Building Division Overview & Fees
When are inspections needed?
Inspections must be done at the specified stage of construction. Do not proceed to the next stage of construction until the project has passed inspection for the current stage. It will be your responsibility to schedule an inspection. Inspections are required at the following stages of construction:
1. Underground/Under Slab Plumbing, Electrical, and Mechanical
To be done after all pipes, conduits and ducts are in place and secured, but not before backfilling.
2. Footings/Foundations
To be done after trenches, footings, and pad openings are excavated and cleared of loose material or mud, forms and reinforcement are erected and secured in place, but not before concrete is poured.
3. Under Floor Inspection
To be done after floor framing is complete and all required plumbing and mechanical is installed as per plans.
4. Rough-in of all system, Floor Nailing and Framing Inspection
All rough-in plumbing, electrical, mechanical, gas piping, etc., must be installed and inspections made before covering any work.
5. Under Floor Insulation
To be done after all insulation are in place and secured and prior to installation of the floor sheathing. Substantially wet or soaked wood construction is not to be covered with vapor or moisture barriers unless adequate provision is made for through drying of the structure.
6. Concrete Slab
To be done after all under-slab or under-floor piping and other auxiliary equipment items are in place and protected from contact with concrete. Screed boards or string lines shall be furnished by the contractor or owner to facilitate inspection of the slab thickness. This inspection must be performed and approved before placement of concrete slab or floor sheathing.
7. Roof Sheathing/Exterior Shear Inspection
To be done after all roof sheeting is in place and nailed as per the approved plans, but before any roofing materials are applied or loaded on the roof. Any required plywood planes on exterior walls, exterior connections and straps must also be nailed per the approved plans and inspected before being covered by exterior finish materials. The contractor is responsible for providing an approved ladder for safe roof access.
8. Masonry Fireplace Inspection
The following inspections must be called for during the construction of masonry fireplaces:
a. Footing (may be done during foundation inspection).
b. Throat (before chimney construction, after fire box construction).
c. Anchor Straps (at each plate line).
d. Bond Beam (before grouting of chimney).
The common practice of grouting as a fireplace chimney goes up is allowed only if arrangements have been made with the building inspector.
b. Throat (before chimney construction, after fire box construction).
c. Anchor Straps (at each plate line).
d. Bond Beam (before grouting of chimney).
9. Complete Frame Inspection
To be done after all framing and roofing is complete (or material loaded and roof is substantially water tight). All rough plumbing, mechanical, and electrical installations must be in place. Water supply piping (hot and cold) shall be under pressure and all showers and/or tubes shall be filled with water. All drains, waste and vent piping shall be filled with water to 10 feet above the highest fitting or joint, or through the roof. The fireplace must be completed. Stucco lath or siding must be in place and nailed as per approved plans. Window frames and exterior door frames must be in place and properly flashed.
10. Insulation and Vapor Barrier
To be done after all insulation and moisture barriers are in place and secured, openings caulked and all required sealing done. Includes walls, floors and perimeter foundations, grounds covers, etc. Does not include loose insulation to be support by ceiling finish materials. Weather protections shall be provided before insulation. Wet or soaked insulation will be rejected. Substantially wet or soaked wood construction is not to be covered with moisture barriers unless adequate provisions is made for through drying of the structure.
11. Lath and Dry Wall
To be done on interior and exterior plaster system and all drywall applications after nailing (or other fastening system) is complete and before tape, plaster, or other coverings are applied. On multiple layer drywall (fire walls), each layer of drywall shall be separately inspected without exception. To be approved before scratch-coat is applied and before any drywall mud is applied.
12. Sewer Connection and Water Service from Shut-off to House
To be made after trenches are dug, piping in place and the appropriate test is applied. The contractor is responsible for supplying the inspector with an accurate as-built drawing showing locations of lines. This inspection must be done before any pipe is covered or trenches back-filled.
13. Gas Line Air Test
To be made after drywall is in place and brown-coat plaster and/or exterior siding is in place. Test requires the entire gas line to be capped off and a pressure of 10 p.s.i. be pumped into the line by the contractor. This pressure must hold for a minimum of 15 minutes.
14. Final Inspection
To be made when the structure is ready for occupancy. This shall include proper lot drainage, address posted, all plumbing fixtures connected and operable, all electrical fixtures and devices in place and electrically connected, insulation certificate posted, structure clean of debris or stored materials, thermal mass area (if any) installed as per approved plans, walls finishes complete as per approved plans, etc.

