Permit Process - Inspection

Are you ready for an inspection?

All work that requires a permit is subject to inspection by the official responsible for compliance. Buildings to be inspected must remain accessible for inspection purposes until it is approved. The Commercial Inspection Manager at 207-8314 is available to assist customers with any type of inspection questions or issues in their respective areas.

Building Inspections

You may call for inspections at 207-1111. Building Code Field Inspectors will conduct an on-site visit to determine whether or not your construction project is in compliance with the uniform building code. If the field inspector could not inspect or approve, he will leave a red tag disapproval slip to identify the deficiencies. Once you have made the necessary corrections you may call for re-inspection.

Tree Preservation

An initial inspection occurs prior to any site work being initiated, including clearing and grading. Site plan with the tree preservation plan (tree inventory protection notes) is required for the inspector. A final inspection is required for the Certificate of Occupancy and can include both tree preservation and landscape.

Foundation Inspection

· Is to be made after excavations for footing are complete and forms and reinforcing steel is in place. A letter from the structural engineer of record may be submitted in lieu of inspection.

Frame Inspection

· Is to be made after the roof, all framing, fire blocking, and bracing are in place and all pipes, chimneys and vents are complete and the rough electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning are in place and approved.

Insulation Inspection

· Is to be made after plumbing, electrical rough in and the framing inspections have been approved and an approved insulating material has been installed. A certification from the installer is acceptable in lieu of an inspection.

Final Inspection

· Is to be made after finish grading and the building is completed and ready for occupancy.

Special inspections

· In addition to the inspections listed above, the owner or the engineer or architect of record acting as the owner agent shall employ one or more special inspectors who shall provide inspections during construction as per Chapter 17 of the Uniform Building Code (UBC).
· Inspection by Independent Contract Provider for Texas Accessibility Standards of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Architectural Barriers Division.

Electrical Inspections

· Site work inspections are performed before any ditches are covered containing electrical conduits or junction boxes. These conduits would typically be feeding the building (service conductors or feeders), parking lot lighting, or miscellaneous outside branch circuits.
· Slab inspections are performed prior to placement of concrete to inspect any conduits or boxes placed in the slab.
· Wall rough-in inspections are performed to inspect conduits, boxes, electric panels, etc. prior to any wall covering such as sheet rock, plaster, acoustic, etc.
· Ceiling inspections are performed to inspect conduits, boxes, electric panels, etc. prior to any ceiling covering such as sheet rock, plaster, acoustic, etc.
· Final inspections are performed to inspect the final installations of receptacles, lighting, emergency systems, electric panels etc.

Mechanical Inspections

· Rough-In inspections are performed to inspect mechanical equipment, duct system, venting system, and combustion air opening drain lines and refrigerant lines, etc. prior to any ceiling coverings such as sheet rock or acoustic material.
· Final Inspections are performed to inspect the final installation of mechanical equipment, check electrical disconnects, light, proper conduit, control wiring, gas connections and proper access requirements, etc.

Plumbing Inspections

· Site work inspections are performed before any ditches containing plumbing, gas, sewer, or water lines are covered.
· Rough-in inspections are performed prior to placement of steel, base or concrete to inspect any plumbing lines placed in the slab.
· Water line inspections are performed prior to the slab being poured.
· Top out inspections are performed to inspect drains, vents, gas lines and water lines, etc. prior to any wall covering such as sheet rock, plaster, paneling, etc.
· Final inspections are performed to inspect the final installation of gas lines, fixtures and equipment for proper connections and use.

Construction Engineering Inspections

Traffic

· Architects and engineers should have knowledge of the Unified Development Code.
· Contractor must read the back of plans for Traffic/Sidewalk/Drainage requirements.
· All striping/H/C parking and signs must be completed. H/C ramps must ramp into sidewalk, not into parking area.
· Any drains in City ROW or easements must meet City specifications and be inspected by Public Works Inspectors.
· Parking lot cannot drain over sidewalks; it must have sidewalk box drain.
· All site work must be completed.
· Keep approved City plans available when calling for final traffic inspection. Call 207-1111 for inspections. When calling for inspection, please indicate building permit number and address.
· A registered and bonded contractor must obtain a permit.

Drainage

· A registered and bonded contractor must obtain a permit.
· The project engineer shall submit a letter of certification affirming that the detention pond was built according to the approved set of plans.
· A Public Works inspection is required when tying into the storm sewer system.

Sidewalks/Approaches

· Commercial – must have City approved plans on site.
· Permits must be posted on site when requesting inspections.

Inspections will be made within 24 hours of call-in time. Do not pour without inspection. If 24 hours elapses, call 207-1111 immediately.

For lane closures, call Traffic Coordinators:

North of Commerce Street – Ray Macias – office 207-7760; mobile 422-6505

South of Commerce Street – Alfredo Morales – office 207-7763; mobile 219-6954; pager 603-8481

Landscaping (Final Inspection Only)

For a final landscape inspection, an approved landscape plan that meets mandatory requirements must be available to the inspector. Final inspection is required for the Certificate of Occupancy and can include both tree preservation and landscape.

Next step: Occupancy