Chapter 553.71, Florida Statutes, defines a threshold building as any structure greater than three stories or 50 feet in height, or has an “assembly” occupancy classification that exceeds 5,000 square feet and an occupant content of greater than 500 persons.
Simply put, if the building is tall or holds a lot of people, by law, a threshold building inspector is required to inspect its structural elements during construction to ensure compliance with the permitted construction documents. A list of the structural elements, as well as non-structural elements, that require inspection can be found in the Florida Building Code, which is based on the International Building Code.
Threshold building inspections are performed by a state-certified Special Inspector (SI), or a duly authorized representative of the certified SI. The term threshold inspector is simply another designation given to a Florida-certified Special Inspector who performs inspections on threshold buildings. (The titles of Special Inspector and Threshold Inspector are commonly used synonymously in Florida.)
A Florida-certified Special Inspector is tasked with performing structural inspections, as well as maintaining inspection and deficiency logbooks, and reviewing all inspection and testing reports. Additionally, before, during, and after a project, the Special Inspector must effectively communicate between four different entities: the owner, the structural engineer of record (EOR), the city or county, and the general contractor.
The most important aspect of involvement as the special inspector is to aid in the oversight of the project to provide an extra layer of safety. As part of the “Engineer’s Creed,” a professional engineer pledges to uphold the public welfare above all other considerations. A special inspection for threshold buildings not only provides oversight for the structural integrity of a building throughout the construction process, but also helps increase the quality of the entire structure, both in its parts and as a whole.
CUETO ENGINEERING, LLC
2030 S DOUGLAS RD
SUITE #202
CORAL GABLES, FL 33134
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, engineering or architectural advice. You should consult a professional for advice regarding your individual project. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create a working relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as a working relationship has been established.
