Frequently Asked Questions
About Building Inspections
- Who needs to be present at an inspection?
- Are after-hour inspections available?
- What is a special inspector?
- What are the most commonly requested inspections?
- What is a Certificate of Compliance?
Who needs to be present at an inspection?
On small residential projects where the work can be inspected without entering the occupied portion of the house or garage, the inspections can be performed without the owner or contractor present. (Good examples are patios, decks, pools, and reroofs.) Be sure to allow access to the area to be inspected and make sure that dogs or other animals are secured. If a ladder is required to access the area where the work is performed, have one available for the inspector to use. Also be sure to leave the permit and the approved plans on site for the inspector.
On larger projects, such as a room addition, or projects where the building inspector will need to inspect inside the occupied home, an adult will need to be present during the inspection. This could be the property owner, the licensed contractor, or another person authorized to let the inspector in to do the inspection. If the work is being done by a contractor, it is recommended that they be present during the inspection in order to consult with the inspector if any problems are identified.
Are after-hour inspections available?
Yes. At least a 24 hour minimum notice is required. The charge is a minimum of two hours for $150.00 for the first 2 hours and $75.00 per hour or portion there of after that. All overtime inspections are assigned on a voluntary bases, so the longer lead time will help to arrange for an inspector. For further information, you may contact the DSD Help Line at (916) 808-5656, option #2. Ask for the contact phone number of the disciplines supervisor to arrange for the inspection.
What is a special inspector?
In addition to the inspections provided by the City staff, the California Building Code mandates that the owner or the engineer or architect acting on behalf of the owner employ one or more special inspectors who shall provide inspections during construction on elements that are critical to the safety of the structure, such as the underground storage of hazardous materials. It is important to note that these special inspectors are not on the project in lieu of the regular City building inspector, but rather they are on the project in addition to the regular City building inspector.
Only companies previously authorized by the City may perform special inspection services. Please see the Special Inspection and Testing Services list for the contact information of these firms. The applicant must also submit a completed Special Inspection and Testing Agreement before the permit can be issued.
What are the most commonly requested inspections?
The following are typical inspection steps for an addition, remodel, or new residence. Other inspections may be required, depending on the type of permit.
- Foundation
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There are two types:
- Slab on Grade - To be scheduled after all excavations for footings are complete, concrete forms and required reinforcing steel and hardware are in place, and the under floor plumbing and electrical is done and under test. (Examples of “under test”: 1. the water pipes are filled with water, or 2.) the gas line is filled with gas.)
- Raised Floor - To be scheduled after all excavation for footings are complete, concrete forms and required reinforcing steel and hardware are in place.
- Girder and/or Under-Floor Inspection (raised floor only)
- These inspections are to be scheduled after all under-floor framing, plumbing, HVAC, and wiring are complete and prior to the installation of the sub-floor or insulation.
- Under-floor Insulation (raised floor only)
- These inspections are to be scheduled after the floor insulation is installed but prior to installation of the sub-floor.
- Shear and Roof-ply Nail
- These inspections are to be scheduled after roof sheathing is complete, structural wall panels and any associated hardware are in place and windows are installed.
- Framing (above floor)
- These inspections are to be scheduled after all framing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC are in place and building is weather tight with roof, lath, and/or siding in place. Lath to be approved prior to stucco application.
- Insulation
- These inspections are to be scheduled after insulation has been installed and prior to dry wall covering.
- Final
- These inspections are to be scheduled after the building is complete, finish grading is done and the structure is ready for occupancy.
What is a Certificate of Compliance?
The City issues a "Certificate of Compliance" once all aspects of the "Approved / Issued Permit" have been completed, and shall state on the certificate what it covers. A "Temporary Certificate of Occupancy or Compliance" may also be issued for a time period of 60 days or less, provide no Fire or Life Safety items are outstanding. Prior to issuance of the above approvals must be obtained from ALL inspectors in all disciplines. You may contact the DSD Help Line at (916) 808-5656, option #2, for future information.