Inspections
After issuance of a permit, all related work is subject to inspections by the appropriate county staff. View a full list of Inspection Requirements online. You can request a building inspection using our online Inspection Request Form or by leaving a message on our inspection hotline at 360-778-5902.
The daily inspection schedule can be found here or by calling 360-778-5900 after 9:00 am.
Scheduling
- Request an inspection by calling the 24-Hour Inspection Hotline at 360-778-5902 or submit your request using our Online Inspection Request Form.
- An inspection request received via phone or email after 6:00 p.m. will not be scheduled for the following day
- Specific time requests cannot be accommodated
- Inspectors may be contacted the morning of the inspection to see if scheduling allows coordination of times
When calling, speak slowly and clearly and have the following information ready:
- Permit number (including the first 3 letters)
- Job site address as it appears on the permit
- Type of inspection
- Date for inspection
- Name and phone number of a daytime contact person
These items must be on site at the time of inspection:
- Approved plans
- Permit
- Inspection record
Inspection Areas
- Point Roberts inspections are performed on Tuesdays
- Lummi Island inspections are performed on Thursdays
- Glacier area inspections are performed on Mondays and Wednesdays
Plan Review & Construction Guide
For helpful information regarding residential building and plumbing codes, as well as specific requirements related to residential projects, a Plan Review and Construction Guide booklet is available here.
Inspection Types
Residential building inspections assure minimum requirements of the International Residential Code (IRC) are met. Requirements include foundation, framing, plumbing, mechanical, and life safety.
Residential projects require inspections as work proceeds to ensure all work meets current applicable codes. Inspections are required in phases during the construction process so that all work is inspected before it is covered.
The Inspection Record issued with the building permit lists all inspections, which may be required. For questions regarding applicable inspections you may contact a building inspector in the office, weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. by calling 360-778-5900 or to get their cell phone number any time during the day.
For each scheduled inspection, approved plans, building permit, and inspection record must be on site. It is the responsibility of the owner, their contractor, or agent to assure the project address is prominently posted and all required documents are on site in a clearly visible location.
Commercial building inspections assure minimum requirements of the International Building Code (IBC) are met. Requirements include public safety, accessibility, fire code requirements and occupancy loads.
Inspections of commercial structures and related plumbing and mechanical systems are required as work progresses to ensure all work meets current applicable codes.
Inspection requirements can and should be discussed with a building inspector at the required Pre-Construction meeting, or before the inspection, by contacting the inspector at 360-778-5900.
For each scheduled inspection, approved plans, building permit, and inspection record must be on site.
It is the responsibility of the owner, their contractor, or agent to assure the project address is prominently posted and all required documents are on site in a clearly visible location.
Other inspections Planning and Development Services staff perform a variety of other required inspections associated with building, mechanical, mobile home, and land disturbance permits
There are a variety of permitted activities that require inspections, some of which may not be associated with a building permit. Some of these inspections are performed by Building Services inspectors; other inspections are done by appropriately trained personnel from other offices such as, Watershed, Critical Areas, Engineering, or Fire Marshal.
If you are unsure how or where to request your non-building inspection, see your issued Permit or Determination to find the appropriate inspecting personnel.