Building Inspections

You can schedule an inspection online using the Citizen Access portal. 

When you schedule, you'll need to know the type of inspection you'll be requesting:

• Setback and Footing
  • Inspection of footing formwork prior to concrete being poured.
• Foundation
  • Inspection of foundation formwork prior to concrete being poured.
• Underground Electric
  • Inspection with conduits installed, and/or direct burial conductors and prior to backfill.
• Underground Plumbing
  • This is done after the underground or under slab plumbing is installed but prior to it being covered. (10 feet head water test or 5 psi air test is required).
• Water Line
  • This is done when the water service piping from the City stop valve to the building is in its place prior to its being covered. A water test or air test is required if couplings are used.
• Sewer Line
  • This is done when the building sewer (the portion of the drainage system from 30 inches outside the building to the public sewer) is installed, and prior to it being covered.
• Foundation Insulation
  • Inspection of below grade foundation insulation. Multiple inspections may be required if concealed work occurs.
• Rough Framing for Sheathing/Pre-Siding
  • This is done prior to applying the weather barrier/building wrap, and before siding to ensure the sheathing is installed correctly for structural purposes. Once this inspection is passed, the building can be dried-in.
• Rough Plumbing
  • Completion of interior domestic waste and vent (10 feet head water test or 5 psi air test is required). This inspection should be done before or at the same time as the rough framing inspection. Needs to be scheduled before the interior insulation is installed.
• Rough Electric
  • This is done after the wiring system has been installed. This inspection should be done before or at the same time as the rough framing inspection and before the interior insulation is installed.
• Rough Mechanical
  • This is done after all the ductwork has been installed and sealed. This inspection should be done before or at the same time as the rough framing inspection and before the interior insulation is installed.
• Rough Frame
  • This is done after the walls, floors, and other framing members are in place and after the exterior sheathing has been installed. Additionally, the roof must be completed to the point where the building interior is weather protected. Fire blocking will also be inspected. This can be done after or concurrently with other rough inspections (rough plumbing, rough electric, rough mechanical).
• Gas Line Test
  • This is done after gas piping, fittings, unions, and valves have been installed and before piping has been covered or concealed, and before any fixture or appliance has been attached to it. (A 10 psi air test is required).
• Fireplace/Stove
  • This is also done concurrently with the frame inspection. For a factory-built fireplace, it should be inspected after the fireplace and the chimney framing and the fire stopping is completed, but prior to covering the shaft or fireplace framing members. Provide manufacturer’s specs on site for inspection.
• Energize Electric
  • The Electrical energize is done when the permanent meter needs to be set. The electrical service equipment must be installed, wired and bonded to a grounding electrode system. This inspection authorizes utilities to energize equipment when requested by the contractor for electric service to facilitate construction. All energized parts should be protected against accidental contacts after they are energized. This should be done before drywall is installed.
• Insulation
  • After approval of all rough inspections, insulation may be installed. Prior to the installation of drywall, an insulation inspection is required which will verify air sealing and that the R values match the approved energy documents.
• Final Plumbing
  • All fixtures and plumbing finishes installed.
• Final Electric
  • All electrical receptacles, devices, lighting and panels completed.
• Final Mechanical
  • All registers trimmed, all mechanical equipment completed and operational (approved mechanical documents/plans need to be on site for inspection).
• Final Building
  • This is done after all work shown on the approved plans has been completed (including accessibility for commercial projects).
• Hood/Duct
  • Commercial hoods such as commercial kitchen/industrial hoods and all associated ductwork. Access to ducts above the hood needs to be provided (before any ceilings are installed).
• Energize Mobile Home
  • Meter set for mobile home.
• Mobile Home Installation
  • Must have sewer connected, water line connected, gas bonded, heat tape and insulation on the water line. State Placard shall be installed for inspection.
• Gas Log
  • Provide manufacturer’s specs on site for inspection. This also acts as the final inspection for a gas fireplace insert.
• Swimming Pool
  • This inspection acts as the final building inspection for swimming pool permits.

Scheduling Rules

• Requests made before 11 p.m. are generally scheduled for the next business day.
• Requests made on Friday are normally processed the following Monday.

Inspector Arrival Windows

• A.M. window: 8 a.m.-noon
• P.M. window: Noon-4 p.m.

Homeowners can expect the inspector during the selected window. Contractors are not guaranteed a specific time.

Before the Inspector Arrives

Make sure the work is ready. Inspections are often delayed or failed when jobs aren't prepared.

• Only schedule an inspection when the work is ready for that inspection type.
• Have the approved plans (the field set) on site and available to the inspector.
• Provide safe, clear access to the inspection area (temporary stairs or ladders if needed).
• Don't cover or conceal work before it's inspected.

What the Inspector Checks

When the inspector arrives they'll:

• Verify the work meets applicable codes, ordinances and regulations.
• Compare the work to the approved plans and permit.
• Confirm required items are visible and not concealed. 

• Schedule only when the work is ready.
• Keep the approved plans on site and accessible.
• Clear obstructions so nothing is hidden.
• Submit revisions before scheduling related inspections.
• Monitor your permit status in Citizen Access.