SLNC Registration key terms

A structural member that carries and transfers building or soil loads to the foundation or ground, so its removal or alteration could reduce the stability of the structure above or adjacent to it.

A classification of the soil and rock underlying a site based on its stiffness and seismic behavior, determined from measured shear-wave velocity, penetration resistance, or soil properties, and used to select seismic design parameters.

The likelihood that saturated, loose granular soil will temporarily lose strength and behave as a fluid during strong shaking, causing settlement, lateral spreading, or foundation failure.

A wall, shoring system, or reinforced soil mass built to resist lateral earth pressure and keep soil or fill in place, often supporting adjacent property or roadway grades.

A determination that a building, member, or connection can safely resist the loads and deformations expected in service, verified by analysis, testing, or engineering judgment against the adopted code.

Inspection of specific materials, fabrication, or installation by a qualified inspector, beyond the routine inspections of the building official, where the code requires it because work is critical to structural or fire safety.

Construction documents that have been reviewed and stamped or otherwise accepted by the authority having jurisdiction, and which govern what may legally be built on the site.

A written authorization from the authority having jurisdiction to perform specified work, valid only for the scope, plans, and conditions stated in the application and any attached conditions.

A document issued after final inspection confirming that a completed building or structure complies with approved plans and applicable code provisions and may lawfully be occupied for its stated use.

The organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing code requirements, approving plans and equipment, and granting permits, variances, and final acceptance of completed work.

The specific edition of a model code, with local amendments, that a jurisdiction has legally enacted and that therefore governs design, construction, and inspection within its boundaries.

A technical standard incorporated by citation into the adopted code, so that its test methods, material specifications, or installation requirements become enforceable as part of the code.

Documented confirmation by an independent body that a manufactured product conforms to a specified standard, typically evidenced by a listing mark, certificate, or evaluation report acceptable to the authority.

The licensed architect or engineer responsible for preparing and sealing the design documents for a project, including structural, geotechnical, or fire-protection portions within their scope of competence.

Plans and specifications bearing the seal and signature of a licensed design professional, certifying professional responsibility for their content and required for permit submittal in most jurisdictions.

A detail drawing prepared by a fabricator or contractor showing how a component will actually be made and installed, submitted for review before fabrication to confirm it meets the design intent.

A written modification to the contract documents that alters scope, cost, or schedule, and that requires appropriate review and, where the change affects permitted work, revised approval.

Records revised after construction to reflect the actual installed conditions, dimensions, and locations of work, used for future maintenance, alterations, and verification of code compliance.

A dated, signed entry or report documenting what was inspected, by whom, the observations made, and any deficiencies or corrective actions, forming the traceable evidence of code compliance.

The last verification by the authority having jurisdiction that all permitted work is complete, prior approvals and inspections are closed out, and the project may be accepted or occupied.

A written list of incomplete or deficient items identified near the end of construction that must be corrected before final acceptance, closeout, or occupancy is granted.

A site-specific investigation report describing soil and rock conditions, groundwater, bearing capacity, settlement, and design recommendations prepared by a geotechnical engineer for foundation and earthwork design.

A scaled drawing showing the property boundaries, existing and proposed structures, access, drainage, setbacks, and other site features used for planning review and permit approval.

The minimum required horizontal distance between a structure or improvement and a property line, street, or other regulated feature, established by zoning or land-use rules.

A legal right held by another party to use a defined portion of a property for a specific purpose, such as utility access or drainage, which constrains what may be built there.

A design and documentation package describing how runoff will be controlled, detained, treated, and discharged from a site, including the sizing and location of related structures.

A drawing that specifies existing and proposed ground elevations, cut and fill quantities, drainage slopes, and erosion controls needed to shape the site for construction.

Temporary and permanent measures such as silt fence, inlet protection, and stabilized slopes used during construction to prevent soil from leaving the site and entering drainage systems.

An organization that performs specified material or system tests under controlled conditions, ideally accredited for the methods used, and reports results relied upon for compliance decisions.

A test performed at the project site on installed or in-place materials, such as compaction or pressure testing, to verify that work meets the specified performance criteria.

A documented condition where work, material, or documentation fails to meet a specified requirement, triggering a defined process for correction, reinspection, and closure.

The specific steps taken to remedy a nonconformance, remove its cause, and verify through reinspection or retesting that the corrected work now satisfies the applicable requirement.

A situation in which a professional's personal, financial, or other interest could improperly influence technical judgments or inspections, requiring disclosure and often disqualification from that role.

The professional's legal attestation on documents that the work was prepared or reviewed under their responsible charge, limited to areas within their licensed competence.

The practice of keeping project documents, inspection reports, and test results for the period required by law, contract, or policy so they remain available for audits and disputes.

A formal, documented exception granted by the authority allowing an alternative to a specific code requirement where strict compliance would cause practical difficulty, subject to stated conditions.

A proposed design or construction approach that differs from the prescriptive code but is shown by analysis, testing, or engineering judgment to provide equivalent or greater safety and performance.