Pass Your Inspection: 25 Pitfalls to Avoid

Whether you're putting in a new water heater, replacing your windows or building a new office tower, a Building Inspector must ensure the work is completed properly. In order to make sure your inspection goes as smoothly as possible, we've put together a list of things to have completed prior to calling for inspection. These are common pitfalls that can hold up your project.

1. Building location or height does not match approved plans. A licensed surveyor may be required to verify proper setbacks, building location and height.
2. Concrete formwork, reinforcing steel, and/or embedded anchorage hardware is not installed properly. Size of bars and embedded elements must meet or exceed code standards. Splices must be lapped and tied properly to ensure full development.
3. Windows are not installed in accordance with approved plans. All deviations from approved plans must be re-approved before requesting an inspection. The size, location, type of material, and general window design must match approved plans. Additionally, at least one window in each bedroom must comply with emergency escape parameters.
4. A copy of Structural Observation Reports and Special (Deputy) Inspection Reports must be available on the job site at the time of inspection. Approval cannot be granted if these related reports are not provided to the inspector.
5. Inspection approval from the Fire Prevention Bureau (FPB Inspection) must be secured prior to scheduling a Final Building Inspection. FPB Inspection is required for all construction projects that involve an automatic fire sprinkler system, fire alarm systems, smoke control systems, or any hazardous materials. FPB Inspection is also required for all apartments, condominiums, assembly uses, schools and high-rise buildings.
6. Roof-top equipment is not allowed to be installed unless specifically approved by the Planning Division.
7. An approved H.E.R.S. report is required for all heating or air conditioning systems. The approved H.E.R.S. report must be filed electronically prior to scheduling the mechanical inspection.
8. All mechanical equipment and water heaters must be properly anchored to resist seismic forces.
9. Attics, closets and equipment rooms that enclose fuel-burning appliances must be provided with compliant combustion air.
10. Existing asbestos vent pipes must be removed and may not be re-used when new equipment is installed.
11. Title-24 energy compliance forms must be wet-signed and available on the job site prior to scheduling inspections for insulation, mechanical equipment, lighting and final inspections.
12. All fire-resistance rated walls and floor-ceiling assemblies must be identified on approved plans and the location of all fire/smoke dampers must be clearly identified. All penetrations of fire-resistance rated walls and floor-ceiling assemblies must be properly protected with an approved fire-caulking material. Permanent identification signage for fire-resistance rated walls must be installed in accessible ceiling spaces.
13. All circuit breakers and fuses must be properly sized and labeled.
14. An air balancing report must be provided for all commercial ventilation systems, including smoke control systems.
    
15. Approved plans, permits and inspection card must be available on the job at the time of inspection. Copies of approved documents will not be accepted.
16. Electrical conduits, fixtures, plumbing and ventilation ductwork must be properly supported and secured in accordance with the code. The size, spacing and manner of support must meet or exceed the minimum code standards.
17. Electrical panel schedules must be completed prior to scheduling an inspection.
18. Electrical systems and equipment must be properly bonded and grounded. Only approved components that are listed for bonding/grounding connection use may be used for such purpose. The use of inappropriate or unlisted connection components is not allowed.
19. The number of conductors contained within a box must not exceed the maximum permissible based on the size of the conductors. An excessive number of conductors may necessitate replacement of a box to a larger size.
20. Arc-fault protection and/or ground-fault protection of electrical branch circuits must be installed in accordance with the Electrical Code.
21. All waste piping 3-inches in diameter and smaller must be provided with a minimum slope of ¼-inch per foot at all locations.
22. All plumbing fixtures that discharge into a grease interceptor must be trapped and vented independently from the interceptor.
23. Sanitary tees must be installed correctly in waste lines. Substitution of standard tees will not be permitted. The correct orientation of sanitary tees must be observed. Sanitary tees that are installed in the reverse orientation will not be accepted.
24. Island sinks must be vented properly. The use of an air-admittance device is not accepted.
25. All water and gas piping must be sized to meet or exceed the minimum code standard. Undersized piping will not be accepted for water or gas systems.

If you're ready to schedule your next inspection, you can call us or request an inspection online. We hope this information helps you pass your next inspection with flying colors. If you need further clarification or if you have any questions, please contact the Building and Safety Division at (818) 548-3200. We look forward to seeing you at the Permit Services Center.