Inspections: Mandatory Inspections

Mandatory Inspections

For the purpose of communicating some of the requirements of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code as well as some of the policies of this office, we have prepared this collection of information to be given out to you with your permit. If there are any portions which you do not fully understand, please call or come by our office. We hope this information will prove beneficial to you as your project develops toward completion.

Section 115.0 of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) sets out minimum inspections, which must be performed by this office. These inspections are included in the list of MANDATORY INSPECTIONS on the reverse side. Generally, these are the only inspections required for single-family dwellings, however, depending on the scope of work, additional inspections may be needed.

Section 115.5 of the USBC specifies that it is the responsibility of the permit holder to assure that all required inspections are performed. All ladders, scaffolds and test equipment required to complete the inspection must be provided by the person requesting the inspection.

IF A LAND DISTURBING PERMIT (OR AGREEMENT IN LIEU OF A PLAN) HAS BEN ISSUED, CONSTRUCTION ROAD STABILIZATION & EROSION CONTROL PERIMETER MEASURES MUST BE INSTALLED & WRITTEN VERIFICATION FROM THE RESPONSIBLE LAND DISTURBER RECEIVED PRIOR TO ANY INSPECTIONS. FINAL GRADING MUST BE ACHIEVED, SEEDING & STABLILIZATION ESTABLISHED BEFORE OCCUPANCY APPROVAL

POST THE PERMIT CARD IN A CLEARLY VISIBLE LOCATION PRIOR TO REQUESTING THE FIRST INSPECTION. THIS WILL HELP INSPECTORS TO FIND THE CORRECT LOCATION

FINAL INSPECTIONS MUST BE REQUESTED, PERFORMED AND APPROVED AND A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPLANCY ISSUED PRIOR TO THE OCCUPYING ANY PART OF A STRUCTURE

NO WORK IS TO BE COVERED UNTIL AN INSPECTION HAS BEEN PERFORMED AND APPROVED

UNDER NORMAL CONDITION, INSPECTIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED WITHIN TWO WORKING DAYS OF THE TIME OF THE REQUEST

MANDATORY INSPECTIONS

1.   FOOTING – After digging is complete and bulkheads, reinforcement and grade stakes are set, but before any concrete or other material is placed (it is recommended that all vegetation & organic soils be removed at this time as it is required to be removed prior to final approval)
2.   CONCRETE PREPARATORY WORK – After all forms & reinforcement are installed but before any concrete is placed (poured foundation walls, etc.)
3.   SYSTEMS GOUNDWORK – Any systems components (including cables, piping, & duct) installed underground, under slabs or similar locations prior to covering (all drainage piping stubs must be identified)
4.   FOUNDATION BACK FILL - Foundation drain, damp proofing and foundation anchorage
5.   SYSTEMS ROUGH IN
ELECTICAL – cable & boxes installed and all joints complete including equipment grounds but before any concealing materials are placed
PLUMBING - DWV and distribution complete to 5 feet outside of building foundation and with test in place but before any concealing materials are installed
MECHANICAL – all duct work and vent piping complete but before any concealing materials are placed (equipment need not be placed)
GAS PIPING – piping complete to appliances shut-off valves but not connected to appliance with test in place and no concealing materials installed
6.   FRAMING – after all rough ins have been approved but before any concealing materials are place
7.   INSULATION – after framing has been approved but before any wall or ceiling coverings are placed (blown in and exposed floor joist insulation can be inspected on final) and for slab floors of conditions spaces with an elevation at or above grade before concealing materials are placed
8.   FINALS – after completion of all work represented on the approved plans, utilities have been connected and permanents vegetation established, but before any occupancy takes place

ADDITONAL INSPECTIONS

TEMPORARY SERVICE – equipment set and anchored at least 1 ground rod in place and all receptacle outlets provided with GFCI protection
EARLY SERVICE – after building is “closed in” (doors, window, & roof covering installed) any energized receptacle outlets must be GFCI protected as long as construction work is in progress

IF WORK IS FOUND TO BE INCOMPLETE AFTER AN INSPECTION HAS BEEN REQUESTED AND SCHEDULED, A REINSPECTION FEE OF $25.00 WILL BE DUE