ICC GENERAL REQUIREMENTS PRACTICE
EXAM PREPARATION PACK 2026 KEY
CONCEPTS AND REVISION NOTES
◉ David P. Tyree and James D. Bowman's Statement (pg 4)
Answer: "The purpose of special inspection is to provide additional
evaluation above and beyond inspections normally performed by the
building department in areas of construction where strength, safety,
and construction practices have been determined by the building
code, engineer, or architect of record, or building official to be
sufficiently critical to warrant a special inspector."
◉ When is special inspection required?
Answer: When the structural frame requires design by a registered
design professional approved by the building official.
◉ What is risk category based on?
Answer: Risk category is deemed by the IBC and based on
Occupancy type and building use.
◉ Risk Category 1
Answer: Agriculture buildings (low occupancy)
, ◉ Risk Category 2
Answer: Most commercial and residential buildings
◉ Risk Category 3
Answer: Substantial life safety hazard if failure occurs (K-12 schools,
public buildings, detention centers)
◉ Risk Category 4
Answer: Essential Facilities (hospitals, police, fire stations,
emergency shelters, national defense, emergency operations
centers)
◉ Who is a special inspector?
Answer: An individual with specialized skills who observes critical
building or structural elements identified in the statement of special
inspections for compliance with plans and specifications - approved
by the building official.
◉ Who is a Building Official?
Answer: A designated authority (Usually from the city of county
municipality) that enforces special inspections within their
jurisdiction.
◉ Who is the Owner?
EXAM PREPARATION PACK 2026 KEY
CONCEPTS AND REVISION NOTES
◉ David P. Tyree and James D. Bowman's Statement (pg 4)
Answer: "The purpose of special inspection is to provide additional
evaluation above and beyond inspections normally performed by the
building department in areas of construction where strength, safety,
and construction practices have been determined by the building
code, engineer, or architect of record, or building official to be
sufficiently critical to warrant a special inspector."
◉ When is special inspection required?
Answer: When the structural frame requires design by a registered
design professional approved by the building official.
◉ What is risk category based on?
Answer: Risk category is deemed by the IBC and based on
Occupancy type and building use.
◉ Risk Category 1
Answer: Agriculture buildings (low occupancy)
, ◉ Risk Category 2
Answer: Most commercial and residential buildings
◉ Risk Category 3
Answer: Substantial life safety hazard if failure occurs (K-12 schools,
public buildings, detention centers)
◉ Risk Category 4
Answer: Essential Facilities (hospitals, police, fire stations,
emergency shelters, national defense, emergency operations
centers)
◉ Who is a special inspector?
Answer: An individual with specialized skills who observes critical
building or structural elements identified in the statement of special
inspections for compliance with plans and specifications - approved
by the building official.
◉ Who is a Building Official?
Answer: A designated authority (Usually from the city of county
municipality) that enforces special inspections within their
jurisdiction.
◉ Who is the Owner?
