Fax: (714) 374-1647
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2000 Main Street
Huntington Beach, CA
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Inspection Guide
Inspections
When are Inspections Required?
All construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the building official and all such construction or work shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved by the building official. In addition, certain types of construction shall have inspections by deputy building inspectors, as specified by the California Building Code in Section 1704.
Approval as a result of an inspection shall not be construed to be an approval of a violation of the provision of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction. Inspection presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provision 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 accessible and exposed for inspection purposes. Neither the building official nor the jurisdiction shall be liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required to allow inspection.
What Does the Inspector Do?
The city inspector checks the work that is being done for compliance with the approved plans and applicable codes and ordinances. The inspector will check each phase of the job and shall approve it before the next part of the job begins. The inspection job card given to you will list the inspections required for your project, although additional inspections may be necessary when noted or the city inspector adds them to your inspection card. The inspector signs and dates the inspection job card for each inspection approved and will provide you with a list of corrections for work not approved. The list of corrections will include a brief explanation (i.e. deviation from the approved plans).
How Do I Request An Inspection?
You may request an inspection directly through HB ACA (Accela Citizen Access) - please ensure you create an account and are logged in to make your request.
What Types Of Inspection Are Required?
If a grading permit is required for your project, inspections and clearance of the initial grading work by Public Works inspectors will precede any building construction inspections.
The following construction inspections may be required:
- Foundation Inspection: When the excavation for footings is complete and footing forms and required reinforcing steel and structural embedments are in place, but before any concrete is placed. (Also needed are separate underground electrical, plumbing and mechanical inspections).
- Roof Sheathing Inspection: When all roof framing members are installed and the plywood or other sheathing is complete. All plumbing and mechanical vents are installed and flashed.
- Wood Framing Inspection: When all roof, walls and floor framing, fire blocking, draft stopping and all pipes, chimney, vents and duct work are in place, but before any work is covered. Wood framing inspection will not be approved until rough mechanical, electrical, and plumbing inspections are completed.
- Insulation Inspection: When all thermal insulation is in place but before it is concealed. Inspect state energy requirements stated on the approved plans.
- Lath and/or Gypsum Board Inspection: After all lath and gypsum board is in place but before any stucco is applied, or before gypsum board joints and fasteners are taped and finished.
- Reinforced Masonry Inspection: In grouted masonry before any units are laid up, all steel must be tied and in place ready for concrete foundation pour. Grout inspection is required after units are laid. Final inspection is required after cells are grouted and cap is installed.
- Structural Steel Inspection: When structural steel members are in place and required connections are complete but before concealing any members or connections. Certificates of Compliance are to be given to the City Inspector.
- Re-roof Inspection: Sheathing inspection and building final inspection. See the Re-roofing Requirements handout for more details.
- Electrical Inspection
- Underground: After conduit or cable has been installed in trench but not covered.
- Rough wiring: Before any part of the work is concealed and prior to framing inspection. Telephone, television, intercom, security, doorbell and thermostat cable need to be in place for rough inspection. Compliance with Title 24 Requirements for Residential Lighting is checked.
- Final: When all fixtures, appliances, and systems are in place and connected.
- Plumbing Inspections:
- Underground or sub-floor plumbing: After material has been installed and tested, including sewer. Sewer Cap, is inspected for demolition projects.
- Rough plumbing: Before any part of the work is concealed (including shower pan hot mop), prior to framing inspection and after roofing is installed. (Water Heater Installations).
- Gas piping test: After lath or gypsum board has been installed.
- Shower pan.
- Final: After all fixtures are in place and connected.
- Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning Inspections:
- Underground/Sub-floor duct inspection.
- Rough: Before any part of the work is concealed, metal fireplace rough, prior to framing inspection and after roofing is installed.
- Final: All appliances and equipment are in place and connected.
Performance test may be required.
- VERY IMPORTANT: Public Works and Fire Department sign off may be required prior to requesting a Building Final Inspection. See the inspection job card, contact the city inspector or call 536-5241 if you are not sure these inspections are necessary.
Final Inspection
Call for final inspection when the construction has been completed. All external surfaces must be painted, or otherwise sealed, weather-stripping must be installed on all new windows and doors, and all electrical or plumbing fixtures have been installed. Interior painting, wallpapering, or carpeting need not be complete. Smoke detectors must be installed in all bedrooms, located at the top of a staircase and in the hallway/corridor leading to the bedrooms.
Certificate of Occupancy:
Residential projects will not receive a C of O as your signed job card is your proof of final inspection/approval.
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Inspections
