  Current ICC Certification as a (79) Review and approve the
Energy Plan Residential Energy Inspector/Plans “energy review” for
Reviewer Examiner. construction plans to
 At least two years of experience in energy the DC Residential
systems and energy efficiency in a
Energy Conservation
jurisdiction using the International Energy
Conservation Code (IECC). Code
 Attend DCRA Green Building Division
administered trainings including but not
limited to the following:
o Residential Energy Review DCRA
RR13
Residential  Current ICC Certification as a (79) Inspect and approve

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Energy Residential Energy Inspector/Plans “insulation inspection”

Inspector Examiner. and “energy final” for
 At least two years of experience in energy construction projects
systems and energy efficiency in a required to comply with
jurisdiction using the IECC.
the DC Residential
 Attend DCRA Green Building Division
administered trainings including but not Energy Conservation
limited to the following: Code.
o Residential Energy Inspection DCRA
RE13

Commercial Energy
Position Minimum Qualifications Authority

Commercial  Meet one of the following: Oversee the

Energy a. Current license in the District of Commercial Energy
Professional-in- Columbia as either a (1) Code Plan Reviewer and
Charge Professional Engineer or Commercial Energy
Architect, and have three (3) years
Code Inspector.
of relevant experience.
b. Current ICC Certification of Master
Code Professional and have three
(3) years of relevant experience.
c. Five (5) years of relevant
experience.
 Current ICC Certification as a Commercial
Energy (CE) Inspector/Plans Examiner with
ASHRAE 90.1.
 At least five (5) years of experience in the
construction or building field working with
energy-related systems (e.g. mechanical
systems, lighting, energy modeling,
building envelope, renewable energy).
 Review PICs must attend the Commercial
Energy Review DCRA CR13 training.
Inspection PICs must attend Commercial
Energy Inspection DCRA CE13 training.
 Additional DCRA Green Building Division
administered trainings may be required.

Commercial  Current ICC Certification as a CE Review and approve the

Energy Plan Inspector/Plans Examiner with ASHRAE “energy review” for

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Reviewer 90.1.* construction plans to

 At least two (2) years of experience in the DC Commercial
energy systems and energy efficiency in a Energy Conservation
jurisdiction using the IECC. Code.
 Attend DCRA Green Building Division
administered trainings including but not
limited to the following:
 Commercial Energy Review DCRA CR13
Commercial  Current ICC Certification as a (CE) Inspect and approve the
Energy Commercial Energy Inspector/Plans insulation installation
Inspector Examiner with ASHRAE 90.1.* and energy installation
 At least two (2) years of experience in for construction
energy systems and energy efficiency in a
projects required to
jurisdiction using the IECC.
 Attend DCRA Green Building Division comply with the DC
administered trainings including but not Commercial Energy
limited to the following: Conservation Code.
 Commercial Energy Inspections DCRA
CE13.
Green Code4
Position Minimum Qualifications Authority

Green  Meet one of the following: Oversee the Green

Professional-in- a. Current license in the District of Code Plan
Charge Columbia as either a (1) Professional Reviewer(s) and
Engineer or Architect, and have Green Code
three (3) years of relevant experience.
Inspector(s).
b. Current ICC Certification of Master
Code Professional and have three (3)
years of relevant experience.
c. Five (5) years of relevant experience.
 Current ICC Certification as an (GC) IgCC
Commercial Inspector/Plans Examiner
w/ASHRAE 189- GC and (CE) Commercial
Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner with
ASHRAE 90.1.*
 At least five (5) years of experience in green
building, energy systems and energy
efficiency in a jurisdiction using the IECC and
the IgCC.

4
The Third Party Plan Review Agency conducting the “green review” must also conduct the “energy review”.

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 Review PICs must attend the Commercial

Energy DCRA CR13 and Green Review DCRA
GR 13 trainings. Inspection PICs must attend
the Commercial Energy Inspection DCRA
CE13 and Green Inspection DCRA GI13
trainings.
 Additional DCRA Green Building Division
administered trainings may be required.

Green Inspector  Current ICC Certification as an (GC) IgCC Inspect and approve
Commercial Inspector/Plans Examiner ting “green rough-in”
w/ASHRAE 189- GC and (CE) Commercial and “green final” for
Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner with construction projects
ASHRAE 90.1.*
required to comply
 At least three (3) years of experience in
green building, energy systems and energy with the DC Green
efficiency in a jurisdiction using the IECC and Construction Code.
the IGCC.
 Attend DCRA Green Building Division
administered trainings including but not
limited to all of the following:
 Commercial Energy Inspection
DCRA CE13
 Green Inspection DCRA GI13

Green Plan  Current ICC Certification as an (GC) IgCC Review and approve
Reviewer Commercial Inspector/Plans Examiner the “green review”
w/ASHRAE 189- GC and (CE) Commercial for construction
Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner with plans built to the DC
ASHRAE 90.1.*
Green Construction
 At least three (3) years of experience in
green building, energy systems and energy Code.
efficiency in a jurisdiction using the IECC and
the IGCC.
 Attend DCRA Green Building Division
administered trainings including but not
limited to all of the following:
o Commercial Energy Review DCRA
CR13
 Green Review DCRA GR13

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Elevators (New Construction Only)5

Position Minimum Qualifications Authorized Work

Elevator  Certification for Inspections Supervisor with Oversee the Elevator

Professional-in- NAESA accredited to administer testing and Plan Reviewer and
Charge certification of the QEI-1 standard published Elevator Inspector(s).
by the American Society of Mechanical
Engineers (ASME QEI-1) as Inspection
Supervisor or Current certification registration
in the District of Columbia as a Professional
Engineer
 At least three (3) years of experience in
building plan review in a jurisdiction using any
of the ICC codes.
 At least five (5) years of in-the-field experience
in design, inspection, or construction
management involving the installation,
maintenance or rehabilitation of elevators
and/or conveying systems, in a supervisory
position.
Elevator  Certification for Inspections Supervisor with
Reviewer NAESA accredited to administer testing and
certification of the QEI-1 standard published
by the American Society of Mechanical
Engineers (ASME QEI-1) as Inspection
Supervisor.
 At least three (3) years of experience in
building plan review in a jurisdiction using any
of the ICC codes.
 At least five (5) years of in-the-field experience
in design, inspection, or construction
management involving the installation,
maintenance or rehabilitation of elevators
and/or conveying systems, in a supervisory
position.
Elevator  Certification with NAESA accredited to
Inspector administer testing and certification of the QEI-
1 standard published by the American Society
of Mechanical Engineers (ASME QEI-1) as
certified Elevator Inspector.

5
For annual Elevator Inspections See Appendix I.

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 At least three (3) years of experience in

installation, repair or maintenance of elevator
and/or conveying systems for an elevator
contractor or under the direction of a
nationally Certified Elevator Inspector.

J. Special Inspections
DCMR 12-A §109.3.13 (2013) authorizes the Code Official to require the Owner to employ
Special Inspection Agencies with adequate qualifications to inspect, at a minimum, the
following types of construction and others as outlined in Chapter 17 of the International
Building Code:

 Reinforced Concrete
 Reinforced Masonry
 Welding
 Precast Concrete
 Structural Steel
 Engineered Fill
 Underpinning
 Spray Applied Fireproofing
 Smoke Control Systems
 High strength Bolts
 Certain Concrete Installations
 Certain Masonry Installations
 Mastic and Intumescent Fire-Resistant Coatings
 Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) installations

The Third Party Program Manager shall determine the qualifications of Special Inspectors, in
accordance with DCMR 12-A, and Chapter 17 of the International Building Code. The current
version of the Special Inspections Model Program is herein adopted by reference for
administration and implementation of all testing and special inspections required by Section
1704.1 of the International Building Code. This Manual adopts the Special Inspection
Program Procedure Manual (2018), or any successor thereto, which can be found at
dcra.dc.gov.

1. Special Inspector Qualification Standards (See Special Inspection Policy Manual 2018)
The qualifications listed below are from the International Accreditation Service (IAS)
Document AC291 – Accreditation Criteria for IBC Special Inspection Agencies and ASTM
E329 for agents.
a. Experience
i. For the experience to count toward qualifications, it must be based on
verifiable work directly related to the category or type of inspection
involved.

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ii. An engineering degree (Bachelor of Science) plus appropriate in-house

training may be substituted for not more than one (1) year of experience.
An engineering technology degree (Bachelor of Science) plus appropriate
in-house training may be substituted for not more than one (1) year of
experience. (A degree may not be substituted for more than half of the
experience requirements in any category.)

iii. Three (3) to five (5) or more years’ experience as a qualified Special
Inspector in one (1) or more categories of work may satisfy up to half of
the experience requirements in any category.

b. Certification
Certification, when specified, is intended to mean successful completion of an
ICC examination or an approved equivalent (e.g. WACEL, ACI, and AASHTO)
appropriate to the category of work involved.

c. Special Inspector in Training

The intent of this provision is to provide practical opportunities for an inspector
to gain the needed experience to qualify as a Special Inspector. An inspector who
does not meet the qualifications for Third Party Inspector may be allowed to
perform “Special Inspections” at the discretion of the responsible Registered
Professional Engineer in charge and with the approval of the Code Official,
provided one (1) or more of the following conditions are met:

 The individual is working under direct and continuous supervision of a

Special Inspector fully qualified for the type of work involved; or
 The individual is working under the indirect or periodic supervision of a
special inspector, and the scope of work is minor and/or routine and
within the capabilities of the individual.

2. Qualifications for Special Inspections

Special Inspections
Qualifications Criteria
Pre-Stressed Concrete  Current ICC Certification as a (92) Pre-stressed
Concrete Special Inspector or current
Washington Area Council of Engineering
Laboratories, Inc. (WACEL) certification as a
Structural Concrete/Masonry Inspector.
 At least two (2) years of experience under the
direct supervision of a PE in structural
engineering.
 Maintain a minimum of two relevant Continuing
Education Units (CEU) every three years.

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Reinforced Concrete  Current ICC Certification as a (47) Reinforced

Concrete Special Inspector or current WACEL
certification as a Level I Concrete Technician.
 At least two (2) years of experience under the
direct supervision of a Professional Engineer in
structural engineering.
 Maintain a minimum of two (2) relevant CEUs
every three years.
Non-Destructive Testing  Current American Society for Nondestructive
Testing (ASNT) Level II as determined by Level III
Examiner and a minimum one (1) year of direct
testing experience.
 Personnel qualified in accordance with
nationally-recognized NDT personnel
qualifications practice or standard, such as
ANSI/ASNT-CP-189 or SNT-TC-1.
 Maintain a minimum of two (2) relevant CEUs
every three years.
Pier and Pile Foundations  Current ICC certification as a (47) Reinforced
Concrete Special Inspector or NICET III or IV or
current WACEL certification as a Level II Concrete
Technician.
 At least two (2) years of experience under the
direct supervision of a PE in structural
engineering.
 Maintain a minimum of two (2) relevant CEUs
every three years.
Post-Installed Structural Anchors in  Current ICC certification as a (B2) Commercial
Concrete Building Inspector.
 At least two (2) years of experience in the activity
being inspected. OR A Professional Engineer and
a minimum one (1) year of experience in the
activity being inspected.
 Maintain a minimum of two (2) relevant CEUs
every three years.
Soils  NICET II, III, IV, CT or ICC Certification as an (EC)
Soils Special Inspector or current WACEL
certification as a Level I Soils Technician.
 At least three (3) years of experience directly
related to soils testing and inspection under a
licensed P.E.
 Maintain a minimum of two (2) relevant CEUs
every three years.

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Spray-Applied Fireproofing  Current ICC certification as an (86) Spray-applied

Fireproofing Special Inspector, a current WACEL
certification as a Level I Sprayed-on Fireproofing
Technician or A Professional Engineer in Fire
Protection.
 Maintain a minimum of two (2) relevant CEUs
every three years.
Bolting  Current ICC certification as an (S1) Structural
Steel and Bolting Special Inspector or current
WACEL certification as a Level I Structural Steel
Inspector.
 Maintain a minimum of two (2) relevant CEUs
every three years.
Welding  Current ICC certification as an (S2) Structural
Welding Special Inspector or current WACEL
certification as a Level II Structural Steel
Inspector.
 Maintain a minimum of two (2) relevant CEUs
every three years.
Structural Masonry Construction  Current ICC certification as an (84) Structural
Masonry Special Inspector or current WACEL
certification as a Structural Concrete/Masonry
Technician.
 Maintain a minimum of two (2) relevant CEUs
every three years.
Structural Wood Construction  Current ICC Certification as a (B2) Commercial
Building Inspector and (B2) Residential Building
Inspector.
 Maintain a minimum of two (2) relevant CEUs
every three years.
Smoke Control  Current ICC certification as a (67) Fire Inspector II
and (B1) Commercial Building Inspector, an ICC
Certification of Master Code Professional, or
 A Professional Engineer in Fire Protection.
 Maintain a minimum of two (2) relevant CEUs
every three years.

IV. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A THIRD PARTY AGENCY

A. Notice of Intent to Use a Third Party Agency

Before commencing work on a project, an executed Notice of Intent (NOI) to use a Third Party
Agency must be approved by DCRA. The Owner must execute the NOI, but the Third Party
Agency may submit the NOI to DCRA as a designated Agent of the Owner. If the Owner is not

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the signing party, a notarized letter confirming the Agent’s authority and identity must be
attached to the NOI. Forms can be found under Appendix C1 and Appendix C2.

B. Duties of the Registered Professional-in-Charge

The Registered Professional-in-Charge must provide direct supervision of all Inspections or Plan
Reviews conducted by the Third Party Agency. The Professional-in-Charge is responsible for
ensuring that each Third Party Plan Reviewer and/or Inspector is approved to conduct plan
review and or inspections for each applicable discipline.

C. Training
All Third Party Agencies including Inspectors, Plan Reviewers, and Professionals-In-Charge must
attend DCRA mandatory trainings as scheduled. Failure to attend mandatory trainings will be
subject to disciplinary action as described in Section VII. Advance notice of the training will be
provided to all Third Party Agencies.

All Third Party Agencies must provide proof of completion of a minimum of four (4) hours of an
approved ethics training biennially, which must include one (1) hour of ethics training provided
by the DC Board of Ethics and Government Accountability.

Third Party Agencies are responsible for providing appropriate continuing education and
training to their employees.

D. Plan Review Reports

1. Provide Complete and Timely Plan Review Reports

The Third Party Review Agency shall submit the following completed reports to DCRA
for each Project. The Third Party Manager within in his/her sole discretion may modify
the reporting requirements and procedures as deemed necessary. The Plan Review
Report shall include a Plan Review Approval Certification Cover Letter. See Appendix D.

2. Plan Review Code Deficiency Report

The Third Party Plan Review Agency shall complete a Plan Review Code Deficiency
Report, containing a list of non-complying items (the “Code Deficiency Report”) for each
round of review and the relevant code section(s). The Code Deficiency report shall be in
the format defined by DCRA. The architect, engineer or design professional shall make
changes in a standardized format with key-dated notes and changes clouded on the
approved plans. See Appendix E. At a minimum, the Code Deficiency Report shall
specify a building code summary that depicts certain elements of the project under
construction:

 Project address
 Occupancy classification
 Type of construction
 Allowable area

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 Required yards
 Building fire resistive rating and exterior wall rating
 Design Occupant Load
 Third Party Plan Review Agency’s name and address
 Notice of Intent Number(s)
 Discipline(s) for which the plan review was performed
 Name and contact information of the approved Registered Professional-in-
Charge and Plan Reviewers completing the review for each applicable discipline
o If another DCRA-approved Agency was used as a subcontractor to
complete a review (e.g., green review), include information on the
Agency, PIC and plan reviewer
 List of items found to be non-conforming citing the applicable code sections
 The nature of the deficiency and the location of the deficiency in the plans
 Corresponding response from the design professional confirming how and where
the non-conforming items were corrected, as well as the date they were
corrected.

The Third Party Plan Review Agency shall submit copies of each Code Deficiency Report
to the Owner or the Owner’s designated recipient(s). The Third Party Plan Review
Agency shall communicate with the Owner or its designated representatives as
necessary to clarify and ensure the non-compliant items are corrected and in full
compliance with the DC Construction Codes. It is the duty of the Third Party Plan
Review Agency to ensure all identified code deficiencies are corrected in the final set of
plans.

3. Third Party Plan Review Approval Certification Letter and Report

The Third Party Plan Review Approval Certification Letter and Report shall be sealed and
signed by the Professional-in-Charge and must be submitted in a PDF format. The
Certification Letter shall specify:

 Project address
 Third Party Plan Review Agency’s name and address
 Notice of Intent Number(s)
 Discipline(s) for which the plan review was performed
 Name and contact information of the approved Professional(s)-In-Charge and
Plan Reviewer(s) signing off on the review for each applicable discipline
o If another approved Agency was used as a subcontractor to complete a
review (e.g., green review), include information on the Agency, PIC and
plan reviewer
 A copy of all Code Deficiency Reports issued by the Third Party Agency and
subcontractors, if applicable

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 A statement testifying to the compliance of the Discipline’s plans for the Project
with construction documents, specifications and all regulations of the District of
Columbia.

E. Inspection Reports
The Third Party Inspection Agency must submit inspection reports to DCRA for review and
approval using the AMO system. Below are the required reports that must be submitted to
DCRA within three (3) business days of the inspection:

1. Non-Compliance Report
The Inspection Agency shall produce a report that contains a specific list of non-
complying items for each inspection. The report will list the required corrections that
are a pre-requisite to the approval of a phase of construction. For each item designated
non-compliant, the report shall cite the relevant code section(s), the nature of the
deficiency and the location of the deficiency. These reports shall be uploaded into AMO
under the Building permit. The report shall be on the Third Party Agency’s letterhead in
a PDF file. The report shall specify details specified in Appendix F.

 Project address
 Building permit number
 Inspection Agency’s name and address
 Name and contact information of the approved Third Party Professional-in-
Charge and Inspectors who completed inspections
o If another approved Agency was used as a subcontractor to complete any
inspections (e.g., green code inspections), include information on the
Agency, PIC and plan reviewer
 Type of inspection performed
 Phase of the project if a partial inspection is conducted
 List of items found to be non-compliant during the inspection citing the code
reference
 Corresponding response from the construction team confirming how and where
the non-conforming items were corrected, as well as the date they were
corrected.

The Inspection Agency shall communicate with the Owner, the Owner’s contractor(s),
agent(s) and/or designer(s) of record, to identify the needed corrections to accomplish
code compliance. The Inspection Agency or DCRA shall bring the noted corrections to
the attention of the Owner, Contractor or responsible person in charge so that a plan
revision may be made accordingly. It is the duty of the Third Party Inspection Agency to
ensure all identified code deficiencies are corrected before the inspection is approved.
Under no circumstances is the Inspection Agency authorized to advise or participate in a
modification of the District’s regulations. The ruling on any modification and/or
interpretation must always be determined by the Code Official.

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2. Reports Submission Requirements

Third Party Agencies shall upload reports directly to AMO.

a. Wall Check Survey reports that are required shall be verified as approved by the
Office of the Zoning Administrator prior to any above grade inspection approvals
granted.

b. Rough Inspection Reports shall be uploaded to AMO on Third Party letterhead

and submitted within three (3) business days of the inspection. All information
shall be complete along with the signature of the Inspector and the stamp and
signature of the Professional-in-Charge. The Third Party Agency can only submit
one (1) trade per Inspection Report. Reports shall be grouped by address and
include only one (1) address per attachment. The Third Party Agency is not
required to submit copies of the permit.

c. Temporary Pending Final (TPF) Inspection Reports shall be sent to

[email protected] and shall be submitted in the approved format within
three (3) business days of the Inspection. All information submitted shall include
the signature of the Inspector and the stamp of the Professional-in-Charge. TPF
reports shall be identified by the address. The Third Party Agency is not required
to submit copies of the permit. The Inspection Field Report and the Notice of
Intent must be submitted.

d. Final Inspection Reports shall be uploaded to AMO and shall be submitted in the
approved format within three (3) business days of the inspection. All information
submitted shall include the signature of the Inspector and the stamp of the
Professional-in-Charge. The Third Party Agency can only submit one (1) trade per
Inspection Report. Reports shall be grouped by address and only one (1) address
per attachment. The Third Party Agency is not required to submit copies of the
permit. An Inspection or Field Report and the Notice of Intent must be
submitted. All deficiencies identified in oversight inspections performed by DCRA
shall be brought into compliance, re-inspected and re-certified. Additionally, the
final Inspection Certificate Report shall include an attachment noting how all the
identified oversight items have been abated and are in full compliance with the
DC Construction Codes.

e. Certificate of Occupancy Reports shall be uploaded to AMO and shall be

submitted in the approved format within three (3) business days of the
inspection. All information submitted shall include the signature of the Inspector
and the stamp of the Professional-in-Charge. Reports shall be grouped by
address and only one (1) address per submittal. The Third Party Agency is not
required to submit copies of the permit. All deficiencies identified in oversight
inspections performed by DCRA shall be brought into compliance, re-inspected
and re-certified. Additionally, the Final Inspection Certificate Report shall

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include an attachment noting how all the identified oversight items have been
abated and are in full compliance with the DC Construction Codes.

f. Elevator Annual Reports shall be sent to [email protected]

g. Special Inspections Reports shall be sent to [email protected] (see

Special Inspections Model Program Manual. After AMO is introduced into the
program, all reports shall be uploaded directly into AMO.

3. Inspection Certificate Report

The Third Party Agency must submit an Inspection Certificate Report to DCRA. The
Inspection Certificate Report shall be in the approved format and submitted in a PDF
file. The Inspection Certificate Report must contain the Professional-in-Charge seal. See
Appendix G1.

F. Project Documents
The Third Party Agency shall agree to exercise due diligence in the safekeeping of any project
documents received from the Owner and to return promptly any requested documents to
DCRA or the Owner upon request. The drawings, specifications and electronic files in all types
of media, or other materials received by the Third Party Agency in connection with the
performance of any work under the Program may be protected by copyright law and shall
remain the property of DCRA or the Owner. Copies of plans utilized by a Third Plan Review
Agency shall be solely for the purpose of completing the Third Party Plan Review Agency’s work
under the program and not for any other purpose. The Third Party Plan Review Agency agrees
to treat such materials as restricted information. Copies of Plan Review documents shall be
kept in accordance with the District of Columbia’s Records Retention Schedule.

G. On-Site Records
When conducting inspections, the Third Party Agency must verify and assure all approved
plans, permits, On-Site Inspection Record Cards and shop drawings and required documents
issued by DCRA, are properly posted on the site. Upon completion of an inspection, the Third
Party Agency must sign and date the On-Site Inspection Record Card in a clear and readable
manner with the name of the Inspector written beside their signature.

H. Internal Quality Assurance

The Third Party Agency shall comply with the approved quality assurance plan, including by
ensuring that its personnel and/or agents are subject to internal performance evaluations
conducted by the Third Party Agency and submitting the required annual summary report to
the DCRA Third Party Program Manager describing the number of reviews conducted for each
employee or contractor and the results of those reviews. The Third Party Agency shall maintain
all records regarding the evaluation, certifications, and continuing education requirements of
its personnel and/or agents. The Third Party Agency must maintain a tracking system to
monitor the submissions of all documents required by the Third Party Program.

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V. DCRA OVERSIGHT PROTOCOL FOR THIRD PARTY AGENCIES

In order to provide oversight of the Third Party Program, DCRA will conduct periodic and
random audits of all approved Third Party Agencies to determine compliance with the
requirements of the Third Party Program. The responsible person within the Third Party Agency
shall be accessible to DCRA during normal business hours and shall allow access by DCRA
personnel to conduct compliance reviews and audits of the Agency. The Third Party Agency
shall cooperate with DCRA in any audit or compliance review or face disciplinary action
including removal from this program.

Plan Review Audit Protocol

 Each approved Third Party Plan Review Agency shall be audited annually by DCRA on
projects for which it is providing plan review services.

 Newly approved plan reviewers will receive an audit by DCRA for the first seven (7)
consecutive reviews he/she conducts. This also applies to plan reviewers who have
been newly approved for a new plan review discipline such as green or energy
inspections.

Inspections Audit Protocol

 Each approved Third Party Inspections Agency shall be randomly audited annually by
DCRA on projects for which it is providing inspection services.
 Newly approved inspectors shall be audited by DCRA randomly with the exception of
Green and Energy. Newly approved inspectors for green or energy inspections shall be
audited by DCRA for the first seven (7) consecutive sites that he/she inspects.

Non-Compliance Protocol
 When a DCRA auditor finds initial non-compliance in plan review or inspections, an
additional two (2) projects assigned to the same plan reviewer or inspector shall be
audited by DCRA.

 After three (3) consecutive non-compliant projects, the plan reviewer or inspector shall
receive DCRA audit for a minimum of the next seven (7) plan reviews or inspections,
before resuming sampling of one (1) out of every seven (1/7) rate. The Third Party
Agency in which the plan reviewer or inspector is employed will receive an appropriate
discipline notice per Section VIII and IX, depending on the seriousness of the non-
compliant issue.

 After seven (7) or more consecutive additional failures, the plan reviewer or inspector
will no longer be approved to conduct plan reviews or inspections for the specific

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discipline that he/she received seven (7) failed audits until he/she has received
adequate training as prescribed by DCRA in coordination with the Third Party Agency.
The Third Party Agency employing the plan reviewer or inspector will receive a discipline
notice according to Section VIII, depending on the seriousness of the non-compliant
issue.

 If a Professional-in-Charge has two (2) or more plan reviewers or inspectors under their
direct supervision that receive seven (7) consecutive non-compliant audits, he/she can
no longer be a Professional-in-Charge for that specific discipline. The Third Party Agency
employing the Professional-in-Charge will receive a discipline notice according to
Section VIII, depending on the seriousness of the non-compliant issue.

VI. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DCRA THIRD PARTY PROGRAM

The DCRA Third Party Program is required to ensure that all plans and construction work meet
the requirements of the DC Construction Code (DCMR 12). This includes establishing
qualifications for participation in the Third Party Program, and to monitor performance by
approved Agencies so that Agencies who fail to meet Program requirements are disciplined,
suspended or removed from the Program. The following is required:

1. Maintain the Third Party Program Manual and update as required.

2. Review, approve or disapprove all Third Party Agency Applications and re-
certification applications.
3. Review, approve or disapprove the owner’s NOI to use a Third Party Agency
within (5) five business days of submission of a complete application.
4. Rescind the Notice of Intent on any Project assigned to a Third Party Agency
after determining non-compliance with this Manual or violations of the
Construction Codes resulting in a Class 1 disciplinary action as in Section VIII.
5. Perform compliance review and audits of the Third Party Agencies as described
in the Manual.
6. Hold regular meetings with Third Party Agencies to share new information,
changes, and provide an open forum for discussion regarding the concerns of the
agencies and their clients.
7. Review Inspection and Plan Review Reports for quality assurance.
8. Confirm submission by each Third Party Agency of the annual summary of quality
assurance reviews of employees and contractors undertaken pursuant to the
approved quality assurance plan.
9. Create and maintain a current and accurate list of all Third Party Agencies to be
made publically available on the DCRA website.
10. Issue disciplinary actions based on the process outlined in this Manual under
section VIII.

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VII. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PROJECT OWNER

A. Execution of Notice of Intent (NOI)

The Owner may elect at the beginning of a Project to use a Third Party Agency for plan review
and/or inspection in lieu of DCRA. To use a Third Party Agency, the Owner or designated Agent
of the Owner must fully execute, sign and submit an NOI Application to use a Third Party
Agency and wait for DCRA’s review and approval of the NOI before commencing plan review
and/or inspections on a project. A notarized letter confirming the Agent’s authority and
identity must be attached to the Notice of Intent if the Owner is not the signing party. DCRA
shall review the Notice of Intent to ensure compliance with this Manual and shall grant
approval or disapproval within five (5) business days. If the NOI is incomplete or incorrect,
DCRA will request additional information.

B. Conflict of Interest Between Inspections and Plan Review Agencies

To ensure compliance with the Conflict of Interest requirements the Owner must identify
separate entities to conduct the plan review and the inspections for a single project. A Third
Party Agency cannot perform Third Party Inspections and Plan Review for the same Project. A
Project that is subject to the District of Columbia Residential Code or is an R2, R3, or R4
occupancy as defined by the District of Columbia Building Code cannot use multiple inspection
agencies.

All other projects are permitted to use multiple inspection agencies for Special Inspections,
upon prior approval from the Third Party Manager. A separate Special Inspections Notice of
Intent signed by all parties must be submitted to the Third Party Manager for approval.
Inspections cannot occur until the Third Party Manager approves the Notice of Intent. See
Appendix H.

A Special Inspections preconstruction meeting is required for every project over three (3)
stories in height or that is required to be constructed under the Special Inspections Program
Manual (e.g. underpinning). The Chief Building Official may require a preconstruction meeting
for other projects based on the design complexity.

Where multiple Inspection Agencies are approved by the Third Party Manager, a primary
approved Inspection Agency shall be designated. This primary Inspection Agency shall have
total responsibility for the coordination of all inspection agencies designated for the Project.

C. Scheduling of Inspections and Request for Inspections

The Owner is responsible for scheduling all Third Party Inspections. The Third Party Inspection
Agency shall have TPIA approval prior to performing any inspections on the respective
discipline.

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D. Payments to Third Party Agencies

The Owner or his/her authorized representative is responsible for all payment for services
rendered to the Third Party Agency. DCRA is not a party to the contract between the Owner
and the Third Party Agency. All fees and costs associated with the performance of a Third Party
Agency are the sole responsibility of the Owner. If the Owner elects to use a Third Party Agency,
he/she shall not be entitled to a refund of any portion of the permit fee paid to DCRA. Any
monetary claims that arise from incomplete, inaccurate or defective plan reviews and/or
inspections provided by the Third Party Agency shall be remedied without cost to DCRA.

VIII. THIRD PARTY PROGRAM DISCIPLINARY PROCESS

DCRA is authorized to discipline or remove a Third Party Agency from the Third Party Program
for failure to comply with this Manual or the Construction Codes. Failure to comply with the
Third Party Program may result in disciplinary actions that may include, but are not limited to
the following: warning, probation, suspension, and/or removal. This Manual sets forth the
policies and procedures for imposing discipline.

DCRA, within its sole discretion, shall issue disciplinary actions against a Third Party Agency and
its agents. Specifically, DCRA is authorized to issue discipline against a Third Party Agency for
actions associated with the Agency, plan review, and inspection activities for individual actions
based on the trade activity.

It is the duty and responsibility of DCRA and Third Party Agencies to ensure that all construction
in the District of Columbia is built in compliance with the DC Construction Codes. It is
incumbent on the Third Party Agencies to appreciate the unique relationship it has with DCRA
and the District’s residents and businesses. In order to ensure that a Third Party Inspection
Agency or Plan Review Agency is acting on behalf of the District of Columbia in its discharge of
its duties, the Inspector or Plan Reviewer is obligated and required to report any instance in
which he or she has reasonable cause to believe that a DC construction code violation has
occurred within the building, structure or premises rendering it unsafe, dangerous or
hazardous, whether or not it is outside of the Inspector or Plan Reviewer’s contractual
relationship. Therefore, to avoid Third Party Agencies focusing on the financial benefits of the
Third Party Program and their relationships with their developers, owners, or expediters, DCRA
will ensure that all Third Party Agencies inspect or review the entire project for code
compliance. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.

A. Disciplinary Violations

Class 1 Violations

Class 1 violations are the most serious violations warranting disciplinary action including failure
to comply with administrative procedures, protocols, and substantive rules that may
immediately impact the health, safety, and/or welfare of the public. A Class 1 violation can
result from, but is not limited to, the following conduct:

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1.1 An ethical violation by any reviewer or Agency on a Third Party Project such as
acceptance or offering of a bribe or making a threat.
1.2 Altering or falsifying any reports, documents, or plans on a project, as
documented by the owner or the contractor or another person with credible
knowledge of such an event.
1.3 Misrepresentation of information required for qualification or certification.
1.4 Failure to properly document and cite code violations that pertain to fire and life
safety and/or welfare of the public. These may include but are not limited to,
fire-resistance-rated construction, fire stopping, and smoke control systems,
means of egress, fire suppression systems, fire alarm systems, structural
elements or accessibility.
1.5 Performing reviews and/or inspections while on suspension.
1.6 Failing to detect dangerous conditions during plan review or inspection.
1.7 Failing to detect the need for fire sprinkler/standpipes.
1.8 Failing to check for all applicable documents associated with the discipline in
which the Third Party Agency is performing (e.g., a soil report, special inspection,
etc.).
1.9 Failure to perform adequate Third Party Plan Review or Inspection in a Discipline
in accordance with the Construction Codes or failure to inspect work according
to approved construction documents.
1.10 Failure to abide by the conflict of interest provisions as contained in this Manual.
1.11 Performing inspections and/or reviews without DCRA Third Party approval as an
Agency, Reviewer, and/or Inspector.
1.12 Failure to submit any requested documents to DCRA within a reasonably
prescribed time frame.
1.13 Failure to exercise due diligence in safe keeping of any project documents.
1.14 A Third Party Agency’s failure to identify and ensure through its plan review or
inspection services that all construction activity is in compliance with the DC
Construction Codes and is performed in a manner conducive to completion in
accordance with the District of Columbia approved plans or building codes.
1.15 Conducting inspections on sites with posted Stop Work Orders.
1.16 Providing inspection services prior to the issuance of a permit or approved shop
drawings.
1.17 Failure to maintain the required insurance

Class 2 Violations

Class 2 violations are serious conduct warranting disciplinary action including failure to comply
with administrative procedures, protocols, and substantive rules that are egregious in nature
but do not immediately impact the health, safety, and/or welfare of the public. A Class 2
violation can result from, but is not limited to, the following conduct:

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2.1 Failure to fully document plan review and/or inspection results as required by
the Third Party Manual.
2.2 Failure to adhere to stated review and/or inspection criteria or any District of
Columbia governing specification or ICC standards.
2.3 Failure to declare a conflict of interest.
2.4 Failure of a Plan Review Agency to ensure that all documents are reviewed for
compliance with Construction Codes or regulations.
2.5 Failure of the Inspection Agency to review the approved plans on site at the time
of the inspection.
2.6 Failure of a Third Party Agency to update DCRA with current information
regarding its Professionals-In-Charge, Inspectors, and/or Plan Reviewers.
2.7 Failure to cooperate fully with the Third Party Manager conducting a
compliance review, audit, or investigation.
2.8 Failure to maintain required insurance.
2.9 Failure to attend required training or meetings.

Class 3 Violations

Class 3 violations are minor offenses that impact the efficiency, and overall performance of the
Third Party Agency Program are the least severe and encompass failure to comply with basic
administrative procedures and review protocols and do not impact the life safety of the public.
A Class 3 violation can result from, but is not limited to, the following conduct:

3.1 Failing to obtain an approved NOI from the owner prior to beginning the Plan
Review or Inspection.
3.2 Failure to provide an appropriate approval stamp to signify the specific
personnel performing the plan review task.

B. Discipline Procedures
DCRA shall take the following steps in ensuring compliance with the Third Party Program, if
there is a determination that misconduct has occurred. Upon receipt of a complaint or as part
of its compliance oversight, the Third Party Manager shall conduct an investigation to
determine if the Third Party Agency acted improperly. Upon determining that the Third Party
Agency is not in compliance with this Manual or District law, DCRA shall in its sole discretion
conduct an investigation that may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

1. Upon making a determination of a violation, the Third Party Manager shall issue
a written letter via first class mail and/or e-mail to the Third Party Agency and
the Owner of the Project stating the basis for the disciplinary action and the
Class violation.
2. Once the Third Party Agency has been given notice, the Third Party Agency may
appeal the decision within ten (10) business days of the date of official
notification of an impending disciplinary action to the Director of DCRA. The
Third Party Agency may submit evidence supporting its position to the Director

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of DCRA. Failure to file a written appeal within the ten (10) business days will
result in the issuance of the disciplinary action.

3. All appeals shall be heard by the DCRA Director or his/her designee. The Director
of DCRA shall issue his/her final decision on the appeal within ten (10) business
days.
4. Decisions by DCRA Director regarding appeals are final.

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APPENDIX A

Third Party Definitions

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APPENDIX A

DEFINITIONS

Building Code: The current International Building Code (IBC) as amended by DCMR 12-A.

Code Official: The Code Official is the Director of DCRA or his or her designee.

Construction Codes: Collectively, the DC Building Code, DC Residential Code, DC Electrical Code,
DC Fuel Gas Code, DC Mechanical Code, DC Plumbing Code, DC Property Maintenance Code, DC
Fire Safety Code, DC Energy Conservation Code, DC Green Construction Code and Existing
Building Code, as defined in DC Municipal Regulations Title 12-A, §§101.2-101.4.8 (2013).

Construction Documents: Construction Documents shall have the same meaning as defined in
107.2.1 -107.2.5 of the International Building Code and DC Municipal Regulations Title 12-A
(2013).

DC Building Code: The current International Building Code (IBC) as amended by DCMR 12-A
(2013) (the “Construction Code Supplement”).

DC Construction Code Supplement: The applicable version of DC Municipal Regulations Title

12A (2013).

Department or DCRA: The District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory

Affairs.

Discipline Notice: DCRA’s formal notification to a Third Party Agency of its intent to impose a
disciplinary action on the Third Party Agency, its agents, or personnel.

HomeStart Act: The HomeStart Regulatory Improvement Amendment Act of 2002, codified as
title 6, section 1403.01 et seq. of the District of Columbia Code.

International Code Council (ICC) Certification: Voluntary certifications issued by the ICC. The
ICC Certification is based on the results of one (1) or more examinations administered by the
ICC to establish proficiency in professional categories.

ICC Continuing Education Unit (CEU): A type of continuing education unit (CEU), as recognized
by the ICC. Ten hours of continuing education participation equals one (1) ICC CEU. For
example, a typical one-day seminar has 6 hours of instruction or 0.6 CEUs. Credit is awarded
for a variety of activities wherein the objective is achieving relevant professional knowledge
beyond that required for initial certification.

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Non-Compliance: One (1) or more significant code violations are found during the DCRA plan
review or inspection audit.

Non-Compliance Report: A list of non-complying items prepared by the Third Party Agency
submitted to DCRA.

On-Site Inspection Record: A card posted or otherwise made available by the permittee to
allow the Professional-in-Charge to make entries regarding Third Party Inspections of the
Project until final approval is granted by the Code Official.

Owner: The Owner of the property.

Owner of the Project: Any person, agent, firm or corporation having a legal or equitable
interest in the property. This could be the actual owner of the property as recorded with the
District of Columbia land records or the tenant of a property or building space as documented
in a contractual arrangement (lease).

Permit Applicant: The person or entity, either an Owner or representative/agent of the Owner,
who applies for and to whom construction permit(s) related to the Project are issued.

Plan Review Code Deficiency Report: A list of non-complying items prepared by the Third Party
Agency following a Third Party Plan Review submitted to DCRA.

Probation: A period of time in which the Third Party Agency will have all submissions monitored
by DCRA. The exact term of which will be determined through either disciplinary action(s) and
proceedings or the first time entry into the program.

Removal: The termination of the Third Party Agency, its agents or personnel are removed from
the Third Party Program.

Special Inspections: Field inspections of certain types of construction, in accordance with the
DC Municipal Regulations (DCMR) Title 12A §§ 106.3 and 109.3.13 (2015), Chapter 17 of the
International Building Code, and the Special Inspections Manual – 2018 requiring specialized
expertise, including reinforced concrete, reinforced masonry, reinforced gypsum, welding,
precast concrete, structural steel, and engineered fill.

STI/SP-0011 Certification: Voluntary certification issued by the Steel Tank Institute (STI), an
organization established in 1916, and in 2004 merged with the Steel Plate Fabrication
Association (SPFA), which was established in 1934. STI/SPFA is the Trade Association
representing fabrications of steel construction products including Shop Fabricated and Field
Erected Tank Pipes, Premier Vessel and other special fabrications. They provide a source for
standardizing steel construction in educational training and certification to ensure safe
installation and operation of steel tanks.

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Suspension: A period of time that the Third Party Agency, its agents, or personnel cannot
perform Third Party functions.

Warning: DCRA formal notification to a Third Party Agency of failure to comply with this
Manual or the Construction Codes. This is a precursor to disciplinary action.

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APPENDIX B

Third Party Program Application

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APPENDIX C1

Third Party Plan Review Notification of Intent Form

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APPENDIX C2

Third Party Inspections Notification of Intent Form

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APPENDIX D

Third Party Plan Review Approval Certificate

and Report

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APPENDIX E

Third Party Plan Review Code Deficiency Report

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APPENDIX F

Third Party Inspection Non-Compliance Report

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APPENDIX G1

Third Party Inspection Completion Certification

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APPENDIX G2

Third Party Inspection Certificate of Occupancy

Certification

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APPENDIX H

Special Inspection Notification of Intent Form

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APPENDIX I

Third Party Elevator Annual Inspection

Completion Certification

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APPENDIX J

Third Party Elevator Annual Inspection

Completion Certification

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