Permit holders are responsible for calling to book inspections and ensuring they are carried out. Requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance of the desired inspection date.
Additional notice may be required for inspections in the Southern Gulf Islands (Galiano, Gossip, James, Mayne, Moresby, Piers, Saturna and Sidney).
Booking an Inspection
To book an inspection, submit your request via email or phone to one of our offices and provide:
- Your name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Civic address of construction
- Permit number
- Type of inspection requested
- Desired inspection date
Note: A set of approved plans must be on site for all inspections.
Types of Inspections
Various inspections are required at different points during construction.
- Footing/Foundation: All formwork must be completed and inspected before any concrete is placed. Engineered foundations are inspected after the Engineer has completed the field review and submitted it to the Building Inspection office.
- Perimeter Drains: Foundation walls must be damp-proofed and the drain tile in place with drain rock installed. Rainwater leaders must be strapped to the foundation every 1.2 metres. (4 feet).
- Sewer Line: All pipes and connections must be visible (no backfill). Pipe must be on 15 cm (6 inches) of a compacted sand bed, tested and subjected to 3 metres (10 feet) of head pressure.
- Waterline: Pipe is in trench and sand bedded.
- Radon Depressurization: Pipe and granular material to be in place prior to cover.
- Under Slab Plumbing: Complete all under slab plumbing and leave visible for inspection. Drain-waste-vent (DWV) piping must be undertest and subjected to 3 meters (10 feet) of head pressure.
- Under Slab Polyethylene/Insulation: Once Insulation and Polyethylene are installed.
- Rough-in Plumbing: Rough-in plumbing, including potable water (domestic) piping, must be complete. Domestic water lines will be pressure tested. DWV to be under test and subjected to 3 metres (10 feet) of head pressure.
- Chimney: Inspection of the chimney installation.
- Exterior Sheathing/Brace Wall Panels: Inspection of the nailing of exterior sheathing is done prior to the installation of sheathing membranes. All braced wall panel locations to be clearly marked out on the interior and exterior. Engineered shear walls and sheathing are inspected after the Engineer has completed the field review and submitted it to the Building Inspection office.
- Framing: Weather tight and all rough-in by sub-trades completed. British Columbia Land Surveyors Survey (BCLS) to be submitted with the Engineer field review required at time of inspection (where applicable). Exterior windows and doors must be installed and the installation of sheathing membranes completed. Fire blocking, bracing, and all mechanical installations to be completed prior to inspection.
- Rainscreen/Building Envelope: Also known as a "pre-cladding" or "pre-siding" inspection where window and door installation, flashing, bug screen, building wrap, and rainscreen is reviewed. (Inspection for Stucco, Lath,1st, 2nd and Final Coat)
- Insulation: Insulation and vapour barrier are to be complete prior to inspection. No drywall may be placed (except for fire blocks) prior to inspection. All fan ducts must be connected and terminate at exterior.
- Interior Brace Wall Panels: GWB Panels to be inspected for drywall screw pattern prior to cover.
- Final: When the dwelling is completed and ready for occupancy. This inspection must be passed before the building may be occupied. The exterior of the building must be complete, including all stairs, decks, handrails, porches, and exterior finishes. Address numbers must be posted in a prominent location and the interior must meet all health and safety requirements. Please ensure that all necessary documentation has been submitted prior to requesting a Final Inspection (i.e.: Septic Final, Schedule C-B, etc.). For final inspection requirements refer to the Final Inspection Checklist [PDF/148KB].
