Structural Observation Program

The goal of the program is to bring consistency and clear direction to the structural observation process. All required documentation is separated out for easy submittal, review, and acceptance. The entire process is described, from identifying the structural observer to the hiring of the structural observer to the structural observation processes and expectations, and finally, to the acceptance of the required final report. The roles and responsibilities for all parties are clarified. Additionally, fillable PDF forms allow effortless preparation of the required documents.

  1. The “Structural Observation Program” explains the entire process with expectations for all parties as well as references to the associated required forms.
  2. The “Structural Observation Program & Structural Observer Designation” (BLD-1036) is a required form that must be attached to the submitted plan set that documents the name of the structural observer and the structural observation schedule, to be reviewed and approved by the building official. 
  3. The “Structural Observation Report” (BLD-1037) is a required form to be used for all reporting, and sheets may be attached as necessary depending on the scope of the deficiencies observed. The form should be used for every report, as the designation of final report can be determined by the using the appropriate checkbox on the form. This form always requires the structural design professional’s stamp.
  4. The “General Notes of Structural Observation” (BLD-2036) is provided for the ease of use in attaching the required general notes to the submitted plans. 

FAQs

No, all special inspections and other inspections are to take place as required by the situation.

A checkbox on Structural Observation Program & Structural Observer Designation (BLD-1036) should identify the reason the structural observation program is required.

The Designated Structural Observer is the registered engineer or licensed architect designated by the engineer or architect of record (EOR/AOR) to perform the structural observation.

The AOR is the licensed Architect of Record responsible for the structural design. The AOR may be the individual/firm to perform the site's structural observation.

The EOR is the registered Engineer of Record responsible for the structural design. The EOR may be the individual/firm to perform the site's structural observation.

The Engineer of Record (EOR) or Architect of Record (AOR) of the structural design is responsible for their designated structural observer.

Structural observations may be required by the code, the structural design professional, or the County building official. As such, the Structural Observation Program is meant to bring consistency and clear direction on the entire observation process, as well as providing all required documentation in location for easy submittal, review, and acceptance.