Third-Party Plans Examination and Inspection FAQ

The new third-party regulations only apply in exempt jurisdictions for commercial and residential building codes, and electrical codes. A list of commercial code exempt jurisdictions may be found here. Residential code exempt jurisdictions may be found here. Electrical code exempt jurisdictions may be found here. In exempt jurisdictions, a designer or contractor may choose to use a registered third-party for plans examinations or inspections. The jurisdiction determines the documents required for submission.

For plans review, the following documentation shall be provided:

a) The building name, the intended address, and the local jurisdiction of the structure;

b) The third-party’s name and registration number;

c) A sworn statement under penalty of perjury by the third-party declaring that the plans comply with the applicable codes and that no deficiencies remain;

d) A statement of the applicable codes of the local jurisdiction and the codes used to perform the plans examination;

e) The occupancy classification of the structure; and

f) Other information as the SFMO may require.

For inspections, the following documentation shall be provided:

a) A copy of any building inspection report for the structure;

b) Any approved plans and fire safety codes;

c) The building name, location, and jurisdiction of the structure;

d) The third-party plans inspector’s name and registration number;

e) The type of inspection conducted;

f) A sworn statement under penalty of perjury by the third-party that states no deficiencies of the applicable codes were identified or identifies all deficiencies of the applicable code;

g) A statement of the applicable codes of the local jurisdiction;

h) The occupancy classification for which the structure was inspected; and

i) Other information as the SFMO may require.

The jurisdiction then has ten (10) business days to respond to the submission. The jurisdiction’s response will state whether the documents are approved, denied for noncompliance, or if more information is needed.

If a local jurisdiction does not respond within ten (10) business days, the third-party may then submit to the SFMO here for buildings under commercial codes. For buildings under residential codes or for electrical inspections, the third-party may submit here. The SFMO then has ten (10) business days to respond. The SFMO’s response will include whether the documents are approved, denied for noncompliance, or if more information is needed.