Building Permits :: How To Get An Inspection

The following list indicates the sequence of inspections and the work that must be completed PRIOR to each inspection. Obviously, not all of the inspections will apply to every job. If you are uncertain as to which inspections pertain to your project, please check with the Building Inspection Division at (510) 578-4261 before covering up any work. Failure to call for a required inspection may result in your having to dismantle completed work to expose the area in question for inspection. It is the responsibility of the contractor to request inspections at least one working day in advance of the date of the inspection and prior to covering any work that needs inspection.

The following documents as applicable must be on the job at all times:

Foundation Inspection

Conventional Foundation (Raised floor): After grading, forming, and steel placement is complete, trenches cleaned out and before placing any concrete.

Slab: After grading, forming, vapor barrier, and steel placement is complete, trenches cleaned out, all piping, conduit, etc. have been installed, and before placing any concrete.

NOTE: If "Ufer" electrical grounding system is used, it shall be installed at this time.

All floor joists, girders, blocking, access holes, plumbing, heating ducts, electrical conduit, wiring shall be installed in the underfloor area. Underfloor insulation or subflooring shall NOT be installed at this time. All wood, paper and miscellaneous construction debris shall have been removed from the underfloor area at this time.

All batt insulation shall be installed in the underfloor area - - subflooring is not to be installed at this time. Underfloor vents shall be installed and clear of obstructions.

All the following rough work must be complete:

Rough Frame: All subflooring shall be installed and completely nailed off; all walls, upper floor and roof framing complete including fire blocking and fire stops; all roof sheathing and exterior wall sheathing completely nailed off; all anchor bolts and hold-downs installed and bolted tight (nailing and bolting require inspection - - do not cover); all flashing, weep screeds, attic and foundation vents installed; all windows installed and doors framed. If there is no exterior wall sheathing, then the exterior lath shall be installed at this time.

Rough Electrical: All electrical boxes, panels, wiring, and grounding shall be installed.

Rough Plumbing: All water piping, DWV (drain, waste, vent) plumbing, gas piping, water heater pressure-and-temperature relief drain line and air conditioning condensate drain lines shall be installed. Testing: Water supply lines shall be pressurized with a minimum of 50 PSI of air or water; DWV piping shall be filled with a minimum of 10 feet of water column or 5 PSI of air; Gas piping shall be pressurized with a minimum of 15 PSI of air. All pressure tests shall hold for 15 minutes with leaking or losing pressure.

Rough Mechanical: All heating and cooling ducts, combustion air ducts, furnace and water heater exhaust vents, dryer vents, range hood vents, kitchen, laundry and bath vents shall be installed. Fireplace combustion air and exhaust vents and fireplace bracing to be complete. Scrap wood and other debris shall have been cleaned from around the fireplace, firestop collars and other concealed spaces and chases.

NOTE: Any notching, boring or cutting of the framework shall be avoided whenever possible. When necessary for such things as electrical, plumbing and mechanical penetrations it shall be done in accordance with UBC 2517(g)6,8,9 and 2506(a)2 and shall be complete at this time including the installation of any steel plates to protect piping, wiring, etc. that are within 1-1/4" of framing surfaces that are to receive finish coverings.

All remaining batt insulation shall be installed. Blown-in insulation in the attic will be inspected after the gypsum board inspection. At this time the insulation contractor shall submit to the City a certificate verifying that the insulation meets State energy standards.

After all gypsum board has been installed and nailed off at seven inches on-center, corner bead attached, and prior to any taping. Any gaps or cracks exceeding 1/4 inch must be filled before this inspection. See separate handout for installation of wallboard in bathtub and shower areas.

Exterior Lath Inspection

If the lath has not been inspected previously, it will be inspected at this time. Building nailing, except for finish work, shall be complete prior to the application of stucco to prevent damage to the plaster.

If not previously approved, gas piping shall be pressurized to hold 15 PSI for 15 minutes without losing pressure. All finish grading, drainage, and paving shall be complete. Building shall be complete with all finish items and fixtures. Smoke detectors and spark arresters shall be installed. Interior painting, carpet and floor covering need not be complete.