To help you have a successful inspection, this page covers:

• Determining readiness for inspection
• How to schedule an inspection
• Prepare and be ready on inspection day
• The inspection process & types of inspections
• Retain your final project documentation
• How to purchase more inspection time
• How to replace a Permit Card or find inspection records

Determining readiness for inspection

You are responsible for determining when completed work is ready for inspection. Small projects may require only one inspection while complex jobs may have a sequence of inspections. Your Permit Card shows the required inspection approvals. Note: The standard Permit Card lists the range of inspection processes; only those marked apply to your project's scope of work. Readiness includes:

• Documents and plans are ready:
  • Permit Card and any prior inspection noticesmust be available to the inspector
  • As applicable:
    • City-approved and professionally stamped plans
    • Pre-inspection reports (such as a HERS test report)
    • Manufacturer listings and installation instructions
  • Avoid a cancellation by having the required documents ready. We recommend keeping these documents in a binder or as an electronic file available to the inspector.
    
    
• Things are working. Utilities are on. There are no leaks at plumbing fixtures. All light fixtures and fans work. Structural, plumbing, and electrical elements are installed according to plans and are accessible (not covered) for the inspector to see the work (see Rough Inspection below).
  
  
• Safety features: Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are installed and functioning. 
  
  
• Access and ladders. The inspector can easily access the areas requiring inspection such as the roof, attic, basement, crawl spaces, electrical panel, and furnace. If a ladder is required for access, you must have an OSHA-compliant ladder ready — inspectors do not provide ladders.

Once the project and documentation are ready, you can schedule the inspection. 

How to schedule an inspection

• Go to SJPermits.org and select “Schedule an Inspection”
• Or call 408-535-3555 – Select the option for scheduling an inspection
• Request all the processes that are complete and ready for inspection.

Not sure which process to schedule? Look at your Permit Card and use your best judgement. Inspectors can add processes in the field if needed.

Be ready for the morning call on inspection day

You will receive a phone call from your assigned inspector between 7:00-8:00 a.m. If you want to speak with the inspector, be ready to answer the phone. The call may come from a blocked number.

• If the work site is large, this call is an opportunity to tell the inspector where to meet on the site.
   
• If you do not answer the call, the inspector will leave a message. You will be given a 2-hour window for the inspector's arrival. This does not mean the inspection will take two hours.

Be on-site for your inspection window

• Be at the site by the beginning of the two-hour arrival window. It is your responsibility to be onsite for the 2-hour appointment window. Your window could start as early as 8:00 a.m.
  
  
• Minimum inspection time: 30 minutes - This includes 10 minutes for the inspector's travel time so count on 20 minutes for onsite time. This is usually adequate for projects issued an online permit and other smaller projects. 
  
  
• If no one is on-site when the inspector arrives:
  • The inspector will make an attempt to contact the person named as the contact when the inspection was scheduled. If unable to connect: The inspector will leave a "sorry we missed you" note and, on the inspection notice, will document the time of arrival, departure, and the attempt to communicate with the contact.
  • For larger projects with longer inspection windows, the inspector may agree to wait for you to arrive, but the scheduled inspection time will not be extended.
  • For a scheduled 30-minute inspection, of which 10 minutes is allotted to inspector travel time, being late for the remaining 20-minute window may mean that rescheduling will be necessary.
  • There is no refund for a missed inspection.
    
    
• Please be respectful of the inspector’s time. Inspectors have several stops planned for each day. They must get to their next appointment on time.

The Inspection Process

Each process that is scheduled and inspected will be assigned a result, as follows:

• OK (approved)
• PA (partial approval)
• CN (correction notice)
• NR (not ready)
• NN (not needed).

Inspection notices - The inspector publishes the inspection results as "notices" at SJPermits.org. IMPORTANT - Have prior inspection notices available at the time of the inspection:

• Smaller projects (only a few inspections are needed) - Provide either printed copies of the notices or have them organized as files on a tablet or laptop.
• Larger/more complex projects (multiple inspections are needed) - Provide printed copies.

Inspectors also document inspection results on the Permit Card. Remember to keep the Permit Card at the job site throughout the duration of the project.

Minimum required inspections - Listed below are the types of inspections that are required by San José Municipal Ordinance 24.02.520 and 24.02.530. The scope of the project determines which types of inspections are required. There may also be subcategories and these will also be listed on the Permit Card. Smaller subtrade projects may have just one or two inspections.

TYPES OF INSPECTIONS

1. Foundation inspection -  Prior to placement of concrete, this inspection verifies the location of the new structure on the site and placement of forms, reinforcing steel, and anchor bolts. If the required distances to the property lines or easements are not readily apparent, a survey letter documenting conformance with the approved plans and setbacks will be required. 
   
   
2. Under slab or underfloor inspection - This inspection is made after utilities (drain-waste-and vent, water piping, conduit and mechanical ducts) are in place but before concrete is poured or floor sheathing is installed. 
   
   
3. Rough inspection of plumbing, mechanical, gas, and electrical systems -  Framing is done and plumbing/electrical/mechanical pipes and wires are installed, but not concealed or covered by drywall.  
   
   
4. Frame inspection - This inspection is made after roof sheathing, framing, interior/exterior shear, fire blocking, and any bracing are in place and after all rough electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work are approved.
   
   
5. Lath inspection - This inspection is made after lath is in place and prior to application of plaster.
   
   
6. Insulation inspection - After rough frame approval and prior to application of interior wallboard.
   
   
7. Fire resistive assemblies inspection - Joints and penetrations in fire-rated assemblies are inspected prior to covering or concealment.
   
   
8. Final inspection - This final inspection is made after finish grading and the building is completed and ready for occupancy or use. The project is complete, clean, and safe. Any appliances are  functioning. Building Final will only be approved after all of the other inspection processes associated with the permit have been approved.

Congratulations! Upon final approvals, at SJPermits.org, your permit status will change from “Under Inspection” to “Finaled.”

Retain Project Documents

The Permit Card will document all inspection approvals by City inspectors. You should retain the approved plans, inspection notices and completed Permit Card for your records.

How to Purchase More Inspection Time 

If your project requires more inspection time than what was allotted, you can purchase additional inspection time:

• Call the Permit Center at 408-535-3555 and select “make a payment” option. 
  
  
• Or go to SJPermits.org: 
  • Click Schedule an Inspection. 
  • Navigate to Permits Under Inspection and click the project's File Number.
  • A Scheduling or Changing Inspection Requests screen appears.
  • A link to purchase more time is located under the red statement, "I understand that additional inspection fees are not refundable."
  • Click the link to make the purchase.

How to replace a Permit Card or find inspection records

Find instructions in the menu at Start Your Project.