Inspections
Preparing for an Inspection
Have all approved documents available on site, including approved plans, comment responses, building permit, and job card. Please ensure you are fully prepared for the inspection at the start of the day, as we cannot guarantee a morning or afternoon inspection window. Failure to be ready may result in reinspection fees.
Scheduling an Inspection
24-Hour Building Inspection Line
To schedule an inspection please call (209) 668-5542, extension 2223, by 4:00 p.m. on the business day prior to your requested inspection. We will make every effort to complete your inspection within the next business day.
Please have the following information ready when calling:
- Building permit number
- Project address
- Type of inspection requested
Inspection Time
If you would like an approximate time for your scheduled inspection, please contact the Building Department at (209) 668-5560 prior to 8:30 a.m. Inspection times are provided within an approximate two-hour window. Please note that inspectors do not provide phone calls prior to arrival.
Cancelling an Inspection
If a scheduled inspection must be cancelled or rescheduled, please contact the Building Department at (209) 668-5560 prior to 8:30 a.m. on the day of the inspection to avoid potential reinspection fees.
Contacting Your Inspector
Inspectors are available by phone from 8 - 8:30 a.m. each business day at (209) 668-5560. During the day, inspectors are typically in the field conducting inspections and will return calls upon their return to the office; if you need to speak with an inspector during inspection hours, please contact our office at (209) 668-5560 and we will arrange for a return call at a safe and appropriate time in their schedule.
Types of Inspections
This guide is intended to provide general information regarding the inspection process. Please contact the project inspector or our offices at (209)-668-5560 for additional information.
Pre-Slab / Underfloor Inspection:
All under-slab or underfloor conduit, piping, and required equipment shall be installed and ready for inspection, along with required gravel, sand, and plastic vapor barrier. For raised foundations, floor joists or trusses shall be in place, with no subfloor sheathing installed at this stage.
Underfloor framing shall be complete, including all flashing, and rough plumbing shall be installed with drain lines, sewer stub-outs, water lines, and gas piping in place. Water tests shall be completed on all drain and supply lines.
Once approved, underfloor insulation may be installed and re-inspected prior to installation of subfloor sheathing.
Footing / Foundation / Forms Inspection:
All footing and foundation areas shall be excavated, clean, and ready for inspection. Forms shall be properly installed and aligned, with property lines clearly identified where required. Reinforcing steel shall be in place, securely supported, and properly positioned, with all required seismic hardware installed. Forms shall be free of soil, debris, and obstructions, and no stakes shall remain within footing areas.
For wood floor construction, the Ufer ground shall be installed. For concrete floor construction, a vapor barrier shall be in place for applicable dwelling units, and no plumbing within footings or under slabs shall be covered prior to inspection and approval. For industrial or commercial work, all applicable elements including footings, grade beams, column footings, and major slabs shall be formed with reinforcing steel installed and secured, and all under-slab plumbing shall remain exposed for inspection prior to concealment.
Roof Nail / Shear / Straps / Holdowns Inspection:
Roof sheathing and engineered shear panels shall be fully installed and nailed off per the approved nailing schedule. All required straps shall be installed, properly fastened, and left visible for inspection. Holdowns shall be in place, securely anchored, and installed per approved details.
Framing / Rough Systems Inspection / Lath:
All structural framing shall be complete, including required fire blocking and draft stopping, with the roof installed and loaded. Exterior weather protection shall be in place, including stucco lath or siding, with windows and exterior doors installed and all exterior penetrations, corners, and openings properly sealed.
All rough-in systems shall be in place and on test, including electrical wiring with panels installed and bonding completed; plumbing systems topped out with water, waste, and gas lines under test, including roof jacks; and mechanical systems with heating ducts, gas vents, and combustion air ducts roughed in. Gas line pressure testing shall be complete.
Lath / Stucco wire must be correctly installed and fastened. Shower enclosures must have backing materials installed, with shower pans in place and filled with water to within 1" of the top of the dam for testing.
Tubs and showers with exterior wall conditions properly insulated behind fixtures. No insulation shall be installed in walls or ceilings at this stage.
Insulation Inspection:
All required energy insulation shall be fully installed in accordance with approved plans and applicable energy requirements, including all exterior walls and any inaccessible attic or roof areas. Windows and doors must be installed per manufacturer’s instructions and properly integrated into the building envelope. All sill plates shall be sealed to the foundation or footing, and all inside corners and penetrations shall be sealed to ensure a continuous thermal and air barrier. All insulation must be fully in place and ready for concealment prior to proceeding with interior finishes.
Drywall Inspection:
All drywall, sheetrock shall be screwed off, not taped or finished. Wall assemblies must be properly attached and tight, including fire-rated walls completed from ground to roof where required All work must be complete, secure, and ready for the next phase of construction.
Final Inspection:
This inspection is conducted to verify that the structure is complete and ready for occupancy or use. All building systems must be fully operational, with electrical fixtures hung, electrical equipment and gas appliances installed, vents in place, plumbing fixtures set, and meter service ready for connection. Exterior work, including grading, fencing, exterior steps, house numbers, and debris removal, must also be completed.