Scheduling Construction Inspections & Re-Inspections

Process Description:
Once the client has obtained a permit and scheduled an inspection through the Development Services Customer Service Center, they are ready for the Construction Division to provide field inspections as needed for their project. In addition to accepting payments for Re-Inspection Fees, the DSCSC also handles other administrative tasks for the Construction Division such as: searching for certificates of occupancy (active and inactive), certificates of completion, progress of permits, and other contractor information. See options below for paying re-inspection fees.

*Note: Before scheduling a framing inspection, all other trade inspections must be approved. All trade inspections can be scheduled in any order of sequence. The framing inspection will always be the last inspection scheduled after all other trade rough-ins have been approved.

See the City of Raleigh Development Services Glossary for any unfamiliar terms.

Are there any prerequisites to this process?
Permit approval and issuance is required before construction is allowed to begin.

How do I start the process?
Once the permit has been obtained, the client has several different ways to schedule, maintain and research the permit.

1. On-Line Development Center
   
2. Call Rapid Response System: 919-857-4412
3. Call for staff assistance: 919-516-2500
4. Visit staff located at One Exchange Plaza, Suite 400, Raleigh, NC

What information is required for scheduling inspections?

What additional documents may be needed?

• Change of Contractor Form - If you have listed the incorrect contractor on the permit or if there has been a change in contractor, the change of contractor form will need to be submitted to the DSCSC and the system updated to show the correct responsible party doing the work
• Conditional Service Form (application & agreement for temporary electrical & mechanical service) - If the contractor is not set up for Early Release and needs a meter set before all final inspections have been completed, the contractor will need to apply for conditional service, which requires the form to be filled out showing why and for how long they are requesting conditional service. Checks are made payable to: City of Raleigh. This application is only applicable to the Electrical and/or Mechanical trades
• Sewer Release Form package - If a backflow water valve is installed, a Sewer Release form is needed. This is an agreement between the property owner and the city that states the city assumes no responsibility if the sewer backs up on the property. The form has to be notarized and signed by the property owner. Both the form and payment (check or money order made payable to the Wake County Register of Deeds) must be submitted to the DSCSC located at One Exchange Plaza, Suite 400. Read the Sewer Release Process for instructions before submitting a form package - see Related Processes in the links to the right
  
• Third Party Inspection Agreement - This agreement allows a General Contractor to perform work on a major structure after hours with monitoring provided by the Structural Engineer of Record
• Temporary Certificate of Occupancy - A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) allows a tenant to occupy a fit up space on a temporary basis pending approval of all final inspections. This authorization is granted with the condition that there are no life safety code violations. If needed, the client will request a TCO from the Inspector in the field and the inspector will pass along the request to the office staff via email. Office staff will process the TCO. See fee information below.
  
• After Hours Inspections At Your Service
• Smoke Alarm Requirements
• Contractor's Responsibility Statement
  

Where can I find detailed information regarding inspections?

• National Code Interpretations
• State Code Interpretations
• Local Code Interpretations (City of Raleigh Technical Bulletins)
• Inspections List
• Special Inspections
• Construction Division

Where do I submit the above forms?

What are the common reasons for rejecting an Inspection?
See Top 10 Rejection Reasons Per Trade for Building, Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing.

What should I do if my inspection is rejected? (Re-inspections)
A code violation may result in an inspection status of "rejection". After the code violation is corrected, you may schedule a re-inspection. The re-inspection fee must be paid before scheduling the next inspection. See Development Fee Schedule for current fee information.

Re-inspection fees may be paid using cash, check, MasterCard or Visa. Make checks payable to: City of Raleigh

There are several options for paying a re-inspection fee:

1. Use the online payment option by accessing the Online Development Center application with a credit card.
2. Re-inspections may be paid over the telephone by contacting a Customer Service Representative at (919) 516-2500 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Please have the permit number, project address and credit card information available before you call.
3. Pay in person at either of the following locations:

• Downtown Raleigh: One Exchange Plaza, Suite 400, Raleigh NC 27601 (919) 516-2500
• North Raleigh: Litchford Satellite Office, 8320-130 Litchford Road, Raleigh, NC 27615 (919) 996-4200

To schedule a re-inspection that was previously paid, contact a Customer Service Representative at (919) 516-2500 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. or use the automated voice response system (EDIFY) which is available 24 hours per day by calling (919) 857-4412.

What fees are involved and when do I pay them?

• Conditional Service per permit is due when the form is submitted to the DSCSC. Payments can be made at the DSCSC cashier office located on the 4th floor of the One Exchange Plaza, Suite 400 Raleigh NC or paid at the Litchford Satellite office located at 8320-130 Litchford Road Raleigh, NC or fax to 919-516-2689 and submit payment via telephone by calling 919-516-2500
• Sewer Release Form package - Fee is due when the form is submitted to the DSCSC along with the completed Sewer Release form (money order or check made payable to: Wake County Register of Deeds) Submit form and payment to the DSCSC located at One Exchange Plaza, Suite 400. Read the Sewer Release Process for instructions before submitting a form package
• Re-inspection fee per trade. Re-inspection fee must be paid prior to scheduling the re-inspection. See above (Re-inspections) for details
• Temporary Certificate of Occupancy per trade if the permitted inspection has not had its final approval
• Certificate of Occupancy more than 30 days past the issue date - fee is due per copy per address. See Development Fee Schedule
• Certificate of Occupancy that is no longer in the system and is replaced by a City of Raleigh Form Letter. See Development Fee Schedule
• Copies of project information (plans, documentation, application, etc.) See Development Fee Schedule for 8 1/2 X 11 11 X 17 copies
• Administrative fee - Applicable if it takes one (1) hour or more to research information
• Duplicate building card - See Development Fee Schedule
• Refer to the Development Fee Schedule for fees - See link to the right

How long will this process take?

Inspections are generally made the next business day. Re-inspections added to your permit will be automatically scheduled for the following business day once the payment has been processed, unless indicated otherwise. The Certificate of Occupancy will print the following business day after all final inspections are complete.

For inspections needed after normal business hours, see After Hours Inspections.