Inspections

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Scheduling an Inspection

Fill out form or call this number and leave a voicemail 760-435-3925. Please use eTRAKiT for scheduling inspections and to check your inspection time (2-hour window.)

Inspection requests can be made 24 hours a day by visiting the City of Oceanside website. Click on the Online Permitting/eTRAKiT button, log in to your contractor account and click "Schedule." Homeowners and/or representatives may also schedule inspections in the eTRAKIT portal with a permit number (under "Permits", then "Search Permit".) Creating an account is not required.

Inspection requests may also be submitted by completing the Building Inspection Request Form for issued permits.

Please note: You must request the inspection by 3:30 pm on a business day in order to receive a next business day inspection. Requests received after that time will be scheduled in 2 business days.

Inspection requests may be scheduled in person at the Building Division counter.

Inspections

The Building Division administers the building permit process for both residential and commercial construction. This is a fundamental process for ensuring the protection of life and property.

The process begins with the submittal of plans and construction documents, which are reviewed for compliance with applicable Building Codes and Standards. Approved projects are issued a Building Permit allowing construction to begin.

The Building Division also conducts field inspections to ensure that the work covered by the permit is done according to the plans and is in compliance with all Building Codes and City Ordinances adopted by the City of Oceanside. It shall be the responsibility of the owner or licensed contractor doing the work authorized by a permit to notify the Building Division when said work is ready for inspection. No portion of any building, structure, wiring, plumbing, ductwork or equipment, which is required to be inspected, shall be covered or concealed without approval of the Building Official or his Deputy. The inspection process culminates with a final inspection and the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.

Preparing for the Building Inspection

The building owner, employee of the owner, or licensed contractor or employee of the licensed contractor is required to be present at all inspections.

The issued permit job card is required to be on site for the inspector to sign.

The issued approved plan is required to be on site for the inspector to verify compliance of the project.

Access to all areas where the work is being performed is required.

Be prepared to unlock gates and doors as needed.
Have an appropriate ladder available for roof and attic inspections. Our inspection staff does not bring ladders.

Types of Required Inspections

Foundation/Footing: Location of the forms to meet zoning setback requirements, elevation of the forms to meet flood control requirements, depth and width of the footing, and proper placement, size and grade of reinforcing steel. All required shear wall anchor bolts, hold-down bolts, and straps are expected to be hung on templates. The UFER ground is checked for proper installation and location.
Slab: Thickness of the slab, placement of sand and vapor barrier, size, spacing and support of reinforcing bar.
Floor Framing: Size, spacing, grade, span, lap and support of floor joist and girders and clearance to grade. Rough plumbing, mechanical and electrical. Under floor ventilation and access.
Roof Sheathing & Framing: Size, spacing, grade and span of rafters and purlins. Framing hardware, i.e., hangers, straps, etc. Structural supports, i.e., posts, beams, headers. Sheathing panel index, shear diaphragm, shear transfer. Plumbing and mechanical vents through the roof. Trusses, installed per plan, truss calcs available for inspector.
Pre-wrap: Location, panel index, size and nailing of exterior shear walls. Hold-down hardware, shear wall anchor bolts, plate washers. Location and size of doors and windows. All windows must be installed to check for emergency egress, glazing and flashing.
Framing: All structural, rough plumbing, rough mechanical and rough electrical installations are checked at framing. Structural: size, spacing and grade of studs. Size, spacing, grade, span and support of joist. Cutting, notching and boring of studs, joists, and review interior shear walls.
Rough Plumbing: Drain, waste and vent piping capped or plugged outside the building and filled with water until vents overflow to test for leaks. Proper location of all fixture stud cuts as shown on floor plan. Drain and vent sizing, wet venting, slope and support of drain lines. Approved joints and fittings. Location and size of cleanouts. Protection from physical damage for non-metallic piping. Water piping: static pressure on lines. Proper material, location, size and supports.
Rough Mechanical: Proper material, size, location, support and installation of all duct work. FAU compartment: supply air (plenum), return air, combustion air and condensate drain line(s). Fire and draft stopping. Combustion vents: location and clearances.
Rough Electrical: General wiring to convenience outlets and lights. Grounding and bonding: metal boxes, cold water piping, grounding electrode conductor, neutral and grounding busses. Wiring/conduit locations: support and protection, GFCI and smoke detector circuits, laundry and kitchen circuits. Clearances at subpanels and service entrance equipment. Rated boxes in fire separations.
Insulation: Check for compliance with Title 24 Energy requirements: Insulation placement, windows, doors, plumbing pipes, and electrical wire holes are sealed.
Drywall: Proper type and thickness. Nail or screw spacing.
Lath: Kraft paper type, connection, and number of layers are per code requirements. All holes in Kraft paper are sealed. Metal lath will be checked for proper fastening.
Gas Test: After drywall has been placed, an air pressure test is required. The gas line must hold at a minimum of 10 psi for 15 minutes.
Electric Final: Prior to the final inspection, a final electrical Inspection is required to release the electric meter for testing. All wiring must be complete, all electric switches, plugs, lights, and cover plates must be installed. All circuit breakers are identified for the load served. Lighting is required to meet energy efficiency standards.
Final Inspection: Installation and operation of all plumbing fixtures. Water heater seismic strapping, pressure relief valve and piping. All gas-burning appliances connected to gas supply. All mechanical equipment in and operational. Clearances around panels. GFCI breakers or outlets tested. Smoke alarms. Handrails and guardrails installed with proper size, connections, and spandrel spacing. Fire Resistive construction for occupancy separation or rated wall construction sealed to maintain separation integrity including rated doors, and door jambs. Compliance with Title 24 standards, such as Energy and accessibility requirements, as required. Grading for drainage around structure.