Sequence of Inspections
This is a list of the most common inspections that are required for a typical single-family residence. Some of the listed inspections may not be applicable to your project. Other inspections may be required for less typical projects.
PRELIMINARY DRAINAGE, EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL (DESC)
This inspection request will be automatically generated, to be performed 40 business days after the Building Permit is issued. This inspection is to confirm that adequate erosion and/or sediment controls have been installed on the site after backfill.
PRELIMINARY DRIVEWAY
Performed when a driveway permit is required. This inspection reviews the location of the proposed driveway, including grade, drainage, and land ownership (easements, etc.) issues. A listing of requirements accompanies the driveway permit. These parameters must be met by the time of the final driveway inspection.
PRELIMINARY DEFENSIBLE SPACE
This inspection determines if the proposed structure, whether a residential or accessory structure, is subject to risk from wildfire. If so, a detailed assessment is written giving minimum fuel modification requirements that must be performed prior to FINAL DEFENSIBLE SPACE inspection approval.
CONCRETE-ENCASED ELECTRODE
(Ufer Ground) This inspection is preformed by the Building Division or by the foundation engineer prior to the concrete being placed. If the foundation engineer preforms the inspection the specifics of the installation must be provided on the
Douglas County Concrete-Encased Electrode Form.
CAISSON/ FOOTER
This inspection shall be performed by your engineer prior to any concrete being placed. A Colorado Registered Professional Engineer shall perform this inspection. You shall provide the approved Engineering Inspection letter to the Building Division 24 hours prior to requesting any Rough Inspections.
Foundation Compliance Form
FOUNDATION INSULATION INSPECTION (Insp. # 114)
For insulation that will be covered by backfill or structural floors. The Mono slab and post-tension slab insulation shall be inspected before the placement of concrete.
FOUNDATION STEEL
This inspection shall be performed by your engineer prior to any concrete being placed. A Colorado Registered Professional Engineer shall perform this inspection. You shall provide the approved Engineering Inspection letter to the County 24 hours, prior to requesting any Rough Inspections.
Foundation Compliance Form
FOUNDATION DRAIN
The installation of a foundation drain may be required according to your soils report. If a drain is recommended in the report, it becomes a requirement by code. This inspection is to be performed by your engineer.
Foundation Compliance Form
CONSTRUCTION METER
This inspection is performed when the builder/owner or licensed electrician has set the temporary service to be used during the construction of the residence. Ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection of all 125 volt 15, 20 and 30 amp receptacles must be provided on all job sites. Receptacles of higher amperage and voltage will also need GFCI protection or assured equipment grounding conductor program, per NEC 590.6 (B) (2). Only the use of approved extension cords is acceptable. Use of illegal extension cords may result in the removal of the electrical meter.
UNDERGROUND PLUMBING (or under floor)
This inspection is performed when the base plumbing drainage system is in place. The inspection must be approved prior to placement of concrete or floor sheathing. The system shall be on test at the time of the inspection by either a 10-foot head of water, or for systems other than plastic, five pounds of air shown on a 30 psi gauge. All plumbing under floors shall be suspended a minimum of three inches above the ground to allow for soil expansion.
STRUCTURAL FLOOR
This inspection is performed at the same time as the Underground Plumbing inspection on all basement wood or steel joist floor-framing systems prior to installation of the floor sheathing. Permittee shall provide an acceptance letter from a Professional Engineer for all concrete-over-steel-beam structural floor systems, to be provided on site to the inspector at the time of County inspection.
ELECTRICAL TRENCH
This inspection is to be performed while the trench is open with the proper wire or conduit in place. A warning ribbon shall be placed 12” inches above the underground installation.
ELECTRICAL SLAB INSPECTION
This inspection is required when electrical conduits are installed under any concrete prior to placement of concrete.
EXTERIOR UNDERGROUND GAS LINE
This inspection is to be performed when the gas pipe is factory coated for use underground with all joints and or fittings wrapped and installed in the trench. Steel gas pipe (galvanized or black iron) shall be of an approved material. Burial depth for steel pipe shall be no less than 12” inches below grade. The test for such piping shall be 10 psi on a 30 psi gauge for no less than 15 minutes, with no perceptible drop in pressure. Approved Polyethylene (PE) pipe may be used in exterior buried piping systems. The test for such piping shall be 60 psi on a 100 psi gauge for no less than 30 minutes with no perceptible drop in pressure. The burial depth for PE pipe shall be no less than 12” inches below grade with approved metallic risers on each end. An electrically continuous number 18 AWG yellow tracer wire or other approved material shall be installed with and attached to underground non-metallic gas piping and shall terminate above grade at each end. These tests shall be made using air, CO2, or nitrogen pressure only. For installation and testing gas pipe materials other than those listed above consult the piping manufacturer and the Building Division for approved methods.
Individual lines to outside lights, grills or other appliances shall be installed a minimum of 8” inches below finished grade, provided such installation is installed in locations not susceptible to physical damage.
EXTERIOR SHEATHING
Inspection of exterior wall sheathing and fasteners, prior to the installation of building paper or moisture barrier, or any other exterior finish.
THERMAL ENVELOPE (also known as Exterior House Wrap)
All house wrap, air barrier or suitable film shall be installed in accordance manufacturer’s recommendations, including overlapping, inside corners and taping. All penetrations through the building wrap have been sealed. Window and door flashing has been installed in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.
EXTERIOR LATH
Exterior Lath inspections are performed prior to the installation of stucco or synthetic stucco material. Building paper, lath and all flashing (including weep screed) shall be installed prior to this inspection.
MOISTURE BARRIER
Moisture Barrier inspections are performed prior to the application of masonry or stone veneer. The barrier must be properly lapped and sealed at all penetrations including window and doors. Diamond lath or equivalent shall be installed for stone. Brick ties shall be installed for masonry.
ROUGH ENERGY COMPLIANCE
All joints, seams and penetrations shall be caulked, foamed, or otherwise gasketed to prevent air leakage. Factory labels must remain on the glazing to show fenestration, solar heat gain and air leakage. Air tight recessed lighting in attic spaces, required dampers (mechanical or gravity) and insulation behind junction boxes in exterior walls shall be in place for this inspection.
DRIP EDGE
Inspection of drip edge flashing at all eaves (not required on rakes), prior to installation of gutters. High backed gutters with integral flashing will satisfy this requirement.
Before any ROUGH inspections may be requested, copies of the foundation inspection reports and a professional survey, not an Improvement Location Certificate, shall be submitted to the County 24 hours before scheduling.
ROUGH ELECTRIC
This inspection is to be performed when all of the wire and boxes have been installed. Grounds and neutrals shall be “made up” at the boxes and home runs completed to the panel location. All low voltage systems (specialty lighting, telephone, data, cable, security, etc.) must be installed at the time of the Rough Electric Inspection
THE STRUCTURE MUST BE “DRIED-IN” (policy 95-09) AT THE TIME OF THE ROUGH ELECTRICAL INSPECTIONS. ALL OF THE FRAMING, PLUMBING AND MECHANICAL WORK HAS TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE CALLING FOR A ROUGH ELECTRIC INSPECTION.
ELECTRIC SERVICE EQUIPMENT (formerly “Temp Heat” inspection)
This inspection is typically performed at the same time as the ROUGH ELECTRIC. This inspection is for the electrical panel, main disconnect, meter box and grounding electrode system. In addition, two circuits are required to be complete and ready for power, the furnace circuit and a circuit that is GFCI protected to provide temporary power. The electrical meter shall be installed before the Final Electric inspection.
ROUGH FRAME
This inspection is performed once all of the framing, plumbing, and mechanical rough-ins are completed. This inspection may be requested on the same day as the ROUGH ELECTRIC, but cannot be requested before requesting a ROUGH ELECTRIC inspection.
INTERIOR GAS LINE
This inspection is typically performed at the same time as the ROUGH FRAME inspection. The pipe system must be completed and tested with a 10 pound air test on a maximum 30 pound gauge, unless alternative piping is used.
INSULATION-MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
This inspection shall be requested after Rough Frame Inspection has been approved. This inspection is to verify that all supply and return air ducts outside the conditioned space are insulated in accordance with IECC Section 403.2. All Mechanical and Circulation hot water systems shall be insulated in accordance with Section 403.3 and 403.4.
INSULATION
This inspection is performed after the structure is insulated and vapor retarders are installed where required. This inspection includes all cavity or continuous (blanket) insulation that will be concealed. For blown in attic insulation, baffles at soffit vents and inch markers every 300 sq. ft. shall be installed at the time of this inspection.
SHOWER PAN
“Built in place” shower bases shall be lined in accordance with the code and filled with water. This inspection is typically requested at the same time as the drywall inspection.
DRYWALL
This inspection is performed after all the drywall is in place and fastened per code, prior to beginning drywall tape and finishing. Metal trim (corner bead) may be installed prior to inspection, but is not required for the inspection.
FORM INSPECTION (Driveway)
This inspection is required when asphalt or concrete is used for the driveway surface. The scope of the inspection includes only the portion of the driveway that is located within the County right of way or the connection to the private road.
FINAL DRIVEWAY
The final inspection addresses all the criteria specified in the PRELIMINARY DRIVEWAY. This final inspection must be approved prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).
FINAL DEFENSIBLE SPACE
This final inspection is also known as the final wild fire mitigation inspection. This inspection determines if the requirements stated in the PRELIMINARY DEFENSIBLE SPACE inspection have been completed. This inspection must be approved to receive a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). This inspection applies to all structures located in a wildfire hazard area.
FINAL GRADE
This inspection is performed after final grade has been achieved and permanent erosion controls (landscaping) or temporary erosion and/or sediment controls, that are designed to be effective for 90 days, have been correctly installed. A compliant Drainage Certificate and a fully executed DESC De-activation Certificate must be on site at the time of FINAL GRADE inspection.
FINAL ELECTRIC
This inspection is performed when all electrical outlets, lights and switches with cover plates are installed. The electrical panel must be complete and circuits properly labeled and appliances that are required to be hardwired need to be installed.
FINAL ENERGY COMPLIANCE
A permanent certificate shall be posted in the area housing the mechanical equipment. The certificate shall be completed by the builder or registered design professional. The certificate shall list the R-values of insulation installed in or on ceiling/roof, walls, foundation (slab, basement wall, crawlspace wall and or floor) and ducts outside conditioned spaces; U-factors for fenestration. The certificate shall list the type and efficiency rating of heating, cooling and service water heating equipment. Crawl space and unfinished basement walls blanket insulation may be inspected at this time.
For Performance Path submittals, a signed certificate shall also be provided that shows the home complies with the originally approved design plans.
A ladder shall be provided by the permit holder for access to attic spaces containing blown in insulation and or mechanical equipment.
FINAL BUILDING (Final Frame)
This inspection is performed when all life/safety items have been completed and the structure is ready to be occupied.