CPHD
Inspections Information Center
All work is subject to on-site inspection once construction begins. The appropriate sections of the Inspection Services Division inspects all work for compliance with the approved building plans, approved shop drawings, County ordinances, and the Uniform Statewide Building Code. Site visits are also made by staff of the Department of Public Works to inspect street access, right-of-way requirements, and storm drainage (Operations Division); and to inspect utility connections (Water-Sewer Division). Inspection Services assists Public Works in enforcement of the Erosion and Siltation Control Ordinance.
It is the legal responsibility of the permit applicant, i.e. owner/developer, builder, general contractor, or sub-contractor to contact the Inspection Services Division twenty-four (24) hours prior to a required trade inspection. Inspection of fire protection and alarm systems, and elevator installation, requires a minimum of a week's notice for scheduling. All these systems must be thoroughly pretested.
The owner, his agent or designer, and his contractors are encouraged to contact Inspection Services at anytime during the plan review, permit process, or field and occupancy inspection periods to resolve issues, such as technical or code issues, or problems and concerns that may cause costly and unnecessary delays in approvals. The VUSBC (statewide building code) has legally prescribed duties for the Building Official and his staff, and for permit holders and building owners so that public safety is provided for at a reasonable cost. A copy of the VUSBC is available at the Inspection Services Division. The Building Official is available and accessible for enforcement issues, to hear appeals, and approve or reject modifications. Approvals are dependent on the applicant responding to comments and correcting deficiencies in a timely manner; coordinating inspections between the general contractor and the sub-contractors; and pre-testing all fire protection systems completely prior to field inspection.
