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Building Division

Inspections (Building)

Building Inspections

Building Inspections are scheduled and performed during regular business hours, Monday-Friday, holidays and weekends are excluded.  Inspection dates are the next business day if scheduled prior to 3:30 p.m. the business day before.  Inspections called in on Saturday or Sunday will not be scheduled until Tuesday.   (Example:  if you want an inspection on Tuesday, the inspection would need to be scheduled on Monday before 3:30 p.m.)

Schedule your inspection
To schedule your building inspection online or via the Interactive Voice Response System (IVR) at 303-660-7497,  option #1.  Please have your permit number and type of inspection(s) needed available.

A two-hour estimated time for Inspector arrival may be found by searching for your permit or calling 303-660-7497.  Estimated times will be available the morning of the inspection between 8 – 9 a.m.  Please note that this will be the inspector’s best estimate of their arrival time and could be subject to change without notification. Due to the schedules of the inspectors, the requested choices of times are not available.

If you cannot be available for the inspection during the time provided, the inspection may be rescheduled for a later date by calling the 303-660-7497 and pressing “0” for assistance.  Messages left for Building Inspectors after 9 a.m. will be returned the following business day.

County Building Inspectors perform inspections using iPads in the field, thus eliminating the need to leave a “pink copy” paper inspection form at the job site.  Click here for more information.  Permit and Inspection information is available 24/7, including real-time inspection results at https://apps.douglas.co.us/building/services

Read More

Common Types of Inspections

These are 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 not listed may be required for less typical projects.  Please refer to your inspection signature card for a complete list of inspections.

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.

Residential/ Accessory Use Inspection Card Example

Rough Inspection Descriptions

Construction Meter - IVR Code 10

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.  The use of illegal extension cords may result in the removal of the electrical meter.

Caisson/footer - IVR Code 97

Performed by a Colorado Registered Professional Engineer prior to any concrete being placed.   The approved Engineering Inspection letter shall be provided to the Building Division 24 hours prior to requesting any rough inspections. Foundation Compliance Form

Ufer/concrete encased electrode - IVR Code 66

This inspection takes place before the foundation or footing concrete is placed. The inspection can be performed by our electrical inspector by scheduling a Ufer inspection, #66 through the automated system. Or the inspection can be performed by a Colorado Registered Professional Engineer. The engineer’s approval letter shall be provided to the Building Division 24 hours prior to requesting rough inspections. Ufer compliance form.

Foundation insulation (before backfill) - IVR Code 114

For insulation that will be covered by backfill or structural floors.  The monolithic slab and post-tension slab insulation shall be inspected before the placement of concrete.

Underground plumbing (or underfloor) - IVR Code 12

Performed when the base plumbing drainage system is in place.  The inspection must be approved prior to the 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 - IVR Code 14

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 floor systems, to be provided on-site to the inspector at the time of County inspection.

Electrical trench - IVR Code 16

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.

Hydronic piping - IVR Code 120

Inspected after initial installation, (including manifold(s) for interior and exterior applications. All piping to be installed using approved materials and methods. Acceptable system testing can be either with air or hydrostatic and shall be set at 100 psi on a maximum 100 psi gauge at time of inspection. IMPORTANT!- Interior heated concrete slabs require a minimum R-5 insulation installed under the piping and the full slab area in addition to the required slab edge insulation R-value. Piping to be embedded in concrete shall be pressure tested prior to pouring concrete. During pouring, the pipe shall be maintained at the proposed operating pressure.

Slab Electrical - IVR Code 73

This inspection is performed before concrete is placed. Electrical conduits and floor boxes are installed in an area where concrete is to be poured over and around the electrical equipment to establish the floor.

Electric Service Equipment - IVR Code 23

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 completed 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 Electric - IVR Code 22

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.

Exterior wall sheathing - IVR Code 104

Inspection of exterior wall sheathing and fasteners, including shear walls, prior to the installation of building paper, weather resistive barrier, or any other exterior finish.

Roof Truss - IVR Code 127

Stamped engineered roof truss drawings including the master layout sheet, shall be available on-site at the time of inspection.  All roof trusses shall be installed with the roof sheathing in place, including all associated hardware and bracing.

Weather resistive barrier - IVR Code 132

All house wrap, air barrier or suitable film shall be installed in accordance with 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.

Rough energy compliance - IVR Code 129

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.  Airtight recessed lighting in attic spaces required dampers (mechanical or gravity) and insulation behind junction boxes in exterior walls and all air barriers shall be in place for this inspection.

Rough frame - IVR Code 29

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.

Rough plumbing (auto-scheduled with rough frame)

Performed at the same time as Rough Frame.  All water supply and drain, waste, and vent piping must be installed using approved materials and methods. Both systems must be on test at the time of inspection. Supply lines can be air tested with a maximum 100 psi gauge set at 50 psi. or water tested with working street pressure. DWV piping can be air tested with a maximum 30 psi gauge set at 5 psi or with a minimum 10 foot head of water.

Rough HVAC (auto-scheduled with rough frame)

Performed at the same time as Rough Frame. All HVAC ductwork, exhaust fans, forced air units, and any other air handling equipment must be installed using approved materials and methods. Manuals J, D and S must be readily available for the inspector for this inspection

Interior Gas Line - IVR Code 30

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.

Exterior Underground Gas Line - IVR Code 32

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 approved material. Burial depth for steel pipe shall be no less than 18” 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 10 psi on a 30 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 18” 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. CSST shall be installed and bonded in accordance with the code and the manufacturer’s specifications.  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.

Insulation (thermal) - IVR Code 36

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.

Drywall (before tape) - IVR Code 38

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.

Shower pan (poured in place) - IVR Code 65

“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.

Mid roof (batten roof system only) - IVR Code 60

Mid roof (batten roof system only)

Moisture Barrier (brick/stone/EIFS) - IVR Code 53

Performed prior to the application of masonry or stone veneer.  All flashing is in place and weather-resistive barriers must be properly lapped and sealed at all penetrations including windows and doors. Diamond lath or equivalent shall be installed for stone. Brick ties shall be installed for masonry.

Exterior Lath - IVR Code 33

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.

Driveway Form (at road) - IVR Code 20

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 Inspections Descriptions

Final electric - IVR Code 42

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 building - IVR Code 108

Performed when all life/safety items have been completed and the structure is ready to be occupied.

Final HVAC (included with final building)

Performed at the same time as Final Building- All HVAC trim, venting, and vent terminations are complete. All HVAC appliances and equipment to be operational, including fireplace(s). Any and all installation manuals must be readily available.

Final plumbing (included with final building)

Performed at the same time as Final Building. All fixtures and appliances shall be installed and operational. All bathrooms shown on approved plans shall be complete with fixtures set. Including custom showers. IMPORTANT!- Hot water temperature for bathtubs and showers CAN NOT be controlled at the water heater. The temperature must be adjusted at the mixing valve with a maximum of 120 degrees.

Final energy compliance - IVR Code 109

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.

Final driveway - IVR Code 43

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 (wildfire mitigation) - IVR Code 61

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 must be scheduled through Public Works. A Drainage Certificate is required for this inspection and must be approved prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.

Fire sprinkler rough-in

Fire inspections are performed by the local fire districts prior to final inspections

Final Fire District inspection

Performed by the local fire districts prior to final inspections

Septic System

For inspection information please visit the Douglas County Health Department’s website.

Elevator

Inspections performed by Shums Coda Associates, 303-400-6564.