Inspections

To schedule an inspection, the follow information is needed:

  • Permit Number
  • Property Address
  • Owner Name
  • Contractor Name
  • Type of Inspection
  • Call Back Number

The lack of this information may constitute a delay in inspection or no inspection at all.

Inspection requests are taken until 8 a.m. for same day inspections, unless circumstance warrant a delay. Call 804-769-4969 to request an inspection or you may click here to email before 8 a.m.

View this Inspection Checklist in PDF format.

Required Inspections

Inspections at various stages of work are required by the Building Department, under the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). (See the Inspections Checklist (PDF).) The required inspections for buildings are listed here. This list of inspections is the minimum inspections required for a new dwelling. Commercial projects or special conditions on residential projects may require inspections not on the following list.

  1. Footing: Required after strip and pier footings have been excavated forms and grade stakes have been installed and before concrete has been poured.
  2. Projection: Required anytime after first row of block has been laid including piers but before walls are backfilled.
  3. Slab: Required after base gravel and vapor barrier has been installed (insulation if required).
    • Ground work: Required for slabs with plumbing, piping pressure test of 80 pounds per square inch (psi) on all water lines sewer/septic lines must be filled with water along with a 10-foot head to verity there are no leaks piping must be exposed for inspection.
  4. Foundation/Floor Joist: Required when all masonry is completed and all floor joists are installed. Anchors, vents and brick veneer wall ties (if required) must be installed
  5. Basements: An additional inspection is required for basement walls to verity drain tile and water proofing.
  6. Veneer: Required after all sheathing, windows and doors, have been completely installed but before siding. All windows and doors must be installed per manufactures instructions. All existing flashing installed. Roof must be min papered shingles may or may not be installed, proof of ice shield is required. Starting May 1, 2009 House wrap will be required and must be installed at time of veneer inspection.
  7. Rough in Inspections: In King William Count all rough in inspections must be completed and inspected at the same time.

    Rough in inspections are as followed:
    • Plumbing: When all drain, waste, vent and water distribution piping has been installed. Drain, waste and vent lines shall be filled with water or provide min 5 psi positive air pressure. Water piping shall be provided with either working water pressure or min 80 psi pressure at time of inspection.
    • Mechanical: Required after duct work, boots, returns,refrigerant lines and condensate lines are installed.
    • Rough Interior Gas: Required after all gas lines have been installed. Minimum 15 psi pressure test is required on all lines.
    • Pre-fab Gas: Required when gas unit is set, but before enclosing, manufacturer's installation instructions must be on site for inspection.
    • Tank Gas: Required after placement of the tank but before connection or backfilling (if in ground tank).
    • Framing: Required after all framing has been complete and roofing/shingles have been installed.
    • Electrical: Required after all wires and boxes nave been installed. All grounds must be connected and metal boxes must be grounded. All smoke alarms should be wired and labeled (S) for smoke.
    • Current: When Meter and SE cable has been set and 1-GFCI protected 20 amp receptacle and breaker for temporary current has been installed.  Current will not be released to Dominion Energy or Rappahannock Electric Company until the Building Department is provided the Inquiry/Work Order Number.  This must be provided by the Contractor or Homeowner.
  8. Insulation: After all rough in inspections have been completed before drywall. Accessible ceiling and floor areas maybe insulated by final inspection.
  9. Throat: Required when the firebox is completed just before setting of the first flue liner.
  10. Water: Required when waterline has been installed in trench and before back fill.
  11. Septic: Required when septic/sewer line has been connected and before back fill.
  12. Final: Required after drywall has been finished all fixtures have been installed all trades have been completed but before any furniture or personal belongings are installed. Certificate of Termite treatment is required at or before final inspection.

Throat, water, and septic inspections may be done at anytime during construction but before the final inspection.

Certificate of Occupancy

Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.) is issued once the Final Inspection, Health Department, Zoning and any other county or state offices has been approved and finalized.

Note

  • The original set of county approved plans are required at time of inspection for review by the Building Inspector.
  • This is a list of the min Inspections for a residential dwelling. Depending upon special conditions on the residential project added inspections could be required.