The purpose of this bulletin is to establish conditions under which welding of structural components would be considered minor nature, thus exempted from special inspection requirements. Per CBC, Section 1704.2, exception 1, special inspections and tests are not required for construction of a minor nature. This bulletin lists construction of elements and components where welding of their connections is considered minor welds. These minor welds include, but are not necessarily limited to the connections of the following elements:

1. Guards and stairs (balusters, pickets, railings, and handrails) associated with detached one or two dwelling units or located within the interior space of individual dwelling units, townhouses, multifamily apartments and condominiums. For all other locations, special inspection of railing systems shall be limited to welding inspection of welds at the base of cantilevered rail posts.
2. “Hold–together” connections, such as a steel column–to–baseplate or steel column–to–column cap, where the column supports vertical loads only and is not part of any lateral load–resisting system.
3. Metal framing connectors listed and labeled in accordance with a current ICC-ESR Evaluation Services Report or other listing agency recognized by the City.
4. Structural framing system for support of ground/floor/roof mounted equipment where the total weight of all equipment and components supported by the steel framing system is less than 400 pounds, and the center of mass of any equipment is located less than 4 feet above the ground/floor/roof surface, except for electrical equipment for emergency and standby power.
5. Structural framing system for support of plumbing, mechanical, and electrical components, except for piping and ductwork system designed to carry hazardous materials and their associated mechanical units or other electrical components in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category E and F.
6. Structural framing system for awnings and canopies not exceeding 8 feet in height above finished grade at the highest point of elevation, smaller than 50 square feet of surface area, and projecting not more than 54 inches from the exterior surface of the wall.
7. Ground-mounted pole sign 8 feet maximum in height measured from the lowest grade to the top of the sign, with a sign area of less than 50 square feet. Refer to Information Bulletin 111.
8. Ground-mounted trellises not exceeding 12 feet in height measured to the top of the trellis.

9. Steel storage racks and/or shelving not exceeding 8 feet in height. 

   For special inspection requirements for structural steel and welding, refer to CBC Section 1705.2.

References

• San Diego Municipal Code (SDMC)
• 2022 California Building Code Chapter 17: Special Inspections and Tests
• Information Bulletin 111: How to Obtain a Permit for Signs