It is the Projects' responsibility to schedule all inspections. An appointment must be made at least one working day in advance. Inspections are limited to three (3) inspections maximum per permit, per week. Inspectors have 20 minutes of inspection per stop.
The City of Oakland cannot conduct same-day inspections. These include disconnect-reconnect requests for Electrical Meter work.
Below is an overview of what inspection types are offered through the Planning & Building Department and when they are required.
Field Check Inspection (When Required): Prior to issuance of permit, a Field Check inspection may be required to obtain field information in order to issue the permit. Field Checks can only be scheduled via phone.
Pre-Construction (When Required*): Prior to the start of construction activities (Grading, Foundation formwork, framing, etc) . A preconstruction inspection is required* to verify that Best Management Practices (BMPSs) , specific Conditions of Approval (COAs) and specific requirements of the construction management plan (CMP) are adhered to. Pre-Construction Inspection can provide information as to site specific conditions, inspections overall, and specific project requirements. A Preconstruction inspection is required it must be scheduled prior to any other inspection being scheduled . Pre-Construction Inspections can only be scheduled by phone.
*Pre-construction Inspection required for the following:
Foundation: Foundation inspection consists of City of Oakland inspecting formwork, reinforcing steel, piers, shotcrete, etc. prior to receiving an OK to Pour. Please note that any Special Inspections required are not in lieu of the required City of Oakland inspection. Special Inspection field reports must be on-site for City of Oakland inspector review and approval. Any foundation poured without City of Oakland inspection and approval will not be approved.
Frame*: Frame inspections encompass all framing work, trades, utilities, and inspections approving rough work through OK to Cover. Once an OK to Cover is granted, the project may schedule a Final Inspection.
*NOTE: Use this option for Rough Inspection
Final: Final inspection encompasses the final inspection for a project. All construction work must be complete and any required paperwork must be made available to the inspector to sign-off on completion of the project. Examples of paperwork required for a project may include: CDSR/GreenHalo completion with the Recycling department, Fire Protection Bureau sign-off, Final Wet-signed/Wet-stamped Special Inspection Letters, CalGREEN certification, Complete Project Summary Report (PSR) for Energy Code Requirements, Reduced 11x17 copies of floor plans for new units or change of occupancy projects, EBMUD Private Sewer Lateral Certificated for projects with a valuation over $100,001, and other project specific paperwork.
Click on the button below for more information on inspection types for permitted projects.
Open DocumentDuring construction you must complete your City inspections before you can do any of the following:
Inspections are also required prior to connecting to, or the hook-up of:
Inspections are required to ensure that the construction is proceeding according to the approved plans and project conditions-of-approval, and that all current code standards are being met. The Building Bureau will inspect your permitted project for compliance with approved plans and applicable building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing codes.
Once you know what type of inspection you need, you may schedule your inspection with the following departments:
Planning & Building Bureau:
Fire Prevention Bureau:
Department of Transportation DOT:
Click on the button below for more information on what to expect during your Planning and Building Permit Inspection.
Pre-paid inspection allotment is based on the project valuation. Inspectors cannot add more inspections. If a project exhausts their prepaid allotment, the project may obtain more inspections by calling the cashier at (510) 238-4774. Inspections cancelled after 10AM, not passing, or cancellations in the field will count as an inspection.
QUESTIONS?
Call (510) 238-3444 or find quick answers through our Permit & Services Questions Portal.
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