Chapter 18.07 — INSPECTIONS

A.

Inspection. All construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by Section 18.07.050 and such construction or work shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved. Certain types of construction shall have special inspections by registered special inspectors as specified in Section 18.07.080 and Chapter 17 of the California Building Code adopted in Chapter 18.40. Prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy as specified in Section 18.08.010, a final inspection in accordance with Section 18.07.050 shall be made by the Building Official of all construction or work for which a permit has been issued.

B.

Liability. Neither the Building Official, authorized employees of the Department, nor the City shall be liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required to allow inspection.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD- 16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

The

Building Official shall furnish with each permit an inspection record card to be posted in a conspicuous place on the front premises (or electric meter box) and in such position as to allow the Building Official to conveniently make the required entries thereon regarding inspection of the work. The inspection record shall show the project address, description of work, permit number and the date of permit issuance, and list the required inspections.

When

any of the required inspections pursuant to Section 18.07.050 have been made and that portion of the work is approved, the inspector shall so record on the permit card posted on the job.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD- 16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

A.

General inspection request. It is the duty of the permit holder or their duly authorized agent to notify the Building Official when work is ready for inspection and to provide access to and means for inspections of such work that are required by this title. The Building Official may require that every request for inspection be filed at least one (1) working day before such inspection is desired. Such request may be in writing, by telephone or by other means at the option of the Building Official.

B.

Re-inspection request. To obtain a re-inspection, the permit applicant shall request such inspection pursuant to Subsection 18.07.030.A. A re-inspection fee in Section 18.06.040 may be charged for the following:

For each inspection or re-inspection when the portion of work for which the inspection or re-inspection is called is not complete or when the correction called for is not made.

NOTE: This section is not to be interpreted as requiring re-inspection fees the first time a job is rejected for failure to comply with the requirements of this title, but as controlling the practice of calling for inspections before the job is ready for such inspection or re-inspection.

When the permit card is not properly posted on the work site, the approved construction documents are not readily available to the inspector, for failure to provide access on the date for which inspection is requested, or for deviating from the approved construction documents requiring the approval of the Building Official.

In instances where re-inspection fees have been assessed, no additional inspections will be performed related to the project or portion thereof until the required fees have been paid.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD- 16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

No work shall be done on any part of the building or structure beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the written approval of the Building Official. The Building Official, upon notification pursuant to Section 18.07.030 by the person, firm or corporation performing the work, shall make the requested inspections and shall either indicate the portion of the construction that is satisfactory as completed, or notify the permit holder or their duly authorized agent wherein the same fails to comply with the provisions of this title, municipal code or other ordinances of the City, or laws and statutes of the State. Any portions that do not comply shall be corrected and such portion shall not be covered or concealed until authorized by the Building Official. Such written approval shall be given only after an inspection has been made of each successive step in the construction as indicated by each of the inspections required or conditions stipulated in Section 18.07.050. There shall be a final inspection and approval on all buildings or equipment installations when completed and ready for occupancy or use.

EXCEPTIONS:

For temporary connection, the Building Official may give written permission to furnish electric current to or the use of electric current through any electrical wiring if such electrical wiring may be used safely for such purposes, and that there exists an urgent necessity for such use.

The requirements of this section shall not be considered to prohibit the operation of any heating equipment installed to replace existing heating equipment serving an occupied portion of a building, in the event a request for inspection of such heating equipment has been filed with the Building Official not more than forty-eight (48) hours after such replacement work is completed, and before any portion of such equipment is concealed by any permanent portion of the building.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD- 16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

A.

Building. The Building Official, upon notification as specified in Section 18.07.030, shall make the inspections set forth in subsection, if applicable.

Footing and foundation inspection. Footing and foundation inspections shall be made after excavations for footings are complete and any required reinforcing steel is in place. For concrete foundations, any required forms shall be in place prior to inspection. Materials for the foundation shall be on the job, except where concrete is ready mixed in accordance with ASTM C94, the concrete need not be on the job.

Concrete slab and under-floor inspection. Concrete slab and under-floor inspections shall be made after all in-slab or under-floor reinforcing steel and building service equipment, conduit, piping accessories and other ancillary equipment items are in place, but before any concrete is placed or floor sheathing installed, including the subfloor.

Methane gas mitigation system inspection. Vent collector and sub-slab pipe routing shall be inspected prior to placement of the methane barrier. The methane barrier shall be inspected after installation is complete and a certificate of installation is provided by the installer. Exterior wall vent risers shall be inspected prior to concealment within the wall.

Lowest floor elevation. In flood hazard areas, upon placement of the lowest floor, including the basement, and prior to further vertical construction, the elevation certification required in Chapter 16 and Appendix G of the California Building Code adopted in Chapter 18.40 or Chapter 3 of the California Residential Code adopted in Chapter 18.41, as applicable, shall be submitted to the Building Official.

Frame inspection. Framing inspections shall be made after the roof deck or sheathing, all framing, fire blocking and bracing are in place and all pipes, chimneys and vents to be concealed are complete and the rough electrical, plumbing, heating wires, pipes and ducts are approved.

Types IV-A, IV-B and IV-C construction protection inspection. In buildings of Types IV-A, IV-B and IV-C construction, where connection fire-resistance ratings are provided by wood cover calculated to meet the requirements of Section 2304.10.1 of the California Building Code adopted in Chapter 18.40, inspection of the wood cover shall be made after the cover is installed, but before any other coverings or finishes are installed.

Lath, gypsum board and gypsum panel product inspection. Lath, gypsum board and gypsum panel product inspections shall be made after lathing, gypsum board and gypsum panel products, interior and exterior, are in place, but before any plastering is applied or gypsum board and gypsum panel product joints and fasteners are taped and finished.

Fire- and smoke-resistant penetrations. Protection of joints and penetrations in fire resistance-rated assemblies, smoke barriers and smoke partitions shall not be concealed from view until inspected and approved.

Energy efficiency inspections. Inspections shall be made to determine compliance with the California Energy Code adopted in Chapter 18.46 and shall include, but not be limited to, inspection for: envelope insulation R- and U-values, fenestration U-value, duct system R-value, and HVAC and water-heating equipment efficiency.

Reinforced concrete. When forms and reinforcing steel are in place ready for concrete.

Reinforced masonry. In grouted masonry when vertical reinforcing steel is in place and other reinforcing steel distributed and ready for placing, but before any units are laid up.

Structural steel. When structural steel members are in place and required connections are complete, but before concealing any members or connection.

Other inspections. In addition to the inspections specified in this subsection, the Building Official is authorized to make or require other inspections of any construction work to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this title and other laws that are enforced by the Building Official.

Special inspections. When special inspections are required by Chapter 17 of the California Building Code adopted in Chapter 18.40.

Final inspection. Final inspection shall be made after all work required by the permit is completed and prior to occupancy. If located in a flood hazard area, flood hazard documentation required in Chapter 16 and Appendix G of the California Building Code adopted in Chapter 18.40 or Chapter 3 of the California Residential Code adopted in Chapter 18.41, as applicable, shall be submitted to the Building Official prior to final inspection.

B.

Electrical. The Building Official, upon notification as specified in Section 18.07.030, shall make the inspection and approval of electrical installation as set forth in subsection, if applicable.

Inspection required. All electric wiring or installation in or on any building or structure of any nature, or tent, or premises, except as otherwise exempted in this title, for which a permit is required must be inspected and approved by the Building Official before being energized or used.

Prohibited use, operation or maintenance. No person shall use, operate or maintain, or cause or permit to be used, operated or maintained, any such electric wiring until such inspection and approval. No serving agency shall furnish or supply or cause or permit to be furnished or supplied, electric energy to any such electric wiring until such inspection and approval.

Prohibited concealment or enclosure of electrical wiring. No person shall conceal, enclose or cover, or cause or permit to be concealed, enclosed or covered, any portion of any electric wiring in any manner that will interfere with or prevent the inspection and approval thereof.

Prohibited obstruction to inspection. Any portion of any floor, ceiling, wall, partitions, roof, finish or other obstruction whatsoever which renders impracticable the making of a complete and thorough inspection of electric wiring shall be removed upon notice to do so, and shall be kept removed until such electric wiring has been inspected and approved.

Removal of foreign material in junction boxes and wire enclosures. Before a final inspection of any electric wiring, all plaster, concrete or other foreign material shall be thoroughly removed from every junction box and wiring enclosure, and not less than six (6) inches of jointless conductors shall extend out of each lighting outlet box for future connection thereto, except when conductors are intended to loop through the lamp holder.

Fixture connection. Fixtures or appliances shall not be connected to electric wiring until the rough wiring has been inspected and approved by the Building Official.

Free of defects. All such wiring shall be free from grounds, shorts, or other defects, before approval thereof.

Exemption. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to finished work or to conductors inserted in conduit or other wiring enclosures. Nothing contained in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit the temporary use of electric energy when and as specifically provided in this title. Nothing contained in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit the inspection of any electric wiring even though no permit is required therefore.

Final inspection. Final inspection shall be made after all work required by the permit is completed and found to be in compliance with the provisions of this title, the Building Official shall leave a notice at the service switch or other suitable place so stating, and shall issue a certificate of inspection or approval tag when requested, or service permit, authorizing the connection to the electrical service and the energizing of the installation.

C.

Plumbing. The Building Official, upon notification as specified in Section 18.07.030, shall make the inspection and approval of plumbing installation as set forth in subsection, if applicable.

Inspection required. All plumbing installation in or on any building or structure of any nature, or tent, or premises, except as otherwise exempted in this title, for which a permit is required must be inspected and approved by the Building Official.

Gas supply or meter. No person shall furnish or supply gas to any gas piping or install any meter therefore until all plumbing as regulated by this title has been installed and approved by the Building Official and a certificate of final inspection has been issued.

EXCEPTION: Notwithstanding anything in this chapter to the contrary, gas service may be supplied to gas piping for construction purposes only and a gas meter may be installed therefore under the following conditions:

a.

The owner of the building or a duly authorized representative shall apply to the Building Official for such gas service and shall pay a fee as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by City Council

resolution in connection with such application to the Building Official. The application for such gas service shall not be granted until all gas piping in the structure affected has been tested and approved pursuant to the California Plumbing Code adopted in Chapter 18.43.

b.

Such service shall not be permitted for an initial period in excess of thirty (30) days. The Building Official may impose such reasonable requirements and regulations in connection therewith as he or she may deem necessary. For good cause, the Building Official may extend such period of time in his or her reasonable discretion.

Prohibited concealment of installation. No person shall fail, neglect or refuse to leave and keep any plumbing, as regulated by this title, open, uncovered and convenient for inspection until such plumbing has been inspected and approved by the Building Official, and any obstruction whatsoever, which interfered with a complete and thorough inspection of any plumbing, shall be removed upon notice so to do, and shall be left and kept removed until such plumbing has been inspected and approved.

Location of installation. Piping, fixtures or equipment shall not be located in such manner as to interfere with the normal operation of windows, doors or other required means of access.

Services to be capped when building removed. Where a building is demolished or removed from its site, the building sewer, water and gas service shall be properly capped to the satisfaction of the Building Official.

Final inspection. Final inspection shall be made after all work required by the permit is completed and found to be in compliance with the provisions of this title, the Building Official shall leave a notice at a suitable place so stating, and when requested shall authorize the furnishing or supplying of gas to any gas piping or the installation of any meter.

D.

Mechanical. The Building Official, upon notification as specified in Section 18.07.030, shall make the inspection and approval of mechanical installation as set forth in subsection, if applicable.

Inspection required. All mechanical installation in or on any building or structure of any nature, or tent, or premises, except as otherwise exempted in this title, for which a permit is required must be inspected and approved by the Building Official.

Prohibited concealment of installation. That portion of any equipment intended to be concealed by any permanent portion of the building shall not be concealed until inspected and approved by the Building Official.

Connection to fuel or power supply. Equipment regulated by this title shall not be connected to the fuel or power supply until authorized by the Building Official.

Failure to comply. A final inspection approval may, upon notice, be revoked by the Building Official if he or she finds that the heating, ventilating, cooling, or refrigeration equipment fails in any respect to comply with the requirements of this title, or that the installation is unsafe, dangerous, or a hazard to life or property.

Final inspection. Final inspection shall be made after all work required by the permit is completed and found to be in compliance with the provisions of this title, the Building Official shall leave a notice at a suitable place so stating, and shall authorize the connection to the fuel or power supply for the installation.

E.

Grading. The Building Official, upon notification as specified in Section 18.07.030, shall make the inspection and approval of grading, excavations or fills operation as set forth in subsection, if applicable:

Initial meeting/inspection. When the permit holder or their duly authorized agent is ready to begin work, but before any grading operation or brushing is started, a meeting shall be held at the project site with the contractor and the inspectors to discuss the approved construction documents, soil reports and the sequence of the grading operations.

Toe inspection. After the natural ground is exposed and prepared to receive fill, but before any fill is placed.

Excavation inspection. After the excavation is started, but before the vertical depth of the excavation exceeds ten (10) feet.

Fill inspection. After the fill placement is started, but before the vertical height of the lifts exceeds ten (10) feet.

Drainage device inspection. After forms and pipes are in place, but before any concrete is placed.

Rough grading. When all rough grading has been completed. This inspection may be called for at the completion of the rough grading without the necessity of the Building Official having previously reviewed and approved reports.

Final. When all work, including installation of all drainage structures or other protective devices, has been completed and the as-graded construction document and required reports have been submitted.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD- 16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

In the absence of any designation of the proper location of the lot on which a building or structure is to be erected, for which a building permit has been issued, the Building Official may require the permit holder or their duly authorized agent to have the lot surveyed and staked by a registered land surveyor or registered civil engineer licensed in the State of California to practice as such so that the proper location of the building or structure on the lot may be determined and to verify compliance of the building or structure with the approved construction documents.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD- 16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

No person, firm or corporation shall own, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure on which non- inspected work has been performed. For the purpose of this title, "non-inspected work" shall be defined as and include but not limited to any erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, remodel, movement, removal, improvement, conversion or demolition for which a permit was first obtained, but which has progressed beyond the point indicated in successive inspections, including, but not limited to, inspections as set forth in Section 18.07.050 and Chapter 17 of the California Building Code adopted in Chapter 18.40, without first obtaining inspection by and approval of the Building Official.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD- 16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

A.

When required. In addition to the inspections to be made by the Building Official as specified in this chapter, the owner or the owner's authorized agent, other than the contractor, shall employ one (1) or more special inspectors who shall provide inspections during construction on the types of work listed in Chapter 17 of the California Building Code adopted in Chapter 18.40. The special inspector shall be qualified under Subsection 18.07.080.B.

B.

Qualifications of special inspector. The registered special inspector shall be a qualified person who shall demonstrate his or her competence pursuant to Subsection 18.07.080.C, to the satisfaction of the Building Official, for inspection of the particular type of construction or operation requiring special inspection.

C.

Examination and certificate.

Requirement. Any person desiring to be registered as a registered inspector shall first qualify by passing a written or oral examination or both, given by the Building Official. Upon application for such examination, such person shall pay to the City a nonrefundable registration fee as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by City Council resolution.

Certificate. Every applicant passing such examination shall be issued a certificate as a registered inspector upon payment of a fee as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by City Council resolution.

Expiration. All certificates issued by the Building Official shall expire three (3) year from the date issued, and may be renewed from year to year upon the payment of an annual fee as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by City Council resolution. Application for renewal shall be made within thirty (30) days following the date of expiration. Expired certificates may be renewed within sixty (60) days following the date of expiration; provided, that the renewal fee shall be as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by City Council resolution. After a certificate has expired, it shall not be renewed, and an application, nonrefundable fee and a reexamination will be required.

D.

Revocation of registration. The Building Official may revoke the registration of any registered special inspector, or the assignment of such registered special inspector to any particular building or structure, for incompetency or failure to conscientiously carry out his or her duties as specified in Subsection 18.07.080.E, in which event the Building Official may stop all further work upon the building or structure involved until some other person has been qualified, registered and assigned thereto by the Building Official.

E.

Duties of special inspector.

Time at the jobsite. The registered special inspector shall be employed on the work, without expense or liability to the City, either on a full time or part time basis, depending upon the magnitude of the work as determined by the Building Official. The determination of the percentage of time necessary for the job shall be left to the discretion of the registered special inspector, subject to approval of the Building Official.

Responsibility. The registered special inspector shall bear a joint responsibility to the owner or the owner's authorized agent and the Building Official. He or she shall not be an employee of the City, the contractor, a subcontractor or a material vendor. The assignments of the registered special inspector to each job shall be reported to the Building Official before commencing work.

Duties. In addition to required verification and inspection specified in Chapter 17 of the California Building Code adopted in Chapter 18.40, the registered special inspector shall observe the work assigned to be certain it conforms to the approved construction documents. On such building or structure it shall be the duty of every registered special inspector to inspect carefully all materials proposed to be used in connection with any work covered by any permit issued by the Building Official, and the registered special inspector shall obtain full information regarding the strength and durability of new types of materials where their use involves structural safety. He or she shall make such reports in writing as may be required by the Building Official regarding the progress of the work, and any deviations, defects, delays, materials, working conditions and other matters which may in any manner affect the structural safety and strength of the building. He or she shall be directly responsible for enforcing all other ordinances and laws applicable to the work to which he or she is assigned.

Inspection report. The registered special inspector shall furnish inspection reports to the Building Official, the registered design professional in responsible charge and other designated persons. All discrepancies shall be brought to the immediate attention of the contractor for correction; then, if uncorrected, to the proper design authority and to the Building Official. He or she shall notify the Building Official of any attempt to cover, conceal, patch or repair any defect in materials or workmanship, and he or she shall report every infraction of any ruling of the Building Official. In furtherance of his or her aforesaid duties, he or she shall have the authority to compel the removal of defective materials and the correction of defective workmanship, or to suspend or stop further work pending a ruling of the Building Official.

Final report. The registered special inspector shall submit a final signed report stating whether the work requiring special inspection was, to the best of his or her knowledge, in conformance with the approved construction documents and the applicable workmanship provisions of this title.

F.

Termination of duties.

Termination. Every registered inspector shall remain constantly upon the work to which he or she is assigned during the process of construction, and unless otherwise removed from the job, his or her duties shall terminate only when a certificate of compliance is issued by him or her and approved by the Building Official. Such certification of compliance shall bear a statement signed by the registered inspector stating that the work upon the building or structure to which he or she has been assigned has been completed in a satisfactory manner and that the regulations of this title affecting the structural features of such building or structure have been fully complied with. If there have been any infractions of this title, they shall be noted in this statement.

Certificate of compliance. The Building Official shall approve such certificate of compliance filed by the registered inspector if after inspection the structural features of such building or structure are found to be in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. Each certificate of compliance shall bear the legal description of the property upon which such building or structure is located and an identifying description of the building.

G.

Waiver of special inspection. The requirement for employment of a registered special inspector may be waived if the Building Official finds that the construction is of minor nature.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD- 16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)