Albany, OR Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)

Chapter 18.08 of the Albany Municipal Code controls inspections. Section 18.08.010(1) subjects all permitted construction to inspection by the building official and requires the work to remain accessible and exposed until approved. No work is covered until it is approved and signed off for that stage. Certain construction also needs special or continuous inspection as the Oregon Building Code specifies. The building official can require a survey of the lot to confirm the structure sits where the approved plans put it (section 18.08.010(5)).

Requesting inspections is the permit holder's job. Section 18.08.020 makes the person doing the work notify the building official that the work is ready, provide access during normal business hours, and supply ladders, walkways, lighting, and carpet runners for safe access. The building official can require each request to be filed at least two working days before the inspection is wanted. The permit holder cannot proceed with construction activity until authorized by the building official. Section 18.08.030 ties the required inspections to the Oregon Building Code, and section 18.08.070 adds special inspections by a special inspector the building official approves in advance.

Section 18.08.080 stops work at each inspection point: work cannot go beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without approval, and failed portions must be corrected and left uncovered until authorized. Final inspections must be requested and passed for each permit before anyone asks for occupancy or use. Section 18.08.090 then requires a certificate of occupancy before use, except for exempt work and residential accessory buildings. A temporary certificate can run no more than 180 days unless the building official approves more time.

Reinspection fees can be assessed under section 18.08.040 when work is incomplete, corrections are not made, plans are not on site, or access is not provided, and no further inspection happens until the fees are paid unless the building official authorizes it. Approval never excuses a violation (section 18.08.010(2)).