Ames, IA Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)

Ames Municipal Code Sec. 5.113 makes any work for which a permit is required subject to inspection by the Building Official, and requires the construction to remain accessible and exposed for inspection until approved; the permit applicant bears the duty to keep the work accessible, and neither the Building Official nor the City is liable for removal or replacement costs needed to allow inspection. The section sets specific inspection stages: footing and foundation inspection after excavation and reinforcing steel placement but before concrete is poured; concrete slab and under-floor inspection after in-slab reinforcing and utilities are placed but before concrete or subfloor sheathing goes down; a finish-floor elevation certificate in flood hazard areas upon placement of the lowest floor; framing and rough-in inspection after the roof deck, framing and concealed work are in place; lath and gypsum board inspection before plastering or taping fire-rated assemblies; and a final inspection once all permitted work is complete.

Subsection (16) bars work from proceeding beyond an inspected point without the Building Official's approval, and requires correction of noncompliant work before it is covered or concealed. Sec. 5.114 through 5.116 layer additional required inspections specific to electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems, and the permit holder must notify the Building Official when work is ready, per subsection (15).