Subsection 1704.6 is amended to read as follows:

1704.6 Structural Observations. Where required by the provisions of Section 1704.6.1 or 1704.6.2, the owner shall employ a structural observer to perform structural observations as defined in Section 1702. Structural observation does not include or waive the responsibility for inspection in Section 110 or the special inspections in Section 1705 or other sections of this code.

The structural observer shall be one of the following individuals:

1. The registered design professional responsible for the structural design, or

2. A registered design professional qualified to do required observation and familiar with the design of the structural.

Prior to the commencement of observations, the structural observer shall submit to the building official a written statement identifying the frequency and extent of structural observations.

The owner or owner’s representative shall coordinate and call a preconstruction meeting between the structural observer, contractors, affected subcontractors and special inspectors. The structural observer shall preside over the meeting. The purpose of the meeting shall be to identify the major structural elements and connections that affect the vertical and lateral load resisting systems of the structure and to review scheduling of the required observations. A record of the meeting shall be included in the report submitted to the building official.

Observed deficiencies shall be reported in writing to the owner or owner’s representative, special inspector, contractor and the building official. Upon the form prescribed by the building official, the structural observer shall submit to the building official a written statement at each significant construction stage stating that the site visits have been made and identifying any reported deficiencies which, to the best of the structural observer’s knowledge, have not been resolved. A final report by the structural observer which states that all observed deficiencies have been resolved is required before acceptance of the work by the building official.