CRC · California Residential Code
What inspections are required and how is inspection scheduling handled?
Under the CRC, the permit holder must request inspections and keep work exposed until an inspector approves each stage; required inspections include foundation, slab/under‑floor, rough plumbing/mechanical/electrical, framing, special inspections where applicable, and a final inspection before occupancy. The building official must inspect within a reasonable time after notification, and specific scheduling rules (lead‑time, portal use) are set by the local authority.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2–4 sentences
The California Residential Code requires that work done under a permit be available for inspection and that the building official perform inspections when notified by the permit holder or their agent; work must remain exposed and accessible until approved. Key inspection types and the requirement that a final inspection occur prior to occupancy are set out in § R109, § R109.1, and § R109.1.6.
The single most important rule: the permit holder must notify the building official when work is ready, keep the work exposed for inspection, and obtain approval before concealing or occupying the work. § R109.1 and § R109.1.6 require notification, access, and a final inspection before occupancy.
Requirements in detail
Who schedules inspections and when
- The permit holder (or their authorized agent) is responsible for requesting inspections — the building official does not automatically inspect without notification. § R109.1 and § R109.3 state the duty to notify and provide access.
- The building official (or enforcing agency) must make the requested inspections within a reasonable time after notification; the code does not set a universal fixed number of hours — local jurisdictions set exact timing and any required advance notice. § R109.1.
What inspections are required (decision‑relevant summary)
The CRC lists required inspection categories (foundation, slab/under‑floor, rough systems, floodplain elevation documentation, final inspection, etc.). Below is a concise, decision-oriented table:
| Inspection | When required (decision trigger) | Who requests / schedules | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation / footings | After excavations and required reinforcing/forms are in place and before concrete is placed | Permit holder | § R109.1.1 |
| Concrete slab / under‑floor | After in‑slab or under‑floor reinforcing and building‑service items are in place, before concrete or subfloor | Permit holder | § R109.1.1.1 |
| Rough plumbing / mechanical / gas / electrical | Prior to concealment, before fixtures/appliances set, and prior to framing inspection | Permit holder | § R109.1.2 |
| Frame (framing, roof deck, fireblocking, bracing) | After framing and related concealed items are in place, before concealment | Permit holder | § R109.1.4 |
| Floodplain / lowest floor elevation documentation | Upon placement of the lowest floor and prior to further vertical construction; elevation docs must be submitted prior to final inspection in flood hazard areas | Permit holder / registered design professional for sealed docs | § R109.1.3 and § R109.1.6.1 |
| Lath / gypsum (fire assemblies) | After lath or gypsum products are in place but before plaster/tape/finishing | Permit holder | § R109.1.5.1 |
| Weather‑exposed balcony / waterproofing | Before concealment of moisture‑barrier elements; special rules apply for certain multifamily balconies | Permit holder | § R109.1.5.3 and related notes |
| Fire‑ and smoke‑resistant penetrations | Not to be concealed until inspected and approved | Permit holder | § R109.1.5.1 |
| Special inspections | Where required by the Code (see CBC Chapter 17); often triggered by structural complexity, seismic design category, or other code triggers | Owner/registered design professional arranges approved agencies | § R109.1.5.2 (references CBC Chap. 17) |
| Final inspection | After all permitted work is complete and prior to occupancy; required documentation (e.g., elevation certs, operation manuals) must be submitted at or before final | Permit holder | § R109.1.6 and § R109.1.6.1–.2 |
(See each cited § for the exact code language.)
Scheduling mechanics (what the CRC itself says)
- Notification: The permit holder must notify the building official when work is ready for inspection. § R109.1 and § R109.3 require this duty to request inspections and to provide access.
- Timing: The CRC requires the enforcing agency to inspect “within a reasonable time” after notification but does not prescribe a fixed notice window. § R109.1. Local jurisdictions commonly adopt specific rules (e.g., “same‑day” or “next‑business‑day” scheduling, or a one‑working‑day request minimum for certain trades).
- Trade codes (example): The Plumbing and Mechanical codes permit the AHJ to require a request be filed not less than 1 working day before the inspection; those trade codes give AHJs the authority to set a minimum notice. (See Plumbing Code 105.2.3 and Mechanical Code 105.2.3.)
Exceptions & special cases
- Special inspections are required where identified by referenced provisions (CBC Chapter 17); special inspections are arranged through approved agencies and are in addition to building official inspections. § R109.1.5.2; see CBC Chapter 17 for scope and qualifications.
- Weather‑exposed balcony inspections: additional statutory inspection/repair/maintenance rules apply to certain multifamily balconies per Health and Safety Code; the CRC flags these special requirements. § R109.1.5.3.
- Concrete ready‑mix exception: Materials for foundations/slabs generally must be on site for inspection, but ready‑mixed concrete meeting ASTM C94 need not be on site at the time of the foundation inspection. § R109.1.1 and § R109.1.1.1.
If you need jurisdiction‑level scheduling rules (e.g., minimum lead time, online portals, inspection windows), those are set by the local building department — the CRC leaves those operational details to the enforcing agency. § R109.1.
Common mistakes
- Covering work (pouring concrete, installing drywall, or concealing penetrations) before the required inspection and approval — the code explicitly forbids concealment before inspection. § R109.1 and § R109.1.5.1.
- Assuming an inspector will come without a request — the permit holder must request inspections. § R109.3.
- Not providing required documentation at final inspection (e.g., flood elevation docs or required operation/maintenance manual) — final approval and occupancy can be withheld. § R109.1.6, § R109.1.6.1, § R109.1.6.2.
- Relying on a generic “24‑hour” rule when the local jurisdiction requires different lead times — CRC uses “reasonable time”; check the local AHJ. § R109.1.
Worked example — typical single‑family addition (step‑by‑step)
Scenario: You are the permit holder for a 400‑sq‑ft addition. Sequence and when to call inspections under the CRC:
- Foundation/footing: Excavate and place rebar/forms. Call for foundation/footing inspection. Do not pour until inspector approves. (Trigger: excavation + reinforcing in place.) § R109.1.1.
- Concrete slab/under‑floor: Install in‑slab plumbing/electrical conduit and reinforcement. Call for slab/under‑floor inspection before placing concrete or subfloor. § R109.1.1.1.
- Rough systems: After walls are framed but before insulation/drywall, schedule rough plumbing, mechanical, gas, and electrical inspections (these must occur prior to concealment). § R109.1.2.
- Framing/sheathing/fireblocking: Schedule framing inspection after roof deck/sheathing, framing, fireblocking, and bracing are in place and before covering. § R109.1.4.
- Lath/gypsum (if applicable): Call inspection before plastering or taping/finishing gypsum where required. § R109.1.5.1.
- Final inspection: When all permitted work is complete, request final inspection and provide any required documentation (e.g., elevation certification if in a flood zone; operation/maintenance manual if required). Occupancy may not occur until final approval. § R109.1.6 and § R109.1.6.1–.2.
Note about timing: submit inspection requests per your local building department’s procedures (phone/portal/advance‑notice). The CRC requires the building official to inspect within a reasonable time but does not mandate a specific lead time. § R109.1 and § R109.3.
Related provisions
- § R109 — Inspections (general authority and requirement that work remain accessible).
- § R109.1 — Types of inspections; building official’s duty upon notification.
- § R109.1.1 — Foundation and footings inspection requirements.
- § R109.1.1.1 — Concrete slab and under‑floor inspection.
- § R109.1.2 — Rough plumbing, mechanical, gas and electrical inspections.
- § R109.1.3 — Floodplain / lowest floor elevation requirements.
- § R109.1.5.2 — Special inspections (references CBC Chapter 17).
- § R109.1.6 — Final inspection (and sub‑sections on elevation documentation and operation/maintenance manual).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Residential Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CRC § 108.4 High relevance — show source text
[A] 108.4 Work commencing before permit issuance. Any person who commences any work before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to a fee established by the code official that shall be in addition to the required permit fees.
[A] 108.5 Related fees. The payment of the fee for the construction, alteration, removal or demolition of work done in connection to or concurrently with the work authorized by a permit shall not relieve the applicant or holder of the permit from the payment of other fees that are prescribed by law.
[A] 108.6 Refunds. The code official is authorized to establish a refund policy.
SECTION 109—INSPECTIONS
[A] 109.1 General. Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the code official, and such construction or work shall remain visible and able to be accessed for inspection purposes until approved. Approval as a result of an inspection shall not be construed to be an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction. Inspections presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid. It shall be the duty of the permit applicant to cause the work to remain visible and able to be accessed for inspection purposes. Neither the code official nor the jurisdiction shall be liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required to allow inspection.
[A] 109.2 Preliminary inspection. Before issuing a permit, the code official is authorized to examine or cause to be examined buildings and sites for which an application has been filed.
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[A] 109.3 Required inspections. The code official, on notification, shall make the inspections set forth in Sections 109.3.1 through 109.3.11.
[A] 109.3.1 Footing or 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.
[A] 109.3.2 Concrete slab or under-floor inspection. Concrete slab and under-floor inspections shall be made after 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.
[A] 109.3.3 Lowest floor elevation. For additions and substantial improvements to existing buildings in flood hazard areas, on placement of the lowest floor, including basement, and prior to further vertical construction, the elevation documentation required in the California Building Code, or the California Residential Code, as applicable, shall be submitted to the code official.
[A] 109.3.4 Frame inspection. Framing inspections shall be made after the roof deck or sheathing, framing, fire blocking and bracing are in place and pipes, chimneys and vents to be concealed are complete and the rough electrical, plumbing, heating wires, pipes and ducts are approved.
CRC § 110.2 High relevance — show source text
[A] 110.2 Preliminary inspection. Before issuing a permit, the building official is authorized to examine or cause to be examined buildings, structures and sites for which an application has been filed.
[A] 110.3 Required inspections. The building official, upon notification, shall make the inspections set forth in Sections 110.3.1 through 110.3.12.
[A] 110.3.1 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.
[A] 110.3.2 Concrete slab and under-floor inspection. Concrete slab and under-floor inspections shall be made after 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.
[A] 110.3.3 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 Section 1612.4 or the California Residential Code, as applicable, shall be submitted to the building official.
[A] 110.3.4 Frame inspection. Framing inspections shall be made after the roof deck or sheathing, all framing, fire-blocking and bracing are in place and pipes, chimneys and vents to be concealed are complete and the rough electrical, plumbing, heating wires, pipes and ducts are approved.
110.3.4.1 [HCD 1] Moisture content verification. Moisture content of framing members shall be verified in accordance with the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen), Chapter 4, Division 4.5.
[A] 110.3.5 Types IV-A, IV-B and IV-C connection 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, inspection of the wood cover shall be made after the cover is installed, but before any other coverings or finishes are installed.
[A] 110.3.6 Lath and gypsum panel product inspection. Lath and gypsum panel product inspections shall be made after lathing and gypsum panel products, interior and exterior, are in place, but before any plastering is applied or gypsum panel product joints and fasteners are taped and finished.
Exception: Gypsum panel products that are not part of a fire-resistance-rated assembly or a shear assembly.
[A] 110.3.7 Weather-exposed balcony and walking surface waterproofing. Where balconies or other elevated walking surfaces have weather-exposed surfaces, and the structural framing is protected by an impervious moisture barrier, all elements of the impervious moisture barrier system shall not be concealed until inspected and approved.
Exception: Where special inspections are provided in accordance with Section 1705.1.1, Item 3.
[A] 110.3.8 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.
CRC § 109.3.7 High relevance — show source text
Inspections shall be conducted in accordance with Health and Safety Code_ Section 17973(a) through (f) and (m). Weather-exposed balconies and walking surfaces found to be in need of repair or replace- ment shall be corrected in accordance with Section 17973(g) through (i). Continued and ongoing maintenance of weather-exposed balconies and walking surfaces shall be the responsibility of the building owner in accordance with Section 17973(k). See defini- tion of “exterior elevated element” in Health and Safety Code Section 17973(b)(2) for additional details. See Civil Code Section 5551 for inspections of condominium projects.
[A] 109.3.7 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.
[A] 109.3.8 Other inspections. In addition to the inspections specified in Sections 109.2 through 109.3.7, the code official is authorized to make or require other inspections of any construction work to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this code and other laws that are enforced by the department of building safety.
Note: All noncompliant plumbing fixtures in any residential real property shall be replaced with water-conserving plumbing fixtures. Plumbing fixture replacement is required prior to issuance of a certificate of final completion, certificate of occupancy or final permit approval by the local building department. See Civil Code Section 1101.1, et seq., for the definition of a noncompliant plumbing fixture, types of residential buildings affected and other important enactment dates.
[A] 109.3.9 Special inspections. Special inspections shall be required in accordance with the California Building Code .
[A] 109.3.10 Flood hazard documentation. Where a building is located in a flood hazard area, documentation of the elevation of the lowest floor or the elevation of dry floodproofing, if applicable, as required in the California Building Code or the California Residential Code, as applicable, shall be submitted to the code official prior to the final inspection.
[A] 109.3.11 Final inspection. The final inspection shall be made after work required by the building permit is completed.
[A] 109.4 Inspection agencies. The code official is authorized to accept reports of approved inspection agencies, provided that such agencies satisfy the requirements as to qualifications and reliability.
[A] 109.5 Inspection requests. It shall be the duty of the holder of the building permit or their duly authorized agent to notify the code official when work is ready for inspection. It shall be the duty of the permit holder to provide access to and means for any inspections of such work that are required by this code.
[A] 109.6 Approval required. Work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the code official. The code official, on notification, shall make the requested inspections and shall either indicate the portion of the construction that is satisfactory as completed or shall notify the permit holder or an agent of the permit holder
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wherein the same fails to comply with this code. Any portions that do not comply shall be corrected and such portion shall not be covered or concealed until authorized by the code official.
SECTION 110—CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
CRC § 104.5.2 High relevance — show source text
** Where work for which a permit is required by this code has been commenced without first obtaining said permit, a special investigation shall be made before a permit is issued for such work. 104.5.2 Investigation Fees. An investigation fee, in addition to the permit fee, shall be collected whether a permit is then or subsequently issued. The investigation fee shall be equal to the amount of the permit fee that is required by this code if a permit were to be issued. The payment of such investigation fee shall not exempt a person from compliance with other provisions of this code, nor from a penalty prescribed by law. 104.5.3 Fee Refunds. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be permitted to authorize the refunding of a fee as follows:
(1) The amount paid hereunder that was erroneously paid or collected.
(2) Refunding of not more than a percentage, as determined by this jurisdiction where no work has been done under a permit issued in accordance with this code.
The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall not authorize the refunding of a fee paid except upon written application filed by the original permittee not to exceed 180 days after the date of fee payment.
105.0 Inspections and Testing.
105.1 General. Plumbing systems for which a permit is required by this code shall be inspected by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
No plumbing system or portion thereof shall be covered, concealed, or put into use until inspected and approved as prescribed in this code. Neither the Authority Having Jurisdiction nor the jurisdiction shall be liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of material required to permit inspection. Plumbing systems regulated by this code shall not be connected to the water, the energy fuel supply, or the sewer system until authorized by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
105.2 Required Inspections. New plumbing work and such portions of existing systems as affected by new work, or changes, shall be inspected by the Authority Having Jurisdiction to ensure compliance with the requirements of this code and to ensure that the installation and construction of the plumbing system are in accordance with approved plans. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall make the following inspections and other such inspections as necessary. The permittee or the permittee’s authorized agent shall be responsible for the scheduling of such inspections as follows:
(1) The underground inspection shall be made after trenches or ditches are excavated and bedded, piping installed, and before backfill is put in place.
(2) Rough-in inspection shall be made prior to the installation of wall or ceiling membranes.
(3) Final inspection shall be made upon completion of the installation.
105.2.1 Uncovering. Where a drainage or plumbing system, building sewer, private sewage disposal system, or part thereof, which is installed, altered, or repaired, is covered or concealed before being inspected, tested, and approved as prescribed in this code, it shall be uncovered for inspection after notice to uncover the work has been issued to the responsible person by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
The requirements of this section shall not be considered to prohibit the operation of plumbing installed to replace existing equipment or fixtures serving an occupied portion of the building in the event a request for inspection of such equipment or fixture has been filed with the Authority Having Jurisdiction not more than 72 hours after such replacement work is completed, and before a portion of such plumbing system is concealed by a permanent portion of the building.
105.2.1.1 Water Supply System. No water supply system or portion thereof shall be covered or concealed until it first has been tested, inspected, and approved.
CRC § 1-23 High relevance — show source text
R108.6 Work commencing before permit issuance. Any person who commences work requiring a permit on a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to a fee established by the applicable governing authority that shall be in addition to the required permit fees.
SECTION R109—INSPECTIONS
R109.1 Types of inspections. For on-site construction, from time to time the building official, upon notification from the permit holder or his agent, shall make or cause to be made any necessary inspections and shall either approve that portion of the construction as completed or shall notify the permit holder or his or her agent wherein the same fails to comply with this code. The enforcing
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agency upon notification of the permit holder or their agent shall within a reasonable time make the inspections set forth in Sections R109.1.1, R109.1.1.1, R109.1.3, R109.1.4, R109.1.4.1, R109.1.4.2, R109.1.5, R109.1.5.1, R109.1.5.2, R109.1.5.3, R109.1.6, R109.1.6.1 and
R109.1.6.2.
Note: Reinforcing steel or structural framework of any part of any building or structure shall not be covered or concealed without first obtaining the approval of the enforcing agency.
R109.1.1 Foundation inspection. Inspection of the foundation and footings shall be made after poles or piers are set or trenches or basement areas are excavated and any required forms erected and any required reinforcing steel is in place and supported prior to the placing of concrete. The foundation or footings inspection shall include excavations for thickened slabs intended for the support of bearing walls, partitions, structural supports, or equipment and special requirements for wood foundations. Mate- rials for the foundation shall be on the job site except where concrete is ready-mixed in accordance with ASTM C94. Under this circumstance, concrete is not required to be at the job site.
R109.1.1.1 Concrete slab and under-floor inspection. Concrete slab and under-floor inspections shall be made after in-slab or under-floor reinforcing steel and building service equipment, conduits, piping or other ancillary building trade products or equip- ment are installed, but before any concrete is placed or floor sheathing is installed, including the subfloor.
R109.1.2 Plumbing, mechanical, gas and electrical systems inspection. Rough inspection of plumbing, mechanical, gas and electrical systems shall be made prior to covering or concealment, before fixtures or appliances are set or installed, and prior to framing inspection.
Exception: Backfilling of ground-source heat pump loop systems tested in accordance with the California Mechanical Code prior to inspection shall be permitted.
R109.1.3 Floodplain inspections. For construction in flood hazard areas as established by Table R301.2, upon placement of the lowest floor, including basement, and prior to further vertical construction, the building official shall require submission of documentation, prepared and sealed by a registered design professional, of the elevation of the lowest floor, including basement, required in Section R306.
CRC § 109.3.5 High relevance — show source text
[A] 109.3.5 Lath or gypsum panel product inspection. Lath and gypsum panel inspections shall be made after lathing and gypsum panel products, interior and exterior, are in place but before any plastering is applied or before gypsum panel product joints and fasteners are taped and finished.
Exception: Gypsum panels that are not part of a fire-resistance-rated assembly or a shear assembly.
[A] 109.3.6 Weather-exposed balcony and walking surface waterproofing. Where the scope of work involves balconies or other elevated walking surfaces that have weather-exposed surfaces and the structural framing is protected by an impervious moisture barrier, all elements of the impervious moisture barrier system shall not be concealed until inspected and approved.
Exception: [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] Where special inspections are provided in accordance with Section 1705A.1.1, Item 3 or Section 1705.1.1, Item 3, as applicable, of the California Building Code .
109.3.6.1 Weather-exposed balcony and walking surface (exterior elevated element) inspections for multifamily buildings with three or more dwelling units. [HCD 1 & HCD 2] Weather-exposed balconies and walking surfaces extending beyond the exterior walls of a building, more than 6 feet (1828.8 mm) above ground level, and that rely on wood or wood-based products for structural support or stability shall be inspected. Inspections shall be conducted in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 17973(a) through (f) and (m). Weather-exposed balconies and walking surfaces found to be in need of repair or replace- ment shall be corrected in accordance with Section 17973(g) through (i). Continued and ongoing maintenance of weather-exposed balconies and walking surfaces shall be the responsibility of the building owner in accordance with Section 17973(k). See defini- tion of “exterior elevated element” in Health and Safety Code Section 17973(b)(2) for additional details. See Civil Code Section 5551 for inspections of condominium projects.
[A] 109.3.7 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.
[A] 109.3.8 Other inspections. In addition to the inspections specified in Sections 109.2 through 109.3.7, the code official is authorized to make or require other inspections of any construction work to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this code and other laws that are enforced by the department of building safety.
Note: All noncompliant plumbing fixtures in any residential real property shall be replaced with water-conserving plumbing fixtures. Plumbing fixture replacement is required prior to issuance of a certificate of final completion, certificate of occupancy or final permit approval by the local building department. See Civil Code Section 1101.1, et seq., for the definition of a noncompliant plumbing fixture, types of residential buildings affected and other important enactment dates.
[A] 109.3.9 Special inspections. Special inspections shall be required in accordance with the California Building Code .
CRC § 105.2 High relevance — show source text
105.2 Required Inspections. New plumbing work and such portions of existing systems as affected by new work, or changes, shall be inspected by the Authority Having Jurisdiction to ensure compliance with the requirements of this code and to ensure that the installation and construction of the plumbing system are in accordance with approved plans. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall make the following inspections and other such inspections as necessary. The permittee or the permittee’s authorized agent shall be responsible for the scheduling of such inspections as follows:
(1) The underground inspection shall be made after trenches or ditches are excavated and bedded, piping installed, and before backfill is put in place.
(2) Rough-in inspection shall be made prior to the installation of wall or ceiling membranes.
(3) Final inspection shall be made upon completion of the installation.
105.2.1 Uncovering. Where a drainage or plumbing system, building sewer, private sewage disposal system, or part thereof, which is installed, altered, or repaired, is covered or concealed before being inspected, tested, and approved as prescribed in this code, it shall be uncovered for inspection after notice to uncover the work has been issued to the responsible person by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
The requirements of this section shall not be considered to prohibit the operation of plumbing installed to replace existing equipment or fixtures serving an occupied portion of the building in the event a request for inspection of such equipment or fixture has been filed with the Authority Having Jurisdiction not more than 72 hours after such replacement work is completed, and before a portion of such plumbing system is concealed by a permanent portion of the building.
105.2.1.1 Water Supply System. No water supply system or portion thereof shall be covered or concealed until it first has been tested, inspected, and approved.
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DIVISION II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
105.2.1.2 Covering or Using. No plumbing or drainage system, building sewer, private sewer disposal system, or part thereof, shall be covered, concealed, or put into use until it has been tested, inspected, and accepted as prescribed in this code. 105.2.2 Other Inspections. In addition to the inspections required by this code, the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be permitted to require other inspections to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this code and other laws that are enforced by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
105.2.3 Inspection Requests. It shall be the duty of the person doing the work authorized by a permit to notify the Authority Having Jurisdiction that such work is ready for inspection. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be permitted to require that a request for inspection be filed not less than 1 working day before such inspection is desired. Such request shall be permitted to be made in writing or by telephone, at the option of the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
CRC § 1.5 High relevance — show source text
R109.1.5 Other inspections. In addition to inspections in Sections R109.1.1 through R109.1.4.2, the building official shall have the authority to make or require any other inspections to ascertain compliance with this code and other laws enforced by the building official.
R109.1.5.1 Fire-resistance-rated construction inspection. Where fire-resistance-rated construction is required between dwelling units or due to location on property, the building official shall require an inspection of such construction after lathing or gypsum panel products are in place, but before any plaster is applied, or before panel joints and fasteners are taped and finished. Protection of joints and penetrations in fire-resistance-rated assemblies shall not be concealed from view until inspected and approved.
R109.1.5.2 Special inspections. For special inspections, see California Building Code, Chapter 17.
R109.1.5.3 Weather-exposed balcony and walking surface waterproofing. Where balconies or other elevated walking surfaces are exposed to water from direct or blowing rain, snow or irrigation, and the structural framing is protected by an impervious moisture barrier, all elements of the impervious moisture barrier system shall not be concealed until inspected and approved.
Exception: Where special inspections are provided in accordance with California Building Code Section 1705.1.1, Item 3.
R109.1.6 Final inspection. Final inspection shall be made after the permitted work is complete and prior to occupancy.
R109.1.6.1 Elevation documentation. If located in a flood hazard area, the documentation of elevations required in Section R306.1.10 shall be submitted to the building official prior to the final inspection.
R109.1.6.2 Operation and maintenance manual. At the time of final inspection, a manual, compact disc, web-based reference or other media acceptable to the enforcing agency shall be placed in the building in accordance with the California Green Building Standards Code, Chapter 4, Division 4.4.
R109.2 Inspection agencies. The building official is authorized to accept reports of approved agencies, provided such agencies satisfy the requirements as to qualifications and reliability.
R109.3 Inspection requests. It shall be the duty of the permit holder or their agent to notify the building official that such work is ready for inspection. It shall be the duty of the person requesting any inspections required by this code to provide access to and means for inspection of such work.
R109.4 Approval required. Work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the building official. The building official, upon notification, shall make the requested inspections and shall either indicate the portion of the construction that is satisfactory as completed, or shall notify the permit holder or an agent of the permit
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holder wherein the same fails to comply with this code. Any portions that do not comply shall be corrected and such portion shall not be covered or concealed until authorized by the building official.
SECTION R110—CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
CRC § 105.0 High relevance — show source text
(2) Refunding of not more than a percentage, as determined by this jurisdiction where no work has been done under a permit issued in accordance with this code.
The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall not authorize refunding of a fee paid except upon written application filed by the original permittee not to exceed 180 days after the date of fee payment.
105.0 Inspections and Testing. 105.1 General. Mechanical systems for which a permit is required by this code shall be inspected by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
No mechanical system or portion thereof shall be covered, concealed, or put into use until inspected and approved as prescribed in this code. Neither the Authority Having Jurisdiction nor the jurisdiction shall be liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of material required to permit inspection. Mechanical systems regulated by this code shall not be connected to the energy fuel supply lines until authorized by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
105.2 Required Inspections. New mechanical system work and such portions of existing systems as affected by new work, or changes, shall be inspected by the Authority Having Jurisdiction to ensure compliance with the requirements of this code and to ensure that the installation and construction of the mechanical system are in accordance with approved plans. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall make the following inspections and other such inspections as necessary. The permittee or the permittee’s authorized agent shall be responsible for the scheduling of such inspections as follows:
(1) Underground inspection shall be made after trenches or ditches are excavated and bedded, piping installed, and before backfill is put in place.
(2) Rough-in inspection shall be made prior to the installation of wall or ceiling membranes.
(3) Final inspection shall be made upon completion of the installation.
105.2.1 Uncovering. Where a mechanical system, or part thereof, which is installed, altered, or repaired, is covered or concealed before being inspected, tested, and approved as prescribed in this code, it shall be uncovered for inspection after notice to uncover the work has been issued to the responsible person by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. The requirements of this section shall not be considered to prohibit the operation of mechanical systems installed to replace existing equipment serving
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DIVISION II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
an occupied portion of the building in the event a request for inspection of such equipment has been filed with the Authority Having Jurisdiction not more than 72 hours after such replacement work is completed, and before a portion of such mechanical system is concealed by a permanent portion of the building. 105.2.2 Other Inspections. In addition to the inspections required by this code, the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be permitted to require other inspections to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this code and other laws that are enforced by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
105.2.3 Inspection Requests. It shall be the duty of the person doing the work authorized by a permit to notify the Authority Having Jurisdiction that such work is ready for inspection. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be permitted to require that a request for inspection be filed not less than 1 working day before such inspection is desired. Such request shall be permitted to be made in writing or by telephone, at the option of the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
It shall be the duty of the person requesting inspections in accordance with this code to provide access to and means for inspection of such work.
CRC § 1-23 Medium relevance — show source text
R107.4 Termination of approval. The building official is authorized to terminate such permit for a temporary structure or use and to order the temporary structure or use to be discontinued.
SECTION R108—FEES
R108.1 Payment of fees. A permit shall not be valid until the fees prescribed by law have been paid, nor shall an amendment to a permit be released until the additional fee, if any, has been paid.
R108.2 Schedule of permit fees. On buildings, structures, electrical, gas, mechanical and plumbing systems or alterations requiring a permit, a fee for each permit shall be paid as required, in accordance with the schedule as established by the applicable governing authority.
R108.3 Building permit valuations. Building permit valuation shall include total value of the work for which a permit is being issued, such as electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing equipment and other permanent systems, including materials and labor.
R108.4 Related fees. The payment of the fee for the construction, alteration, removal or demolition for work done in connection to or concurrently with the work authorized by a building permit shall not relieve the applicant or holder of the permit from the payment of other fees that are prescribed by law.
R108.5 Refunds. The building official is authorized to establish a refund policy.
R108.6 Work commencing before permit issuance. Any person who commences work requiring a permit on a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to a fee established by the applicable governing authority that shall be in addition to the required permit fees.
SECTION R109—INSPECTIONS
R109.1 Types of inspections. For on-site construction, from time to time the building official, upon notification from the permit holder or his agent, shall make or cause to be made any necessary inspections and shall either approve that portion of the construction as completed or shall notify the permit holder or his or her agent wherein the same fails to comply with this code. The enforcing
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agency upon notification of the permit holder or their agent shall within a reasonable time make the inspections set forth in Sections R109.1.1, R109.1.1.1, R109.1.3, R109.1.4, R109.1.4.1, R109.1.4.2, R109.1.5, R109.1.5.1, R109.1.5.2, R109.1.5.3, R109.1.6, R109.1.6.1 and
R109.1.6.2.
Note: Reinforcing steel or structural framework of any part of any building or structure shall not be covered or concealed without first obtaining the approval of the enforcing agency.
CRC § 3.1 Medium relevance — show source text
[DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] The exception is not permitted by DSA.
1704 A .3.1 Content of statement of special inspections. The statement of special inspections shall identify the following:
The materials, systems, components and work required to have special inspections or tests by the building official or by the registered design professional responsible for each portion of the work.
The type and extent of each special inspection.
The type and extent of each test.
Additional requirements for special inspections or tests for seismic or wind resistance as specified in Sections 1705 A .12, 1705 A .13 and 1705 A .14.
For each type of special inspection, identification as to whether it will be continuous special inspection, periodic special inspection or performed in accordance with the notation used in the referenced standard where the inspections are defined.
Deferred submittal items that require a supplemental statement of special inspections.
1704 A .3.2 Seismic requirements in the statement of special inspections. Where Section 1705 A .13 or 1705 A .14 specifies special inspections or tests for seismic resistance, the statement of special inspections shall identify the equipment/components that require special seismic certification and seismic force-resisting systems that are subject to the special inspections or tests.
1704 A .3.3 Wind requirements in the statement of special inspections. Where Section 1705 A .12 specifies special inspection for wind resistance, the statement of special inspections shall identify the main windforce-resisting systems and wind-resisting components that are subject to special inspections.
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SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS
1704 A .4 Contractor responsibility. Each contractor responsible for the construction of a main wind- or seismic force-resisting system, installation of equipment/components requiring special seismic certification or a wind- or seismic force-resisting component listed in the statement of special inspections shall submit a written statement of responsibility to the building official and the owner or the owner’s authorized agent prior to the commencement of work on the system or component. The contractor’s statement of responsibility shall contain acknowledgement of awareness of the special requirements contained in the statement of special inspections. [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] The contractor’s statement is required only when specified on the approved construction documents.
1704 A .5 Submittals to the building official. In addition to the submittal of reports of special inspections and tests in accordance with Section 1704 A .2.4, reports and certificates shall be submitted by the owner or the owner’s authorized agent to the building official for each of the following:
Reserved.
Reserved.
Certificates of compliance for equipment/components requiring special seismic certification in accordance with Section 1705 A .14.3.
Reports of preconstruction tests for shotcrete in accordance with ACI 318 and Section 1705A.3.9.2.
Certificates of compliance for open web steel joists and joist girders in accordance with Section 2207 A. 5.
CRC § 312.1. Medium relevance — show source text
Exceptions:
- Special inspections and tests are not required for construction of a minor nature or as warranted by conditions in the jurisdiction as approved by the building official.
- Unless otherwise required by the building official, special inspections and tests are not required for Group U occupancies that are accessory to a residential occupancy including, but not limited to, those listed in Section 312.1.
- Special inspections and tests are not required for portions of structures designed and constructed in accordance with the cold-formed steel light-frame construction provisions of Section 2206.1.2 or the conventional light-frame construction provisions of Section 2308. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Not permitted by OSHPD.
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- The contractor is permitted to employ the approved agencies where the contractor is also the owner. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Not permitted by OSHPD. 5. [HCD 1] The provisions of Health and Safety Code Division 13, Part 6 and the California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 3, commencing with Section 3000, shall apply to the construction and inspection of factory-built housing as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 19971.
1704.2.1 Special inspector qualifications. Prior to the start of the construction, the approved agencies shall provide written documentation to the building official demonstrating the competence and relevant experience or training of the special inspectors who will perform the special inspections and tests during construction. Experience or training shall be considered to be relevant where the documented experience or training is related in complexity to the same type of special inspection or testing activities for projects of similar complexity and material qualities. These qualifications are in addition to qualifications specified in other sections of this code.
The registered design professional in responsible charge and engineers of record involved in the design of the project are permitted to act as an approved agency and their personnel are permitted to act as special inspectors for the work designed by them, provided they qualify as special inspectors.
1704.2.2 Access for special inspection. The construction or work for which special inspection or testing is required shall remain accessible and exposed for special inspection or testing purposes until completion of the required special inspections or tests.
1704.2.3 Statement of special inspections. The applicant shall submit a statement of special inspections in accordance with Section 107.1 as a condition for permit issuance. This statement shall be in accordance with Section 1704.3.
Exception: A statement of special inspections is not required for portions of structures designed and constructed in accordance with the cold-formed steel light-frame construction provisions of Section 2206.1.2 or the conventional light-frame construction provisions of Section 2308. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Not permitted by OSHPD.
1704.2.4 Report requirement. Approved agencies shall keep records of special inspections and tests. The approved agency shall submit reports of special inspections and tests to the building official and to the registered design professional in responsible charge at frequencies required by the approved construction documents or building official. All reports shall describe the nature and extent of inspections and tests, the location where the inspections and tests were performed, and indicate that work inspected or tested was or was not completed in conformance to approved construction documents.
Frequently asked questions
Who must request inspections?
The permit holder or their authorized agent must notify the building official when the work is ready for inspection; the code places the duty to request inspections on the permit holder. § R109.3.
Can I cover work before an inspection if I’m confident it’s correct?
No. The code requires that work remain exposed and accessible until approved; concealing work before the required inspection is a violation. § R109.1.
Is there a fixed response time for inspectors after I request one?
The CRC requires inspections to be made within a reasonable time after notification, but it does not set a specific number of hours — local jurisdictions set operational details. § R109.1.
What happens at final inspection if required documents are missing?
Final approval and occupancy can be withheld until required documentation (e.g., elevation certificates, operation manuals) is submitted and accepted. § R109.1.6, § R109.1.6.1–.2.
Are there additional inspection rules for complex / seismic work?
Yes — special inspections may be required per the California Building Code (CBC Chapter 17). The CRC references those requirements. § R109.1.5.2.
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